Virginia Ross

Student intern for Courage to Nourish

Hi! I am Virginia Ross! I’m a student intern for Courage to Nourish. 

 I am currently a student at the University of Maryland in the Dietetics program. It is my last year in the program and I look forward to graduating. The new experiences and opportunities awaiting me are what motivate me to complete my coursework so I am ready to serve as a knowledgeable dietitian in the future. I have had the pleasure of working with Alex and Bobbi for almost two years. During this time I have developed a deep appreciation for the models of thinking they base their practice around. I am able to create content and share about all things Health At Every Size ©, body positive, and even meditation to allow our clients and potential clients on their path to a wonderful, meaningful life without food fears. 

I have always believed a healthy relationship with food is a fundamental part of living a life that is joyful, balanced and most importantly fulfilling.

I began as an admin and now my role has shifted to a more creative focus which has allowed me to dive deeper into outreach, marketing and editing. Courage to Nourish has brought experience to me in many forms but I am grateful for the lasting impact their outlook on nutrition has had on my personal perspective. As a dancer and a former competitive swimmer, I grew up around diet culture and intense body image problems were the norm. I saw so many around me imposing rules on their bodies and rules on their food and it initiated a spark in me to learn more. Since then, I have dedicated my education and future career to food: how it has the ability to help people and continuously learning about the social aspect around it as well. For some that can be a positive experience and others not so much. To me, food is not just essential to survive, it also has the power to bring people together and I absolutely love that.

Aside from being a student and an intern, I also am a swim instructor and dance teacher! I love connecting with those around me to help them become more self-assured. In my free time I like to hang out with my dog Mia, spend time with my sister and try new pasta dishes.