Registered dietitians Vanessa Rissetto and Tamar Samuels recognize the challenges individuals face regarding dietary care and access to professional advice. Issues such as financial limitations and a scarcity of nearby clinicians make it hard to find reliable dietetic support. To address these concerns, Rissetto and Samuels established Culina Health, a virtual platform dedicated to providing expert nutrition counseling aimed at ensuring that high-quality nutrition care is available to all.
Evidence-based nutritional support
From the outset, the founders aimed to create an accessible and personalized system for evidence-based nutrition support. As Rissetto explains, “The vision was to construct a platform where patients could engage with registered dietitians who appreciate both the science behind nutrition and the everyday realities that people face.”
Despite the fact that millions of Americans grapple with chronic health issues related to nutrition, only a mere 0.2 percent have sought advice from a registered dietitian.
Empowering dietary counseling for all
Since launching in 2020, Culina has aided over 10,000 individuals, many of whom felt abandoned after receiving a diagnosis or vague suggestions. The diverse team at Culina provides nutrition guidance for a myriad of conditions, including weight management, autoimmune diseases, digestive troubles, hormonal health, eating disorders, diabetes control, and sports nutrition.
Rissetto emphasizes that the goal of dietary modifications is to promote empowerment, not despair. “Culina’s mission is to provide individuals with knowledge, confidence, and support, allowing them to make sustainable changes,” she notes.
Culina also prioritizes inclusive care, recognizing and celebrating the connection between food and cultural heritage. Rissetto states, “By fostering discussions about food that are approachable, inclusive, and culturally relevant, Culina is altering the perception and accessibility of nutrition care.”
Affordable dietary expertise
With accessibility as one of its foundational principles, it’s no wonder that Culina collaborates with most insurance providers. Their successful partnerships ensure that 93 percent of Culina’s patients have received insurance coverage for their services. Rissetto envisions a future where nutritional care is recognized as a fundamental aspect of healthcare, rather than an afterthought.
For individuals uninsured or with limited coverage, Culina offers flexible out-of-pocket membership plans tailored to individual needs, which include personalized intake and counseling sessions with registered dietitians at reduced costs.
Creating a robust future
As Culina’s offerings expand, Rissetto identifies three key growth areas. First, the integration of technology, leveraging advancements like AI to enhance personalization and efficiency for both dietitians and patients.
The organization is also broadening its programs, particularly The Culina Health Method, which revolves around evidence-based nutrition coaching, tailored care, fostering trust between dietitians and patients, and collaborative approaches to bolster patient confidence in food choices.
Culina is persistently exploring innovative ways to broaden its impact through enhanced insurance coverage and more. Locally, this entails forming referral partnerships with healthcare providers, health systems, and employers to connect patients with dietitians at the point of need, Rissetto explains.
On a national and even global scale, Culina disseminates evidence-based nutrition information through various channels including social media, podcasts, and expert collaborations.
As Culina grows swiftly, maintaining focus on the unique needs and contexts of individuals remains crucial to its success. Rissetto powerfully sums it up: “Nutrition is profoundly personal—it intertwines with culture, family, and identity as much as it does with health.”
This article was originally featured in the January-February 2026 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine (US edition).
