hello there
My name is Jessianna Saville. I’m a registered dietitian of eleven years, a board certified renal nutrition specialist, and certified LEAP therapist.
Kidney disease is being fought by some of the greatest people I know. Like my friend on dialysis who taught me how to make my annual Christmas baklava, and another friend who taught me everything I didn’t know about motorcycles and car racing. And let’s not forget the friend who groomed me in the art of homemade yogurt or the one who jokes that road trips are a breeze for her because she doesn’t need to stop to pee. These people have motivated me with their positive zeal for life in the face of chronic disease. They’ve refused to let it define them. It’s made them stronger!
Food is an incredible part of all our lives. We use food to acknowledge the most important events of life, connect with family and friends, and sometimes even to give us solace when we’re feeling down. There is a lot of confusing information on the internet about the renal diet. Potassium, phosphorus, protein, sodium, vegetarian, and on it goes, every search leading you in a different direction. I started this blog to provide clarity to the confusion surrounding the renal diet. I want people to know I am enthusiastic about kidney-friendly foods that taste great. I consider myself the “can-have” dietitian and want to show all the foods people with renal failure can have, not only what they need to limit. I love helping people find answers about what to eat and find joy in every bite!
I reside in Texas where I love blogging about kidney-friendly foods with my friend and colleague Rebecca, who does most of the beautiful pictures. I help people with kidney disease navigate the renal diet through private counseling both virtually (throughout the US) and in my little office here in Texas. I also provide LEAP nutrition therapy for those with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
Jess sees patients virtually and in her office in Bryan-College Station, TX.
Kay Head, RD, LD is a registered dietitian licensed in the state of Georgia, Texas and Tennessee. She has worked with patients with renal disease over the last 18 years.
Kay describes her experience as a dietitian and passion for kidney disease education as follows... "The renal population has always held a special place in my heart. But, 20 years ago, I started out as a new Clinical Dietitian working at Mother Frances Hospital. In my 3 years there, I provided medical nutrition therapy to those suffering from cancer, heart disease, obesity, malnutrition, GI issues, renal insufficiency, high blood pressure, and diabetes. After 3 years there, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and went to work for a what was known then as Renal Care Group. This was the beginning of my love of working with people with renal failure and people with CKD. Over the past 18 years, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best in the medical field including Geoffrey Block in Denver, Colorado. Working with patients with ESRD became my passion, however, it is now my desire to try and make a difference in the lives of those dealing with kidney insufficiency and CKD."
In her free time, she loves to cook, write recipes, travel and spend time with her grandchildren.
Kay is available for private consult in the Tyler, Canton, and Longview, TX.
Kay Head, RD, LD
Myra Bell, MS, Ph.D., RD, LD
Myra Bell, MS, Ph.D., RD, LD is a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian licensed in the state of Texas.
She has been working with the renal population for the past 17 years. In between earning her master's and her doctorate's, Myra worked at John Peter Smith Hospital as a dietitian within the family practice residency program. Through her experiences in the hospital and dialysis centers, she has vast knowledge and expertise in internal medicine, endocrine and renal disease. On her free time, she loves to read, tends to her garden and works with her church youth.
Myra sees patients in Texas via telehealth in the Midlothian-Waxahachie region.