Tess Bentley has been a Culinary Medicine team member since December 2022. She began her journey with the program as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. After completing her year of VISTA service, she continued to work in a different capacity as the Culinary Medicine Project Coordinator because she could not imagine leaving so soon. She firmly believes that the program is a crucial facet of the Food is Medicine Movement.
Tess has a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Classical Dance from Radford University. Even though her undergrad majors did not directly relate to nutrition education, she has always been a self-proclaimed nutrition nerd and fitness geek. Before landing on the Culinary Medicine Team, she previously worked as a freelance copywriter, supporting small business owners in the wellness and nutrition space. She is especially passionate about engaging in community outreach in areas such as food insecurity and carrying out the mission of disease prevention through food.