Alyssa is a registered and licensed dietitian at UAMS, serving as an instructor, chef, and senior brand and project manager for the Culinary Medicine program. She combines her background in mass media communications with her expertise in nutrition to promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits, making evidence-based nutrition education accessible across campus and in the community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mass media communications from the College of Charleston before completing a post-baccalaureate and master’s degree in nutrition at the University of Central Arkansas. Alyssa was voted Best Dietitian in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette‘s annual Best of the Best section in 2025.
A graduate of the culinary arts program at UA – Pulaski Technical College, Alyssa integrates advanced culinary skills into culinary medicine, bridging the gap between nutrition science and hands-on cooking. She was selected to join the UA-PTC Student Culinary Team and earned a bronze medal in the American Culinary Federation regional qualifying competition in March 2025 and March 2026. In April 2025, Alyssa and her student partner, under the guidance of their chef mentor, won first place overall in the Diamond Chef Arkansas competition. In December 2025, she earned the title of Student Chef of the Year in the ACF Central Arkansas Chefs Association’s annual competition. These achievements reflect Alyssa’s commitment to advancing her culinary expertise and applying it to practical, nutritious meal solutions for patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader community through culinary medicine.