Kara Cucinotta | Johnson & Wales University

Biography

A graduate of Boston University, Johnson & Wales University and Maryland University of Integrative Health, Kara Cucinotta, DCN, M.S., RDN, LDN, CNSC, has practiced dietetics since 2009, working with adult and pediatric patients and clients in inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and a private practice for nutrition counseling. She has expertise in nutrition support, pediatric nutrition, integrative health and lifestyle medicine.

Since joining Johnson & Wales as a faculty member in 2013, Cucinotta has encouraged an actively engaged classroom, utilizing a variety of teaching methods and real-life examples. Students can expect to learn and develop skills through interactive demonstrations, hands-on practice, and interprofessional collaboration opportunities.

"Students enrolled in the M.S. in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics program are provided with exciting, hands-on opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and experiential learning experiences, including a unique culinary nutrition lab. Graduates of the MSCND program will lead the way as the registered dietitian/nutritionist of the future: experts in nutrition science, dietetics and 'food as medicine.'"

Education

DCN, Maryland University of Integrative Health
Nutrition and Integrative Health

M.S., Boston University
Nutrition

B.S., Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Nutrition

A.S., Johnson & Wales University
Culinary Arts

Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) (2016-2031)
National Board of Nutrition Support Certification

CITI Certification (2025-2029)
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)

Food Safety Manager Certification (FSM) (2024-2029)
American National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-Conference for Food Protection

CITI Certification (2025-2028)
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program)

Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) (2009-2027)
RI Department of Health

Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) (2009-2027)
Commission on Dietetic Registration

CITI Certification (2021-2024)
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

CITI Certification (2020-2024)
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

CITI Certification (2021-2024)
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

RI Outstanding Dietetics Educator (2026)
RI Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (2023)
RI Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Student Research Poster Award, MUIH Research Symposium
Maryland University of Integrative Health

Faculty of the Year, College of Health & Wellness
Johnson & Wales University

“How to live healthier: Week 1 of our National Nutrition Month series.” Cucinotta, K. (March 6, 2025)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-live-healthier-week-1-of-our-national/id1647838218?i=1000698077750

“A Recipe for Health.” Cucinotta, K. (October 24, 2023)

“Food as Medicine: How Our Diet Impacts Health (Season 3, No. 3).” Cucinotta, K. (March 30, 2023)
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1407220/12549302

“Marching into National Nutrition Month with Food as Medicine.” Cucinotta, K. (March 2, 2023)
https://thisweekatjwu.podbean.com/e/marching-into-national-nutrition-month-with-food-as-medicine/

“Food waste: Turning trash into dinner..” Cucinotta, K. (September, 2019)

“Healthy eats grocery list..” Cucinotta, K. (August 29, 2016)