Our Team

Jaime Lynn Lewis

Registered Dietitian

Jaime Lynn Lewis RDN, LDN is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed her Dietetic Internship at East Carolina University. She has a diverse background working at ECU School of Medicine in a Family Practice, has worked at Carteret General Hospital in both inpatient clinical and outpatient settings, and as a consultant.

In 2002, Jaime ventured out to open a Private Practice and work with her patients to overcome lifestyle challenges that tend to have an influence on nutritional intake. Jaime takes a holistic/lifestyle education approach to making changes. Each visit is a learning experience that provides the building blocks to make this lifestyle change. Jaime also conducts nutritional workshops and presents seminars to education groups, health professionals, employer groups, and the lay public.

As CEO and President of Contemporary Nutrition Inc., her unique experiences have provided an opportunity to understand the multi-faceted issues that dietitians face in working in a private atmosphere. Jaime has played an integral part of dietetic advancements in NC including involvement in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina MNT Evaluation Project. She has worked with the IN4Kids study funded by the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Foundation where she developed a Billing Guide for NC Dietitians which reviews covered benefits, MNT billing, and reimbursement for RDs. Jaime is the Chair for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Coding and Coverage Committee and serves on a number of other Academy committees/subcommittees including the Coding Survey Methodology Task Force, Marketing to Insurers/Employers Subgroup, and the Consumer Protection and Licensure Subcommittee (CPLS) Task Force.

Shay Ernest

Registered Dietitian

Shay Ernest RD, LDN initially graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Sustainability Studies and a minor in Business Administration. Her studies concentrated on food systems, but after working in her field, she soon realized she wanted to also understand the relationship between food and health. Shay continued her nutrition education at East Carolina University where she completed both the Didactic Program in Dietetics and the dietetic internship.

During her time at East Carolina University, Shay concentrated her studies on rural health and community engagement. She led a research team investigating the links between nutrition literacy and self-efficacy. She volunteered at the Pitt County Council on Aging where she conducted cooking demonstrations and delivered group nutrition lessons. She also authored nutrition articles published in the Greenville Daily Reflector and HER Magazine.

Shay’s internship experiences include UNC Lenoir Hospital, Fresenius Kidney Care, and a variety of outpatient settings. Shay seeks to help patients feel empowered in their nutrition journey, helping each to discover a healthy lifestyle can be accessible to all.

Emily Winters

Corporate Manager

Emily Robinson graduated from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Her primary course of study was in Public Relations, Advertising and Professional Communication. Emily then pursued an internship at the United States Naval Academy as a Public Affairs Specialist. During her internship, she gained experience preparing and editing publications for internal and external audiences, including news releases, media advisories, reports, letters, and presentations.

After moving to North Carolina in 2012, Emily joined Contemporary Nutrition as the Office Manager. She handled patient and insurance correspondence, scheduling, accounts payable and receivable, controls inventory, and maintains equipment and technology. Emily plans and maintains company proactive presence in communication channels, including flyers, brochures, the company website, and social media.

With the expansion of Contemporary Nutrition into New Bern, North Carolina in the spring of 2015, Emily took the role of Corporate Manager overseeing both practices. She manages the efficiency and communication between offices to ensure optimal patient care and business services. Emily strives to build and maintain effective relationships with patients, health care providers, insurance companies, and the community. If you have any questions or concerns regarding patient care, insurance, or public inquires feel free to contact Emily.

Cassie Steponkus

New Bern Office Manager Internship Coordinator

Cassie graduated from Craven Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Art and is currently studying to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration Management, from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

As the New Bern Office Manager, Cassie oversees patient and provider correspondence, scheduling, and product inventory. Cassie’s attentiveness to detail along with her customer focused professionalism has made her a great addition to our team.

As Internship Coordinator, Cassie provides leadership in the development and implementation of our internship program. She facilitates student learning by assisting students in completing their course requirements to enhance their overall academic experience. Cassie works collaboratively alongside academic institutions, students, and our Dietitians, to ensure our interns are acquiring the skills essential to their educational success.

Claire Sharpe

Patient Liaison - Morehead City

Claire Sharpe graduated Cum Laude from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy-Recreation and Leisure Studies. Her studies concentrated on using a systematic process utilizing recreation and other activity-based interventions addressing the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well- being.

Throughout her academic career, Claire enjoyed volunteering with Pitt County Special Olympics as an Event Coordinator, Cypress Glen Retirement Community organizing resident activities, and Building Hope Community Center planning children afterschool activities and tutoring.

Claire's passion for helping others make her a great fit at Contemporary Nutrition.