Our Team

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. 

Lauren Moss MS, RDN, LDN graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition & Food Science and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Sports Nutrition. She then completed her Dietetic Internship at Western Carolina University. Since becoming a dietitian in 2012, Lauren has held many titles. She has worked as a Clinical Dietitian in an acute inpatient hospital and at a long-term facility serving patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has also worked as a Renal Dietitian at a dialysis center.

While living overseas in Germany, Lauren worked as a Wellness Counselor on a military base, providing nutrition counseling to young families and children. At that time, she became a Certified CrossFit Level 1 Coach and taught classes at two of the local CrossFit gyms. Lauren’s passion is combining nutrition and fitness, focusing on overall health. She has an extensive fitness background including being a Certified Yoga/Pilates Instructor, a spin enthusiast, and has completed 3 half marathons.

Lauren moved to Carteret County in 2019, to set down roots and raise her son near family. Her mission is to help patients realize their own potential. The food we eat and the activity we choose, should be fun but also benefit our health. 

Zach Paramore MS, RDN, LDN graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, and completed his Dietetic Internship during that span.

Born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, Zach always knew that he wanted to give back to the community that helped make him who he was. He figured there was no better way to do this than by something that we all gather around: food. Zach’s experiences in the nutrition world range from: running a local fruit and vegetable stand, to helping serve breakfast and lunch to kids at a summer program, to helping distribute food in partnership with Eagle’s Wings, to having an article published in the Greenville Daily Reflector, to helping conduct a qualitative research study on the impact of COVID-19 on North Carolina Head Start Teachers.

Zach’s internship experiences include inpatient at Carteret Health Care, a local outpatient clinic in Morehead City, and WIC at Carteret County Health Department. Zach seeks to help patients realize that good quality nutrition is the best medicine and a healthy lifestyle is attainable for all.

Emily 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.

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 dedication and empathy for others make her a great fit at Contemporary Nutrition.

Shacoria Ward graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice. Her studies concentrated on providing an understanding of the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems, the theories underlying criminal behavior and the research methodology required to analyze current criminal justice issues. During her tenure as an undergraduate she pursued an internship with the Durham County District Attorney’s office.

Throughout her academic career, Shacoria enjoyed volunteering in several community service events such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walk, Urban Ministries of Durham, and Habitat for Humanity.

Shacoria’s passion for helping others makes her a great fit at Contemporary Nutrition.