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.

Caroline Darden RDN, LDN graduated from Meredith College located in Raleigh, NC with her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, where she was also a member of their basketball team. With her background as a college athlete, she has a heart for athletics and providing quality education and preventative nutrition care to the next generation. She completed her dietetic internship with Wellness Workdays distance program, where she was able to work with Duke University Athletics. She worked directly with the Sports Dietitian for Men’s and Women’s basketball, assisting in pre/post-game fueling, hydration testing, supplementation education and specific athlete fueling techniques.

Caroline has a passion for sports and nutrition but also community wellness. While working with the health system in her hometown, Caroline engaged in community outreach and is looking forward to bringing that love for helping others to the New Bern and Morehead City areas.

While currently working on her Master’s in Exercise Science and Wellness, Caroline likes to incorporate the importance of physical activity and nutrition to create unique lifestyles for individuals. She is excited to offer encouragement, motivation, and education to the community.

Angie Watson, RDN, LDN, CDCES is a Registered Licensed Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).  Angie is originally from Canada and completed her studies there, graduating with honors from Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition with Integrated Dietetic Internship.  She has over 20 years of experience as a dietitian, more than 12 of which has been working solely with clients with diabetes.  Angie loves helping clients problem-solve blood sugar issues as well as other medical nutrition issues to improve quality of life and overall health.

Angie is married with an 8-year old daughter, and loves outdoor activities including kayaking, camping, and hiking.  She is excited to come alongside patients and offer the support, motivation, and practical tips needed to live a healthier life.

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.

Emilee Hutchison graduated from Abeka Academy with academic honors.  As a native of Eastern North Carolina, she has always had a heart to serve and help her community. In September of 2018 she took the opportunity to volunteer with Hearts With Hands to distribute disaster relief packages to those who had been directly impacted by the tragedy of Hurricane Florence. She is always willing to lend a helping hand at her church with several different children’s programs, as well as helping with community outreach activities. In her free time, Emilee enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, and learning how to cook.

Emilee is a hard worker and uses her positive attitude to encourage others and make all patients feel welcome at Contemporary Nutrition.

Penny Adams graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work. Penny has spent the last 14 years as a Medical Social Worker. She worked with patients and families, coordinating care through an interdisciplinary approach, enhancing the quality of lives of those around her. She strives to use her knowledge and understanding of care coordination, to enhance the lives of the patients who are referred to Contemporary Nutrition. Penny's objective is to collaboratively work with health care providers and insurance companies to connect patients to our team of Dietitians to meet their nutrition needs.

Penny is a native of ENC. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Two things she loves are a good cup of coffee and sitting on the front porch.  She is very involved in her local church and can be found leading women's bible studies. 

If you would like to refer a patient to our practice, feel free to call our office and ask for Penny or email her at referrals @contemporarynutrition.org.