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. 

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.

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 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.