Julane R. Contursi, MS, RDN, LD
Julane’s journey commenced in Chicago, but she adopted a Californian lifestyle at 19, residing there for a decade before relocating to Atlanta. In Atlanta, she pursued a combined dietetic internship and Master’s degree program at Emory University School of Medicine. During this period, she developed a keen interest in sports nutrition and switched to Georgia State
University to complete her Master’s degree.
What was meant to be a two-year stint in Atlanta turned into decades, though Julane’s Chicago accent remains a charming reminder of her roots.
Julane’s career began in private practice, collaborating with a physician to serve patients in Smyrna. Her extensive experience spans clinical, corporate, wellness, sports nutrition, and academia, allowing her to work with diverse clientele across various age groups, cultures, and educational backgrounds.
Currently, Julane is an adjunct faculty member at Clayton State University, where she has taught for over 12 years. She has also held other faculty positions at Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, and Life University, where she was an Associate Professor. Additionally, she works with the geriatric population in a skilled nursing facility, addressing the complexities of their multiple diagnoses and polypharmacy.
Julane has returned to private practice, collaborating again with the physician she worked with years ago in Smyrna, GA, both in-office appointments as well as telehealth consultations. Her goal is to help clients achieve their health, fitness, and wellness goals with personalized nutrition guidance.
Julane emphasizes that nutrition education is not one-size-fits-all. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), she has undergone rigorous training, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, a 9-12 month clinical internship, and passing the board exam. Her expertise allows her to provide tailored nutrition advice to a wide range of clients, helping them meet their unique needs and goals.
Education:
- B.S. in Foods and Nutrition, San Diego State University
- Dietetics Internship Certificate, Emory University School of Medicine
- M.S. in Nutrition with Sports Nutrition Emphasis, Georgia State University
Credentials
- RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist*
- LD, Licensed Dietitian, Georgia
*Click below to read about an RDN’s qualifications: https://www.eatright.org/about-rdns-and-ndtrs
Professional Affiliations:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
- Nutrition Entrepreneurs (NE)
- Dietetics in Health Care Communities (DHCC)
- Sports and Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN)
- Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND)
More About Julane
Julane is equally passionate about animal rescue, a commitment she has upheld almost as long as her professional career. She describes it as “the most difficult thing I’ve ever done, impacting every aspect of my emotional, financial, and physical stability.” For Julane, it wasn’t a conscious decision but rather a calling she felt compelled to follow.
She has partnered with various established 501(c)(3) rescue groups under the USDA’s auspices and has saved hundreds of animals, primarily dogs and cats, over the past few decades, finding them loving homes. Her motivation comes from the immense joy of witnessing a “broken” animal, whether physically or emotionally, thrive after receiving medical care, proper nutrition, and love. “Seeing an animal blossom like that is incredibly rewarding and heart-warming. It fills my heart with immense joy and happiness,” Julane says.
Many of Julane’s rescues have lived or currently live with her, illustrating her deep commitment and love for these animals.