Reatna A. Taylor

Reatna A. Taylor, MPH, RDN, LDN, is a bilingual, first-generation Panamanian-American registered dietitian and Adjunct Professor in the College of Business and Professional Studies at Johnson C. Smith University. She concurrently serves as Nutrition Program Manager and Food Pantry Coordinator at Camino Salud in Charlotte, NC, integrating clinical nutrition with community initiatives to address chronic diseases and food insecurity through culturally relevant strategies.

Education

• Master of Public Health (MPH) in Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Johnson C. Smith University

Certified as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Research and Professional Focus

Her expertise centers on Medical Nutrition Therapy for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, CKD, PCOS, and obesity, with specialized emphasis on culturally tailored counseling for Latino communities. She pioneers Food-as-Medicine models and community-based pantry programs that bridge clinical care and food security, addressing health disparities through sustainable food systems and bilingual patient education. Her work integrates lifestyle medicine with nutrition education while mentoring future dietitians in culturally conscious practice.

Community and Academic Impact

At Camino Salud, Taylor develops personalized nutrition plans, leads bilingual wellness classes, and coordinates clinical research to advance equity-driven food-as-medicine initiatives. Her academic role at Johnson C. Smith University blends real-world community nutrition experience with classroom instruction, emphasizing professional development for students entering dietetics.