Melissa Hardy (her/she) is a dietitian and proud Newfoundlander with Mi’kmaq ancestry who left home in 2010 to pursue a bachelor of science in human nutrition and an integrated dietetic internship diploma at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Melissa is passionate about the ever-changing science of nutrition and takes advantage of every opportunity to increase the tools available in her nutrition toolbox to best suit client needs. Melissa holds board certified designations as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), and has also obtained a graduate diploma in sports nutrition through the International Olympic Committee.

Melissa devoted 6 years of her career to providing diverse nutrition education throughout rural communities. From fly-in Cree First Nations on the James and Hudson Bay Coast in Northern Ontario to Grey County in Southern Ontario, and in 2020 she finally back on the East Coast residing in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Melissa is the owner and lead dietitian at East Coast Performance Nutrition, where virtual technology allows Melissa to connect with people all over the East Coast.

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In her spare time, she enjoys recreational racing and outdoor activities that involve movement and connecting with nature. Melissa is no stranger to athletics and attributes her work ethic to her background in competitive sports. In 2013 she claimed the Atlantic University Sport cross country female athlete of the year and in 2019 Melissa qualified for age group Team Canada for the International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Grand Final. As a competitive athlete and dietitian, Melissa recognizes the need for credible evidenced based and practical nutrition education in sport and life. At East Coast Performance Nutrition, Melissa provides individualized nutrition recommendations with the goal of reaching optimal health and performance potential.

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Melissa approaches dietetics with the same passion and energy as athletics. Early in her career she was recognized with an Association Catalyst Award through Dietitians of Canada for exceptional contributions to the profession through advocacy for Indigenous knowledge within dietetics. Melissa’s office is a safe space where your beliefs and values are respected while mutually agreeing on practical science-based holistic interventions that fit your way of life.