Graduate Success Stories

Hawthorn University graduate Laura Kopec explains why Hawthorn University was the right choice for her.

Hawthorn graduate Laura Kopec is dedicated to inspiring change and transformation in the lives of women and children everywhere. She received a Master of Science in Health and Nutrition Education (MHNE) from Hawthorn University. She is author of Let’s Get Real About Eating: A Practical Guide to Nutrition and Health, My Kid’s a Picky Eater: 12 Secrets to Changing your Child’s Eating Habits and The Linked Diet: Connecting Mindset. Digestive Health and Weight Loss for Your Best Self.

Firsthand Accounts

Hungry to know more? Learn about other peoples’ experience at Hawthorn University.

Click here to watch Hawthorn University Alumni share their success stories.

Congratulations to Hawthorn Graduates!

Our alumni make us proud. Read about their accomplishments below and be inspired; after all, that could be you featured one day.

Jeff Hardy (NC Graduate 2021)

Posted on March 15, 2021 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories

Congratulations to Jeff Hardy for graduating from the Nutrition Consultant certificate program with the Summa Cum Laude designation. Prior to entering Hawthorn, he was the owner/operator of Nitro Fitness and focused on helping out of shape middle aged men fit exercise into busy schedules. Through this experience along with his personal journey toward better nutrition, read more...

Kelly Sherman (MSHN Graduate 2021)

Posted on February 16, 2021 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: fitness, gluten free, provision nutrition

Congratulations to Kelly Sherman for graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program. Kelly also holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University and a Graduate Certificate in Holistic Nutrition from the American College of Health Sciences. She is also a Certified Gluten Free Practitioner and read more...

Eden Huma (MSHN Graduate 2020)

Posted on January 4, 2021 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories, The HUB - Hawthorn University's Blog - Tags: cardiovascular health, natural health, nurse in the kitchen, plant-based receipes

Congratulations to Eden Huma for graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program. Eden also holds a BA from Connecticut College. She is a Registered Nurse in Northern California, with a specialty in Emergency Medicine. She spent over 15 years in pre-hospital care as an Emergency Medical Technician and Critical read more...

Ana-Paula Agrela (MHNE Graduate 2020)

Posted on November 19, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: disbiosis, immune function, natural health, nutrition education, probiotics, whole-foods

Congratulations to Ana-Paula Agrela for graduating from the Master of Science in Health and Nutrition Education with the Summa Cum Laude designation. Ana-Paula received a Bachelor of Science honors degree in Nutritional Science from the Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management. She was certified as a Health Coach by Zest for Life and the read more...

Richard Hammond (MSHN Graduate 2020)

Posted on November 16, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: evolution for life, holistic health and wellness, late pleiocene, nutrition consulting, type 2 diabetes

Richard Hammond is to be congratulated for graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program. Richard also holds a Bachelor of Science in Sound Recording Technology from SUNY at Fredonia, New York. He owns a holistic health & wellness consulting company, Evolution for Life, LLC and offers educational seminars on read more...

Jessica Taylor (MHNE Graduate 2020)

Posted on November 12, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: autoimmune disease, elevate advanced aesthetics and wellness, gluten free, gluten intolerance, healthy diet

Jessica Taylor is to be congratulated for graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Master of Science in Health and Nutrition Education program. Jessica also holds two Bachelor degrees in English and Communication Studies from California State University Chico and a law degree from UC Davis School of Law. She is the owner of Elevate Advanced read more...

Amy Spindel (MSHN Graduate 2020)

Posted on August 14, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: food with thought nutrition, holistic pregnancy, mental health and nutrition, postpartum mental health

Congratulations to Amy Spindel for graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program. Amy also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, a Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University and culinary certificates from Collin College. She is a certified gluten-free practitioner and teaching chef. read more...

Kelly Amoroso (MSHN Graduate 2020)

Posted on August 12, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: child nutrition, food allergies, hashimotos thyroiditis, healthy lifestyle, holistic nutrition

Kelly Amoroso is to be congratulated on her graduation from the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program with the Summa Cum Laude designation. Kelly also holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Monmouth University. She was introduction to the power of holistic nutrition when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. She began to read more...

Sandra Zeilstra (MSHN Graduate 2020)

Posted on August 4, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: chronic disease, holistic health, midlife, over 40 health, wellness

Sandra Zeilstra is to be congratulated for graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Master of Science in Holistic Nutrition program. Sandra also earned an MBA in Information Systems from Seattle Pacific University and spent most of her career running a successful consulting business for small to medium-sized food companies. When her health began to deteriorate read more...

Kimberlee Detwiler (MHNE Graduate 2020)

Posted on July 28, 2020 - Posted in: Graduate Success Stories - Tags: menopause health, perimenopause health, shanti living wellness, yoga, yoga therapy

Kimberlee Detwiler is to be congratulated for graduating from the Master of Science in Health and Nutrition Education program. Kym also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University. She is one of the co-founders of Shanti Living Wellness in Poulsbo, WA and is a Certified Yoga Therapist, an Ayurveda Wellness read more...