Introducing our new team member: Kristen Bryk

Hi there!

I'm Kristen - the newest member of the Kate Sweeney Nutrition team.

I am a Pennsylvania-native, living and working as a nutritionist (Ernährungsberaterin) in Cologne, Germany.

My path to working in nutrition was a relatively straightforward one. I loved food, cooking and experimenting with recipes. Becoming a vegetarian at age 12 led me to want to understand more about the nutrition science behind it all. I became fascinated with how food works in our bodies and, as an athlete myself, especially interested in the concept of food as fuel. As my interest in the topic began to grow, so did my dream of becoming a Registered Dietitian. I studied in the accredited Nutrition and Dietetics Bachelor's Program at the University of Pittsburgh and spent my summers working in a variety of nutrition and food service fields, including hospitals, outpatient clinics and a community health district in Redondo Beach, California.

However, my journey took an unexpected turn after I graduated from Pitt in 2018 and decided to move to Germany, work as an English teacher and travel through Europe for a year. One year quickly turned into two, which quickly turned into building a life here. After a few years working in an international digital marketing agency, my nutrition dream led me back to school. In 2023, I completed my master's in Nutrition Science at Vrije University in Amsterdam, during which time I was lucky enough to live and work in Hanoi, Vietnam for a research internship, where we evaluated the impact of building school gardens on the nutrition status of children and their families. During this time, I also crossed paths with Kate.

We connected instantly through our northeastern roots, our nutrition philosophies and our goal of improving the offerings of holistic eating disorder care in Germany. Currently, I am working full-time as a Ernährungsberaterin remotely in a digital clinic alongside the work I do with Kate.

When I'm not working, I love exploring new countries, cultures and of course, cuisines. I work at a local yoga study and practice regularly. I also use any chance I can to get outside, whether it's a walk or run on the Rhein, wandering through local flea markets or going for a hike.

My time in different countries, cultures and contexts has shaped the way I approach nutrition counseling. I believe that food is never just nutrients - it is culture, connection, routine, and sometimes challenge. Alongside assessing nutritional needs, I aim to help clients rebuild trust with food, find curiosity in the eating experience, and discover approaches that feel both supportive and sustainable in their everyday lives.

I value creating a space that feels human, collaborative, and compassionate. Nutrition work can be deeply personal, and it’s a privilege to hear people’s stories and support them as they move toward a more peaceful and confident relationship with food.