MARIA A. BELLA, MS, RD, CDN
Founder and Registered Dietitian
Maria is the founder of Top Balance Nutrition. Having started her career with a weight loss of over 70 lbs in 2006, Maria now specializes in weight management and heart health.
In addition to running a busy private practice, Maria is currently on the board of directors of the Northeast Chapter of the National Lipid Association and is the Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at the NYU School of Medicine.
Maria has been quoted in the leading national publications such as Oprah Magazine, Oxygen, Prevention, International Business Times and Fox News. Maria's first book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Acid Reflux Diet was published in January 2012.
Maria's motivational approach has led to thousands of success stories. Her support and genuine nature are incomparable. Maria is thoroughly invested in each patient and will stop at nothing to help them achieve their goals.
Maria completed her graduate degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and her Dietetic Residency at New York University Langone Medical Center. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Weight Management, Behavioral Health, and Vegetarian Nutrition practice groups), the Greater New York Dietetic Association, the National Lipid Association, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
FAVORITE FOOD: Sashimi or steak tartare, please!
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Taking long walks.
FUN FACT: Maria never learned how to ride a bike.
RYAN TURNER, RD, CSSD, CDN
Senior Dietitian
Ryan is an experienced cardiac dietitian having worked at one of the nation’s leading centers for cardiology and heart surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital. He has worked closely with interdisciplinary health care teams to develop dietary strategies to support cardiovascular disease, surgical recovery, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, malnutrition, obesity, weight loss, and GI disorders.
A seasoned marathoner himself, Ryan holds one of the most prestigious sports nutrition certifications in the United States - CSSD - and enjoys working with athletes in all stages of training. He has supported complex performance and nutrition goals that have involved eating disorders, injury, and recovery. As he works toward his Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification he is able to provide an integrative approach to health and nutrition.
Ryan completed his nutrition education at New York University and dietetic residency at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. He is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness practice group (SCAN), the Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietetics Association (CPSDA), and the Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA).
FAVORITE FOOD: Oysters and dark beer.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: 5K, 10K, or half marathon - the atmosphere is addicting!
FUN FACT: Ryan can be seen running around the city with his energetic Weimaraner.
DANIELLE FRANK, MS, RD, CDN
Senior Dietitian
Danielle Frank is a Registered Dietitian at Top Balance Nutrition, where she focuses on emotional eating and body image.
Previously working in finance, Danielle can relate to a high-stress and fast-paced environment where eating healthy tends to fall by the wayside. Now, as a dietitian, Danielle is passionate about providing others with the tools necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle regardless of their busy schedule.
Danielle is also interested in sports nutrition, eating disorders, weight management, pediatrics, and general nutrition concerns.
Danielle completed her Dietetic Residency at the Methodist Hospital, in conjunction with the NYU Dietetic Internship Program, and her Masters in Clinical Nutrition at New York University. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Greater New York Dietetic Association.
Danielle believes that eating healthy can be easy, delicious, and fun. Danielle test-drives the recipes and tastes the snacks before recommending them and including them in her meal plans, so her kitchen is overflowing with delicious and healthy foods!
FAVORITE FOOD: Salmon - raw or cooked
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Cycling (self-proclaimed SoulCycle addict)
FUN FACT: Danielle has been singing since she was nine years old and can be spotted performing at open mic nights in NYC
ELAINE TANG, MS, RD, CDN
San Francisco, CA
Telehealth appointments only
Elaine Tang was the first dietitian hired at Top Balance Nutrition. Since then, Elaine got married and had a beautiful baby girl moving closer to her family in California. Elaine remains an integral part of our team providing counseling sessions via Telehealth appointments scheduled all over the world.
Elaine combines kindness of heart with firmness and education when necessary and develops creative meal plans based on her culturally developed palate.
Elaine's special interests include heart health and diabetes education, weight management, and pre- and post-natal nutrition. As an avid runner, Elaine knows a thing or two about fueling for performance as she has completed a number of half and full marathons.
Elaine completed her master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and her Dietetic Residency at Stamford Hospital in Connnecticut. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Greater New York Dietetic Association, and Chinese Americans in Dietetics and NUtrition.
FAVORITE FOOD: PB&J sandwiches.
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Trying new food and learning more about a cuisine.
FUN FACT: Elaine loves watching DIY shows on homes and furniture even though she doesn't own a house or a power tool!
NATALIE LOKATYR
Office Manager
Natalie is the office manager at Top Balance Nutrition. Natalie is both educated and opinionated keeping us all entertained during the most stressful times.
FAVORITE FOOD: Potatoes, oysters, filet mignon, pasta fagioli
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Soccer, running, swimming.
FUN FACT: Natalie is a native of Ukraine and is fluent in three languages.