Melissa Prest DCN, RDN, LDN, is the Foundation Dietitian for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. In this role, she focuses on nutrition education for individuals at risk for and/or diagnosed with chronic kidney disease as well as program planning for patients and professionals. Prior to working with NKFI, Melissa practiced in a dialysis center providing medical nutrition therapy for individuals treated with renal replacement therapy. Melissa completed her doctorate in clinical nutrition from Rutgers University and her master’s degree in clinical nutrition from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She holds multiple local, state, and national volunteer leadership roles and serves as a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.