Welcome to Kristen Smaldone Nutrition
An integrative pediatric nutrition practice for parents who are concerned about their child’s nutrition and are seeking the guidance, clarity, and confidence.
We provide evidence-based, family-centered nutrition support for infants, children, and teens. Explore our pediatric nutrition services to find the right fit for your family.
Our Story
Kristen Smaldone Nutrition, LLC is an integrative pediatric nutrition practice supporting children from infancy through adolescence with evidence-based, family-centered care. Founded by integrative pediatric dietitian Kristen Smaldone, MS, RD, CSP, CDN, and supported by pediatric dietitian and food allergy specialist Julia Shook Muñoz, MS, RD, CDN, our team combines advanced clinical expertise with real-life parenting experience. We meet families where they are, creating practical nutrition strategies that support healthy growth and everyday life.
Why Choose Us
Discover the reasons that set us apart.
01
Pediatric Specialists You Can Trust
Our team brings over 20 years of combined pediatric nutrition experience, advanced credentials, and specialized training in feeding difficulties, food allergies, GI conditions, and growth concerns.
02
Family-Centered, Real-Life Approach
As dietitians and moms, we understand the challenges families face. We focus on practical, collaborative strategies that work for busy schedules—not rigid rules or one-size-fits-all plans.
03
Accessible, Supportive Care
We offer in-person visits in Newtown and Darien, CT, as well as virtual appointments, and are in-network with major insurance plans to help make expert care accessible to more families.
Meet Your Dietitians
Kristen Smaldone MS, RD, CSP, CDN
Founder & Pediatric Dietitian
Kristen is a pediatric integrative registered dietitian who supports infants, toddlers, children, and teens through a whole-child, family-centered approach. As a mom and a pediatric dietitian for over a decade, she understands the many factors that can make nutrition and feeding feel complicated for families. Kristen combines evidence-based nutrition care with a focus on connection, confidence, and practical strategies that families can actually use. Kristen has specialized training in feeding therapy and supports children and families navigating picky eating, sensory differences, and mealtime challenges. Learn more about The Mealtime Shift, our 10-week program designed to help families create more positive mealtimes.
Julia Shook Muñoz, MS, RD, CDN
Pediatric Dietitian & Food Allergy Specialist
Julia is a registered dietitian with a decade of experience providing nutrition care from newborns through adulthood. She specializes in food hypersensitivities, including food allergy, FPIES, celiac disease, and food intolerances. She continues to work in clinical and research settings focused on pediatric food allergy. As a full-time working mom, Julia understands the realities of parenting strives to provide realistic, sustainable guidance that helps families feel more confident around food.
Education and Credentials
Kristen
Education
- Master of Science: Human Nutrition — University of New Haven, 2016
- Clinical Dietetic Internship — Yale New Haven Hospital, 2014
- Bachelor of Science: Nutrition and Dietetics — University of New Haven, 2013
- Bachelor of Science: Sports Biology, Minor in Nutrition — Springfield College, 2010
Credentials & Specialized Training
- Registered Dietitian (RD)
- Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
- SOS Trained Feeding Therapist
- Certified in Integrative Pediatrics (APIM)
- Certified Dietitian and Nutritionist (CDN)
Julia
Education
- Master of Science in Health Sciences & Promotion — University of Connecticut, 2016
- Clinical Dietetic Internship — University of Connecticut & Hartford Hospital, 2014
- Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science, Minor in Food Science — University of Connecticut, 2013
Credentials & Specialized Training
- Registered Dietitian (RD)
- FARE Certified Pediatric Food Allergy RD
- Certified Dietitian and Nutritionist (CDN)
Professional Background
Kristen Smaldone
Kristen began her career at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, spending four years in pediatric inpatient care across hematology/oncology, bone marrow transplant, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, and complex medical care. She then transitioned to outpatient pediatrics, where she has spent the past seven years providing nutrition care primarily in gastroenterology, aerodigestive, and feeding clinics, along with general pediatric nutrition.
Kristen is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition and has advanced training in feeding therapy and integrative pediatrics. She completed SOS Feeding Therapist training in 2024, continued through the SOS Mentorship Program in 2025, and completed a six-month certification in integrative pediatrics in 2026.
Passionate about helping children and families navigate picky eating and feeding challenges, Kristen founded Kristen Smaldone Nutrition in 2020 to provide a more personalized, family-centered approach to pediatric nutrition care. She combines extensive clinical experience with evidence-based, whole-child care to support children and families with practical strategies that fit everyday life.
Julia Shook Muñoz
Following her internship, Julia completed her graduate coursework at UConn while providing nutrition counseling through Student Health Services. She then joined Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital in outpatient specialty care, gaining experience in endocrinology, pediatric gastroenterology, and maternal-fetal medicine.
In 2020, Julia found her specialty in pediatric food allergy and food hypersensitivities. She completed FARE’s nine-month specialized training program and became a FARE Certified Pediatric Food Allergy Registered Dietitian in 2021. She continues to work within Yale New Haven Health’s Pediatric Specialty Centers, supporting children and families with food allergies and complex food-related concerns, including FPIES, celiac disease, food intolerances, early food introduction, food challenges, and oral immunotherapy.
Julia also provides nutrition counseling to Connecticut families through Kristen Smaldone Nutrition and nationally through Nourish. Her approach is evidence-based, practical, and family-centered, helping families feel more confident in their food choices while supporting nutritional well-being and a positive relationship with food.
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