Biography
Jennifer (Jenn) Vargas was born and raised in Rhode Island. Growing up in a very healthy and athletic family, Jenn learned at an early age the importance of eating healthy and being active. After graduating high school, Jenn went to the University of New England where she graduated with a BS in Medical Biology - Health Science. After graduating from UNE, Jenn began a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Rhode Island. It was during these two years that she became interested in nutrition; mainly how specific nutrients impact our bodies and metabolism. In 2007, Jenn made the decision to leave the Graduate school of Physical Therapy to complete a second BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, also at the University of Rhode Island.
During her three years as a dietetics student, Jenn had the opportunity to work for a local fitness center teaching children the importance of fitness and nutrition. With the children she created games and interactive projects to make learning fun. She also became a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Aerobic Association International and brought her nutrition knowledge to the adult population. During this time, she began working with the mother of two boys with Asperger's Syndrome who were in need of a RESPITE (care-giver) worker who could provide them with nutrition and fitness guidance. For three years, Jenn worked with these boys who have now grown to accept and enjoy new foods and are willing to eat more variety in their diet.
After graduating from URI, Jenn was hired by Work-Fit, a fitness contractor company at Amica Insurance in Lincoln, RI. Jenn spent the next two years spearheading a nutrition counseling program in their fitness center which focused on nutrition education and client counseling. While at Work-Fit, Jenn was able to not only counsel many new clients on proper nutrition, but was also able to become their personal trainer, providing a balance between their nutrition and fitness. During this time, Jenn began learning more about public health promotion and created bulletin boards and promotional materials on nutrition and wellness. Jenn also had the opportunity to advance in her education goals while at Work-Fit by completing Yoga-Fit teacher trainings and becoming a Yoga instructor, becoming a Certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and receiving a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
In 2012, Jenn began her Dietetic Internship at the University of Maryland College Park. In 2013, Jenn became the first UMCP Dietetic Intern to win the Maryland Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Outstanding Dietetic Intern of the Year award. Now working as a clinical dietitian in Baltimore, MD and managing acute care, subacute/rehab, and long-term care floors. Jenn enjoys being with family and friends, traveling and exploring new places, cooking, photography, reading, yoga, working with American Lab Rescue, playing softball & frisbee with her dog, Tek.
During her three years as a dietetics student, Jenn had the opportunity to work for a local fitness center teaching children the importance of fitness and nutrition. With the children she created games and interactive projects to make learning fun. She also became a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Aerobic Association International and brought her nutrition knowledge to the adult population. During this time, she began working with the mother of two boys with Asperger's Syndrome who were in need of a RESPITE (care-giver) worker who could provide them with nutrition and fitness guidance. For three years, Jenn worked with these boys who have now grown to accept and enjoy new foods and are willing to eat more variety in their diet.
After graduating from URI, Jenn was hired by Work-Fit, a fitness contractor company at Amica Insurance in Lincoln, RI. Jenn spent the next two years spearheading a nutrition counseling program in their fitness center which focused on nutrition education and client counseling. While at Work-Fit, Jenn was able to not only counsel many new clients on proper nutrition, but was also able to become their personal trainer, providing a balance between their nutrition and fitness. During this time, Jenn began learning more about public health promotion and created bulletin boards and promotional materials on nutrition and wellness. Jenn also had the opportunity to advance in her education goals while at Work-Fit by completing Yoga-Fit teacher trainings and becoming a Yoga instructor, becoming a Certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, and receiving a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
In 2012, Jenn began her Dietetic Internship at the University of Maryland College Park. In 2013, Jenn became the first UMCP Dietetic Intern to win the Maryland Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Outstanding Dietetic Intern of the Year award. Now working as a clinical dietitian in Baltimore, MD and managing acute care, subacute/rehab, and long-term care floors. Jenn enjoys being with family and friends, traveling and exploring new places, cooking, photography, reading, yoga, working with American Lab Rescue, playing softball & frisbee with her dog, Tek.