Meet our Founder, Ashleigh Hansen
When you choose to work with a nutrition professional, you aren't just buying a service, you are entering a partnership. You deserve to work with someone who not only understands the rigorous science of clinical nutrition but who also understands what it takes to balance health with a chaotic, busy schedule.
Today, we are taking a step behind the scenes to introduce you to the founder of Cultivate Nutrition: Ashleigh Hansen, MS, RD, LDN, CPT.
Based in Illinois, Ashleigh is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, and Certified Personal Trainer. Her holistic, results-driven approach is built on a strong foundation of sports science, intensive medical training, and a genuine passion for community health.
Here is her story, in her own words.
From the Soccer Field to the Sports Science Lab
"I’ve always had a deep love for fitness and nutrition," Ashleigh shares. "Growing up, I played competitive soccer and was constantly analyzing what I could do to get to the next level. I was always learning the next best thing to focus on from the gym to nutrition"
That drive took her all the way to Northern Michigan University, where she played four years of Division II college soccer and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science.
After graduation, Ashleigh entered the fitness industry as a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). While she loved helping clients crush their movement goals in the gym, she kept noticing a missing piece to the puzzle.
"I loved training, but I quickly realized that fitness without proper nutrition leaves an incomplete picture. Clients would work incredibly hard during our sessions, but they struggled to see lasting changes because they didn't know how to fuel their bodies correctly at home. I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to bridge that gap between fitness and nutrition. "
Mastering the Science of Medical Dietetics
Driven to provide the highest level of evidence-based care, Ashleigh went back to school to earn her Master’s degree in Community & Medical Dietetics from Viterbo University.
As part of her advanced clinical preparation, Ashleigh completed 1,200 intensive internship hours at some of the midwest's most prestigious institutions:
Northwestern University (Performance Nutrition Department): Ashleigh had the privilege of working directly with over 700 elite athletes across a massive variety of sports, dialing in performance fueling plans and recovery protocols.
Northwestern Hospital: She gained invaluable clinical experience managing complex medical conditions through targeted Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
After passing the national registration exam, Ashleigh launched Cultivate Nutrition—a virtual private practice dedicated to bringing that elite level of science-backed, personalized nutrition counseling directly to everyday lives.
Cultivating Balance in Real Life
When Ashleigh isn't meeting 1-on-1 with clients virtually, you can almost always find her on the move. She coaches high school soccer for both boys and girls, spends time working out in the gym, and loves experimenting with nutrient-dense recipes in her own kitchen. You can also find her playing with her adorable golden retriever, Sunny!
"Between running a practice, coaching, and family life, I do my absolute best to find balance in a busy schedule," Ashleigh says. "I know exactly how overwhelming it can feel to prioritize your health when life gets loud. That’s why I don’t expect perfection from my clients. I meet you exactly where you are, with practical, realistic strategies that work for your real life."
Whether you are looking to manage a hormonal transition like menopause, optimize your nutrition while taking a GLP-1 medication, fueling your athletic performance, or simply rebuild a peaceful relationship with food, Ashleigh is ready to walk alongside you.
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