Samantha Rigoli

About Me

Samantha Rigoli

I am a New York City-based nutritionist and yoga instructor.  I work with people to discover sustainable and balanced health through individual counseling, one-on-one yoga classes, cooking demonstrations and group workshops.

My food philosophy is based on balance, sustainability, natural and unprocessed foods, nourishing our children and community involvement. My knowledge and education is somewhere between science, western nutrition and traditional, holistic healing methods. My educational background provides me with experience in both and I hope to share that with you.

Food has historically been at the root of family, tradition and comfort all over the world.  Today, however, eating right is often a source of stress for many Americans.  Whether you are an individual with  Type II diabetes, are overweight, or a business that is interested in improving the health of your employees, I can help.

My nutrition career path began at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition where I earned my credentials as a Holistic Health Counselor.  Upon completion of this course, I decided to take my education further and in 2009 I received from Hunter College both a Masters in Public Health (MPH) and became a Registered Dietitian (RD).

My approach to healthy food is hands on education; I not only share the importance of vitamins and minerals and an overall healthy diet with clients of all ages, but also teach individuals how-to farm organically, shop responsibly, and how-to use the food in a recipe.  In 2007 I wrote and taught the curriculum for “COOKing Monsters” cooking class at Apple Seeds, a preschool for children ages 5 and younger. I led these young children in cooking Spanakopita, a Greek appetizer, vegetable sushi rolls, apple pie, black bean burgers and pizza. The class introduced children to healthy snacks and meals with the aim of creating healthy eating habits at a young age.

Organic Farming

Organic Farming

In 2008, I worked on Amawalk Farm, an organic farm in Katonah, NY, assisting owners Larry and Marian Cross with planting, harvesting and distributing fruits and vegetables. It is here I learned the process of properly caring for and growing foods. I now have a much deeper understanding of how and what we eat.

Community Nutrition

Community Nutrition

I have also done extensive work in the low-income areas of New York City trying to increase accessibility and awareness of fruits and vegetables.  I worked with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on the Healthy Bodega Initiative – a program meant to increase the fruit and vegetable sales in small corner stores around NYC.  Additionally, I have worked as a nutrition advisor at City Harvest’s Operation Frontline classes where I advised teen mothers living in a Brooklyn halfway house on ways to feed their families on a limited budget.

Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructor

Not only is food important in my life, but so is exercise. In 1996 I took an introductory yoga course and this soon evolved into a passion, and later part of my career.  I am trained as an instructor of ISHTA yoga and Next Generation Yoga for Kids, and have been teaching people of all ages since 2003.

I currently have a private practice in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and work as a consultant for Con Edison and worksite wellness programs in various corporate offices in New York City. I provide individual nutrition counseling, conduct “Lunch and Learn” talks, lead a weight loss group and provide cooking demonstrations.  My work continues to inspire me as I have witnessed tremendous health improvements for the many individuals and groups I have worked with.