Director of Client Care
Tara Simpson, RD, CSSD, LDN is a well-regarded expert in the field of eating disorders, sports nutrition, and nutritional counseling. Tara is the founder of Nutritional Health Systems, a nutrition consulting company based in the Philadelphia area. Started in 2003, Nutritional Health Systems provides nutrition programs and nutritional counseling to a wide variety of clients.

Tara earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, graduating Summa cum laude from Rutgers University. Following her undergraduate studies, she completed her clinical training at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston, MA in their highly competitive dietetic internship. Tara is a registered dietitian (RD) and licensed in the state of Pennsylvania (LDN). She is also a certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD). She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and of the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutritionists (SCAN) practice group.

Tara has extensive experience and specializes in the areas of eating disorders and sports nutrition. In addition to her experience as an outpatient dietitian, she has 7 years of experience as both a staff and lead dietitian in the inpatient eating disorder setting. During this tenure, Tara designed meal plans, facilitated nutrition groups, and counseled and guided thousands of clients with eating disorders toward their recovery and a healthier lifestyle.

As a sports nutritionist, Tara has counseled athletes at the high school, collegiate, amateur, and professional levels in a variety of sports. She has motivated and assisted countless athletes and active individuals in maximizing their performance through nutrition.

Tara swam competitively at the Division I level in college. She is currently active in the sport of triathlon and competes in the sprint, ½ Ironman, and Ironman distances.

Assistant Director of Client Care
Gina Barusevicius, MA, RD, CSSD, LDN is the assistant director of client care for Nutritional Health Systems. She joined the practice in 2004 as a nutrition counselor, after 5 years of experience as a nutritionist in a variety of outpatient and hospital based programs.

Gina earned her Masters degree in Nutrition Education from Immaculata University. She completed her clinical training at Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia, a teaching hospital located in the Philadelphia area. Gina is a registered dietitian (RD) and licensed in the state of Pennsylvania (LDN). She is also a certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD). She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and of the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists (SCAN) practice group.

Gina specializes in the areas of eating disorders, medical nutrition therapy, and sports nutrition. As an outpatient dietitian with the Renfrew Center, a nationally recognized facility specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, Gina served as a nutrition counselor and a nutrition group co-leader for their intensive outpatient program. She has counseled and educated adolescents and adults, helping them to develop self-esteem, improve their social and coping skills, and gain insights on the importance of proper nutrition for a healthy lifestyle.

As a medical nutrition therapist, Gina has served as lead dietitian in the critical care, surgical, and oncology units. During Gina’s clinical stay, she played a key role in implementing dietary practices to enhance treatment therapies for all disease states and provided diet education to diabetic, renal and cardiovascular patients. In addition, she designed and conducted nutrition in-service seminars for interns, residents, and nursing staffs.

Gina is also experienced in the field of sports nutrition. She has counseled many athletes of various sports and levels.

Gina participated in Division I college athletics in the sport of field hockey. More recently, she has become an avid runner and has completed numerous marathons.