Laura, a fellow graduate of the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN), shares her student experience as part of the Power Posse series. Many readers considering CSNN or thinking about returning to school will find her story both practical and inspiring.
Power Posse post by Laura Hillier
From a young age I loved food, though I didn’t realize how much of what I ate was working against me. Growing up in a household of four children with limited grocery funds meant meals often revolved around inexpensive staples like pasta, bread and cereal. My favorites were vegetables smothered in cheese sauce, homemade spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches and Shake ’n Bake chicken.
For years I suffered from severe digestive problems that were labeled IBS. I also experienced deep depressive episodes and was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. I felt unhappy, overweight and frustrated because conventional doctors couldn’t identify the root causes.
As an adult I eventually worked with a naturopath who discovered I had gluten and dairy intolerances. Within three months of eliminating gluten I lost 30 pounds, stopped taking antidepressants, and realized the mood symptoms were linked to food sensitivities rather than bipolar disorder. Removing gluten and dairy dramatically improved my health.
With renewed energy I dove into books about celiac disease, gluten-free living and holistic healing. A year of focused recovery led me to the Registered Holistic Nutrition program at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I enrolled in the one-year program that began in March 2011 and eagerly awaited my course materials.
The program exceeded my expectations. The instructors each brought unique perspectives and expertise, making the learning experience rich and varied.
Although CSNN suggests students work part-time because the workload is heavy, I supported myself and worked full-time while attending classes twice a week. It was demanding but entirely doable—I’m living proof that full-time work and school can be balanced successfully.
Beyond the twice-weekly classes, CSNN offers practicums throughout the school year that dive deep into specific topics such as weight loss or digestive health. These multi-hour sessions allow students to focus intensively on areas of interest, and I found them especially valuable for building practical skills.
Students must complete 14 case studies by conducting nutritional consultations with friends or family who act as mock clients. Each mock client fills out forms as a real client would, and students prepare a written report recommending a holistic plan addressing body, mind and spirit. These case studies teach how to interpret client information, prioritize concerns, and provide thorough, individualized advice during limited consultation time.
The school year concludes with a board-style exam composed of multiple testing levels. Graduates earn the Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) designation and can pursue a wide range of career paths: private practice, naturopathic or chiropractic offices, healthcare facilities, supplement companies, health food stores, or online businesses.
After earning my RHN I launched my nutrition consulting practice, Nutralicious Consulting, and now consult part-time while working full-time for Prairie Naturals, a Canadian supplement company. The combination allows me to apply my training in both client-focused and industry settings.
Classmates attended CSNN for various reasons—some out of personal interest and others to incorporate nutrition into their existing careers. With growing public interest in wellness, opportunities in holistic nutrition continue to expand, helping more people take charge of their health.
I loved the program and remain passionate about my work. If given the chance, I would do it all again without hesitation.
If you’re enrolled at CSNN or considering starting, here are a few tips I wish I’d received when I began:
- Be open-minded. Embrace the wide range of concepts taught in the program—receptivity makes learning easier and more meaningful.
- Build a support network. Instructors and classmates are valuable resources for brainstorming and clarification; cultivate those relationships.
- Approach your studies with passion, not stress. Stress undermines health. Keep in mind why you’re studying and how it will change your life—this mindset reduces anxiety and improves focus.
- Create and follow a schedule. If you work full-time while studying, establish clear blocks of time for work and study. Focused routines increase productivity and prevent burnout.
- Enjoy the journey. My time at CSNN was one of the best experiences of my life—make the most of it.
Author bio: Laura is a CSNN Vancouver graduate and owner of Nutralicious Consulting, where she helps clients connect body, mind and spirit to achieve better health.
Connect with Laura
Facebook: Nutralicious Consulting
Twitter: Laura Hillier
Web: Nutralicious Consulting