Nutrition Team

Meet the Choices Nutrition Team


Desiree Nielsen, BSc, RD

Received her degree in Food Nutrition and Health (Dietetics major) from the University of British Columbia and completed her dietetic internship with Capital Health in Edmonton, Alberta. Registered with the BC College of Dietitians, Desiree is also a proud member of Dietitians of Canada. Desiree advocates that good food is the cornerstone of a lifestyle that prevents chronic disease and promotes energy, vitality and overall wellbeing. To her, food is more than the nutrition it provides — it is a vital part of our culture, our celebrations and our lives. Desiree’s love of food extends well beyond her work: she enjoys strolling through farmer’s markets, hoarding cookbooks and one day hopes to become an expert patio gardener. Check out her nutrition blog at eatdrinkbehappy.blogspot.com.


Desiree can be contacted to answer any of your nutrition or product questions, to arrange a nutrition tour at one of our stores or to speak at seminars or lunch and learns. Desiree is also available for media consultation. She can be reached at our head office by calling 604-952-2266 or emailing:
nutrition@choicesmarkets.com.


Nicole Fetterly, BSc, RD

Received her Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health from the University of British Columbia, which also included a one-year hospital-based internship with Vancouver Coastal Health. Since then Nicole has worked in a variety of settings such as clinical nutrition, grocery stores and private practice, including food writing and media work. She is registered with the BC College of Dietitians and is a proud member of Dietitians of Canada.

Nicole believes that food and eating are at once a universal cultural experience and a completely individual practice. She is passionate about helping people enjoy eating while receiving the utmost nutritional benefit from their food choices. Nicole’s commitment to a healthy family and food system extends to her home where she tends her backyard garden, fruit trees and a growing baby girl. Nicole is currently on maternity leave and will rejoin the Nutrition Team in the summer of 2012.


Vasi Naidoo, BSc, RHN

Graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Pursuing her passion for health and wellness, Vasi believes that a solid foundation of proper nutrition along with an exercise program that promotes physical and mental well being will lead to optimal health. She enjoys empowering clients to take charge of their health, enabling them to achieve a balanced lifestyle. Vasi loves cooking and travelling to exotic destinations: the different cultural experiences, ideas and spices she returns with are inspiration for unique creations in the kitchen.

Vasi can be reached at our South Surrey location on Mondays and Wednesdays, by phone at (604) 541-3902, or by email:
787nutrition@choicesmarkets.com.


Nadene Shirtliff, BA, MSc

Is a former Registered Dietitian with a masters degree in nutrition. Nadene has many years of experience in the health care industry and is passionate about nutrition, health, and fitness. Nadene believes that the foundation for good health is found in nutrition and exercise. Nadene loves creating new recipes in the kitchen and in her spare time enjoys reading and participating in several different sports.

Nadene can be found at our Kelowna location (1937 Harvey Ave) and can be contacted by phone at (250) 862-4864 or by email at:
788nutrition@choicesmarkets.com.


Misuzu Noguchi, BSc, RD

Received her Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Health from the University of British Columbia and completed her Dietetic internship with the Fraser Health Authority. Misuzu enjoys motivating her clients to set realistic goals and firmly believes that any healthy diet modification should never take the enjoyment out of eating! Misuzu's other interests include running, playing music, learning about other cultures, and she dreams of, one day, pursuing nutrition-related work abroad. Misuzu is a registrant of the BC College of Dietitians and a member of the Dietitians of Canada.

Misuzu can be reached at our White Rock location on Sundays, by phone at 604 541 3902, or by email at:
mnoguchi@choicesmarkets.com.


Sonia Ellis, RHN

Is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Sonia believes in the importance of incorporating whole foods into your diet. Cooking and experimenting in the kitchen has always been a passion for her and a great way to learn and love your food! Sonia enjoys the challenge of helping people with food sensitivities and opening their minds and taste buds to new foods that are better tolerated.

Eventually Sonia would like to further her knowledge and experience in prenatal and child nutrition. In her spare time, Sonia enjoys cooking and baking with her daughter, gardening, travelling, the great outdoors and spending time with her family.

Sonia is on maternity leave as of April 2011.


Sheila Fetter, BSc, RD

Sheila’s passion lies in the prevention of disease through nutrition and lifestyle.  She promotes the enjoyment of food and encourages people to make nutritious meals a priority.  At Choices, Sheila enjoys giving store tours and presentations and answering customer nutrition questions in-person at the Kerrisdale location Mondays from 2-6pm. 

Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Nutrition and Health with honours from the University of British Columbia and is a member of the College of Dietitians of British Columbia, Dietitians of Canada, and the Consulting Dietitians Network of Dietitians of Canada.


Darcy Furness, RHN, NNCP

Received her Diploma in Natural Nutrition from CSNN and is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition Coach and Practitioners (CANNP). With a strong business background she is able to pull from a variety of disciplines to effectively and enthusiastically educate and inspire people to help them achieve their nutrition goals.

Believing that every life stage brings new opportunities, D’Arcy has a keen interest in weight management, simplifying healthy meal planning, and the politics of food. Considering herself a “paradigm shifter”, D’Arcy believes wholeheartedly in the positive power of change at any time in our lives. Holistically inclined and grounded in science, she firmly believes that nothing is as important as good nutrition and a healthy food supply for our own optimal functioning and for the health of our planet.