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Pediatric Nutrition · Registered Dietitian

Kristen Criscitelli, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian & Pediatric Nutrition Specialist

Kristen Criscitelli is a Registered Dietitian and pediatric dental nutritionist at Bright Healthy Smiles — the only practice in the area with a full-time nutrition specialist integrated directly into the dental care team.

She works alongside the pediatric dental and orthodontic team to help families build realistic, healthy habits that support growth, development, and oral health — and overall wellbeing throughout childhood. As both a clinician and a mother, Kristen understands the everyday challenges families face.

Kristen Criscitelli, Registered Dietitian & Pediatric Nutrition Specialist at Bright Healthy Smiles
  • 16+ Years Experience
  • Columbia MS, Human Nutrition
  • RD Registered Dietitian
  • 2 Specialty Certifications
A clinician and a mother who understands real family life

Why Choose Kristen Criscitelli?

Nutrition plays an important role in a child’s development—from healthy teeth and jaws to growth, energy, and lifelong wellness. Kristen combines years of clinical nutrition experience with the understanding that every child, every family, and every lifestyle is different.

As both a clinician and a mother, Kristen understands the everyday challenges families face. Her goal is to help parents feel informed, supported, and confident while making meaningful changes that are sustainable over time.

Registered Dietitian with more than 16 years of clinical nutrition experience
Master's Degree in Nutrition from Columbia University's Institute of Human Nutrition
Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition from Long Island University
Certification in Pediatric Food Allergies
Certified Lactation Counselor
Evidence-based, family-centered nutrition counseling
Practical guidance designed to fit real life—not perfection

Kristen’s goal is to help parents feel informed, supported, and confident while making meaningful changes that are sustainable over time.

Rigorous training, specialized expertise

Education & Credentials

Master's Degree

Master of Science in Nutrition

Columbia University
Institute of Human Nutrition

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

Long Island University

Specialized Certifications

Certification in Pediatric Food Allergies

Certified Lactation Counselor

Clinical Experience

More than 16 years of nutrition counseling with specialized experience supporting pregnancy, infants, children, and families.

More than rules or eliminating favorite foods

Specializing in Whole-Child Nutrition

Kristen believes healthy eating is about much more than following rules or eliminating favorite foods. Her approach focuses on building positive relationships with food while supporting each child’s growth, development, oral health, and overall wellness.

For additional guidance on children’s nutrition and oral health, see the AAPD’s dietary recommendations.

Rather than focusing on restrictions, Kristen helps families develop practical habits that fit naturally into everyday life while supporting the whole child’s health. Kristen’s specialties as a pediatric dental nutritionist include:

Learn About Whole Child Health
Young child holding a phone handset at the front desk computer

Nutrition & Oral Health

Helping families make food choices that support strong teeth and healthy smiles — from sugar awareness and healthy snacks to hydration and prevention.

Feeding, Growth & Development

Supporting nutrition and feeding habits that fuel healthy growth through every stage of childhood, from first teeth to developmental milestones.

Picky Eating Support

Offering practical strategies that reduce mealtime stress while expanding food acceptance — including downloadable guides on healthy eating, snacks, and school lunches.

Positive Food Experiences

Building healthy relationships with food through encouragement rather than pressure — because positive early experiences shape a lifetime of healthy habits.

Pregnancy & Early Childhood Nutrition

Guiding families through the critical windows of growth and development, starting before baby arrives.

Food Allergies & Dietary Concerns

Creating personalized nutrition plans that support both safety and healthy development for children with allergies and special dietary needs.

Healthy eating that feels achievable — and free of judgment

Your Nutrition Journey

Every family’s nutrition journey is different. Kristen’s goal is to make healthy eating feel achievable, supportive, and free of judgment.

01

Get to Know Your Family

Kristen begins by learning about your child's eating habits, lifestyle, health history, and your family's goals and concerns.

02

Build a Personalized Plan

Together, you'll develop realistic nutrition goals that reflect your family's routines, preferences, and challenges rather than unrealistic expectations.

03

Create Sustainable Habits

Instead of dramatic changes, Kristen focuses on small, meaningful improvements that families can confidently maintain over time.

04

Support Long-Term Wellness

As children grow, nutrition evolves too. Kristen continues to provide guidance that supports healthy development, positive relationships with food, and lifelong wellness.

On Manhattan's Upper East Side

Where to Find Kristen

Kristen sees patients at Bright Healthy Smiles on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where nutrition is integrated into a comprehensive, whole-child approach to pediatric dental and orthodontic care.

Address

1317 Third Avenue, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10021

Hours

Mon-Fri, 8:00am-7:00pm Sat-Sun, 8:00am-3:00pm · By Appointment Only

Phone

(212) 355-7760

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Kristen

Each consultation focuses on your child’s unique nutritional needs, family routines, and health goals. Kristen develops realistic recommendations that support healthy eating without overwhelming families.

Yes. Kristen understands that picky eating is common and believes meaningful progress is possible with patience, evidence-based strategies, and individualized guidance tailored to each child.

Nutrition plays a significant role in healthy tooth development, cavity prevention, jaw growth, and overall wellness. Kristen works closely with the Bright Healthy Smiles providers to support children through a comprehensive, preventive approach.

Kristen believes families should feel empowered—not judged. She combines scientific evidence with practical solutions that fit real life, helping parents build confidence while creating lasting healthy habits.

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