Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Hayes.
Hi Kendra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After 15 years in healthcare, working in roles ranging from ICU clinical dietitian to dietitian management and various outpatient clinics, I’ve seen a lot I’ve experienced both the best of healthcare and the areas where there is clear opportunity for improvement. I’ve seen how rushed systems can negatively impact the quality of care. I’ve watched provider communication evolve from handwritten notes on colored sticky paper in physical charts to electronic health records- systems that now allow multiple healthcare networks to access labs, notes, diagnosis’s, test results and more. I’ve witnessed nutrition care expand from five standard diets to more than 35 specialized therapeutic diets. I’ve seen social media and artificial intelligence completely transform access to health information- making today’s client both more educated, and at times, more confused than ever. After 15 eras, i’ve reached a turning point. I asked myself: why not take what works, improve what doesn’t and build something of my own? That vision centered ona more holistic approach to care. I’ve always known that food choices don’t exist in isolation- nutrition is deeply connected to lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, movement, and daily habits. To better support clients in these area’s, I completed additional training and became an ACE certified health coach, allowing me to integrate lifestyle coaching into my nutrition practice. As I explored private practice, I noticed that many dietitians around me were not credentialing with insurance, making their services self-pay only. While this model works for some, it significantly limits access to care- often restricting service to those who can afford it and limiting the number of sessions client receive. I have worked with the same clients, sometimes for years, and saw the impact consistent care and guidance can have in their life’s. I knew I wanted this for my clients as well. Believing that everyone deserves access to high-quality nutrition care, I went through the grueling insurance credentialing process so client could use their benefits-whether they have Medicaid, Medicare or commercial insurance. I also recognized the importance of in-person, face to face care, which led me to establish an office space in overland park. At the same time, i offer telehealth services to support busy schedules and service clients who live out of state. I also became licensed in 7 different states so I may provide services in more areas across the US. This practice was built intentionally to combine clinical expertise, holistic care and accessibility- so clients can receive support they need, in a way that truly works.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the greatest challenges I experienced was the constant pressure to do more in less time. Short appointment slots often left little room for meaningful education, questions or follow up. I found myself want to slow down to truly listen, but working within the system to prioritize volume over depth. This experience shaped my commitment to longer, more intentional sessions where clients feel heard and supported. I made sure to have a HIPPA secure texting, email and a direct contact number so I may support clients directly between sessions.
While advances in electronic health records improved access to information, they didn’t always improve communication. Messages between providers of different specialties often felt disjointed. It reinforced the importance of clear, proactive communication and being an advocate for my clients within the healthcare system.
I repeatedly saw clients benefit from nutrition care, only to have services cut short or denied all together due to financial barriers or lack of insurance coverage. It was difficult to watch people motivate to improve their health lose access simply because they couldn’t’ afford continued care. This challenge ultimately motivated me to pursue insurance credentialing so cost would not be the deciding factor in receiving care.
Overtime, the emotional weight of wanting to provide high-quality care within limiting systems became exhausting. I loved the work, but knew I could not care for others without first caring for my own health. Rather than seeing this as a failure, I chose to view it as a turning point. I made a conscious decision to take control of my well-being by prioritizing daily habits that support both physical and mental health. I incorporated restorative practices such as an acupuncture mat and sauce for stress reduction, alongside structure movement through treadmill walking, strength training, and hot yoga. I also became more intentional with my nutrition, gradually shifting towards a more pate-forward diet that supported energy, recovery and overall balance.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in the treatment of disordered eating across a lifespan- including pediatric and adolescent populations- an area that remains widely under recognized and undertreated in both society and the healthcare system. Many individuals all into a gray area where behaviors may no meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder yet still significantly impact physical health, mental wellbeing and quality of life. In addition, I work extensively individuals and families seeking support for weight related concerns, including pediatric obesity, as well as those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. My clinical background includes experiences in diabetes center and on a cardiac intensive care unit, where I saw firsthand the long-term consequences of unmanaged metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Those experiences shaped my approach to care- one that prioritizes sustainable behavior change, metabolic health and individual nutrition rather than quick fixes and restrictive approaches.
I am proud that my brand is built on accessibility. By credentialing with insurance and offering both in-person and telehealth care, I’ve created a practice where high-quality nutrition support is availability to more than just those who can afford self-pay services. I am proud my brand bridges clinical, personalized expertise holistic care. It honors the science while recognizing that health is shaped by lifestyle, stress, and lived experience- not just numbers on a chart.
Above all I’m proud my brand has earned trust. Clients know they will receive thoughtful, individualized care without judgement, quick fixes, unrealistic expectations.
What’s next?
I just opened my doors on 12/1/25, so I honestly don’t know what the future holds quite yet.
Pricing:
- not at this time
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kkustomnutrition.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuJJd6xdk/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendraskustomnutritionllc
