Kristina Dunkley

Hi, I’m Kristina, a proud Jamaican-Canadian and Registered Dietitian. Food, family, and community are at the centre of who I am, and that’s how I approach my work with patients and their families. I completed my Master’s in Food & Nutrition at Western University and trained across Ontario, working with people from many different cultures and walks of life. My focus is on real-world, culturally sensitive nutrition care that feels practical, approachable, and supportive, especially when life feels overwhelming.

This work is also very close to my heart. My mom is currently on her own breast cancer journey, and walking beside her has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges, fears, and small victories that come with it. That personal connection drives me to show up with empathy, compassion, and care for every person I meet.

When I’m not talking about food or health, you’ll likely find me laughing, dancing in my kitchen, or out at a local event (usually with snacks in hand). I also love Pilates, aerial hoop, and spending time with my very opinionated rescue dog, Daphne.

At the Ottawa Cancer and Lymphatics Centre, I’m here to listen, to support, and to help you find nutrition strategies that fit your life, with no judgment, just care.

Education

  • MSc. Foods and Nutrition (Internship Stream), University of Western Ontario, Brescia University College (2020)
  • BSc. Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Western Ontario, Brescia University College (2018)

Publications

  • Dunkley, K. and Hekmat, S. (2019), "Development of probiotic vegetable juice using Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GR-1", Nutrition & Food Science. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-06-2019-0192
  • Le, Toby, and Kristina Dunkley. 2021. “The Interplay Between Cultural Practices, Food Insecurity, and Poverty in the Consumption of Wild Meat”. Global Health: Annual Review 1 (6). https://journals.mcmaster.ca/ghar/article/view/2688.
  • Andrews, B. (2024) , “Be Kind to Your Gut Now, And the Older You Will Thank You.” Saveur. Available from: https://www.saveur.com/culture/aging-gut-health/