Our Team

Sharon Hawks, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES: Sharon is the owner and director of the Nutrition and Diabetes Education Center (NADEC). Sharon received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and her master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She obtained additional certifications in the areas of diabetes education and physical fitness. She has over 20 years experiences as a nutrition expert, diabetes educator and a public speaker.  Sharon has been listed in the national directory, “Who’s Who in Diabetes Treatment, Education & Research.”  Sharon has consulted for numerous organizations throughout the years to include AARP, Lily Pharmaceuticals and D.C. Department of Transportation, For many years she was an adjunct professor at Bowie State University, instructing clinical nutrition in the nursing department. One of Sharon’s greatest accomplishments came when she retired as a Major from the Air Force.  She continues to use the skills she learned in the military to provide excellent care and commitment to each patient she encounters.

Natalie Tukpah, MBA, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN: Natalie is originally from New Jersey and attended Hampton University for her undergraduate degree in Nursing. She later attended Strayer University to obtain a Master’s in Business Administration and LaSalle University where she received a Post Master Certificate in Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing Education. She then received a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner from Catholic University of America.  She is a highly skilled health profession with more than 25 years of experience in geriatric medicine, wound care, Diabetes Management, and stress reduction modalities including Reiki Master, yoga, and aromatherapy. She received recognition for Nursing Advocacy and awarded as nominee for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Excellence in Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. As a trained Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach, she especially enjoys building relationships, and working with individuals to meet their goals and healthcare needs.

Claudia Morrison, RDN, LDN, CDCES: Claudia received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University in the area of medical dietetics and additional expertise as a certified diabetes educator and a certified WellCoach.  She is a healthcare professional with over twenty-five years’ experience developing personalized diabetes self management plans, providing nutrition counseling in hospital inpatient and outpatient settings, educating communities on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.  For many years she has served as the lead diabetes team outpatient education coordinator for MedStar Washington Hospital Center-Washington, DC.  As a trainer she educates patients, physicians, endocrine fellows, medical residents and nursing staff on continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump management. Claudia’s goal is to empower clients to identify and achieve their wellness goals.

Tolores Holmes, RN: Tolores is a dedicated and patient-focused Registered Nurse with expertise in  Adult, Pediatric and Geriatric  patient care, staff development, disease management and family advocacy. She has 30+ years as a Clinical Nurse Tolores is an experienced educator for patients with Pre Diabetes and Diabetes Mellitus.  Tolores has Nursing experience at various hospitals including Howard University Hospital, George Washington University Hospital, Georgetown University Hospital, Fairfax Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center, Hospital for Sick Children and Joint Base Andrews Family Health Clinic.

Yolanda M. Smith, MSN-Ed, RN, CDCES: Yolanda has a background in nursing and chronic disease management and prevention, prediabetes education and diabetes education for 12+ years. She brings compassion, curiosity and genuine support to conversations in patient care. Her experience in nursing and diabetes has been gained through employment with Greater Baden Medical Services, Healthways and Medstar Washington Hospital Center. She has also been trained as a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach.