Nutrition Services

Melissa Fraher
APRN, CPNP-PC

From a very young age, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career working with children. Whether I was babysitting the neighborhood families or volunteering within the local school systems, I always enjoyed watching children learn, grow, and develop. I first received my Bachelors Degree in Biology from Northeastern University. However, after working closely with a team of nurses at my first job as a Clinical Research Assistant, I was inspired to return to school to become a nurse practitioner. I received my Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Columbia University, continuing on to receive my Master’s Degree in Nursing from Columbia University, graduating from the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner program. While in school, I worked as a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York, NY. I decided to join The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in March 2017 to begin a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. While my background is mostly research, I am passionate about primary care and eager to enhance my understanding amongst the various subspecialties of pediatric medicine.
While not at work, I enjoy working out, exploring local attractions within Fairfield County, and spending time with my fiancé Andy and our adorable dog Hugo.
Northeastern University- Bachelor of Science in Biology
Columbia University- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Columbia University- Master of Science in Nursing
Member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society

Jackie Ballou Erdos
MS, RD, CSSD, CDN (Dietitian)

I grew up on Cape Cod, where I found my love for ice cream, seafood, and swimming. I first became interested in nutrition in the ninth grade, during health class. I went on to become a vegetarian for almost a year (until I got a craving for a turkey sandwich after a field hockey tournament and then quickly decided to go back to eating meat again!).
Always a bookworm, I studied English at Providence College, and during my time there, I began running. After I got my fill of reading and writing in college, I went on to pursue my true passion of becoming a registered dietitian at Boston University. While living in Boston, I started running longer distances, and eventually began running marathons.
While studying nutrition, I learned why I was likely feeling hungry so often when I was a vegetarian, and how eating impacts how I feel when I run. Since becoming a registered dietitian ten years ago, I’ve learned even more from my patients. They’ve taught me that nutrition is personal, and they (and their parents) are the experts of themselves and their families.
My nutrition philosophy is one of balance. I partner with children and families on a journey towards a healthy (and enjoyable) relationship with food. My approach is that nutrition is a family affair, and I work with both kids and parents on everything from food shopping, meal planning, and cooking together, to avoiding mealtime struggles.
I have held positions as a registered dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center. Recently, through my affiliation with Nutrition Conditioning LLC, I became a consulting nutritionist at The Juilliard School. I was excited to join The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in March of 2019 after relocating from New York City to Fairfield County.
When I’m not at work, I like to do yoga, run, or go for long walks with my husband, Alex, my daughter Gracie, and my pup, Maizie.
Pediatric Nutrition Fellowship (2008)- UMass Memorial Medical Center
Dietetic Internship (2008)- Quincy Medical Center
Master of Science in Nutrition (2008)- Boston University, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Arts (2005)- Providence College
Certified Wellcoach, Wellcoaches School of Coaching (2018)
Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Commission on Dietetic Registration (2015)
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year, Massachusetts Dietetic Association (2012)
Certificate in Pediatric Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration (2010)
Director, Nominating Committee (2013-15) & Chair, Pediatric Subunit (2010-12), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group