Maria A. Ankrom, MS, RD, CDN, CPT

Maria Alexandra Ankrom is a registered dietitian and the founder of Top Balance Nutrition – a Manhattan-based nutrition private practice. Maria first founded Top Balance Nutrition in 2008, which now employs a staff of registered dietitians and personal trainers and offers individual and group nutrition consultations, corporate wellness programs, and personal training packages.

Maria is certified in Adult Weight Management and is a specialist in dietary cholesterol management, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, eating disorders, as well as general nutrition concerns.  

Maria completed her Masters in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and her Dietetic Residency at New York University Langone Medical Center. She is an active member of the Academy of Nutritioin and Dietetics (Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Weight Management, Behavioral Health, and Vegetarian Nutrition practice groups), the Greater New York Dietetic Association, the National Lipid Association, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Maria has been quoted in leading national publications such as Oprah Magazine, Oxygen, and International Business Times. Maria's first book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Acid Reflux Diet, was published in January 2012.

Maria lives in New York City with her husband, Shamus, and two furry cats.

Elaine Tang, MS, RD, CDN

Elaine Tang is a registered dietitian at Top Balance Nutrition. Her specialty is in diabetes treatment, pregnancy nutrition, eating disorders, weight loss management, geriatric health, food allergies, heart health, and overall healthy eating.

Elaine completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University and her Dietetic Residency at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Greater New York Dietetic Association, and Chinese Americans in Dietetics and Nutrition.

Elaine’s involvement with her patients is not limited to scheduled office appointments. She also plans food-shopping tours with patients at local markets and presents nutrition seminars at corporate events.

During her free time, Elaine enjoys dining out in New York. She reviews restaurants regularly and is invited to soft-opening events to help adjust and modify the menu. An avid runner, Elaine has completed a number of half- and full-marathons.

. 

Virginia Dweck, Nutrition Assistant

Virginia the nutrition assistant at Top Balance Nutrition. Virginia can be found at the front-desk where she helps to manage the office. Beyond that, she uses her extensive nutrition expertise to assist in developing new recipes, meal plans, perform nutrition analyses, conduct research on current nutrition topics, and much more. 

Virginia graduated from New York University with a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and is now one class away from receiving her Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Brooklyn College.

Virginia's passion for nutrition goes beyond classroom education. Virginia loves food and cooking is her most favorite activity. She shares her recipes and some meal creations on her blog- virginecuisine.com. She also enjoys sweating it out at SoulCycle, unwinding in Yoga, and taking full advantage of all the fun NYC has to offer!