About Us

Since 1995, Nutrition Therapy Associates, Inc. (NTA) has proudly served the San Antonio community and beyond. Our team of compassionate and experienced Registered and Licensed Dietitians is dedicated to providing personalized nutrition counseling and consulting services for adults and children across south-central Texas, helping families achieve healthier, happier lives.
Mission Statement
At Nutrition Therapy Associates, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health and wellness through innovative, evidence-based nutrition care. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, personalized support, and a commitment to inclusivity, we aim to break barriers to access and deliver impactful solutions that transform lives and foster long-term well-being.

Vanessa Estrada Coats MS, RDN, LD 
Owner & President

Vanessa Estrada Coats earned her Bachelor of Science in Health from the University of Texas at San Antonio and holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of the Incarnate Word. With over 15 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Vanessa specializes in adult diabetes education, helping clients effectively manage their condition and achieve better health outcomes.

She has worked closely with community organizations, including Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs and Head Start initiatives, providing evidence-based nutrition education and counseling to underserved populations.

Vanessa is also a proud member of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority and remains committed to community service and leadership. Her career has included designing and delivering innovative nutrition programs tailored to families and individuals, with a focus on sustainable lifestyle changes. She actively collaborates with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive, high-quality care for her clients. Vanessa is dedicated to expanding Nutrition Therapy Associates’ reach, increasing access to essential nutrition services in San Antonio and surrounding areas, including Colonias.
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When Vanessa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her child, and her stepchild. She loves traveling, trying new recipes, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.
Vanessa Estrada Coats is the Owner and President of Nutrition Therapy Associates, Inc. and a highly experienced Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist based in the San Antonio area. With over 15 years of expertise in the field, Vanessa specializes in adult diabetes education, providing tailored, evidence-based care to help clients effectively manage their condition and improve their overall health. While her focus is on adult diabetes, she is also skilled in supporting clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds, ensuring personalized solutions for optimal nutrition and wellness. Vanessa is passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health through compassionate guidance and education.
Organizations Vanessa belongs to:

American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

LAHIDAN- Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition
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DMNT- Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy
                                     
Vanessa's Publications:
Errisuriz, V. L., Parra-Medina, D., Liang, Y., Howard, J. T., Li, S., Sosa, E., Ullevig, S. L., Estrada-Coats, V. M., & Yin, Z. (2023). ¡Miranos! An 8-Month Comprehensive Preschool Obesity Prevention Program in Low-Income Latino Children: Effects on Children’s Gross Motor Development. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(21), 6974. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20216974

Impact of ¡Míranos! on parent-reported home-based healthy energy balance-related behaviors in low-income Latino preschool children: a clustered randomized controlled trialInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity volume 20, Article number: 33 (2023

The NTA Team:
Our Team
At NTA, we’re proud to have a dynamic team of expert dietitians dedicated to meeting the diverse nutritional needs of our clients. Whatever your health goals may be, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today and discover how we can help you thrive!
Join Our Team
Are you a motivated, energetic, and organized Registered Dietitian ready to take charge of your career? At Nutrition Therapy Associates, we offer the flexibility to be your own boss and work hours that fit your lifestyle. If you’re passionate about empowering others through nutrition, we’d love to hear from you! Email your resume and a quick note about why you’re excited to join our team. Let’s grow together!


Tirza Nestel, RDE
 
Tirza has specialized in pediatric nutrition for over 20 years and provides nutrition education to parents of children with growth and development disorders, including autism, obesity, growth failure, behavioral feeding problems and food allergies. She received her Bachelors of Science degree as well as completed her Dietetic internship training at The University of The Incarnate Word. She is a member of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and The San Antonio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Tirza enjoys public speaking and has presented multiple workshops/lectures on healthy living.

Tirza has a true passion for the field of nutrition and dietetics and her mission is to inspire others to try new foods and make healthy eating fun and delicious.

Meet the Team


Ashley Lara, RD, LD
​Registered Dietitian

Ashley Lara is a dedicated Registered and Licensed Dietitian with Nutrition Therapy Associates, providing expert nutritional care and guidance. With a focus on telehealth consultations, Ashley serves adult clients through personalized evaluations and counseling, helping them achieve their health and wellness goals. Her expertise and compassionate approach make her an invaluable part of the NTA team.​