Choosing to return to school can open doors you never expected. For Kira Freed, that experience began when she joined National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) as a student in 2019. What started as a career change led to a new career path at NUNM, where she now helps prospective students find their own path forward.
Today, Kira serves as an Admissions Advisor and Enrollment Coordinator, bringing her experience as an NUNM student, educator, and member of the nutrition department to her work with prospective students.
Her journey gives her a unique perspective in the admissions process. She knows what it feels like to be a student at NUNM, to consider a new professional direction, and to learn that your plans can evolve along the way.
From Student to Faculty to Advisor
Kira first came to NUNM in fall 2019 to pursue a Master of Science in Nutrition. She graduated in 2020 and was then offered the opportunity to stay at NUNM as a Graduate Assistant for the nutrition program.
From there, her role continued to grow. She took on additional responsibilities, became the Nutrition Department Coordinator and joined the faculty as an adjunct instructor.
Now, Kira is bringing that experience to the Admissions team, where she works with prospective students as they explore their options at NUNM. At the same time, she continues teaching as adjunct faculty, giving her the opportunity to remain connected to the academic experience.
“NUNM has offered me the chance to blend both of my career passions, nutrition and higher education, into one amazing place,” Kira says.
Her experience also gives her an appreciation for how much can change during a student’s time at NUNM. She arrived with one idea of what her future would look like and discovered an entirely different path along the way.
Getting to Know the Person Behind the Application
As an educator, Kira understands that choosing a graduate or professional program is about much more than comparing degrees or checking admissions requirements.
Her approach to admissions starts with getting to know prospective students.
“I want to get to know you,” she says. “I enjoy getting to know students and what they are interested in, what their goals are, what motivates them.”
That perspective shapes the way Kira works with prospective students. She wants to understand what they hope to accomplish and then help them connect with the people and resources that can support their goals.
For students considering a career change, returning to school or exploring a field they have always been interested in, that kind of guidance can be especially valuable.
Kira also understands the importance of building relationships early. Connecting with faculty and staff before enrolling can help students begin developing a professional network and support system that will continue throughout their time at NUNM and beyond.
Connecting NUNM and the Community
Kira’s work extends beyond admissions and the classroom. She is actively involved in NUNM’s partnership with the James Beard Public Market, including its Nutrition for All initiative.
The partnership creates opportunities to expand access to nutrition education throughout the Portland metro area and beyond. It also gives NUNM faculty and alumni opportunities to share their expertise with the community while celebrating Oregon’s food culture and agricultural abundance.
“The James Beard Public Market’s Nutrition for All initiative is an amazing opportunity to expand access to nutrition education for people in the Portland metro area and beyond,” Kira says.
For Kira, the partnership is a natural extension of her work in nutrition and education. It creates a way for NUNM to bring its expertise beyond the university and engage with the community in meaningful ways.
Life Outside of Admissions
Kira’s passion for nutrition extends well beyond the classroom and her work at NUNM. Her love of nutrition is rooted in her love of cooking, so much of her free time revolves around food.
She enjoys cooking, gardening, canning, and collecting cookbooks. She also loves thrifting, particularly when she finds unique kitchenware. She brings all of these interests together through her food blog, The Joyful Plateful.
Keeping an Open Mind
Kira’s own NUNM experience has shaped the way she approaches her work with prospective students. When she first enrolled, she had one vision for her future. Along the way, she discovered new interests and opportunities that led her into education, teaching, and admissions.
Her advice? “Keep an open mind about what comes next.”
Whether you know exactly what you want to study or are still exploring your options, Kira encourages prospective students to approach the process with curiosity. Every class, conversation and new experience can offer insight into what comes next.
As an Admissions Advisor and Enrollment Coordinator, Kira brings her experience as an NUNM student, educator and adjunct faculty member to every conversation. She is here to help prospective students explore their options, find the right resources, and discover where an NUNM education could take them.