Our Story
Panhandle Nutrition Therapy was founded with a simple belief: everyone deserves access to personalized, evidence-based nutrition care. Recognizing the need for specialized nutrition services in the Texas Panhandle, we created a practice dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout every stage of life.
Our mission is to create a healthier tomorrow by helping our community build sustainable habits today. We believe nutrition is about more than calories and meal plans—it is about empowering people with knowledge, improving their relationship with food, and providing individualized care that meets them where they are.
Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, navigating parenthood, supporting a child’s growth, managing a chronic condition, recovering from an eating disorder, or simply looking to improve your overall health, our team is committed to walking alongside you. We strive to create a welcoming environment where every person who walks through our doors feels heard, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
At Panhandle Nutrition Therapy, we are proud to serve the Texas Panhandle and surrounding communities and beyond through compassionate, research-based nutrition care that puts people first.
Clarissa Orona RD, LD
What sparked my interest in nutrition was my family history and wanting to be proactive with my health. Having many family members with diabetes, heart disease and obesity, I knew I wanted to help make a difference. Diabetes and weight management is what I’m most passionate about. I pride myself in being able to listen and support my patients through their journey, helping them better understand how nutrition affects their health while also creating an environment where food and diet changes can be fun and exciting!
Rachel Hutto MS, RD, LD, CNSC
A Child of God, a Wife, a Mom, a Dietitian.
Rachel Hutto is a Registered Dietitian and the founder of Panhandle Nutrition Therapy and sister company Root & Bloom. With 10 years of experience as a dietitian and more than 8 years dedicated to women's and children's health, she is also a Prenatal Nutrition Specialist (SPN) trained through Lily Nichols' certification program and is currently training as a FEMM Educator.
Rachel guides women through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum with a food-first mentality — creating plans that are feasible, sustainable, and deeply personalized. Her goal is to educate and equip every client with the knowledge and confidence to make empowered decisions around their diet and lifestyle, not just follow a meal plan. Her areas of special interest include pre-existing conditions such as PCOS, diabetes, heart disease, and post-bariatric surgery; prevention and management of pregnancy complications; severe nausea, vomiting, and Hyperemesis Gravidarum; and breastfeeding support to optimize infant health.
Rachel practices with the belief that patients should be at the center of their care and that shared decision making is the only way to create care plans that can be effective. Rachel’s office is a judgement free place where she takes a real life perspective with each client.
Rachel welcomes patients through our sister company, Root & Bloom, a practice dedicated to women's and children's health. There, she combines advanced training with compassionate, individualized care to help women and families navigate every stage of their health journey with confidence.
Samantha Rodriguez MS, RD, LD
Growing up in a Mexican household I heard two conflicting statements - make sure to eat everything on your plate, but don’t overeat or else you will be labeled as ‘chubby’ I used to believe a healthy diet meant giving up beloved Mexican staples like tortillas, beans, and rice. However, as a first-generation Latina dietitian, I am here to tell you that all foods fit. My educational journey and professional experience shaped my guiding principle that all foods fit.
My goal is to work alongside you to find a diet that best fits your nutritional needs and lifestyle, removing the fear of food. I graduated from Texas A&M with my undergraduate degree and from Texas Tech with my master’s degree. My education and professional experience allow me to work with all walks of life - from infants to seniors. I look forward to working with you!
Specialties
Reproductive
Nutrition
Infancy and Pediatric Nutrition
Allergies, Food Introduction and Picky Eating
Feeding and Eating Disorders, Adolescent Sports Nutrition
Weight and Chronic Disease Management