We have a passion for families and athletics. What better way to pursue this combination of interests than to write about them! After doing our research on what was out there, we realized Varsity Parenting would be a unique and welcome resource for parents of high school athletes. With our professional expertise and experiences, combined with expert contributors and resources, we are bringing you the go-to site for parents trying to raise smarter, stronger, safer high school athletes. Thank you for visiting.

Andrea B. McDonough
Andrea earned her BA degree in psychology from Syracuse University and a Masters of Science in Nutrition from Cornell University. She completed her dietetic internship at Boston Children’s Hospital and was a member of the American Dietetic Association from 1987 – 2003. Andrea co-authored an obesity and eating disorders awareness and prevention program called, “Growing Together” and wrote the chapter on “Eating Disorders” for the “Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition.”

Always the adventurer, Andrea and her family strived for a change of pace and moved to New Zealand for a few years. They all found ways to enjoy life as ex-patriots through new relationships, outdoor adventures and travel. They continued that lifestyle and moved to Europe before returning to the States in 2006. During her 4 years overseas (2002-2006), she served on the board for the Eating Awareness Team in Christchurch New Zealand and was able to implement her program, “Growing Together” in both New Zealand and Geneva, Switzerland. Thankfully, there was no language barrier so Andrea could continue her work as a nutrition therapist and also organized fundraisers and awareness programs for eating disorders.

Since moving back to the US with her husband, two teenagers and two dogs, Andrea has focused on community-based programs that support families and teens. Her primary “dual role” of wife and mother of two Varsity Athletes is being enriched through the launching of the Varsity Parenting Blog. She just bid farewell to her daughter Caroline, an elite runner, who attends Columbia University and is home with Peter, a Varsity Athlete who takes football, rugby and indoor track very seriously. She and her husband, a marketing exec, have also become parent experts in the college recruiting process.

As a way to stay connected to the high school community, Andrea is setting up a Volunteer Office at the local high school. She too will be heading back to the classroom and enrolling in a Spiritual Counseling diploma program. Most recently she has learned to breathe, thanks to some very special Yoga instructors.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC
Dana is a registered dietitian and certified athletic trainer. She earned her master’s degree in nutrition education from Teachers’ College- Columbia University and undergraduate degree from Quinnipiac University in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training.

Dana is a nutrition consultant for international food companies, restaurants and media companies. Clients include the Food Network, WPP Inc. and DietTV.com. She is the nutrition expert and daily contributor for Food Network’s blog and newsletter, Healthy Eats and contributing author of the Healthy Harvest Regional Food Guides. She is also a spokesperson for Cooking Light Magazine and has appeared on Good Day Street Talk, Food Network.com, Access Hollywood and GMA Health.

Dana also practices as a Certified Athletic Trainer, providing emergency medicine and rehabilitation services to high school, college and professional athletes. She is also an adjunct professor in the Sports Medicine Department at Quinnipiac University and also teaches CPR and First Aid courses through the American Red Cross.

A former athlete and loyal sports fan, Dana has dedicated both her personal and professional life to her love of sports, cooking and nutrition. Dana resides in South Norwalk, CT with her husband and Boston Terrier, Violet Pickles.