Founder and Executive Director

Robert Pettus is a graduate of NC State University with degrees in Biological Sciences and Botany.  In addition to work history in pharmaceutical chemical information and genetic research he has a sincere interest in educating and empowering families affected by cancer.  BeLovedNC was created to honor Robert's sister Julie who passed away in 2014 from colon and lung cancer. 

Director of Culinary Medicine

Natalie Taft, MS, RDN, LDN, CCMS is a licensed and registered dietitian nutritionist with a Master’s of Science in Nutrition and over 15 years experience in public health and clinical nutrition.  She has served in non profit leadership roles and managed grant funded, outcome based educational interventions and research.  Natalie is a skilled, compassionate counselor and educator with expertise in motivational interviewing, an evidence based practice for promoting behavior change.  Natalie is also experienced in working directly with diverse populations and meeting the needs of families with limited resources.

Patricia Wilkes, MS, RD, LDN

"Pat" is a Registered Clinical Dietitian with the Oncology Group at Duke Cancer Institute with over 20 years of experience providing care to outpatient, acute and long term care patients.  She will serve as a liaison between Duke Cancer Institute and BeLovedNC assisting us in identifying patients finishing chemotherapy that are interested in empowering themselves through education and nutrition.