Provide us with a brief description of your job: I am the clinical dietitian at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, on the shores of Lake Superior and specifically for “the Fountains”, which is a sixty-bed short term rehabilitation facility. I work closely with an interdisciplinary team by providing nutrition assessments on all new admissions, follow closely those most compromised and provide nutrition counseling and education as needed. I also provide guidance and support to the dietary department staff related to therapeutic diets, textures and other issues as they arise.
What do you love about what you do? Although the average stay at The Fountains is sixteen days, I enjoy getting to know the residents that come through the facility. I am amazed at the amount of courage and grace our residents display while dealing with their health challenges in later life. Having worked in outpatient clinics for over thirteen years, I also enjoy providing nutrition counseling and education.
What are the challenges? It is a challenge providing a quality dietary experience given therapeutic diets and individual preferences however it is very gratifying when I hear compliments on the menu and the meals.
How has your MAND membership benefited you? It has provided quality education/CEU opportunities through conferences and workshops. Also, the Journal has been invaluable. I’m proud to say that I have an abstract published in the 2012 FNCE edition and had the opportunity to present the abstract at the conference that year. My husband and kids came with me that year and had a fun time as well.
What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? That’s a great question. I think nutrition and immunity will be a big focus. I’ve also recently read about precision nutrition which aims to understand the health interplay among genetics, the micro biome, the diet, activity, social and behavioral characteristics of the individual.
What are your favorite activities/hobbies? Some of my favorite activities are cooking, gardening, bird watching with my husband, Mike, walking my pup Lily, swimming and playing a game called Rummikub. I also like to travel and have done quite a bit of genealogy.
What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? VaBene in Duluth, wonderful pasta!
About MAND
Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. We are the largest professional organization of nutrition health professionals in Minnesota, dedicated to optimizing Minnesotans' health through food and nutrition.