If you are a MAND Board member, please share what position you are in and what you do for MAND: I am completing my second term as MAND Delegate to the Academy House of Delegates
Provide us with a brief description of your job: I am semi-retired having taught full-time for 20 years as an Assistant Professor in Foods and Nutrition at St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s). I currently teach part-time as needed. I also work part-time as a clinical RDN in a chemical dependency treatment facility.
What do you love about what you do? I love the energy and enthusiasm of students as they become lifelong learners and future RDN’s. I also love educating patients about healthy eating in recovery since nutritious foods are so nourishing.
What are the challenges? It can be challenging to include all of the dietetics content into the curriculum that students need to learn to become outstanding RDN’s. It can also be challenging working with patients who are not ready to change their eating behaviors.
How has your MAND membership benefited you? MAND membership has helped build my professional network, provided opportunities to develop my leadership skills, helped me stay current on issues affecting the dietetic profession, and allowed me to build lifelong frienships with colleagues.
What do you think is the future of nutrition and dietetics? Nutrition is a hot topic, and RDN’s are THE nutrition experts! Our future is promising and exciting as we continue to share our knowledge and expertise about foods and nutrition in helping others.
What are your favorite activities/hobbies? I love cooking and especially baking which I find is therapeutic. I also enjoy reading, walking my dog (a 90 lb.Collie named Vito), biking, and swimming.
What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? I enjoy so many restaurants, it’s hard to pick just one! For pizza, I love Carbone’s on Randolph Ave. in St. Paul. For burgers and fresh cut fries, I love The Nook in St. Paul. For porketta sandwiches, I love Iron Ranger on Grand Ave. in St. Paul. I have more favorites but will stop there!
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.