Hello and Welcome to the North Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NSAND)! My name is Mia Greco and I am honored and grateful to be serving as the President of NSAND for the 2021-2022 term. Our goal for this year is to provide a variety of programming including both in person and virtual events. Our focus for the year will be on learning about diverse topics and networking and building relationships with our fellow RDs. Our first event will be an in person small, networking event on Wednesday, December 1st. We will have virtual programming in January and March and a large live in person event on April 30th at Harper College. Topics include women’s health, eating disorders and diabetes. Our program this year will provide 7 CEUS. Our dues have been reduced this year to reflect our reduction in programming, $25 for RDNs and $10 for students/interns and retired RDNs. This is a phenomenal value for 7 CEUs and relationship building opportunities. Dues can be paid via PayPal online, please see our website for more information.Please look out for more information for our kick off event on December 1st. We cannot wait to see everyone in person! Looking forward to a year of growth, learning and relationship building! Mia Greco MS, MPH, RD, LDN
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This month is not over just yet so we still get a chance to present you our NSAND Featured Member for this month: Anita Davila, BS-NDTR What do you do in the field of dietetics? I work at the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, my title is Nutrition Program Assistant. In this role I work in community nutrition in the greater scheme, but more specifically in addressing food insecurity. Where did you complete your internship, or which DI are you enrolled in? I am set to start my internship in November through Utah State University, by distance. Utah State University Dietetic Internship Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? What inspired you to have a career in nutrition? I didn’t always know. At some point I wanted to be a nurse. It was when I was taking the pre-requisites for nursing that I had to take a basic nutrition course and I had my ah-ha moment. That was almost 10 years ago but I’ve never turned back. What is a fun fact about you? I was honored as the Young Dietetic Technician of the Year at the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic this past March. It was so surreal to be on that stage and listen to the nice things that were said about me. Hehe What is your best advice for students or younger dietitians on how to network with experienced dietitians? The best way is to get involved! Volunteer! Whether it’s at a local hospital, your local dietetics affiliate, or at FNCE, volunteering for the profession is where it’s at. You’ll get to make important connections and meet people who will be there for you at some point along your path. I actually wrote an article for the Food&Nutrition magazine’s student blog about all of this; check it out here: https://foodandnutrition.org/…/how-dpgs-can-benefit-nutrit…/ Are you a member of any Dietetics Practice Group (DPG) or member interest group (MIG)? YES! I’ve been a member of DIFM DPG Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine for a few years now; I’ve been volunteering for them on their leadership team for the past two years (see my answer above). I’ve been a member of other groups as well; currently, I added LAHIDAN, Public Health Nutrition and Nutrition Education for the Public. Name one thing an RDN could do to benefit the dietetics profession in general. Again I say, get involved. Volunteer for the Academy, volunteer at your local Dietetic affiliate, be in the know of current changes in standards of practice, research, and policy. That is the only way that we can continue to move this profession forward! If you could have a super-power what would that be? Cleaning my house and folding laundry with the snap of my fingers!
Suzanna Faycurry, BS NSAND board member Works at: Just accepted a position with Abbott Nutrition, will be starting in June. Hobbies: Yoga, experimental cooking What do you do in the field of dietetics? Currently, I am student with about one week left in the MBA/RD coordinated program at Dominican University. Also, I am working part-time at a private practice, @FAYnutrition, until I finish school and start my full-time position at Abbott Nutrition. What's a fun fact about you? My fun fact is that I am a dual citizen of the USA and Jordan. My mom is also an RDN, and I have 4 siblings! What's your favorite dish to cook? This is always changing for me, but right now I love to cook veggie omelets with avocado and bacon. What inspired you to have a career in nutrition? I was inspired by watching my mom educate and help my dad control his T2DM without medication. Name one thing an RDN could do to benefit the dietetics profession in general. Get involved and be a preceptor to help shape the future of the profession. Instagram: @s_zanna Ali Nitti RDN, LD NSAND Treasurer-Elect Hobbies: running, exercising, cooking, baking What do you do in the field of dietetics? I am currently an inpatient Clinical Dietitian at Alexian Brothers Medical Center Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? Yes. I actually decided in high school that I wanted to pursue a career in nutrition. What inspired you to have a career in nutrition? My mom. She went and saw a dietitian for nutrition education when I was in high school. She said the RD reminded her of me and that it seemed like a job that would be a good fit for me. After that, we started researching accredited universities so I could pursue a career in this field. I enrolled in a nutrition class and really enjoyed learning about the science of food. Being an athlete in high school I enjoyed being able to learn about food as fuel and how it would affect and my performance. Where did you complete your internship? Solmaz Institute Lenoir-Rhyne University Distance Education Dietetic Internship What is your favorite memory from your career thus far? Passing the RD exam. Which area of dietetics do you like or have considered switching into that is different from your area of practice? 1:1 Nutrition coaching or corporate wellness. Are you a member of any Dietetics Practice Group (DPG) or member interest group (MIG)? Yes- I am currently a member of SCAN (Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition). What's a fun fact about you? I love to run! I have run 5 half marathons What is your favorite food? Pizza and peanut butter. What's your favorite dish to cook? I love to cook; it’s hard to pick just one! I love making homemade chili and cornbread in the fall when it starts to get cold. Instagram: @ali_gatorr We are elated to share with you our NSAND featured member of the month! Tamara Hoffman RD, LDN NSAND Treasurer Works at: AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center Hobbies: running, reading, quilting, playing with my daughter What do you do in the field of dietetics? I am a Lead RD of a hospital so my job is half management and half clinical. Where did you complete your internship? Prairie View A&M University in Texas Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? No, when I was picking a college I looked at the majors and saw Dietetics and decided that was what I would do. I really wanted to go to Harvard. What is your favorite memory from your career thus far? I worked in a small 25 bed hospital in Iowa and I did a good amount of community work. We put on this program for elementary school kids talking about healthy eating. It was so fun introducing them to things they didn’t even know they would like! Which area of dietetics do you like or have considered switching into that is different from your area of practice? Private Practice Are you a member of any Dietetics Practice Group (DPG) or member interest group (MIG)? Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG, it is AMAZING! What's your favorite dish to cook? Homemade cinnamon rolls What is your favorite food? Peanut Butter and Jelly If you could have a super-power what would that be? Teleportation so I wouldn’t have to sit in traffic! Twitter: @simpledietitian Instagram: @yoursimpledietitian Georgia Hammerli, RD, LDN NSAND’s Nominating Committee-Chair 2018-2019 Works at: Addolorata Villa as the Nutrition Care Manager for Unidine Hobbies: Walking, Fitness, Cubs, Cooking, Cemeteries, Genealogy What do you do in the field of dietetics? I jokingly say I am in “Waist Management”, but my title is “Nutrition Care Manager” for Unidine, a Food Contract Management Company. My current position is at a Senior Living Community. There, I am responsible for ensuring the menu meets all IL nutritional criteria; that the residents are on the appropriate diet and are consuming adequate p.o. intake; completing nutritional assessments; writing Care Plans. And I help to manage the Dining Staff; oversee kitchen and dining room cleanliness and that IDPH regulations are followed. Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? No, I started out in Advertising/Marketing! Changed because there were too many deadlines! What inspired you to have a career in nutrition? I was in a Culinary Arts Program and took an elective “Nutrition 101.” The instructor of the nutrition class, who was an RD, took me aside one day and told me I’d be a great Dietitian and that I should check out a local University‘s Dietetics Program. I did. The rest is history. What's a fun fact about you? A colleague and I won 1st place in the “Chopped” Competition at the 2016 IAND Spring Assembly! We had to use limited ingredients found in a community Food Pantry. We were up against 3 other Teams and won with ‘Sweet n’ Sour Chicken Meatballs over Rice Pilaf!’ What is your best advice for younger dietitians on how to network with experienced dietitians? Join your local dietetics organization; attend meetings; get involved! There is usually networking time at meetings, where you could approach other members and ask them about their career, etc. Maddie Martini, MS, RD, LD; NSAND President Elect Works at: Unidine (at Brookside Care Center in Kenosha, WI) Hobbies: I co-coordinate my local improv comedy group, the Picard Players - we practice weekly, perform quarterly, and donate all our proceeds to charitable causes. I also love to try new foods and restaurants, host themed dinner parties, riff on bad movies, and attend live theatre as often as possible. What do you do in the field of dietetics? I am currently the only RD at my 150-bed skilled nursing facility in Kenosha, WI. I see residents for nutrition assessments and follow-ups throughout the day, which includes everything from adjusting tube feeding regimens to providing nutrition education to someone heading home for the first time in months. It’s a lot of work and the caseload is high, but I enjoy it! Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? Actually, I started college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison wanting to be a choir teacher! I always loved food, but didn’t think about a career in nutrition until I attended a seminar led by an outpatient RD. The prospect of helping people find the right foods to fit their lifestyle was incredibly appealing to me (and still is)! What's a fun fact about you? Once, I (and three friends) held a 14-hour marathon of the Lord of the Rings movies (extended edition), complete with a Hobbit-style menu based off of specific scenes. Some highlights included actual Lembas bread, “Samwise Gamgee’s Coney Stew,” and “Mount Doom Cinnamon Lava Cake.” So worth it. What is your favorite food? Such a hard question! It’s a three-way tie between: fresh-from-the-garden cherry tomatoes; Vietnamese vermicelli noodle bowls called “bun” (cold noodles and vegetables with lemongrass-marinated protein and a tangy sauce to pour over top); and a dish from Renga Tei in Skokie called Salmon Oyako-don, which takes a piece of grilled salmon and places it on a bed of steamed rice with julienned cucumber, fresh salmon roe, and a slice of lemon. There’s nothing else like it! What is your favorite memory from your career thus far? Honestly, starting my career has been my favorite thing! It felt like it took forever to finally get going as an RD. Now that I have, I am enjoying just about everything. And I’m hoping to hold on to that feeling as long as possible. Name one thing an RDN could do to benefit the dietetics profession in general. The nature of the dietetics field is that the research is always shifting, so it’s important that we as professionals keep an open mind and seek out learning opportunities wherever we can find them. Then by bringing back what we learn and applying it to our own areas of practice, we can help to contribute to the notion that dietetics practitioners are essential in providing evidence-based care. Where did you complete your internship? I completed my MS+DI through Eastern Illinois University, with my clinical rotations taking place primarily at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL. Twitter: @maddiemartinird Katie Weir RD, LDN Works at: Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment Hobbies: Going to concerts, cooking, reading, traveling, fitness What do you do in the field of dietetics? I work at the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment. I provide individualized nutrition education and counseling based on a patient’s diagnosis, specific therapies, and nutritional needs. Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? I always wanted to be in the healthcare field, but I actually started my college career as a nursing major and quickly learned that nursing was not for me. After speaking with some nutrition students and professors, I knew that was the path I wanted to take. Is there a nutrition related topic you wish you knew more about? I love exercising and trying new fitness crazes and I would love to become more knowledgeable in the sports nutrition field. Where did you complete your internship? I completed my internship through Dominican University. My rotations included Alden Poplar Creek Rehab, Alexian Brothers, Medical Center, Block Center, and the Fantus Clinic at Stroger Hospital What is your favorite food? My favorite food often switches, but right now I’d have to say I love cabbage! Twitter: @katieweir_rd Instagram: @katieweir_rd We are happy to announce our Featured Student Member of the Month: Elizabeth Voyles Which DI are you enrolled in? I am currently enrolled in the combined Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietetic Internship at Northern Illinois University. I graduate in December of 2019! What inspired you to have a career in nutrition? Although I have always been interested in health and nutrition, my first undergraduate degree was actually a Bachelor of Science in Biology. It wasn't until I got married and had my first son that I really fell in love with the field of nutrition and dietetics as I taught him about the benefits of fresh, whole foods in fun and creative ways. Realizing the importance of nutrition, and the effect it has on the health of the entire family, I went back to school for a second undergraduate degree in Human Environmental Sciences (Food and Nutrition), and then onto the combined Masters and Dietetic Internship program at NIU. Now, I finally feel as if I am pursuing a career that I am truly passionate about! Is there a nutrition-related topic you wish you knew more about? I have had a few close family members who have been diagnosed with diabetes. I feel as if many patients with diabetes may have multiple misconceptions about how best to manage their disease with lifestyle changes and nutrition, and instead, often end up feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Diabetes care and education is an area that needs Registered Dietitians, and as a result, this is a topic that I look forward to learning more about. What is a fun fact about you? I was a Division I All-American in the 5,000m during my first undergraduate degree at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Although I don’t run as fast anymore, I still enjoy going for a good run. I home-brew my own Kombucha. I have my SCOBY in a big glass jar wrapped in blankets in our furnace closet! I love experimenting with different flavoring ideas and combinations. What is your best advice for young dietitians trying to balance demands of life as a dietitian, as well as demands from family or personal life? Although I am not yet a dietitian, I can relate to this question, because it is not always easy to balance being a full-time student, mother, and wife, while still remembering to take care of me. Surprisingly, I actually feel as if being a mother has made me a better student. I am more self-disciplined and better at managing my time now, than I was before I had children. Planning family meals a week in advance, setting aside specific times each day when studying or exercising works best for me and my family, and not getting upset when all of that goes haywire in the end are key to ensuring my success at juggling multiple roles! What is your favorite memory from your career thus far? During my undergraduate degree, I got to volunteer my time at Kitchfix Foods in the city for a directed professional studies course. Kitchfix creates and delivers fresh, whole foods to busy people. Their food is delicious, and the people that work there are extremely kind and generous. Name on thing an RDN can do to benefit the dietetics profession in general? RDN’s can benefit the profession of dietetics, as well as the individuals, families, and groups we serve, by advocating for topics and issues that we are passionate about. Public policy affects the health and lives of our patients and clients, but it also affects our jobs! Letting our voices be heard greatly benefits the profession of dietetics. What is your favorite food? Apples! It may seem like such a cliché response for a health conscious person, but there are so many different varieties and flavors that I never get bored with them! I usually eat two per day! 🍏🍎🍏 If you could have one super-power, what would it be? At this point in my life, the ability to get by with no sleep! Tracy Williams, Social Media Committee Works at: Mainstay/My25- contractor for menu analysis Hobbies: public speaking, freelance writing, diversity advocacy, reading nonfiction, jigsaw puzzles Did you always know you wanted to be a dietitian? I always wanted to be involved in health and wellness advocate for peers with disabilities. I started to get involved in typical nutrition education when I assisted my mom when I was young making her PowerPoint presentations for her hypertension classes at Cook County Hospital when she was a nurse practitioner in the ambulatory clinic. What is your best advice for younger dietitians on how to network with experienced dietitians? Although I am not yet a dietitian, I would say from my experience as a student that getting involved in your local dietetic group, like NSAND, is the best way to network with experienced dietitians. If you are interested in a specialty area of dietetics, you can build your network by visiting the websites of previliant dietitians in the field and pick their brain about your next ideas for your career directions. Most dietitians like to mentor the next generation of dietitians and nutrition professionals. What's a fun fact about you or your family? There is a fun fact about my family is that I have an aunt and uncle who are professional musicians with an aunt as a violinist in the Italian symphony orchestra. Her husband is a base player in the Italian orchestra pit for opera. A fun fact about me is that I stopped growing when I was twelve years old due to all of orthopedic surgeries during my young childhood. Name one thing an RDN could do to benefit the dietetics profession in general. I think dietitians can do a lot to benefit the profession by staying educated and up to date with research and trends because things are always changing! It would be great if dietitians would be involved with learning about the latest research that impacts the future of other health professions, like physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, nursing, doctors or social worker. What is your favorite food? I LOVE pizza. You can choose from a variety of toppings. I also like pasta salads as well because you choose from salad dressings and tomato sauce as well as beans, vegetables or sausages or other meat sources. Which area of dietetics do you like or have considered switching into that is different from your area of practice? I am considering to write a healthy lifestyle book for people living with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. I want to share my professional expertise as well as sharing my personal journey with other young adults who are trying to figure out how they can be healthy, whole person no matter if they have a disability or not. Where did you complete your internship (or which DI are you enrolled in - or is your first pick if not an RD or dietetics intern yet)? I have not completed a dietetic internship due to some health concerns related to my daily stamina. I am involved in the profession by doing public speaking on general nutrition topics, as well as freelance writing for a variety of websites and professional blogs for other dietitians. Seven months ago, I joined a healthy lifestyle nonprofit that support people with intellectual disabilities who live in group home settings. Our company, Mainstay/My25 provides menu analysis, recipes, and inexpensive grocery lists. You can connect with me at www.tracysplate.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracy.williams.332 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-williams-75655845/ Personal Website: www.tracysplate.com |