EXPERIENCE
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Private Practice/Consultant/Freelance
Simply Nourished | www.thesimplerd.com | Elkhorn, WI | 2016-present
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
The Wellness Pointe LLC. | www.thewellnesspointechiro.com | Elkhorn, WI | 2016-present
Consultant Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Long Term Care/Rehab
Wisconsin & Illinois Senior Housing - Holton Manor | Elkhorn, WI | 2/2017-present
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (Adaptive Sport Performance Dietitian)
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center | Milwaukee, WI | 10/2019-present
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (Clinical Dietitian - Inpatient/Outpatient/Rehab)
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center | Milwaukee, WI | 8/2016-10/2019
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (Clinical Dietitian - Inpatient/Outpatient)
Aurora Medical Center | Kenosha, WI | 10/2015-3/2016
Simply Nourished | www.thesimplerd.com | Elkhorn, WI | 2016-present
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
The Wellness Pointe LLC. | www.thewellnesspointechiro.com | Elkhorn, WI | 2016-present
- Manage internal operations of integrative chiropractic office and procedures regarding practice member care.
Consultant Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Long Term Care/Rehab
Wisconsin & Illinois Senior Housing - Holton Manor | Elkhorn, WI | 2/2017-present
- Responsible participating in menu planning following guidelines for facility license.
- Responsible for performing initial and follow-up assessments on appropriate patients/residents and demonstrating working knowledge of illness, injuries, and disease-states when providing medical nutrition therapy.
- Responsible for documenting results of patient care within established policies, procedures, and scope of practice, while maintaining consistency and accuracy in data collection and documentation.
- Responsible for developing the plan of care based on patients’/residents’ psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs.
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (Adaptive Sport Performance Dietitian)
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center | Milwaukee, WI | 10/2019-present
- Served as adaptive sport performance dietitian for the VA's National Adaptive Sports Clinic.
Integrative Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (Clinical Dietitian - Inpatient/Outpatient/Rehab)
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center | Milwaukee, WI | 8/2016-10/2019
- Responsible for planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned inpatients.
- Provided outpatient counseling sessions on an individual basis.
- Collaboratively worked with the interdisciplinary team to ensure patient’s nutrition-related needs are met via whole, nutrient-dense diet or when alternative form of nutrition managed is deemed necessary.
- Provided medical nutrition therapy and education for Veterans who have sustained a spinal cord injury participating in the SCI Inpatient Rehab Program.
- Supported the facility’s mission and coordinated care with other health care providers and Veterans and their families.
- Successfully created and implemented an interdisciplinary program (with an OTR/L) hands-on approach to learning the power of nutrition through cooking and gardening in Veterans with SCI (SCI FRESH Cooking Program [bi-monthly] and SCI Gardening Program [bi-monthly]).
- Created educational lecture for SCI/D Residents and Fellows regarding the unique nutrition needs of Veterans with SCI/D (i.e. wound healing nutrition needs, anemia/iron supplementation, alternative means of nutrition, nutrition-focused physical exam, NDD1/NDD2/NDD3 Dysphagia Diet, etc.). Additionally, presented to SCI/D Fellows on general wellness and self-care during their fellowship.
- Working to implement the use of Indirect Calorimetry (MedGem) into SCI/D clinical care including writing a SCI/D Division Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and NFS Procedure.
- Served as the chair/facilitator for the ‘Weight Measurement PDSA’ project workgroup; gathered preliminary data to identify needs, organized task group, and wrote/tracked progress of the PDSA project.
- Successfully implemented the use of the SCI/D ECU devices for Room Service Menu viewing to increase Veteran independence and ease when placing a food order through Room Service.
- Applied to the VHA Innovators Network Spark-Seed-Spread Innovation Investment Program; selected to advance to Phase 2 of Program; pitched innovation idea to Milwaukee VAMC top management.
- Conducted NFS Inpatient oral nutrition supplement (ONS) monitor for FY18 Quarter 1; created documented with data and findings; presented outcomes to Clinical Practice Meeting (NFS Management and RD/DTR staff)
- Revised the national SCI/D Nutrition Annual Evaluation tool (Annual Exam laboratory values); uploaded to National NFS Sharepoint Patient Education Handouts page.
- Selected to present on the Clinical Nutrition Subcommittee national call (April 2019) on SCI/D FRESH and Garden Programs.
- Collaborated with National SCI/D Instructional Systems Specialist (Erik Wallen) and Health System Specialist (Meaghan Park) to upload our SCI FRESH/Garden Program curriculum to the SCI Whole Health SharePoint page (“Resources for Implementing Whole Health in SCI/D”)
- Participated in a 2017 PDSA project where our team implemented the SCI/D Outpatient Medical Rehab Program
- Participated in the Clement J. Zablocki VA Mentorship Program (2017)
- Conducted Nutrition and Food Service Patient Satisfaction surveys on the SCI/D ward
- Helped to coordinate and implement the 2017 National Nutrition Month in-person cooking demonstration with Chef Justin Carlisle; served as the RD moderator/educator during event
- Served as preceptor to Mount Mary Dietetic Internship students
- Coordinated an outing with the SCI/D Recreation Therapy Department to take Veterans to a local farmers market to learn more about fresh produce, sustainability, resources, etc. (2018)
- Coordinated an outing with Occupational Therapy to take Veterans on a local grocery store tour to educate them on helpful, nutritious ways to grocery shop, how to read food labels, how to effectively purchase food in bulk, etc.
- Served as staff RD during SCI/D Wound Rounds with medical team
- Served as RD representative during 2018 National Nutrition Month event
- Committees/Workgroups: Nutrition Subcommittee (2016-2018); SCI/D Healthy Work Environment (2018-present); SCI/D Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2018-present); Employee Wellness Committee - SCI/D Department Leader (2018-present); SCI/D National RD Committee (2019-present); VA National Functional Nutrition Workgroup (2019-present)
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (Clinical Dietitian - Inpatient/Outpatient)
Aurora Medical Center | Kenosha, WI | 10/2015-3/2016
- Developed and implemented a plan of care for patients based on assessment of nutritional needs in correlation with interdisciplinary health care plans. Utilized a nutrition-focused physical exam (NFPE), clinical and laboratory data to complete assessment.
- Reviewed patient’s diet order, determined clinical appropriateness and collaborated with MD concerning patient care.
- Documented results of nutritional assessment, MNT recommended and initiated, plan of care, results of diet consultation, recommendations for discharge planning, and nutrition orders in medical record (EPIC) in a timely manner.
- Provided nutrition education through individual and group teaching to patients/families, staff and the community.
- Maintained accurate record-keeping of daily clinical activities, including information for scheduling and billing.
E D U C A T I O N
Dietetic Internship | Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital | Hines, IL 60141 | 8/2014-6/2015
Focus: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT); Research: Evaluation of outcomes of the Cooking Healthy Everyday Foods (CHEF) Program; Clinical Practice: Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Spinal Cord Injury, Geriatrics, Surgery, Renal, Parenteral/Enteral Nutrition, Ambulatory Care, Wellness, Food Service Systems Management, Clinical Nutrition Management, Home-based Primary Care, Mental Health, Geriatrics/Hospice
Additional Graduate-level Courses | University of Illinois-Chicago | 9/2014-6/2015
College of Applied Health Sciences | Chicago, IL 60612
Masters of Science – Food and Nutritional Science | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Magna Cum Laude | 1/2011-5/2014
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences | Menomonie, WI 54751
Bachelors of Science – Kinesiology | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Cum Laude | 9/2006-12/2010
College of Education and Human Sciences | Eau Claire, WI 54703
Focus: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT); Research: Evaluation of outcomes of the Cooking Healthy Everyday Foods (CHEF) Program; Clinical Practice: Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Spinal Cord Injury, Geriatrics, Surgery, Renal, Parenteral/Enteral Nutrition, Ambulatory Care, Wellness, Food Service Systems Management, Clinical Nutrition Management, Home-based Primary Care, Mental Health, Geriatrics/Hospice
Additional Graduate-level Courses | University of Illinois-Chicago | 9/2014-6/2015
College of Applied Health Sciences | Chicago, IL 60612
- Research on Clinical Nutrition Problems
- Advanced Clinical Nutrition III
Masters of Science – Food and Nutritional Science | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Magna Cum Laude | 1/2011-5/2014
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences | Menomonie, WI 54751
Bachelors of Science – Kinesiology | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Cum Laude | 9/2006-12/2010
College of Education and Human Sciences | Eau Claire, WI 54703
- Human Performance Program
L I C E N S U R E & C E R T I F I C A T I O N S
- In progress: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) – Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
- In progress: Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP)
- Mindful & Intuitive Eating Practitioner (MIEP) | 5/2019
- Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT) | 3/2019
- Registered Dietitian | Registration Number: 86026697 | Expires 5/31/2021
- Certified Dietitian | License Number: 2887-29 | Expires 10/31/2020
- Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association | Expires 9/2020
- ServSafe | National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation | License Number: 9465139 | Expires 1/2021
- TRX Suspension Training | 2011
- CrossFit Level 1 | 2010
P R O F E S S I O N A L O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
- Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA) | 2019-present
- Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP) | 2018-2019
- Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) DPG | 2017-present
- Nutrition Entrepreneurs (NE) DPG | 2016-present
- Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) DPG | 2012-present
- Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (WAND) | 2011-present
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) | 2011-present
R E S E A R C H , P U B L I C A T I O N S & S P E A K I N G E N G A G E M E N T S
- Clinical Nutrition Subcommittee (CNS) National Call | “A Hands-on Approach to Healthy Habits in SCI/D” (FRESH Cooking Class and Gardening Program) | 4/2019
- Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WAND) Conference | Innovation in Nutrition Presentation | “A Hands-on Approach to Healthy Habits in SCI/D” | 3/2019
- Expert Panel Member: “Engaging Patients and Providers in Identifying and Addressing Modifiable Risk Factors to Prevent Community-Acquired Ulcers in Veterans with SCI” Delphi Study| Edward Hines Jr. VA | 2018-2022
- Research Study - Vitamin D Status in the SCI/D Population (a retrospective chart review) | Clement J. Zablocki VAMC SCI/D Center | 2018-present
- 2018 Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP) Conference | Speaker | A Hands-on Approach to Healthy Habits in SCI | 9/2018
- Presenter: 2018 VISN 12 Hub & Spoke Conference | Integrative and Functional Approaches to Providing Nutrition Care in SCI
- Research Study | Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital | An evaluation of self-efficacy and clinical outcomes of the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital and Joliet CBOC C.H.E.F. Program | 6/2015
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Student Scoop | Make Yours an Unforgettable Internship Experience (3/2015)
- Thesis | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center | Impact of a Healthy Teaching Kitchen course versus standard nutrition education on knowledge, behavior and confidence in people with SCI/D | 5/2014
- Dunn County Newspaper | Menomonie, WI | De-flaming your diet | 11/2013
- Button, N., Dickinson, C., Krueger, S., & Meschke, A. (2010). The effects of Gatorade’s G-Series on 300-meter shuttle run times of collegiate and semi-professional athletes. The Journal of Undergraduate Kinesiology Research, 6(1), 39-45.
H O N O R S & A W A R D S
- Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM): Diversity Stipend Award | 2019
- Department of Veterans Affairs: ‘Exceptional’ rating for 2018 performance evaluation | 2018
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Award for VISN 12 2018 SCI/D Hub and Spoke Conference presentation | 2018
- Department of Veterans Affairs: ‘Exceptional’ rating for 2017 performance evaluation | 2017
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Award for creating/implementing SCI Annual Exam lunch bag program (partnership with WI-PVA) | 2017
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship | 2014
- Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetics Student (DPD) Award | 2014
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetics Student Award | 2014
- Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Bernice Mateicka Health Care Food Service Scholarship | 2014
- Phi Upsilon Omicron-Tau Chapter Professional Project, Region I Winners | 2013
- University of Wisconsin-Stout University Foundation Scholarship | 2013
- Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Jo Saunders Scholarship | 2013
- Aurora Health Care Elizabeth A. Miller Scholarship | 2012
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Arlyn W. Gravunder Kinesiology & Athletic Scholarship | 2010
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Women’s Soccer Team Captain/Team Award | 2008-2009/2008, 2009
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Student Leadership Award Nomination | 2008
O T H E R E X P E R I E N C E
Health Coach (Temporary position)
Group Health Cooperative | Altoona, WI 54720 | 5/2012-11/2012
Personal Trainer
FitELITE LLC. | Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 6/2010-10/2012
Group Health Cooperative | Altoona, WI 54720 | 5/2012-11/2012
- Planned and implemented health promotion initiatives to members (biometrics, HRAs, health coaching, follow-up, etc.).
Personal Trainer
FitELITE LLC. | Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 6/2010-10/2012
- Worked within a team environment to coordinate activities for promotional events and business opportunities.
- Created and implemented cardiovascular, resistance training and nutrition programs on an individual and group basis.
- CrossFit Level 1 Certified
- TRX Certified
A D D I T I O N A L T R A I N I N G & P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T
- University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) - Environmental Health | 5/2020
- University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) - Foundations in Integrative Health | 9/2019
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Whole Health Training - Eating for Whole Health | 1/2019
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Eating for Whole Health: Introduction to Functional Nutrition | 2018
- Institute of Functional Medicine: Integrative and Functional Medicine Online Course | 8/2018
- Institute of Functional Medicine: Clinical Solutions for Addressing the Underlying Causes of Disease | 8/2018
- Institute of Functional Medicine: Nutrition Oriented Physical Exam – N Sight | 12/2018
- Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics: Certificate of Training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition | 9/2018
- Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics: Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management | 9/2016
- Book: The Psychobiotic Revolution | 12/2018
- Regularly read the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and AND Position Papers