Member Spotlights
Laurie Curry Copithorne
Winter 2024
Tell us about yourself!
I’m originally from Toronto, Canada and ended up in Maine about eight years ago. I’m living in Blue Hill with my husband and teenage daughter, and I’ve got to say living by the ocean is awesome. People often ask me how I went from a city of almost 3 million to a small fishing village of 1,200! I tell them to come check it out for themselves! Like many of you, I entered the world of food and nutrition in search of a ‘meaningful’ career. I really wanted to make a difference and be a credible voice for nutrition. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to do just that – making positive changes for consumers through things like product innovation and advocating for better food regulations. I even led the charge on making anaphylaxis a household name globally, working with industry, government, and families to make our food supply safer and healthier.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I’ve been a registered dietitian for over three decades, working in agriculture, food, nutrition, and health. I’m the founder of Food For Health, LLC, where I help food companies become leaders in health and wellness. My favorite part is helping them plan for a more affordable, accessible, nutritious, and sustainable food supply. And, during Covid-19 lockdown, I became a first-time author with a book called “How Big Food Will End Hunger and Can Save the Planet. A Roadmap for Transforming the World’s Food System.”
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
Absolutely! I got some great advice when I first started out about the importance of ‘giving back’ to the profession. I took it to heart and have been an actively volunteering in the profession ever since. Before moving to the U.S., I chaired and was an honorary patron for both the Dietitians of Canada and the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research. In 2017, I was recognized for my career and contributions to the profession by being named a Fellow of Dietitians of Canada. Since arriving in Maine in 2015, I have served on the MAND Board twice, and I’m currently the President-Elect.
What is your favorite food?
Hands down, nothing beats a Maine lobster roll – can’t get enough of those!
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
Swimming (ocean and pool), cycling, skiing, hot yoga, hiking, cooking, reading, board games, and my daughter got me hooked on Wordle and now Connections on The New York Times daily puzzles.
Emma Denbow
Winter 2024
Emma is a student in the University of Maine MS/DI program and will be graduating this Spring. She is originally from Harrington, Maine. Get to know Emma in this student spotlight!
What made you decide to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics?
When I began my undergraduate degree in 2018, I was confident that I wanted to study nursing… and then biology… and then health science. I actually changed my major three times and transferred colleges twice before finding myself in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at the University of Maine. I love fitness and being active and I have always had an interest in the role nutrition plays in human health. Additionally, I've always seen myself working in healthcare in some capacity. Nutrition and dietetics combined these interests and ended up being the perfect career path for me.
What has been your favorite course you've taken?
The course was called Lipids, Diet, and Cardiovascular Disease. It was a very challenging course that I took during my first semester of graduate school. I learned a lot from it!
What has been your favorite internship experience?
I definitely gravitated toward my clinical rotations. I loved so many of my interactions with patients and found a lot of value in being able to apply the concepts I learned in class to real-life scenarios. It was really cool to witness the difference a clinical nutrition team can make during a patient’s admission.
What is your dream job in the field of dietetics?
I would like to spend some time working in a hospital as a clinical dietitian - when I chose to study nutrition, this was the route I was most interested in and my experiences during the internship validated that. I’m specifically interested in renal dietetics and I would love to take my career in that direction in the future.
What do you like to do outside of school? What are your favorite hobbies?
I love to do a lot of different things - running, hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing (although I’m not very good at it), reading, crocheting, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with my cat (her name is Rosie).
What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing an education in nutrition and dietetics?
Do it! There are so many directions you can take your career with an education in this field. I’m very grateful that I chose this major!
Leigh Neptune
Summer 2023
Tell us about yourself!
I am a Registered Dietitian and PhD student studying Food and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Maine. During my first year as a dietitian I worked in a clinical inpatient setting at Maine Medical Center while continuing my graduate studies. This fall I will be co-teaching the introductory nutrition course at the University of Maine with my friend and colleague, Kayla Parsons. After my doctoral studies, my hope is to become a professor and researcher in a university setting where I can continue to generate meaningful contributions to nutrition sciences and serve as an educator and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
One of my favorite things about being involved with research is that I have the opportunity to pursue areas of study that are both interesting to me and can lead to meaningful change in policy and practice. My research areas thus far have been focused on serving populations vulnerable to poor health outcomes including college students, the LGBTQ+ community, and low-income perinatal individuals. The ability to support equitable access to information and resources to promote health is a major driver for me to continue working in a research setting.
What are current research projects you are working on?
My current research is a USDA funded project that is focused on the development and implementation of a web-based program to support the physical and mental health of low-income perinatal individuals living in rural Maine. We’ve used Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methodologies to do this, which means that we’ve had community members involved in every step of the process. Using this methodology has been extremely rewarding and has helped us to create a pilot program that is not only reliable but also relevant to the needs of our target population.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
I have been a student at the University of Maine for over a decade now and I have had a wonderful experience. The faculty in the nutrition department are very invested in the success of their students. There is also a wide array of expertise and areas of study, which is an inspiring atmosphere to be able to work in. Additionally, I am from the Penobscot Nation, so I feel wholly connected to this area, as my family and community have been here for generations. I hope to continue to practice here after my doctoral studies so that I can stay connected to both my academic and cultural communities.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I love creating art and music. I make handmade beaded earrings which you can find online or at local craft fairs. I also enjoy hiking, yoga, watching netflix, cooking delicious vegan meals, playing with my bunny, and spending time with my friends and family!
What is your favorite food?
I have a lot of favorite foods, but in the summer I would say honey mangoes!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
My advice would be to explore all the avenues of dietetics. When I began my nutrition studies, research was not on my radar at all, but once I was exposed to it I quickly became invested in honing my skills and pursuing research as a career. There are so many areas out there that dietitians can work in, so take the time to look into as many as you can and find a setting that inspires you.
Jane Sylvestre
Spring 2023
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jane Sylvestre and I am a registered dietitian. Two years ago, my husband and I built our dream home on Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, Maine, where we enjoy the natural beauty and year-round opportunities for outdoor activities. I particularly enjoy skiing (both downhill and cross country) during the winter and kayaking and running in the summer. I have even completed eight marathons, one of which I ran with a patient who had lost 100 pounds, and I frequently participate in 5Ks with my patients.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
As a dietitian with over 30 years of experience, I have specialized in bariatric surgery for the last 14 years. I work virtually full-time for a bariatric practice and maintain my own virtual private practice on Fridays. I find my work very rewarding, as I play a crucial role in helping patients live healthier and more active lives. I make sure that my patients understand how to change their lifestyles so that their weight loss lasts a lifetime. Currently, I am also pursuing a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) through Rutgers University, which I hope to complete by the summer of 2025. My goal is to become a professor of nutrition.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
I landed in Maine because of my love for staying active and have been a member of the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) since I moved here. I immediately added my name to the MAND ballot and was honored to become a member of the nominating and awards committee. Through this position, I have met many inspiring dietitians and am excited to chair the committee next year.
What is your favorite food?
Indian cuisine!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
If you are a new dietitian, a dietetic intern, or a student, my advice is to get involved! Joining the board of the academy and becoming active in dietetic practice groups can help you make valuable connections with other professionals. If you're interested in joining the MAND board for the 2024-2025 term, please feel free to contact me at janelsylvestre@gmail.com or call me at 401-286-2015. I'd love to chat with you about the positions that will be coming available.
Heather Healy
Winter 2023
Tell us about yourself!
I grew up in NH and have lived in 4 of the 6 New England States. I've lived in Eliot for 9 years with my husband, stepdaughter, and crazy Airedale terrier Izzie. A dietitian for 27 years, I've spent 25 in federal government within the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Justice, Agriculture and currently with Health and Human Services (HHS). I love going to FNCE with one of my best friends with whom I shared an office during my first position as an RDN– at a WIC agency in Somerville, MA. WIC is a great place to learn effective counseling skills and they provide many educational opportunities for RDNs. I highly recommend WIC to new grads.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
Working with HHS in the Division of Regional Operations in Boston, I've helped administer scholarship and loan repayment programs for health professionals in New England. This position has afforded me the opportunity to travel across ME and NH visiting primary care, dental and mental health centers. I feel so lucky to have seen so much of this beautiful state, from the tippity top in Fort Kent and Madawaska to the most eastern points in Eastport and Lubec. I imagine I've seen more of ME than someone who has been here all their lives.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
I actually work in Boston, MA, but my position is 80% remote. I get to work snug in my southern ME home. We chose to move to Maine as it's very commutable, affordable, and I can continue to add to my garden as we are fortunate to have more land here too. We also love the lifestyle and vibe of Maine!
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
Ocean swimming, gardening and reading.
What is your favorite food?
It's winter so I'm thinking about warm, cozy meals that are rich and filling, but ask me in summer and it would be berries and watermelon.
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
Stay in touch with former professors and employers, you never know where those relationships may lead. I got my first job in government by sending holiday cards to VA staff who I had interned with; they knew how to get in touch with me and when a job opportunity opened up, they thought of me. Get involved; I've volunteered in MA and with MAND– you get to meet great dietitians, gain new experience, and garner skills that can help your career trajectory. Enjoy it, your RDN career can change directions and take new roads, we've got smart skills that can take us places!
Jeanne Reilly
Fall 2022
Tell us about yourself!
I have worked in the food & nutrition field for nearly 40 years! My career spans working in a clinical hospital setting, the Women Infants & Children program, and long-term care as both a Diet Tech and Director of Food & Nutrition. I found my true passion & my community working in school nutrition as a Director of School Nutrition. I enjoy the varied work responsibilities, the opportunity to engage families, to work at marketing school meals & healthful eating, and for training & building up others within the school nutrition community. I am passionate about Feeding the Future, about advocating for Healthy School Meals for All, building up the next generation of School Nutrition leaders, and also about marketing and changing the perception of school meals through social media. I was most recently award the Outstanding Nutrition & Dietetics Technician, Registered Award by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics for my innovative work in school nutrition, my commitment to building up new leaders and nutrition professionals through trainings, webinars, and mentoring, for being a co-administrator on TIPS for School Meals that Rock, as well as my work advocating for healthy school meals for all.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I love School Nutrition because you have the opportunity to influence the eating habits of children; I truly believe that we are feeding the future! I love how school nutrition programs can influence not only how children eat and their relationship with food but their families’ as well! In the district where I work, we make an effort to incorporate farm to school in classroom cooking experiences, sharing recipes & strategies with families as well. In March, we have a month-long celebration for National Nutrition Month that we call "Eat Your Way Through the Alphabet." From March 1 through March 31, we eat fruits & vegetables, A - Z, in all of our cafeterias. As part of this month-long event, we send home recipes, and offer cooking tips and nutrition information on all of the featured menu items. Every year, families comment or email that their child loved the _____ and can they have the recipe that we used or thank us for introducing their children to new foods. I really love this month-long event and how it highlights the best of school nutrition and how we are changing the relationship that children have with food and #FeedingTheFuture.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
I moved to Maine from New Jersey when I was 10 years old. I fell in love with Southern Maine and it quickly became home. Though I have worked in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York & Florida, I eventually came back "home.” I continue to reside in Kennebunk Maine, with my husband, and I also care for my nearly 99 year old mother (she'll be 99 in December), who lives with us.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
Hiking, photography and spending time with my family, including my 6 grandchildren!
What is your favorite food?
I LOVE roasted vegetables and fresh swordfish and scallops! My favorite dessert is probably really good ice cream. Truly - any meal I enjoy with friends & family that I love!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
I do! It took me a while to realize or learn this, but:
-
Find mentors & cultivate & maintain those relationships
-
Find your community
-
Build relationships with others within your field of practice, but also in other fields of practice
-
Find your passion (after working in hospitals, for WIC, in Long Term Care I finally found my passion in School Nutrition)
-
Accept Challenges & stretch your boundaries. Be willing to say "yes!”
-
Become involved in associations such as MAND, AND, and dietetic practice groups!
Jade Mcnamara
Summer 2022
Tell us about yourself!
My family and I moved to Maine in 2018 when I started work at the University of Maine as an Assistant Professor of Nutrition in the School of Food and Agriculture. My research and teaching are focused on community nutrition, evidence-program development, and lifestyle interventions. I attended West Virginia University for my undergraduate and Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. I then completed my PhD and Dietetic Internship at the University of Rhode Island. I currently live in Hermon with my husband and two kids, Finn and Poppy!
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I absolutely love my job because it’s the perfect combination of research and teaching! My favorite part is working with and mentoring students. I love teaching students about the research process, guiding them through how to investigate questions surrounding health, and getting them involved in publishing research abstracts and articles. A huge part of my job is collaborating with different organizations and experts in fields connected to nutrition and health, and that is something that is also really fun and enriching.
What are current research projects you are working on?
Currently, I have grants funded that focus on improving health-related quality of life and healthful eating across different lifespans. One in particular is a partnership with the Maine Farm to School Network. We received NIFA-USDA funding to start a Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute, which we will be kicking off this summer with a 3-day academy at the Ecology School in Saco, ME. Other projects I currently have funded through the USDA include an online web-based program for women who are pregnant/postpartum, and another is focused on improving the health status of college students using a texting program coupled with cooking classes.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
My husband and I hadn’t spent much time in Maine before we moved, but have really enjoyed living here. The University of Maine is great fit for my research because it is a land grant university and it’s big enough to have a wide range of experts in different fields to call on, but also small enough to from meaningful collaborations.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I am in full “mom mode”. My two kids are 1 and 3 years old, and they keep me very busy! On the weekends we like to go explore coastal towns in Maine, go on walks and hikes, and relax (as much as they will let me).
What is your favorite food?
Hard to choose, I would have to say crab legs, but I really love all seafood. I also really enjoy cheesecake!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
I think it’s really important to get to know your professors and instructors! Getting connected into the program and building relationships will help you in the long run when applying for internships and looking for jobs.
Jenny Maynard
Winter 2022
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jenny Maynard and I have been a registered dietitian for 12 years. I was born and raised here in Maine– I attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst for my undergraduate work and my dietetic internship. I currently work full-time at the Cedars, a long-term care/rehabilitation center in Portland, Maine. I also work as a consultant dietitian for an assisted living facility and a local group home. I reside in Windham with my husband and our two kiddos– a 3 year-old son and 7 month old daughter who keep us very busy!
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
My favorite things about my job in long-term care is the continuity of care and the relationships I have built with the residents and their families; some of my residents have been here since I started 12 years ago! I also work with a great interdisciplinary team which makes my job even more enjoyable and successful. I also thoroughly enjoy working with seniors- they have so much to offer and I have learned as much from them as I’m sure they have learned from me.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
I returned to Maine after I completed my dietetic internship as my family and boyfriend/now husband lived here. I also couldn’t think of a better place to raise a family– Maine has a lot to offer!
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
I enjoy cooking, hiking, exploring the local area with my kids, running, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
What is your favorite food?
Homemade bread and all different kinds of cheese!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
Be open to job opportunities in different settings/areas and gain as much experience as you can from the get-go. I spent some time working in a hospital right after my internship which provided great clinical experience that I still reference today. Also– don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help– we are all always learning in this profession.
Sarah Gilbert, MS, RD, LD
Fall 2021
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Sarah Gilbert and I've been an RD for just over 5 years. I'm originally from northern Virginia but have lived/worked in North and South Carolina before coming to Maine in 2019. I'm currently a renal dietitian covering 2 dialysis units in Biddeford and Bath, but have held other roles in the clinical setting and will be starting a role as an adjunct faculty with UNE soon. I completed my BS at Radford University in 2015 followed by my internship in South Carolina in 2016. I also completed my Master's online with Arizona State University. I live in southern Maine with my 3 year old daughter and a 13 year dachshund mixed dog.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
One of my favorite things about my current job as a renal dietitian is building a relationship with the patients. Whether they are on dialysis for a few months or years, you see them all the time and really get to know them. This relationship is so helpful as I can tailor the education to fit their individual needs. I also love being a part of a strong interdisciplinary team; the RD plays an important role with the RN, social worker, and MD and helps with not just dietary education but with bone mineral management (adjusting vitamin D, phosphorus binders, etc.), among other things. It truly is a team effort to provide the best care for the patient.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
After living in the south for so long, I missed having 4 seasons, even the snow. I came to Maine not just for the weather, but the abundance of different opportunities for me and my daughter.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
Some of my hobbies include going to the beach, walking and exploring the area with my daughter and dog, shopping, and cooking.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza! Any and all kinds!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
My advice would be to give every area of work a shot; you never know what you truly have a passion for until you try it. I didn't think I would like being a renal dietitian but I gave it a shot and I truly love working with this group of patients.
Susan Sullivan, DSC, RD
Summer 2021
Tell us about yourself! What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I have been a registered dietitian for 37 years (yikes!), first working as a clinical dietitian at Massachusetts General Hospital, then earning my doctoral degree in Nutrition from Boston University, and moving to Maine to work at the University of Maine. My first position at UM involved being Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics and teaching nutrition courses to dietetics students. More recently, I have added administrative roles to my career including Associate Director of the School of Food and Agriculture and, starting in August, I will be the Associate Dean of Instruction for the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture at UMaine. Aspects of dietetics that I have particularly enjoyed have been- critical care nutrition (for the intellectual challenge), one-on-one counseling (for the joy of the helping relationship), working in hospitals (for the collegiality), and teaching and advising nutrition and dietetics students (their enthusiasm is energizing). Skills gained in nutrition counseling translate well to advising students. I also enjoy working on teams to achieve common goals, whatever the setting.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
Maine has been a great place to live, work and raise my two children. I appreciate the natural beauty and down-to-earth lifestyle. I have been impressed by the dietetics community in Maine and, in particular, the Board members of the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. There are, and have been, many talented and hard-working leaders advocating for the profession and offering opportunities to MAND members for continuing education and networking. As I start my term as president-elect of MAND, I will keep in mind lessons learned from excellent MAND leaders, current and past. We should still mention the name Katherine Musgrave once in a while; I was on the Board during one of her two terms as president.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
I love to eat and I love to be outdoors. So, my favorite memories often involve eating outdoors. I once had an excellent dinner while traveling by train across Alaska; it doesn’t get much better than that!
What is your favorite food?
Watermelon
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
I like to encourage students in our nutrition and dietetics program to talk with doctors in their future careers. Our ability to make nutrition recommendations for patients is enhanced by learning from doctors and understanding their medical perspective. Increasing awareness among doctors of our skills and practice is critical as well. Also, I advise students to keep current on the scientific literature related to their practice area; evidence-based practice is the fundament– client-centered care is the finesse. Best wishes for future career success!
Kay Mullin
Spring 2021
Tell us about yourself!
I currently live in Cumberland, Maine and work in outpatient Pediatrics at Maine Medical
Center. I am a University of Maine graduate and have been practicing as a dietitian and certified diabetes educator for almost 30 years. Personally I live a really active Maine lifestyle loving my outdoor activities with friends and family. We live in an amazing place!
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I love working with families on a nutrition plan that maximizes the health of their child. I currently support all of our pediatric specialty care practices at MMP Pediatric Specialty Clinics so every day and every child has a new and different need. It keeps me on my toes and I learn every day from my professional colleagues and patients.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
I love walking with my family and dog on the beautiful trails we have here in Southern Maine. Walking in the woods is my happy place.
What is your favorite food?
Honest answer: dark chocolate; dietitian answer: roasted Brussel sprouts.
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns, or students?
I think the most amazing thing about being a dietitian is that you can choose to constantly learn. Our background and education gives us a strong foundation to change directions and learn new things. Don’t be afraid to change jobs or directions to keep your brain and career fresh.
Patsy Catsos
Fall 2020
Tell us about yourself!
I am a nutrition consultant, educator, and writer. In Maine, most people know me as a dietitian in private practice, seeing patients at Nutrition Works in Portland. I’m also the author of several books about FODMAPs and IBS, most recently The IBS Elimination Diet and Cookbook, and I've enjoyed teaching other health care providers about implementing low FODMAP diets with patients who have IBS, IBD, and other gastroenterology problems. As a consultant, I’ve also had various jobs over the years for corporate clients, most recently as an advisor and nutrition consultant to ModifyFoods LLC, where I’ve been involved in development of their low-FODMAP recipes and clinical program.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
Undoubtedly, the most rewarding part of my job at Nutrition Works is working closely with my private clients to help them manage their GI symptoms. What a great feeling it is to hear that patients are enjoying their food and their lives more fully! I also love working as a consultant, which provides a great deal of self-determination, variety, and flexibility.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
As a 30-year Maine resident, Maine is where my heart is. Although in pre-COVID days my work often took me around the country, even around the world, nothing feels better than coming home.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
Get-togethers with family, both near and far, are the highlights of my life. My husband, Paul, and I usually have plans in progress for fresh-air meetups to outsmart COVID and spend time with the people we love. On a day-to-day basis, I can be found cooking, gardening, reading, and especially walking and training the 2-year old dog we recently adopted.
What is your favorite food?
The meal I’ve had on repeat lately is an electric pressure cooker Thai-inspired sweet potato peanut curry.
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns or students?
Don’t try to do everything all at once; life happens in series! Allow your future to reveal itself even as it seems at times to meander. Give each job, even humble ones, 110%. Each job, each hobby, each volunteer opportunity, each client, each child you raise, each time you say “yes” to something outside your comfort zone, shapes you and prepares you for the next. When you look back someday, I hope you’ll be able to see how each experience and relationship led to others that were even richer and more meaningful than the ones you expected.
MAND Advocacy - COVID-19's Impact on Dietetics
Watch the videos below to get a glimpse of everything we do!
March 2020
Private Practice with Patsy Catsos
School Nutrition - Mary Emmerson
Outpatient Counseling - Kay Mullin
Community Nutrition - Kate Yerxa & Alex Gayton
Nutrition Education &Training - Eileen Molloy & Mona Therrien
Mona Therrien
Summer 2020
Tell us about yourself!
I am originally from New Brunswick, Canada– this is where I completed my undergraduate in human nutrition and my dietetic internship. I was one of the first classes to graduate from a cooperative internship in 1991. I moved to Maine in 1996 and began my career as a dietitian in the US. I have been in numerous roles through the years, from Foodservice Director to Renal Dietitian to Clinical Nutrition Manager and Diabetes Program Coordinator, finally coming to UMaine as faculty in 2013. Since 2018, I have been the Director of the dietetic internship at UMaine. I hold a MS in business from Husson University and a Doctorate in clinical nutrition from Rutgers. I have two daughters that are studying at U-Maine; one is a senior studying nursing and the other is a sophomore studying finance. I have been living in Old Town since 2009 and I am now experiencing empty nest syndrome for the first time! My partner and I split our time between two homes in Old Town and Brewer. I also have two wonderful cats that keep me entertained.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
My favorite part of being the internship director at UMaine is the opportunity to mentor students and interns and help them become professionals in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Seeing their enthusiasm and dedication to learning keeps me motivated to grow and learn, even as a seasoned practitioner. I find that I learn as much from my students as they do from me. I am also extremely lucky to be able to work with wonderful preceptors and clinical coordinators; whether my interns are completing clinical, foodservice management, or community rotations, I am constantly amazed by the quality of the experiences provided at their sites. Preceptors work tirelessly to ensure interns get the best education and training possible.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
I chose to practice in Maine because of the people of Maine. Whether I am working with patients or clients, interns, students, or preceptors, everyone is respectful and kind. I continue to feel very passionate about working in this state. The University of Maine provides the perfect environment for me to feel like I am servicing the state through teaching students or training interns.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I enjoy gardening, biking, working out at the gym, and cooking for friends and family. I also enjoy camping and spending time at the beach in the summer. Another passion of mine is traveling– I hope to be able to continue travel in the future.
What is your favorite food?
Pasta!
Do you have any advice for new dietitians, dietetic interns or students?
Take advantage of every learning opportunity that is provided for you- attend webinars, conferences, trainings, and never stop learning– you have to stretch yourself to grow. Additionally, learn about topics outside of the profession such as art, music, and history; nourish the soul as well as the mind.
Kristine Kittridge, MS, RD, LD
Spring 2020
Tell us about yourself!
I live in Lewiston but grew up in Orono (where I attended pre-K through grad school!) and I work at Maine Medical Center as an inpatient clinical dietitian. I enjoy volunteering; outside of MAND, I also serve on the board of YWCA Central Maine here in Lewiston, as well as on the Lewiston Planning Board. When not working or volunteering, I like trying new recipes, supporting local restaurants and breweries, and spending time with friends and family at our family camp on Alamoosook lake in Orland, ME.
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I really love working with complex inpatient medical situations, so working at Maine Medical Center I always have new opportunities to challenge myself and grow as a practitioner. The team supports our ongoing education as a department into what the newest research and professional recommendations suggest guiding our practice, and I enjoy that there is the opportunity to do research to improve standards and practices in our field.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
For me, it was an easy decision because I grew up here and I'm close with my family. I also really enjoy all that Maine has to offer in terms of the environment (beaches, mountains, lots of green space, seasons).
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
I like cooking and baking, making homemade mead (and beer sometimes), wine tasting, reading, listening to podcasts/audiobooks, and watching reality television and documentaries.
What is your favorite food?
Probably pizza. It's a perfect combination of bread and cheese, and the versatility means it's never boring. If I had to pick a specific kind, I'd say Greek pizza because I've loved olives since I was little.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with new dietitians, dietetic interns or students?
It's okay if you're not sure exactly what area you'd like to practice in. When I graduated, I was still interested in a lot of different areas of the field of dietetics, and spent the first 3-4 years trying different jobs to get a feel for what was the right fit for me (I"m really lucky that things kind of fell into place in terms of opportunities and where I lived). When I started my internship I proudly proclaimed I would never be an inpatient RD, and then after trying inpatient, outpatient, health coaching, and community/public health, I was able to confidently say that inpatient clinical work is what I'm most passionate about. Also, getting involved with MAND and the AND early on into your career, or while you are a student, is a great way to open doors and have opportunities for networking and learning from RDs from a variety of backgrounds.
Mackenzie Clapp, MS, BS, RD, LD
Winter 2020
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in Maine. I attended Simmons University in Boston for my undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and then returned home to Maine for my graduate studies and dietetic internship at the University of Maine. I have been an RD for almost two years now and have spent most of that time working in the field of employee wellness; I also recently started a part-time position in the clinical field. I currently live in Searsport with my partner and our cat, Louie!
What are some of the favorite things about your current job(s)?
I love having one-on-one time with clients (whether in-person or virtually!) and being able to discuss their specific needs, questions, and goals. I also enjoy using the technique of Motivational Interviewing when working with clients, as it helps them build the self-efficacy they need in order to take small steps toward their goals and dreams. Hearing what motivates and inspires people toward their goals is what makes working in the health and wellness field exciting for me.
Why did you choose to practice in Maine?
Being from Maine originally and having left the state for college, I came to the realization that I love Maine and wanted to stay here! I love the sense of community here, as well as the beauty of nature that is right outside my door.
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you’re not working?
On the side, I am also a yoga instructor– yoga is one of my favorite activities for the body, mind, and spirit. I also love to cook and bake at home, walk outside when I get the chance, and sing whenever possible!
What is your favorite food?
All-time favorite would have to be spaghetti with marinara sauce and parmesan. Close runners-up are peaches, raspberries, sautéed garlicky kale, and a good burrito.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with new dietitians, dietetic interns or students?
To dietetic interns especially – don’t be afraid to ask for help! The internship is so worthwhile and an amazing learning opportunity, but can also feel stressful and overwhelming while you’re in it. Don’t be afraid to ask your preceptor lots of questions, connect with other dietitians who have been through the same process to ask for advice, and have a chat with your internship director if you are having any problems with a rotation. You don’t need to keep these things to yourself – there is a lot of support to be found in the dietetics community!
