Letter from our President
Hello and welcome to the new year in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics calendar! I am pleased to serve as president of the Maine affiliate over the next year. The first part of my career was spent as a clinical dietitian; I then moved to Maine to work as a faculty member in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Maine. I am currently serving as Associate Dean for Instruction in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. I have enjoyed participating on the MAND Board over the years and appreciate those who have mentored me there.
We have many talented and experienced nutrition and dietetics professionals working in Maine. I am grateful to those who have chosen to participate in the MAND Board to help further the recognition of nutrition and dietetic practice in the state. We welcome Jennifer Spann to the MAND Board as our Student Representative, Kayla Parsons as Public Policy Coordinator, Rebecca MacLean as our State Policy Representative on the MAND Public Policy Panel, Jade McNamara as our Conference Committee Chair, and continuing Board members who are taking on new roles- Ria Saunders, Kristine Kittridge, Sarah Gilbert, Pat Watson, and Mona Therrien. I look forward to collaborating as a group. Thank you to Mona Therrien for her excellent leadership as MAND President this past year!
The MAND Board met on June 10 for our Transition Meeting. We are excited about our priorities for the coming year:
FNCE- For those attending FNCE in Orlando this October, we plan to organize an informal social event for MAND members and FNCE attendees with a Maine connection. Watch for more information to come in an e-blast.
Strategic Planning- We are looking for a MAND member or two to join us in strategic planning over the coming year. The perspective of someone who is not serving on the MAND Board will be valuable in helping to determine our future goals and priorities.
The Public Policy Panel is planning to provide feedback as part of the rule-making process for Maine’s Dietetic Licensure Law. We are taking advantage of Academy resources and supports regarding dietetic licensure.
The Communications Committee is making ongoing improvements to our website to provide members with helpful information and resources (eatrightmaine.org).
The Conference Committee has already begun planning for our MAND spring conference.
Identifying an IDEA Liaison- we plan join the Academy’s initiative on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access by naming an IDEA Liaison to our Board. We are interested in increasing our conversation and actions around the issues.
Stay tuned, and feel free to reach out if you are interested in being involved in a small or large way with MAND this year- mainepresident@gmail.com.
Best wishes,
Sue Sullivan, DSc, RD
President Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2022-2023
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JADE MCNAMARA
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 your favorite things about your job?
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.
MAND Board 2022-2023
MAND is proud to welcome the new board for June 1, 2022- June 30, 2023!
There are twenty-five MAND members who contribute to fulfilling the mission and vision of MAND by participating on the executive board, on committees, or as advisors. We welcome those who are new or entering a new position. Our appreciation goes out to those who volunteered their time and expertise in the past year. It takes our combined efforts to make it happen.
We are still looking for someone to join the nominating and awards committee. In this position you help to match open board positions with interested members and facilitate the annual awards to outstanding MAND members.
For more information about opportunities for volunteer leadership positions with MAND click here.
MAND Strategic Planning Taskforce – Volunteers Needed
MAND is starting a deep dive strategic planning process and is looking for 4-6 volunteers to help. No experience is necessary; a facilitator will lead the process. See details about the expectations and process below, and if you are interested, please complete this form.
Expectations:
Complete post call work by the deadline (usually 1 week prior to the next call)
Attend taskforce calls – monthly for 1 hour for 10-12 months
Be engaged on calls and participate in active brainstorming activities
Keep an open mind to all ideas and create a supportive environment for brainstorming for everyone
Be welcoming and inclusive to fellow volunteers
Attend a full day brainstorming session towards the end of the process (goal is in conjunction with the annual conference)
Process:
Analyze the current mission and vision of MAND – deep dive into why the organization exists
Identify the current situation of the organization and potential obstacles
Complete an environmental scan – engage with key stakeholders to understand their perception and expectations of MAND
Consolidate data and evaluate current resources and limitations
Participate in a full day brainstorming exercise where ideas are refined and categorized to identify trends and establish priorities
Finalize plan and make recommendations for implementation to present to the MAND Board of Directors
MAND Updates
New website section: Student Member Resources
MAND launched a new member only section of the website specifically designed for students. This section helps students navigate the many resources of interest to anyone studying, planning, or just starting a career in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
You become a student member of MAND when you join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the student category and choose “Maine” as you state affiliate.
Passing of Virginia Jordan
Virginia Jordan was the first in Maine to obtain a dietetic license! Virginia passed away on July 12, 2022; her obituary can be viewed here. She was known to never miss a MAND conference and was truly a consummate professional and avid life-long learner.—Katie Hoffman
MAND Member Book Releases!
“How Big Food Will End Hunger and Can Save the Planet. A Roadmap for Transforming the World's Food System” by Laurie Copithorne. Release date: 8/10/2022
“Berries and Berry Bioactive Compounds in Promoting Health” was edited by fellow MAND member Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, MS, PhD, FACN and has been published. Click here for more information.
If you are a MAND member and have news or information to share with other MAND members, consider submitting it for inclusion in the next newsletter. All submissions can be entered here.
What’s New: The Academy
FNCE 2022
FNCE will be held in person this year in Orlando Florida from October 8th – 11th. Early bird registration through August 26th. Click here to learn more.
Live August 18 Webinar: Advances in Wound Care
An August 18 live webinar will focus on evidence-based recommendations for prevention and treatment of wounds. Click here to learn more.
National Breastfeeding Month Resources
New print, eBook and recorded CPE resources are available from the Academy throughout National Breastfeeding Month in August. Learn More
Nominations for 2023 Election
The Nominating Committee is seeking leaders with proven skills and vision to further the nutrition and dietetics profession. Nominations for president-elect, speaker-elect and treasurer-elect in the Academy's 2023 national election are due by September 2.
Nominations for all other positions are due by October 24. Self-nomination is encouraged. Use the election social media toolkit to spread the word: Download and share graphics to your social media pages to encourage your peers to nominate themselves or other visionary leaders. Learn More
Significant Victory: Global Malnutrition Composite Score Accepted In CMS’ Quality Program
In a significant victory for the Academy and for registered dietitian nutritionists, the Global Malnutrition Composite Score has been accepted in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ quality program. The groundbreaking GMCS measure is the first nutrition-focused quality measure to be included in the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program in the fiscal year 2023 Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule. The GMCS incentivizes screening all older adults for malnutrition risk at hospital admission; assessing those found to be malnourished or at risk; documenting diagnosed malnutrition; and developing a nutrition care plan with implementing intervention and treatment. Academy members can learn more by registering for the Quarterly Spotlight on Malnutrition webinar.
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