Letter from our President
Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying winter in Maine!
Our MAND Board has made great strides in the past several months. Congratulations to our Public Policy Panel who, under the capable leadership of Kayla Parsons, completed and submitted to the Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice in Maine a set of revisions and updates to the Rules for Licensing of Dietetic Practice that accompany the dietetic licensure law. The Rules had not been updated in many years (the American Dietetic Association is featured). MAND accomplished this work on behalf of all registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians, registered in the state of Maine. All the Public Policy members were very committed to this task. Job well-done!
Since the last newsletter, MAND sent a letter to all 185+ new state legislators in Maine welcoming them and providing information on our organization and profession.
Meanwhile, the Conference Planning Committee and Sponsorship Chair are hard at work planning the spring conference. The Nominating and Awards Committee is working on filling open board positions and soliciting nominations for the affiliate awards and student scholarships. We held our first Foodies Forum networking event in Portland and will hold the second in Bangor on February 9. The Communications Chair and committee members keep our website up-to-date and inform members about opportunities and events. Thanks to them for their diligence.
It is a pleasure to have a front row seat for all the great work being done through the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. I am proud of the board members who are volunteering on such productive and helpful tasks!
MAND currently works with Academy Affiliate Services to support our board members’ work. We are grateful for Rachel Kelleher and Carrie Kiley’s work on behalf of MAND and support for our Board. If you are considering joining our Board, now is a good time to do that with the support of Affiliate Services increasing our productivity and making lighter work for us all.
To MAND members - thank you for being a MAND member and for your support of the profession. We hope you will continue to join in as you are able.
Best wishes,
Sue Sullivan, DSc, RD
President, Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2022-2023
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: HEATHER HEALY
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!
MAND Spring Conference 2023
Friday, April 28th, 2023- The Hilton Garden Inn- Freeport, Maine
Nourishing Nutrition Professionals
Click here to register! Reduced price MAND member benefit includes the conference and lunch!
MAND Member (or supporter member) | $30.00 |
MAND Student or Retired Member | $15.00 |
Non-member | $75.00 |
Student Non-member | $30.00 |
Conference Agenda:
7:15 – 8:00 AM Check-in and light breakfast available
7:45 – 8:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:00 – 9:00 Culture Focused Nutrition Jasmine Westbrooks MS, RDN, LDN, CDES & Ashley Carter RDN, LDN
9:00 – 10:00 Tackling Nutrition in the National Football League Oluremi Famodu-Jackson PHD, RDN, CSSD
10:00 – 10:15 Break and Networking
10:15 - 11:15 Population Health Management: Integrating Clinical with Community Care Marcy Kyle RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND
11:15 – 11:45 MAND and The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Updates and award presentations
11:50 – 12:45 Lunch and Networking
12:45 - 1:45 Nourishing Early Brain Development during the first 1,000 days Elizabeth Pearce MD, MSc
1:50 - 2:50 Building Hope Through Nutrition for all Maine Neighbors Courtney Kennedy, Denise Gaudette, & Meg Brown
2:55 - 3:55 Managing Leadership Styles to Maximize Your Professional Path Carrie Kiley MBA
3:55 - 4:00 Final Raffle, Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Reserve a room at a discounted rate!
State you are coming for the MAND conference
Hilton Garden Inn- Freeport Downtown
5 Park Street, Freeport , ME, 04032
MAND Public Policy Updates
On November 9-10th, the Academy hosted its inaugural Nutrition and Dietetics State Advocacy Summit. The State of Maine was well-represented at this event by multiple members of MAND’s Public Policy Panel! The objectives of this summit were to establish baseline state legislative understanding amongst newly-appointed public policy members, to guide policy members on advocating for state issues, and to educate them on how to perform assigned policy panel duties to advance the goals of our state affiliate. By bringing together policy leaders from across the country, this Summit was able to foster connections and build support for policy priorities and develop momentum for these issues. For those interested in becoming more involved in nutrition policy, the Academy is hosting the Nutrition and Dietetics Advocacy Summit, March 28-30th; see below for registration information. MAND is also hosting our first in person Legislative Luncheon since the start of the pandemic! It will be taking place March 16th at the State House, where we will be discussing the importance of School Nutrition Policy! Formal invitation to follow. I look forward to seeing you there!
Register Today for the Nutrition and Dietetics Advocacy Summit!
Connect with hundreds of food and nutrition practitioners of all skill levels to take a deep-dive into key policy issues that impact the health of the nation and dietetics profession during the Nutrition and Dietetics Advocacy Summit! Taking place virtually, March 28-30, attendees will also sharpen communication skills and develop new, high-level personal and professional relationships. View the agenda here.
The summit will focus on two of the Academy's top policy and advocacy efforts: medical nutrition therapy expansion and child nutrition. Attendees will receive training on these issues during the first two days of the event to ensure they are prepared for congressional meetings on March 30, which will be conducted in small groups with a designated leader.
Click here to register.
Rulemaking Process
As discussed in MAND’s Fall Newsletter, the Public Policy Panel has recently been preparing for the rulemaking process for our dietetic licensure law. During this process, the Public Policy Panel has worked closely with the Academy’s Policy Initiatives and Advocacy staff to develop suggestions for the rules that incorporate standardized language, concise licensure eligibility requirements and continuing education guidelines, while adhering to Maine’s current statutes. Several members of the Public Policy Panel, including Dr. Sue Sullivan, Mary Emerson and Kayla Parsons were able to meet with Anne Head, Commissioner, and Kristina Halvorsen, Administrator of the Dietetic Licensure Board, to further discuss this process and present our current suggestions. The Dietetic Licensure Board anticipates entering the rulemaking process once all board positions have been appointed. To aid in this process, the Public Policy Panel has also worked diligently in finding two potential members for the board, both of which were advocated for during the meeting with Head and Halvorsen. The Public Policy Panel would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who has provided input and guidance through this process, including its own dedicated members. We are now one step closer to having the Chapter Two Licensure Rules reflect up-to-date language; thus, elevating Maine’s dietetic practice guidelines.
2023 Legislative Event
Mark your calendars for March 16, 2023! The Public Policy Panel is in the midst of planning the 2023 MAND Legislative Luncheon, which will be held at noon, in-person, in Augusta’s Council Chambers. This event will have a strong emphasis on school nutrition policy advocacy, featuring guest speaker Jeanne Reilly. Reilly was recently awarded Outstanding Nutrition & Dietetics Technician, Registered Award by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics for her innovative work in school nutrition, commitment to building up new leaders and nutrition professionals, for being a co-administrator on TIPS for School Meals that Rock, and continued work in advocating for healthy school meals for all. We hope to see you there!
Interested in joining the Public Policy Panel?
Do you have an interest in advocacy, nutrition policy, or just want to make new connections with fellow RDNs and DTRs? Come join the Public Policy Panel (virtually) the second Tuesday of every month. Regardless of what degree of advocacy experience you may have (none, beginner, or advanced), we welcome you with open arms! For more information, please contact Kayla Parsons at maineandppc@gmail.com.
MAND Updates
MAND Communications
The MAND leadership team communicates with members through several channels:
Newsletter: MAND newsletters are sent out four times a year via email and are also posted on the MAND website. This spring you will also receive a copy in your mailbox!
Website: https://www.eatrightmaine.org/ Visit our website to check out all the available resources. The website also has a member’s only section- the password is “strategy.”
Email: MAND sends out information via email to all members, usually twice a month– around the 10th and 25th of each month.
Facebook: We have a Facebook account that you can follow at https://www.facebook.com/eatrightmaine/
Linked-In page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-maine-academy-of-nutrition-and-dietetics/
Join us on all of our platforms!
MAND Volunteer Leadership Opportunities
MAND has volunteer positions each year, and we'd love your help! Join us and learn valuable leadership and collaboration skills while helping to advance MANDs mission. MAND Board and Committee Members must be members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
We're looking for volunteers for the following leadership opportunities in 2023-2024:
President-Elect
Secretary / Historian
Treasurer-Elect
Annual Conference Chair
Nutrition Services Payment Specialist
Communications Chair
Membership Chair and committee member
Nominating and Awards Committee Member
DTR Representative
Student Representative
Apply by clicking here and completing the form by April 21, 2023.
You can check out a brief description of each position by clicking here or by watching the videos posted below from fellow MAND members!
If you have any questions, please email our Nominating Committee Chair or Executive Director at MaineANDNominatingAwards@gmail.com or eatrightmaine@gmail.com.
The Future Dietetic Professional Scholarship
The Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is pleased to offer two $500 scholarships yearly to students planning a career as nutrition and dietetics professionals. The award is for use for the next semester. The executive board will announce the winners at the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual spring conference. The recipient receives free attendance at the conference.
To be eligible to apply for this award, you must be either: 1. Be a Nutrition and Dietetics Student:
A full-time student in your junior or senior year (but not the final semester) in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Program at the University of Maine;
A student in the Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Maine;
A student in the University of New England - FG - Future Education Model Graduate Program with supervised practice hours taking place in Maine or;
A resident of Maine enrolled in an ACEND-accredited program and is not graduating in the current semester
2. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduates) or 3.3 (graduate students)
3. Be a member of the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Judges prefer awarding one scholarship to an undergraduate student and one to a graduate student. If all applicants fall into one of the two categories, the judges will award both scholarships to either graduate or undergraduate students. Complete the online application by March 1, 2023 by clicking on the link below and attach the following documents:
A statement (not to exceed 300 words) on your professional goals and career plans. Include reasons for your career choice and what contributions you would like to make to your profession. How do you plan to exercise leadership within your profession in the future?
An updated transcript (unofficial transcripts will be accepted)
A brief statement of support from a faculty member at your institution
Click here for the application link!
It’s Time to Nominate a Peer (or yourself!) for a MAND 2023 Award!
We seek award nominations for excellent nutrition and dietetic students and professionals for awards to be given at the spring conference in 2023. All recipients must be Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members.
Emerging Dietetic Leader - open to any RDN or RDT who has practiced 5-10 years, is active (paying member in good standing) in the Academy (national, state, or district) for five years, and has not previously been selected. The recipient should also demonstrate concern for the health & nutritional status of the population and exhibit leadership.
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year - open to all active RDNs (paying and in good standing) in the national, state, or district academy, not previously selected, and have demonstrated leadership.
Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year - open to an RDT active in a national, affiliate, or district academy (paying member in good standing), not previously selected, demonstrated concern for promoting optimal health and nutritional status of the population, and leadership.
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year - open to an RDN 35 years of age or younger by May 1, 2022, active in the national, state, or district academy (paying member in good standing), not previously selected, demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population and leadership.
Outstanding Dietetic Student (3 awards available)- Outstanding Dietetic Student- Open to students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and professional potential. One award each in the following categories:1) Dietetic Intern, 2) Undergraduate in a didactic program in dietetics, 3)Graduate in a dietetic program
To submit an award nomination, please complete the form by clicking here by March 1, 2023.
House of Delegates Update
Notes from the Delegate: Proposed Academy Bylaws Revisions
In working with ACEND and CDR there have been requests for minor changes in two sections of the bylaws by these organizational units. The House of Delegates has incorporated the recommendations into proposed changes which are outlined below. Academy members are free to review changes and submit questions through March 7th here.
Overview of Proposed Changes: Article II
Updated language from the Department of Education regarding the elimination of the phrasing “regionally accredited.” Recommended phrasing is “US college or university recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE).”
Addition of RDN and NDTR credentials and clarifying education qualifications are established by CDR.
Elimination of the word baccalaureate in the active member qualifications to account for members who will be required to complete a master’s degree beginning in 2024. The elimination of this wording will allow individuals who graduated prior to 2024 to qualify with a baccalaureate as well as account for the master’s requirement.
Article VII Section 1:
Remove the reference to ACEND in Article VII Section 1b (point 4); Add 1d to Article VII: The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics will identify and select two (2) candidates for each elected seat on the Council annually.
Article VII Section 2:
Updated language from prior CDR mission (CDR administers valid, reliable, and rigorous credentialing process to protect the public and meet the needs of CDR credentialed practitioners, employers, and consumers) to CDR administers valid, reliable, and rigorous credentialing processes to meet the professional needs of credentialed practitioners, and their employers and to protect the public.
Addition of nutrition to match the addition of nutrition to credentials in Section 2a.
Click here to review and submit questions
Have a Critical Issue you want the Academy to Review?
The House of Delegates (HOD) discusses Critical Issues, which:
Have strategic importance to the Academy and dietetics practice
Can cut across multiple discipline areas or relate to a specialized practice area
Have immediate or intermediate impact on the profession (3 or more years)
Reveal novel threats and opportunities in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) environment, and often require a systems approach or solution
Submissions from members for Critical Issues will be triaged to the HOD or other Academy Organizational Units, depending on the scope of the issue, and/or if the issue is already or has already been addressed by specific groups.
The Council on Future Practice works on identifying change drivers and trends as a part of their visioning work, to help define a preferred future for the profession of nutrition and dietetics. Change drivers are much more broad than critical issues; they are major changes/shifts in the world that are expected to have an impact on the profession (positive or negative) in the next 10-15 years. Drivers of change can most of the time fall under the following categories: Sociological, Economic, Technology, Environmental, and Political (Policy and Advocacy).
There is often overlap between the work of the House of Delegates and the Council on Future Practice, so we have combined efforts to collect ideas for both Critical Issues and Change Drivers with this form. We appreciate your participation in this environmental scanning process to support the profession, now and in the future.
Link to form: https://www.eatrightpro.org/leadership/governance/house-of-delegates/environmental-scanning
Public Policy Panel Update
Rulemaking Process
As discussed in MAND’s Fall Newsletter, the Public Policy Panel has recently been preparing for the rulemaking process for our dietetic licensure law. During this process, the Public Policy Panel has worked closely with the Academy’s Policy Initiatives and Advocacy staff to develop suggestions for the rules that incorporate standardized language, concise licensure eligibility requirements and continuing education guidelines, while adhering to Maine’s current statutes. Several members of the Public Policy Panel, including Dr. Sue Sullivan, Mary Emerson and Kayla Parsons were able to meet with Anne Head, Commissioner, and Kristina Halvorsen, Administrator of the Dietetic Licensure Board, to further discuss this process and present our current suggestions. The Dietetic Licensure Board anticipates entering the rulemaking process once all board positions have been appointed. To aid in this process, the Public Policy Panel has also worked diligently in finding two potential members for the board, both of which were advocated for during the meeting with Head and Halvorsen. The Public Policy Panel would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who has provided input and guidance through this process, including its own dedicated members. We are now one step closer to having the Chapter Two Licensure Rules reflect up-to-date language; thus, elevating Maine’s dietetic practice guidelines.
MAND Foodies Forum!
A goal of Foodies Forum, outside of eating delicious food, is to increase networking opportunities for dietetic professionals across Maine. MAND partially funds each event ($15/person) as a member benefit. Members across ME are welcome to host their own Foodies Forum at a restaurant of their choice. Email maineandsponsorshipchair@gmail.com if you are interested in hosting an event in your town or city! You can choose any mealtime…breakfast, lunch, dinner, apps, even dessert. We suggest limiting to 12/event to foster good discussion and to allow everyone to join in. Each host is responsible for sharing written feedback for a member eblast and/or our quarterly newsletter.
First Event: Fri Dec 2, 2022 Leeward, Portland, ME leewardmaine.com
Rating: 7 out of 10 Stars
(Pictured right: Sue Sullivan, Sarah Gilbert, Lexie Jungbluth, Laurie Inacio, Eileen Molloy, Heather Healy Stevens)
Heather Healy, MAND’s Sponsorship Chair, hosted this first event, choosing this restaurant after it was considered by the New York Times as one of the “50 places in America we’re most excited about right now.” Our group of six didn’t find it to be as exciting as the NYT did, but we did give it a solid 7 out of 10. Friendlier service, slightly bigger servings and a side of vegetable would have pushed it higher for our discerning group of dietitians!
Everyone was complimentary of the pre-dinner drinks from an Amber Ale, to a Dark Chocolate Larger, to a bright Spanish wine. A “crispy and soft at the same time” Brussels sprout appetizer with a whipped feta and pistachio nut topping was a favorite of the table. The fresh pasta did not disappoint, except for the portion size. Two diners ordered the Futsu Squash Ravioli with brown butter, delicata, pepitas and smoked ricotta. While delicious and described as “savory, not sweet, texture perfect, artful,” the one large ravioli would not have satisfied a hungrier patron.
The dishes came out hot and the presentation was pleasing with fresh herbs and thin slices of parmesan. One dish, the Fusilli (pictured), was a wonderful shade of green. Made with lacinato kale pesto, Mediterranean pine nuts, lemon zest and ricotta salata, the lucky foodie to eat it described it as a “lovely blend of flavors.” The diner to have the Rigatoni dish, “liked the brussels sprouts better” but the Gigli (tomato passata, shiitake, spinach black olive crumble) consumer thought her dish was “amazing, unique and creative.” The gluten-free diner had only one option, GF Ricotta Gnocchi, but it was cooked perfectly al dente and the full menu of sauces were available to choose from. This diner’s selection of the alla romana with cured pork belly, tomato, chili flake and pecorino was “delicious and did not disappoint.”
A lovely evening of eating and networking was had by all. Would we recommend Leeward? Yes, wonderful flavors, but don’t go there too hungry! Reservations ahead are a must, and plan for extra time to park.
What’s New – The Academy
Public Health Emergency to End on May 11
The Public Health Emergency set in place during the COVID-19 pandemic will end effective May 11, according to the Biden Administration. The PHE allowed for regulatory and legislative actions resulting in flexibilities that changed access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries and how RDNs can provide telehealth services. Medical nutrition therapy has been and will continue to be covered, as a telehealth service under Medicare, after the PHE ends. However, it is possible that some of the pandemic-related flexibilities may be phased out without additional advocacy.
Get Text Alerts from the Academy
To stay connected with the Academy’s important action alerts and legislative updates, text "eatright" to 50457 to enroll in text alerts. You may also opt in by marking the “Send me text alerts” box whenever you take an action alert. If you previously marked this box you are already subscribed and do not need to sign up again.
Join the Academy’s Affinity Groups
Get involved and connect with fellow Academy members to advocate for top policy priorities impacting our profession. The Academy’s affinity groups meet once a month and are a forum-based event where staff, policy leaders and members discuss Academy advocacy priorities and strategies, share their experience and determine how they can become involved in advocating. Learn more and register here. These meetings are available to Academy members only.
Get Text Alerts from the Academy
To stay connected with the Academy’s important action alerts and legislative updates, text "eatright" to 50457 to enroll in text alerts. You may also opt in by marking the “Send me text alerts” box whenever you take an action alert. If you previously marked this box you are already subscribed and do not need to sign up again.
Obesity Care Organizations Develop Consensus Statement
The Academy joined five organizations dedicated to the prevention and treatment of obesity in developing a consensus statement on obesity, a complex, chronic disease that impacts nearly 42% of adults and 19% of children and adolescents. This unified effort aims to address the various roadblocks that the organizations face when addressing efforts to improve access to obesity treatment and reduce weight stigma and bias surrounding the disease.
“Access to care for people with chronic diseases such as obesity is one of our top priorities,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Ellen R. Shanley, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND, the 2022-2023 president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Of particular importance to the Academy is access to intensive behavioral therapy from RDNs — the food experts. We individualize treatment strategies as part of an interdisciplinary care team of qualified providers to help patients meet their health goals.” Read the statement here.
Excellent Newsletter! It takes planning to have an inclusion and interesting newsletter. Kudos! Thank you for taking your time in creating the Newsletter. Appreciatively Yours, Audrey Morgan.