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Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia (DNNS) Core Committee Member Profile
 

This month our ‘Spotlight’ is on the volunteers that work behind the scenes for the Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia.

DNNS began several years ago with two dietitians meeting over coffee has since grown to a network of over 200 members. 

The core committee of the network has been busy! 

We have an amazing newsletter, a website that is alive with current news, delicious recipes and fun dietitian profiles, e-mails from the public are answered, we work collaboratively with Dietitians Canada to organize events and Nutrition Month and we have a strong presence on social media! 

 

Together we can build a stronger profession and help Nova Scotians have access to reliable, evidence- based nutrition.

What can you do?

  • Make sure your current profile is up on our website map - ‘link here’

  • Send in Nova Scotia related food/ nutrition news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter to dietitansns@gmail.com.

  • Follow us and interact with us on  Twitter and Facebook - share, like, comment!

  • Come out to local DC and DNNS events!

 

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017!!

 

Your DNNS Core Committee

Edie Shaw-Ewald, BSc, RD

DNNS Chair

In my role as Chair of DNNS, I am responsible for:

  • Setting meeting times and preparing the agenda for the Core Committee

  • Communicating with our Regional Representative from Dietitians of Canada

  • Supporting the Managers of each branch of the Core Committee

  • Helping to plan events and special projects

  • Chairing Core Committee meetings

I am a dietitian at Atlantic Superstore as well as a writer for Our Children magazine. In my role as a grocery store dietitian, I see customers for nutrition check-ups, take individuals and groups on healthy grocery store tours, present on nutrition topics in the community and conduct food demos to inspire and teach customers how to create quick and healthy meals. I love to experiment with food and recipes to prepare healthy meals for my family (two boys and husband). Yes – I love my career!

 

I graduated from St. Francis Xavier University a few years ago (30) and then completed an internship through the Victoria General Hospital. I have had several different roles as a dietitian, including many years as a clinical dietitian first in a small community hospital in Maine and then in a rehab/chronic care hospital in London, Ontario. When we moved to Nova Scotia with our two young sons, I certified as a personal trainer and worked with Nubody’s and then as a private practice dietitian/trainer working out of two medical clinics and in the community. A highlight in my career was writing for Better Homes and Gardens magazine over several years.

 

Food is a huge part of my days and my life – and I love it! I also enjoy outdoor fitness almost everyday – walks, runs, hikes, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding – most of these with my husband, Mike and dog, Bella. 

 

I helped to start the Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia with Luke Corey, RD, because we felt that dietitians in Nova Scotia were hidden and separate from each other. We wanted to connect NS RDs to help promote our profession, to share, and to help the public find reliable nutrition information. It has grown over the past five years into a membership of ~190 RDs. We have developed an online presence, a biweekly newsletter and a wonderful website. We have also hosted events and supported events hosted by our local Dietitians of Canada chapter.

The Teams

Coleen Nolan, BSc, MSc, RD

DNNS Secretary and Social Media Manager

I work as a private practice dietitian in the Halifax Regional Municipality and also as a Certified Yoga Instructor. I completed my BSc at St. FX in 1989 and MSc in Nutrition at McGill in 1992. In 1993, following my dietetic internship in Calgary I worked in private practice and within the industry for several years, before moving back to Halifax. Currently, I do wellness coaching with individuals in clinic, as well as with groups in the workplace and community. 

 

Here’s a shot of me doing ‘really hot’ yoga, while at a family reunion in Kea, Greece last summer. When not working, I love walking in the woods with my dog, doing yoga and running from the soccer field to the rink with my 3 kids.

I have been a member of the DNNS core committee for the past 3 years, and currently act as the DNNS secretary and social media manager. As the social media manager, I coordinate the social media committee, determining who takes turns doing a week of social media posts for the network, based on a monthly theme.

Monica Rodriguez, BComm., BSc., MSc, RD

DNNS Dietitian Spotlight Co-Editor & Social Media Team Member

I am a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent Applied Human Nutrition and Dietetics program and completed the integrated internship program many years ago! I also had the privilege of attending Tufts University School of Nutrition and Food Policy and earned a Masters of Science in Nutrition Intervention, Communication, and Behaviour Change. Over the past 18 years, I have had many interesting career and volunteer experiences! My two most rewarding volunteer experiences are:

  • Founding Member and former Board member of Nourish Nova Scotia.

  • Healthcare team member with Broken Earth to the Central Plateau, Rural Haiti.

 

I am from Halifax, but have lived in many places across Canada and the US while pursuing career and education goals. I worked for over 8 years as a School Nutritionist at the district level (Boston & Halifax) and continue to integrate many health promotion strategies wherever I go and in whatever I do – especially with children and youth! I am currently working as a private practice dietitian with a focus on weight management towards reducing chronic diseases. I have specialized training in behavior change and motivational interviewing, and have helped many clients reach their goals and revamp their lifestyles for better health outcomes.

My interests and passions mostly revolve around my family life -- three wonderful (and busy) kids, but when I have time for myself, I am an avid runner, an avid life long learner, outdoor enthusiast, avid traveller and active volunteer!

 

My role within DNNS is as a co-editor for the "Dietitian Spotlight” -- a monthly profile that showcases the talents, careers, education and personal interests of a Nova Scotian Dietitian each month. By featuring a new RD each month, we also contribute to the DNNS profile section for RDs to promote themselves and the many ways they are working to improve the wellbeing of their communities.  It is a great tool and avenue to help the public find a dietitian in Nova Scotia. We aim to highlight various geographical areas of the province as well as dietitians working in various fields. It has been a great opportunity to meet many dietitians and a wonderful way to build the DNNS membership! 

Diana Dibblee, BScAHN, BEd, MEd, RD

DNNS Social Media Team Member and Monthly Buzz (Latest Nutrition News) Coordinator

I am a graduate of Mount St Vincent's Nutrition and Dietetics program and hold several degrees including my BEd and MEd.   I am a French Immersion teacher and  past administrator in the Halifax Regional School where I am actively involved  in health promotion programs (breakfast program, run club, yoga club, etc).  I am a volunteer for many community organizations supporting fitness and healthy nutrition including The Blue Nose Marathon Board of Directors and The Young Naturalists Club.

 

I am from Halifax, Nova Scotia though I have lived and traveled to many parts of the world. I very passionate about healthy living including mental, emotional and physical health.  I have a twitter account that chronicles some of my adventures called dibbsondining.  I love running, hiking, swimming, kayaking, cooking and traveling to name a few of my activities.   I have a 7 year old who keeps me busy!

 

My role within DNNS includes a member of the Core Committee, Social Media member and the Coordinator for the monthly Buzz (latest nutrition news). I am responsible for:

·         Attending regular DNNS meetings and sharing my input and ideas to support our strategic planning, TOR and general events and updates pertaining to our newsletter and website.  Supporting the organization and planning of DNNS events.

·         Contributing as part of the Social Media team by tweeting and updating our Facebook page on local events, places, nutritious foods and recipes- all relating to our theme of the month.

·         Contributing and researching news stories, updates, blogs, recipes, etc that highlight the latest Buzz or news in nutrition and dietetics.  

Maria Vautour, BScN, RD

Social Media Team

A very wise woman once said “Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it”. This sums up how I came about being a dietitian. I have always had a passion for good food. When I realized I could make it my career it only made sense to study nutrition! I obtained my degree at Acadia University and completed my internship though Acadia in partnership with South Shore District Health Authority.

 

My career began shortly after my internship when I took a job with Sobeys as one of their in-store dietitians in Glace Bay and Sydney, Cape Breton. I have just recently transferred from Cape Breton to two Sobeys locations in Dartmouth where I continue to translate the science of nutrition into practical tips for my customers and community. I look forward to helping many more Nova Scotians foster a passion for good food as a member of the Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia.

Brittany Hartling, P.Dt.

DNNS Spotlight Column Co-Manager/Editor

I am a Registered Dietitian who received a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition with Integrated Dietetic Internship from St. Francis Xavier University. I currently work as a Simply For Life Dietitian. With a background in healthcare my professional focus is nutrition and its many impacts on health; both positive and negative. I truly believe that food is medicine and enjoy helping others improve their health and wellbeing with the power of nutrition. I love working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and understand that healthy eating can be challenging, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition. I have a flexible and supportive approach when helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. A few of my favorite activities include biking, hiking, kayaking, skating, baking, and trying out new recipes!

 

My role within DNNS is Co-Manager/Editor of the DNNS Spotlight column. DNNS Spotlight is a monthly profile that showcases the talents, careers, education and personal interests of a Nova Scotian RD each month. By featuring a new RD each month, we also contribute to the DNNS profile section for RDs to use to promote themselves and the many ways dietitians are working to improve the wellbeing of their communities. It is a great tool and avenue to help the public find a dietitian in Nova Scotia. We aim to highlight various geographical areas of the province as well as dietitians working in various fields. It has been a great opportunity to meet many dietitians and a wonderful way to build the DNNS membership!

Antonia Harvey, BASc, P.Dt, MScAHN(c)

DNNS Recipe Development Coordinator

I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph and then made my way to the east coast to complete the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) Graduate Dietetic Internship Program. After obtaining my dietetic license, I began working as a clinical dietitian with the NSHA at the QEII and Dartmouth General Hospital. As a clinical dietitian, I have many responsibilities, but a typical work day involves nutrition support, swallow assessments, patient education, and attending interdisciplinary team rounds. I have experience working in all areas of patient care, but my interests lie in gastrointestinal disorders, intensive care, neurology, and dysphagia. I returned to school this fall to complete my Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). My research is a collaborative project between the Wolfson Medical Centre in Israel, the IWK, MSVU, and Dalhousie University, and focuses on medical nutrition therapy for the treatment of pediatric Crohn’s disease.

 

 

In addition to clinical nutrition, I also have a passion for cooking and recipe development. I love being able to show patients, friends, and family how they can turn healthy foods into exciting and satisfying meals. I especially enjoy creating and modifying recipes for individuals with difficult dietary restrictions.

 

Food and nutrition are a huge part of my life, but I also make time for other activities. Some of my favourite things to do include photography, spending time with other people’s dogs (until I get my own!), hiking, swimming, running…really anything outdoor and active.

 

            I joined the DNNS in the fall of 2014 because I felt that I needed something outside of my clinical work that would give me a chance to collaborate with other dietitians and promote our profession and the great work that we do. My role as the Recipe Development Coordinator also gives me an opportunity to put my cooking and photography skills to use. I am responsible for:

 

  • Testing a recipe each month and modifying it as necessary to improve nutrition and reproducibility

  • Posting a monthly recipe to the “Tried & Tested” section of the DNNS website

  • Assisting other DNNS members with their roles and DNNS events

Terri Finbow, BScAHN, MScAHN (c)

DNNS Newsletter Manager

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (BScAHN), and am currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (MScAHN) and Internship Education Program, at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). At present, I am working on my thesis project and have completed two of three required internship placements, one at Cole Harbour Place (community) and the other with Aramark Food Service at Saint Mary’s University (administrative). In addition to my academics, I work part-time as a fitness instructor, motivator, and nutrition consultant for 3rd Degree Training Dartmouth and Actual Nutrition, where I lead fitness classes, offer support and motivation, conduct nutrition consultations and designs individualized meal plans.

 

Currently, I am residing in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia and consider myself an outdoor enthusiast. The woods are my happy place; camping and long rigorous hikes are among my favorite activities. I also enjoy reading (I always have a fiction and non-fiction book on the go), attending concerts and small shows, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with my dog, Kiera.

 

Within my role as the DNNS Newsletter Manager I am responsible for:

  • Collecting newsletter submissions from committee

  • Transferring submissions to the newsletter template

  • Editing newsletter sections and adding photos and hyperlinks

  • Disseminating bi-weekly newsletter to subscribers

  • Managing subscribers (add or remove)

  • Tracking newsletter trends (views, engagement, etc.)

Attending Core Committee meetings to provide newsletter updates and discuss suggestions and ideas for improvement

Jennifer Josey, BScN, P.Dt.

Newsletter Assistant

I am a graduate of Acadia University’s Nutrition and Dietetics program and have recently completed a dietetic internship at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone (former Capital Health). I now hold a position within NSHA as a Clinical Dietitian. In this role, I am responsible for providing patients and clients with exceptional nutrition care in both inpatient and ambulatory settings as well as long term care. I have experience with dysphagia and nutrition support, renal nutrition, diabetes management and nutrition education. I also work at Uprooted Market & Café in Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia where I help to promote locally sourced food items by providing customers with nutrition information, healthy recipes and tips on how to prepare foods.

 

I am from (and currently live in) Lake Charlotte, Nova Scotia, a small community on the outskirts of Halifax. I am an enthusiastic and energetic individual with a long-standing love for food and nutrition; a love that stems from both my past experience working as a sous-chef and from the many years I have spent growing and preparing food to share with family and friends. A few of my favourite activities include gardening, hiking, kayaking and exploring new places with the people I love.

 

I joined DNNS in early 2016 to help promote our profession and to become more connected with dietitians, dietetic interns and nutrition students across the province. My role within DNNS is the Newsletter Assistant. I am responsible for:​

  • Seeking out local events and continuing education opportunities, workshops and webinars, job postings, volunteer opportunities and more.

  • Sending out regular reminders to committee members informing everyone of when to submit their newsletter sections.

  • Attending Core Committee meetings to provide newsletter updates and discuss suggestions and ideas for improving the newsletter.

  • Filling the role of the newsletter manager when required

Elaine Duarte, BScAHN, RD

Website and Communications Manager

I am a graduate of Mount Allison University (MtA) and Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU).  I completed my BSc.AHN, Integrated Internship Education Option from MSVU in 2007 after completing a BSc. in Environmental Science from MtA.  I enjoy a rewarding career in nutrition education with Dairy Farmers of Canada in the province of Nova Scotia.  

 

The majority of my time outside of my career as a dietitian is spent with family and friends, in the gym coaching varsity women's basketball, enjoying active living outdoors and when we have the opportunity I love to experience new places traveling with my husband.  

 

I joined the DNNS core committee in the spring of 2014 when I took over the management of the website and managing email communications.  I am lucky to have Kayla and Carissa join the website and communications team while I take the year off with our first baby.  

Kayla Thomas, BScN, P.Dt., CDE

Website Co-Manager

I graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics. I started my career in northern Manitoba working as a diabetes educator. It was a great experience, but I am very grateful to be back living in my home province!

 

My current position is with The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, working as a Diabetes Community Consultant.  I am passionate about helping people create a healthy, happy relationship with food. I support people living with diabetes through education and skill development. I love cooking for my friends and family, hiking, travel and reading. I love supporting local farmers and am a proud CSA member!

 

My role within DNNS is the Website Co-Manager, I am responsible for:

  • Managing the DNNS website

  • Adding and updating Dietitian profiles

  • Answering emails and acting as a liaison between members of the public, dietitians, dietetic interns and students

Carissa Dempsey, BSc, RD

Website Co-Manager

I am a recent graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University and a new Registered Dietitian. I am currently working at Blue Harbour Cheese, helping with the production, management, and distribution of artisan blue cheese.

 

I completed my internships through the Mount’s Internship Education Program. This gave me wide range of experience from research and project development, to food product development, and clinical nutrition. I still have the desire to further my education and I am excited for what the future holds!
 

Physical activity has always been part of my life, but lately my choice of physical activity includes hiking and all-season camping. I have always had an interested in food and nutrition but since completing my degree I am becoming interested in healthcare and clinical research as a whole.
 

My role within DNNS is the Website Co-Manager, I am responsible for:

  • Managing the DNNS website

  • Adding and updating Dietitian profiles

  • Answering emails and acting as a liaison between members of the public, dietitians, dietetic interns and students

Jackie Spiers, MSc, P.Dt.

DNNS Core Committee Member, Dietitians of Canada (DC) Regional Executive Director for the Atlantic Provinces

I am the Dietitians of Canada (DC) Regional Executive Director for the Atlantic Provinces.  In my role with Dieitians of Canada I work with DC members in all Atlantic Provinces on various projects, advocacy and learning events.  The goal is to promote our profession and ensure decision makers understand the expertise of Dietitians. I love the variety of experiences I an exposed to with this role and have the opportunity to truly see how diverse our profession actually is.

 

I graduated from St. Francis Xavier University and then completed an internship at the Toronto Hospital and a Master of Science at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). I have had a variety of past roles, including working as a pediatric clinical dietitian at the IWK Health Centre, a Public Health Nutritionist and as a manager of Primary Health at the IWK Health Centre. I’ve also enjoyed lecturing at Mount Saint Vincent University.

 

When I’m not working I love to play outside! My daughter and I love biking and hiking and going on adventures in the woods! I also love to travel to other countries and experience new food and cultures.

 

I joined the Dietitians Network of Nova Scotia Core Committee as a way to link with and learn from Dietitians, interns and nutrition students in Nova Scotia. I’ve enjoyed co-hosting learning events with the DNNS and communicating DC opportunities through the DNNS communications mechanisms.

 

In my role as on the core committee I am responsible for:

  • Updating the core committee on Dietitians of Canada priorities happening across Nova Scotia and in other provinces.

  • Considering the views of the Core Committee when prioritizing DC initiatives in the province

  • Looking for opportunities to work together to promote and support the profession in Nova Scotia

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