My first job as an RD was as Food Service Director in a 150 bed extended care facility. Management and clinical experience from that first job I still use today! This dynamic industry has afforded an interesting and varied career ladder. I'm hooked on LTC.  
 
I began consulting at other long term care facilities within the same company, then completed an administrator-in-training program and became a licensed nursing home administrator. I also spent a few short years in management at an acute psychiatric hospital, but returned to my first love of nutrition consulting in health care.

 

Consulting has provided the flexibility to adjust work with family, so I was able to work part time and raise my kids. My husband Peter and I met at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and our children are Mason (17) and Amy (14).
 
I have had the opportunity to help design and start up dietary departments in three new facilities. I have traveled the state of California and operated my own consulting business, and earned an MBA along the way.
 
The best reward for this work is hearing a resident or client say thank you and to hear sincere appreciation for the expertise of the Registered Dietitian. I feel fortunate to be able to use my years of experience now to help health care facilities be the best they can, and to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of Registered Dietitans.