NutraNational Consulting Contracts with: Optimal RDN Solutions, Dietitians on Demand, OrganicFacts.net Sept 2017-May 2020: Periodic remote workMay 2013-Aug 2017, Jun-Nov 2018: variable/30+ hrs/wk in various facilities in Southern CaliforniaSep 2020-Present: Full Time Employee of Optimal RDN Solutions - various facilities in Southern California. PRIMARY ROLE: Contracted to provide clinical nutrition services to long term and acute care facilities, and more. Led monthly interdisciplinary team meetings of 5+ medical/support staff to discuss 20+ high-risk patients per meeting, estimate nutritional needs, provide diet instruction, advise doctors on technical aspects of tube feedings/IV nutrition, persuade doctors to accept RD findings and recommendations, ensure implementation of negotiated interventions, and document concise summary in medical chart. Examined causes of patient unintended weight loss and implemented quality improvement plan that resulted in a 2.02% decrease in patients with significant unintended weight loss from 2nd to 3rd quarter 2018.  Conducted monthly kitchen inspections which identified 5 areas of concern; ensured regulatory compliance by implementing effective quality improvement plans which resulted in 2018 CMS federal inspection with no major nutrition services citations.  Improved staff efficiency through streamlining assessment forms and created/implemented system for productivity tracking which provided justification for additional hours needed and facilitated accurate personnel needs projections.  Presented data at quarterly quality assurance meetings with medical director and management staff; developed and led in-service education for both food service and clinical staff based on team input/inspection findings.  Reviewed latest technical nutrition research to write/edit online nutrition-related articles and ensure correct grammar, clarity, and accuracy of information.

PRIMARY ROLE: Teach principles of nutrition-focused agriculture to improve food security/alleviate malnutrition. Conducted cooperative community needs assessment resulting in a project involving nutrition-focused agriculture, noting that 46% of children under 5 in Guinea are vitamin A deficient.  Integrated into community through formal Pular language training (143 hrs), cross-cultural training (35 hrs), and hands-on study of traditional foods, cooking methods, and practices.  Utilized training from nutrition-sensitive agriculture workshop to lead multiple culturally sensitive nutrition lessons and nutritional baby food demonstration in Pular language for a group of 15+ local women; provided homemade, shelf-stable nutritional baby food to participants for home use.  Acted as Nutrition Specialist on Food Security Committee: organized bi-weekly conference calls, took notes and distributed action-item lists, facilitated cross-sectoral cooperation.  Collaborated with Peace Corps staff and volunteers to introduce new species of orange flesh sweet potato to reduce malnutrition and improve Vitamin A intake: o Cultivated and distributed vines to local farmers in 2 families and harvested sweet potatoes for taste testing distributed among 10 community members. o Helped facilitate cultivation of more than 330 vines by more than 30 local farmers across all regions of Guinea during one growing season. o Ensured distribution of vines to Bareng Agricultural Research Centre to secure sustainable source of vines outside Peace Corps.  Conducted surveys and presented data on current projects to national government stakeholders at annual Partners Advisory Committee meeting to evaluate/re-align current framework and better meet the needs of all parties.  Began school permagarden project in cooperation with World Food Program to decrease malnutrition and increase income by shifting food procurement for school meals to local, sustainable sources.

Director of Operations - Sept 2017-May 2018: Full TimeForest Intern - Sept 2016-Feb 2017: Full TimePRIMARY ROLE: Oversaw 30+ staff & 60+ volunteers on environmental conservation & community development projects.  Led recruitment/training/discipline/motivation/team building activities and conflict mediation for 30+ multi-national staff on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. Prioritized limited resources for budget planning and maintenance across 5 programs.  Managed transport logistics/housing/morale for 60+ volunteers from 10+ countries including distressed/uncooperative individuals.  Identified obstacles and alternative methods to obtain food and supplies during port closures due to tropical cyclone activity in an isolated third-world environment. Coordinated with 3 international agencies (IVHQ, The LEAP, VET) for volunteer recruitment, filtering requests for sensitive information through higher-ups when necessary.  Facilitated research agreements with global NGOs (CORDIO, Community Centered Conservation), and Malagasy government (CNRO) to ensure quality scientific reports.  Led weekly staff meetings for planning and execution of volunteer training/orientation/ daily activities across 5 programs, providing regular progress reports to staff.  Ensured maintenance, operational status, and aesthetic appeal of the 15-building campus.  Oversaw environmental conservation projects: construction of village trash system, regular beach/forest/village clean-ups, environment education days conducted at local schools, agroforest established in collaboration with local farmers, and marine protected area maintained with local government officials.  Directed rural community development projects: 2 new school classrooms constructed, 2 additional schools renovated, ongoing English instruction for 8 adult’s classes and 11 children’s classes, medical clinic constructed, donated medical supplies distributed in collaboration with a local doctor.

PRIMARY ROLE: Managed new WIC agency including staff training/oversight, participant recruitment and more.  Designed, implemented, and evaluated the development of a new $0.75 million block grant WIC agency including regulatory adherence, budget prioritization and reporting, policy and protocol development, human resource management, outreach and participant recruitment, and quality improvement process development.  Led growth from zero clients in Feb 2011 to almost 2,500 clients per month by Jan 2013 providing nutrition classes and healthy food vouchers with emphasis on compassionate customer service.  Recognized by State WIC in areas of outreach, referrals and health linkages, and breastfeeding services.  Identified barriers to care through client phone surveys to strengthen health system via obstacle removal: extended weekday and Saturday hours, walk-in appointments, online nutrition education, and coordinated with physician clinics to provide nutrition and breastfeeding classes to low income, inner city women at prenatal appointments. Planned and conducted monthly nutrition and breastfeeding training for 11+ staff based on employee development and training needs and organizational goals. Secured grant funding and materials through “Cooking Matters” program to conduct nutrition-on-a-budget grocery store tours.  Utilized training in motivational interviewing to influence adult behavior change considering client interests, priorities, and prior level of knowledge to apply nutrition lessons, improve health, and achieve goals in clients who may or may not be cooperative.

PRIMARY ROLE: Provided patient education, estimated needs, and recommended medical nutrition therapy based on diagnosis, medical history, and patient preferences.  Estimated nutritional needs and recommend appropriate medical nutrition therapy based on disease state and patient preference, including daily recommendations to doctors on macronutrients for IV nutrition (TPN), and tube feeding formulas and rates. Provided nutrition education to patients daily, prioritizing those at high risk based on medical history and diagnosis. Improved compliance with nutrition consult policy through coordination with Orth/Neuro/Rehab Clinical Director. Proactive in ensuring regulatory compliance during 2010 Joint Commission inspection. Demonstrated competency as evidenced by average chart audit score of 97.5%.

While attending college full-time, I also worked part-time at a local motel.DUTIES INCLUDED: - General manning of the front desk including: answering phones, creating changing and cancelling reservations, and checking guests in and out. - Coordination of housekeeping and maintenance staff. - Trouble shooting and problem solving for guests. - Balancing the cash register. - Other duties as needed.

While in college full-time, I also worked part-time at a local motel. DUTIES INCLUDED: - General manning of the front desk including: answering phones, creating changing and cancelling reservations, and checking guests in and out. - Coordination of housekeeping and maintenance staff. - Scheduling of front desk, housekeeping and maintenance staff. - Trouble shooting and problem solving for guests. - Balancing the cash register and credit card machine. - Washing, drying, and folding of sheets/linens. - Other duties as needed.

While in high school, I worked part-time at a local floral shop delivering flower arrangement and performing light maintenance and prep-work around the shop. DUTIES INCLUDED:- Answering phones, taking orders from customers via phone, computer, and in person. - Delivery of flower arrangements to homes and businesses throughout Van Zandt County. - Receipt and inventory of weekly flower/plant orders. - Cleaning/maintenance of flower coolers and buckets. - Stocking supplies and prepping materials for the designers. - Making bows, boutonnieres, small simple flower arrangements, etc...- Other duties as needed.