Volume 16, Issue 1
Member Newsletter
President’s Message
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
President’s Message
1
Kick Off Meeting Info
1
SCDA Meeting Schedule
2
Events
3
Board Members
3
Board Members Bios
Membership Info
Fall 2016
4-7
8-10
From
Melaina Bjorklund
On behalf of the entire Southern Colorado Dietetic
Association Board of Directors, welcome to the
2016-2017 SCDA membership year! Alicia Rill, your
President-Elect, has been tirelessly working to
ensure we have a variety of highly regarded
professionals speaking on topics that piqué your
interest, according to our survey completed last
Spring. Our kickoff meeting will be held on
Wednesday, September 21st and you won’t want to
miss it! We will also be having a catered meal, so
feel free to come a bit early, mingle, and get to know
your peers! Our membership has flourished over
the last several years, so engage with one another,
embrace someone you don’t yet know, and let’s
continue to connect with our fellow dietetics
professionals and students.
Please be sure to renew your membership or join as
a new SCDA member by sending your completed
membership application (attached) to Julie Stegall,
our membership chair, by the stated deadlines. We
will not be accepting late applications this year, so
join early and take advantage of this incredibly
valuable year of CEU benefits in the most cost
effective way!
Great news! We have a new social media and
marketing chair this year, Samantha Lawrence,
and she will be updating our website and social
media pages regularly, so please be sure to
follow, like, and save us to your favorites list!
We are working on some very exciting things this
year, so stay tuned for updates on possibilities for
involvement!
I am more than honored to be your President and
am very much looking forward to serving you,
our community, and our profession over the next
year. We are transitioning tremendously this year
and we couldn’t be more thrilled to move in a
direction promising a relevant and vibrant future
for our association! I would love to meet and get
to know each and every one of you, so please feel
free to introduce yourself at the monthly
meetings!
As always, we are open to your suggestions,
comments, and feedback, so please do not hesitate
to contact me, or any member of the board, at any
time. Now, let’s have our most successful year
yet! See you all soon!
Melaina Bjorklund, MS, RD
President, Southern Colorado Dietetic Association
[email protected]
Kick Off Meeting
The Great Licensure Debate
Wednesday, September 21st from
6:00-8:00 PM
*Penrose Hospital Main Building
Pavilion Room C
Dinner will be provided
beginning at 5:00 PM
compliments of
Morrison Community
Living
SCDA Newsletter
Page 2
SCDA MEETING SCHEDULE
*The Great Licensure Debate
Jan Kochis, RD and Martha Rosenau, RD
Wednesday, September 21st
5:00-8:00 PM
Intestinal Microbiota and the Microbiome
Pat Joyner, MS, RDN
Tuesday, October 25th
6:00-8:00 PM
Herbal and Dietary Supplements
Margaret Harris, PhD, RD
Tuesday, November 29th
6:00-8:00 PM
Nutritional Concerns in Children
with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nicole Withrow, PhD, MS, RD
Wednesday, December 14th
6:00-8:00 PM
Nutrition Support at the Olympic Games: Rio 2016
Alicia Kendig, MS, RD, CSSD
Wednesday, January 18th
6:00-8:00 PM
Gastrointestinal Disorders and FODMAP
Gastroenterology Associates of Colorado Springs
Wednesday, February 15th
6:00-8:00 PM
Nutrition Support for the Denver Broncos
Bryan Snyder, RD
Wednesday, March 15th
6:00-8:00 PM
The Role of Functional Foods
Andrea Hutchins, PhD, RD
Wednesday, May 17th
6:00-8:00 PM
*Meeting will be located in Penrose Hospital Main Building, Pavilion Room C. All other
meetings will be located in Penrose Cancer Center, Conference Rooms A and B.
Meeting
RSVP Information
RSVP will be required
for all meetings as it
assures we have
enough room /chairs
to accommodate
everyone who wants to
attend.
Meeting invitations
and RSVP’s will be
done via Evite again
this year. Be sure to
check your SPAM and
Trash folders if you
haven’t seen them
come through your
inbox.
This streamlined
process makes it easy
to keep track of who
received invitations,
who has RSVP’d, and
allows us to update
information as needed
and keep everyone in
the loop.
SCDA Newsletter
Somethi
ng to
Chew
On!
Page 3
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, September 21st, 5:00-8:00 PM
SCDA Meeting
The Great Licensure Debate
Jan Kochis, RD and Martha Rosenau, RD
Penrose Hospital Main Building, Pavilion Room C
2016-2017
SCDA BOARD MEMBERS
President:
Melaina Bjorklund
[email protected]
Nominating Chair:
Margaret Hammond
[email protected]
President-Elect:
Alicia Rill
[email protected]
Newsletter Chair:
Kirsten Matheson
[email protected]
Membership Chair:
Julie Stegall
[email protected]
Secretary:
Mary Peet
[email protected]
National Nutrition Month Chair:
Kim Schenck
[email protected]
Social Media & Marketing Chair:
Samantha Lawrence
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Sarah Montoya- Ortega
[email protected]
SCDA Newsletter
Page 4
Meet the SCDA Board Members!
President
Melaina Bjorklund, MS, RD
Melaina is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and has
earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Science - Nutrition and her Master’s
Degree in Sport Nutrition. She works as a Clinical Dietitian at Penrose Hospital
and participates in community and media events for Penrose-St. Francis Health
Services as well. Through her work at Penrose and in the community, she was
recently awarded Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year at the CAND
Conference in April and is honored to have been selected. She is also a Nationally
Certified Group Fitness Instructor at 24 Hour Fitness and Life Time Fitness.
Melaina is a former Miss Colorado and had the once in a lifetime opportunity to
represent our beautiful state at Miss America 2011, while promoting her platform
of Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, as well as partnering with
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. She and her husband, James, have a son,
Landon, who will be two years old in November. Additionally, they are also
expecting their daughter to arrive this November! In her spare time, Melaina
enjoys doing anything active, challenging, and adventurous with her family. She
is passionate about the field of dietetics, as well as giving back to the community,
and is eager to serve as your 2016-2017 SCDA President.
President-Elect
Alicia Rill, MS, RD
Alicia has been working as a dietitian since 2014, starting her career as Nutrition
Care Manager at Namaste Alzheimer Center. Born and raised in Colorado Springs,
she obtained her BS in dietetics before attending graduate school at University of
Colorado at Colorado Springs, earning her Master’s degree in Sport Nutrition. It
was in graduate school where she fully realized her passion for fueling athletes,
working with world class Dietitians and Dining Services at the US Olympic
Training Center. Alicia was the first to complete her dietetic internship through the
UCCS Individualized Supervised Practice Program, earning Outstanding Dietetic
Intern of the Year.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, innovating, and spending time with her
husband and doggy. She looks forward to an exciting year as your SCDA
President-Elect!
SCDA Newsletter
Somethi
ng to
Chew
On!
Page 5
Social Media & Marketing Chair
Samantha Lawrence , RDN
Samantha graduated from UCCS in May 2015 with her undergrad in nutrition, and
completed her internship with the UCCS ISSP program in May 2016. During the
internship, she was awarded the Outstanding Dietetic Intern of the Year for the
state of Colorado. Shortly after, Samantha began working as an official RD with
Morrison Community Living.
She enjoys working with the geriatric population, enriching their lives every day.
Outside of nutrition, Samantha loves being active. Her favorite activities include
running, hiking, swimming, and golf. In addition, she craves adventure and
travels every chance she gets. Most recently, she ventured to Peru with her
boyfriend Mitch, who proposed at Machu Picchu...She obviously said yes
Treasurer
Sarah Montoya-Ortega, RD, CSG
Sarah has been the Nutrition Care Manager for Morrison Community Living at the
Medalion Retirement Community for over two years now. While clinical care,
menu planning, food service management, and health promotion keep her plenty
busy, her real joy is in spending time with the older adults she serves.
Originally a New England native, Sarah graduated from the University of
Connecticut in 2005, went on to complete her dietetic internship with the Air Force
at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB, and spent four additional years
serving at as an active duty dietitian. She took a break from the career field to
obtain an additional degree in Biblical Studies from The Master’s College and had
the amazing opportunity to do a semester study abroad in Israel.
Sarah has been married to her husband Rafael for almost ten years. When not at
work, they enjoy road trips and traveling, working on their house, and taking
advantage of the many outdoor activities that beautiful Colorado affords. They
also love their furry family—a spunky mini Schnauzer Oliver and two very
curious ferrets Bandit and Fang. Sarah looks forward to getting to know her
fellow Southern Colorado dietetics professionals as she serves as their treasurer for
the next two years.
SCDA Newsletter
Page 6
Secretary
Mary Peet, RD
Mary moved to Colorado Springs in 1986 for the position of chief clinical dietitian
at Memorial Hospital. She worked the next 20+ years at Memorial in several
different positions, including manager of Lighten Up for Life and Marketing
Representative. She is currently working as outpatient dietitian at the VA Clinics
in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
Mary and her husband are outdoor and enjoy hiking (she has hiked all the 54
14ers), cross country skiing and river trips. In addition, Mary likes to read and
participates in two book clubs. Mary and her husband share their home with a 22
year old cat, who is very much part of the family.
Mary earned a BA and MA from the University of Iowa, and an MA from the
University of Northern Iowa.
Mary previously was active in SCDA and the Colorado Dietetic Association,
serving as state president in the early 1990's. Having taken time off from
Association activities, she is looking forward to serving on the SCDA Board as
secretary.
Nominating Chair
Margaret Hammond, RD
Margaret W. Hammond, a graduate of Brigham Young University, is a registered
dietitian who has had experience in nutrition education with all ages, infants
through senior citizens. Margaret currently works as a consultant dietitian for Real
Life Nutrition. She has worked with the Utah State Department of Health, the Salt
Lake County Meals on Wheels program, and the Utah Beef Council.
Although she is a full-time mom and chef to three boys, ages 8, 13 and 14, she has
stayed involved in the world of food and nutrition as a product demonstrator for
Jenn-Air appliances, dietitian for Harmon’s Grocery Stores and member of the
Utah Dietetic Association Board of Directors. She has also been a special guest on
the television show “Good Things Utah”. She enjoys incorporating creativity into
her presentations and has a real passion for sharing the importance of nutrition as
part of a happy and healthy life. Margaret moved to Colorado Springs four years
ago and is excited to work with dietitians in the area through serving as SCDA
Nominating Chair.
When she's not working, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and playing the harp and
piano.
SCDA Newsletter
Somethi
ng to
Chew
On!
Page 7
National Nutrition Month Chair
Kim Schenck, MS, RD
Kim completed her internship and graduate school at the University of Kansas
Medical Center. She has been a Registered Dietitian for almost 21 years and has
been a member of SCDA for the past 18 years. She has been active with both the
district and state dietetic association serving as newsletter editor and President for
SCDA and as Marketing/PR Chair and President for CDA (now CAND).
Kim has been at UCCS for 12 years and is currently a senior instructor and director
of the undergraduate DPD program and ISPP internship program.
She is the mom to two sons, ages 19 and almost 17. In addition to spending time
with her family, she loves being outside and enjoys running, biking, hiking, and
walking her dog.
Membership Chair
Julie Stegall, RD
Julie has been an SCDA Board Member for the last 17 years, originally serving as
President-Elect/President and serving as Membership Chair for the last 15 years.
After graduating from Colorado State University in 1995, she completed her
internship at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She
spent 3 years as a clinical dietitian, before making the switch to Abbott Nutrition
17 years ago as an Acute Care Specialist. She completed her MBA in International
Business through Regis University in 2003 and completed her Masters Certificate
in Health Care Informatics in 2014.
Julie is a Colorado Native, and has lived in Colorado Springs for the last 16 years
with her husband Eric and their two kids, Hailee (13) and Ethan (8). She is a
Certified TRX Group Fitness Instructor.
Newsletter Chair
Kirsten Matheson, RDN
Kirsten is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs where she
completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Science – Nutrition as well as the
UCCS ISPP internship program.
Kirsten works as an Out Patient Dietitian for Colorado Springs Health Partner and
is currently studying to becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator.
Kirsten is originally from the Chicagoland area but now calls Colorado home. She
loves the climate and the environment which promotes such healthy lifestyles.
She enjoys spending time with her two kids, Quinn (16) and Molly (13). A lover of
the outdoors, she enjoys hiking, camping, tennis, skiing and gardening. Quiet time
with a good book is always a pleasure as well.
SCDA Newsletter
Page 8
SCDA Membership Information
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Benefits of Membership in SCDA
8 meetings per year, 2 CEU’s per meeting.
Opportunity to have CAND Annual Meeting paid if you attend 4 out of 6
meetings between September and February (drawing at February meeting,
must be present to win).
Opportunity to have your 2016-2017 AND membership paid for if you
attend 6 out of 8 meeting between September and May (drawing at May
meeting, must be present to win).
Networking with local dietitians.
Emails about job openings and current events.
Membership Pricing Information
Once again we are offering a discounted rate to all students, interns and
retirees who are members of AND. The fee is $10.00 / year, if your
membership form, copy of your AND card and check are postmarked by
9/30/2016.
Standard membership pricing of $40.00 will apply for all other members if
your membership form, copy of your AND card and check are postmarked
between by 9/30/2016.
There will be a late fee of $10 applied to all membership forms (active,
student, intern and retiree) that are postmarked October 1 st, 2016 – October
31st, 2016.
Membership closes on November 1st. Please get your applications in prior
to the deadline.
Membership Eligibility Requirements
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In order to be a member of the Southern Colorado Dietetic Association
(SCDA), you need to be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics (AND).
SCDA has different membership levels depending on your membership
status with AND. Please select the membership status on the SCDA form
that corresponds to your membership status with AND that is listed on
your AND card.
If you are not a current member of AND or have a friend who is not, we
would still love to have you or your friend in attendance at our SCDA
meeting/networking events. For a nominal fee of $20/meeting (for most
meetings) you can attend and receive 2 CEU’s.
You are required to send in a copy of your current AND card with your
membership application.
Membership
Submission
Information
Please mail the
membership forms
along with a check and
a copy of your AND
card to the address
below before the first
meeting. Please avoid
bringing these to the
first meeting. Getting
the form in before the
first meeting will help
us avoid long lines and
delays during the
check-in process. It will
also allow us to get the
meeting started on time.
Thank you for your
cooperation!
Julie Stegall, RD,
Membership Chair
1414 Chesham Circle
Colorado Springs, CO
80907
SCDA 2016-2017
Membership Application
Invest in Your Profession!
Contact Information
Name______________________________________________________Credentials_____________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________________________________
City_______________________________________
Phone______________________
State_______________
Zip Code______________________
Email Address ______________________________________________________
Place of Employment_______________________________________________________________________________
Job Title/Description________________________________________________________________________________
AND Registration # __________________ (please send a copy of your AND card as proof of membership-NOT CDR)
 Check this box if you would like to opt out of being included in the directory
Areas of Practice (please circle best choice):
5. Business and Industry
1. Clinical Dietetics
6. Pediatrics
2. Community Dietetics
6. Student or Intern
3. Food Service
7. Retired
4. Education and Research
8. Not working in dietetics
Areas of Interest (please check all that apply)
_____ Public Relations
_____ Awards
_____ National Nutrition Month
_____ Fundraising
2016-2017 Membership Dues Schedule
Regular Annual Membership Fee
Student / Retired Membership Fee
Late Fee
TOTAL CHECK AMOUNT
(postmarked before 9/30)
(postmarked before 9/30)
(postmarked between 10/1-10/31)
Check # ___________
$ 40.00
$ 10.00
$ 10.00
$ ______
SEND CHECK MADE OUT TO SCDA, THIS FORM and a COPY OF AND CARD TO:
Julie Stegall, RD
SCDA Membership Chair
1414 Chesham Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Please direct all membership questions to Julie Stegall at (719) 510-8453 or [email protected]
Receipt
For: 2016-2017 SCDA Membership Dues
Date:
Amount: