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“Dietetics is a second career for me and a great career change it was. In 1984, I received my B.S. in Marketing from Northern Illinois University and then pursued a fulfilling ten-year career in corporate sales, moving from Chicago to Dallas. I’d always thought the corporate life was what I wanted, but maybe you, too, have had those ‘What if…’ thoughts such as I was having back then. It was a bit terrifying to think of making a career change—and a possible lifestyle change—yet my passion for nutrition and to study more about it always existed. After serious soul searching, I felt it was time to take the next step.
Resigning my full-time job, I started waiting tables and in the spring of 1994 started my first semester at TWU—Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Intro to Nutrition—holy cats! Then my first test score came in and it was an A—in Chemistry no less. Nirvana! Indeed I’d made the right decision.
In 1997, I received my M.S. in Exercise and Sports Nutrition from TWU and completed their internship program. I’d never planned to work in a clinical setting but fell in love with it during rotations. To my good fortune, Parkland Hospital put me on their staff. Under the direction of Celia Krazit and my first supervisor, Mary Beth George, I was presented with some terrific opportunities. I remained at Parkland until May 2004 when a dream job opened up at Cooper Clinic. Yes, I’m back in the same building, in the same nutrition department, working side-by-side with the same dietitian that took an interest in this complete stranger over 10 years ago. Thank you Kathy (and Donna and Dr. Alford and Celia and Mary Beth) and all the others that have touched my life on this challenging, fascinating career path.
Had it not been for student loans, tips I earned waitressing at Outback Steakhouse, and the endless pursuit of scholarships and funding, I would not be where I am today. One of those scholarships was from the Texas Dietetic Association Foundation. So to the TDAF, thank you for believing in me. It’s a privilege to continue to be an active part of the association and to now serve on the TDA board.”
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Susan Meeke MS, RD, LD, CDE
Diabetes Nutrition Educator
Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas
“In 1997 I decided to quit my full-time office job and go back to school to pursue a degree in nutrition. After completing all my undergraduate pre-requisites, I was accepted into the Texas Woman’s University combined dietetic internship and master’s degree program. I had been working part-time while completing my undergraduate courses and part of graduate school, but the internship required me to spend 40 hours per week in supervised practice, which meant my work hours would need to be reduced. Concerned about tuition, books and cost of living expenses, I applied for and received a TDAF scholarship. With this scholarship I was able to participate in the internship full-time, which I completed in December 1999. My last rotation was at Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth. In January of 2000, one of the clinical dietitians at Plaza became ill and was unable to return to work for several weeks. The director of food and nutrition services contacted me and offered me a PRN position to help cover for the ill dietitian. When the ill dietitian returned, a position became available in the diabetes education department, which is where I still am today. If I did not have the financial resources of the TDAF scholarship, which allowed me to be a full-time intern, I probably would not be in the great position I am in today.”
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Sue Cunningham, MS, RD/LD, CDE
Assistant Professor—Nutrition
Department of Community Dentistry
University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio
Receiving the TDAF Helen Lane Research Award enabled me to complete preliminary research in support of my dissertation for the PhD degree in Epidemiology from the University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health. In conjunction with an award from the ADAF, I developed a questionnaire which measures maternal nutrition and oral health psychosocial factors in the development of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) of newborn to 3 year-old Hispanic children. Although the national prevalence of ECC is estimated to be less than 10%, the prevalence in disadvantaged minorities is estimated to be as high as 70%. Maternal psychosocial factors associated with this preventable disease are unknown for this specific population. The questionnaire will be used in future research protocols. Thanks to the TDAF for funding research aimed at reducing the prevalence of ECC, the most common childhood disease.
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Natalie Roberts, RD
Renal Dietitian
Bullard, Texas
“Howdy, from East Texas!
My name is Natalie Roberts and I have
been an RD for five years and have been living it since day one! I earned my B.S. and M.S. from Stephen F. Austin in
Nacogdoches. I also completed my AP4 at SFA after receiving a TDA Foundation scholarship from Tall Pines District Association. I am so thankful for the scholarship because it helped me get to where I am today.
I have held several positions—clinical dieitian, consultant in long term care, WIC nutritionist, and now as a renal dietitian where I now live in Bullard, TX—a town of just over 1,000 folks! As a dietitian, there are so many opportunities to share your passion for health and nutrition with others. To all future dieititans—take the time to apply for the numerous scholarships available to you. I didn't think I would be a recipient—but I did and look at me now!"
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