Onto a different area of your work – what does your role with the justice system involve ?
We go into youth justice services and prisons … it is a very confronting place . We could be in the kitchens , teaching people skills to get ready to transition back into the real world , helping people shop online , helping people make better food choices or helping manage food alongside medication and mental health .
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Eating is the first language we learn ; it ’ s the first communication we have with our mum . When that communication breaks down , it ’ s stressful on both sides . So , we help families communicate again by teaching them what each other are trying to say .
Where have you found your mentors and guides as you ' ve progressed ?
I draw them from everywhere ! Not just within dietetics or business , but other health professionals , too . I draw on similarities from them in terms of setting up business values and goals . There ' s a couple of researchers and pediatricians who I still turn to as well . I guess you don ' t ever lose people , you just foster lifelong relationships along the way . Making time for that is really important .
Where do you think dietetics can grow in the future ?
I ' d really like to us to view ourselves differently as a profession . The amount of volunteer positions shows we don ’ t value our own experience or expertise . I ’ d like to see us furthering our knowledge as mental health professionals and therapists as well – being able to affect change on a weekly or fortnightly basis and becoming skilled at putting together care plans and being accountable to them .
What are your future career goals ?
I have a big love for the disabled community and I want to do a lot more advocacy for dietetics within that space . That ' s an area I ' m working hard in at the moment .
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© Dietitian Connection 35 Infuse | May 2022