The work on this page is content I have created during university, my internship, and other programming. This information should not be used as medical advice or distributed for patient care. Click on the picture for access to the entire document.
Over the course of my LEND experience I had the opportunity to spend the year in the Cystic Fibrosis clinic, and even cover the CF dietitians maternity leave. I created this handout for the CF dietitian and learned so much about this patient population. Additionally, I had the opportunity to dive into family needs and practice my counseling skills. Competency 1,2,4,5.
Over the course of my LEND experience I had the opportunity to spend the year in the Cystic Fibrosis clinic, and even cover the CF dietitians maternity leave. I created this handout for the CF dietitian and learned so much about this patient population. Additionally, I had the opportunity to dive into family needs and practice my counseling skills. Competency 1,2,4,5.
Over the course of my LEND experience I had the opportunity to spend the year in the Cystic Fibrosis clinic, and even cover the CF dietitians maternity leave. I created this handout for the CF dietitian and learned so much about this patient population. Additionally, I had the opportunity to dive into family needs and practice my counseling skills. Competency 1,2,4,5.
Over the course of my LEND experience I had the opportunity to spend the year in the Cystic Fibrosis clinic, and even cover the CF dietitians maternity leave. I created this handout for the CF dietitian and learned so much about this patient population. Additionally, I had the opportunity to dive into family needs and practice my counseling skills. Competency 1,2,4,5.
This year I was able to become a part of a housing committee in KCMO. This group discusses how affordable housing is relative, shares resources for housing needs, and brainstorms ideas for housing equity. Competency 3, 8.
Although not directly related to LEND, this year I completed a non-thesis project that aims to assess the ability for children ages 3-5 years old to classify food groups using a "which-of-these-do-not-belong" methods. I designed the study and the tool. Orignially, it was a thesis project, however, there was not enough data to analyze by the timer I needed to defend.
I also worked on on two other studies that deal with nutrition literacy. One looks at how the counselor changes their counseling technique when provided with patient Nutrition Literacy Scores, the other assesses parent nutrition literacy and child diet. Competency 7, 10.
I was able to teach early education teachers about appropriate feeding habits in 3-5 year old's and how to promote positive behaviors and body image in students. Competency 6.
I was able to attend and assist with the planning of the LEND Legislative Day. I really appreciate the knowledge shared about disability rights efforts and the perspective shared by each of the presenters. Competency 3.
I attended a resource fair and had the opportunity to learn about the local organizations that are working to support people with disabilities. Competency 2.
In the fall I was able to attend the Public Policy Workshop hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This even took place in D.C. and I was able to share barriers that prevent people from accessing adequate nutrition. Many of these barriers impact the disability community including transportation, affordable food, cooking skills, and nutrition education.Public policy is my passion and I hope to continue to improve my understanding of the impact policy has on this community. Competency 3.
This spring I had the opportunity to attend the charting the lifecourse showcase. This was an inspiring event where people from all aspects of the disabilties came together to discuss how the Lifecourse framework can be implemented into all systems and and impact the quality of life of those with disabilities. Competency 4,8, 10.
The Food Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) was held in D.C. and paired with the Public Policy Workshop. At FNCE I attended the policy track to learn what dietitians are doing to lead policy efforts in their states. I gained a lot of information on how Policy is made and what it takes to become a leader in the world of public policy. Competency 3.
I was able to lead a campaign for protecting SNAP in the Farm Bill to ensure equitable access to food for all. Additionally, I was able to take the information gainded from this campaign to share with all 6 KS congressmen in D.C. Competency 3.
Outside of Washington D.C. I helped organize and presented at the Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Public Policy Workshop in Topeka. My role was to assist in organizing speakers from KC Healthy Kids, Kansas Appleseeds, former State Representative and current lobbyist for the Children's Alliance of Kansas, and current representative Eileen Horn. Competency 3.
Overall, I have learned so much about the disability community, from clinical care to policy needs. Class time and getting to know my cohort and understanding their experiences has impacted my life more than I would have imagined. I'm greatful for what I have gained and I hope to continue to give back to this community.
I had the privleged to attend Your Leadership Edge at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita. This was an eye opening experience and I had the opportunity to connect with an amazing group of people from diverse backgrounds. I used the experience to focus on my advocacy skills and how I can be a better leader in my role as Public Policy Coordinator for the Kansas Academy of nutrition and dietetics. Competency 8.
I attended a public policy forum hosted by the UCS of Johnson County to learn about the gap in housing in the KC metro as well as solutions to creating sustainable housing systems that support themselves and allow community members to gain equity. Additionally, there was a panel of State legislators who discussed current bills and issues to watch for. Competency 3.
This year I stared the Dignified People Podcast to share the stories of those who have been impacted by systemic oppression. I have learned so much about the personal experience of those with disabilities through starting this project and I am excited to continue this work into the future.
I originally started the podcast because I realized how different my life experiences have been from many of my classmates and how these experiences have impacted my world view. I wanted to provide people who have a different perspective a platform to share their story and unpack systemic flaws. Competency 1, 8, 10.
Througout class I have learned so much about he field of NDD/I/DD. I have also gained valuable insight on what families and patients need from a provider. This has inspired me to start a private practice called Nourished Together. The focus of Nourished Togeter is to support the health of the entire family with nutrition in the context of the child's disease. Parents are often neglected in their health needs and I want to support them as we also support the child. Currently, I have enrolled a few families for consultations. I am also working on growing a facebook community where parents can come together to pursue health. Competency 1, 2, 10.
At the KSAND PPW in Topeka, I taught students and dietitians how to effectively communicate with legislators in an applicable way through a presentation called "Motivational Interviewing for Policy Makers." Competency 3, 6.
Hill visits in Washington D.C.! Competency 3.
Other experiences I would like to note were the family immersion experience and all of the cultural competencies we have been exposed to.
My family immersion experience was valuable and I enjoyed getting to know my family on a personal level. I hope that we will stay connected int the future.
All of Joshes classes were phenomenal. I feel prepared to interact more effectively with other cultures. Additionally, I attended the Native American Heritage Week hosted at KUMC and I was inspired by the research, panel and other work presented at the event. I hope that one day I can become fore involved int the Native American/American Indian community,