Community

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Counseling

Spring 2020

I undertook an enriching internship at BayState Wesson Women's Group, an experience that proved both invaluable and enlightening. My time at this esteemed facility provided an exceptional learning environment, facilitated by a gracious preceptor who generously imparted a wealth of knowledge, nurturing my professional growth throughout the duration of the program.

The clientele at BayState Wesson Women's Group was diverse, comprising women facing various health challenges, including but not limited to conditions such as PCOS, gestational diabetes, infertility, and individuals seeking support for weight management pre and post-pregnancy. This particular population was not only inspiring but also remarkably dedicated to improving their nutritional well-being. Interacting with these motivated individuals allowed me to focus on and deepen my understanding of women's health and wellness.

Throughout the internship, I was afforded the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of women's health, honing my expertise in this specialized field. The experience provided hands-on involvement and exposure to the nuanced nutritional needs of women facing diverse health circumstances. This practical exposure was instrumental in broadening my knowledge base and refining my skills in supporting and guiding women towards enhanced health and well-being.

The experience at BayState Wesson Women's Group was instrumental in furthering my understanding of the complexities of women's health, fostering a deeper appreciation for the significance of tailored nutritional guidance in improving the lives of individuals facing specific health challenges.

I had the opportunity to write a small blurb for the Baystate Newsletter on healthy snacking through Valentines Day. I also created a running list of protein and snack bars for clients in need of on the go snack ideas based on their varied nutrient needs. You can access that list here!

Fall 2019

I volunteered extensively across various locations in Connecticut, contributing my efforts at FoodShare Mobile food trucks and engaging with diverse communities. Working at multiple locations enabled me to distribute foods and seasonal recipes to clients, fostering a supportive and vibrant community atmosphere that was truly remarkable. The interactions with individuals from varying backgrounds and cultures were immensely enriching, highlighting the diversity and kindness inherent in each community.

Additionally, I collaborated with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Norwich, CT, where I provided nutrition education and offered snack ideas to clients throughout the day. Interacting with clients and their families was a gratifying experience, particularly witnessing the enjoyment and positive reception of healthy snacks by both children and parents. Adapting to a dynamic environment without a fixed consulting location, I utilized a rolling cart to visit different areas, ensuring effective engagement and support.

At FreshPlace in Hartford, CT, I delivered nutrition education to clients visiting the market, witnessing their enthusiasm in receiving fresh and nutritious foods for their families. Similar experiences at facilities like MANNA involved organizing shelves, educating clients on essential nutritional aspects like healthy fats and fiber, and offering practical advice to encourage the use of diverse food items available.

Moreover, I participated in wellness classes at Charter Oak Health Center in Hartford, CT, where the focus was on imparting valuable insights into healthy and sustainable weight loss tips. The interactive nature of these classes provided a pleasant and informative environment, concluding with a practical food demonstration on cooking chickpeas as a nutritious crunchy snack.

As part of our program, we attended a Pediatric Nutrition lecture at Baystate Hospital in Springfield, MA, delving into comprehensive information on pediatric nutrition care. Complementing this, a visit to Cloverleigh Farm in Mansfield, CT, offered an insightful tour of the property, allowing us to sample freshly picked vegetables and understand the importance of locally produced foods.

A significant opportunity was shadowing Michelle Mattia, RD, from Shoprite of Enfield, during a cooking class for fathers and male guardians in the community. This experience was particularly enlightening, enabling me to teach a diverse class, spanning different age groups, while learning effective strategies for presenting recipes on a larger scale.

Furthermore, my involvement at Covenant Soup Kitchen in Windham, CT, involved adapting to the absence of a designated table space. Instead, I worked out of a bin, distributing surveys to guests, resulting in a successful engagement with the attendees.

These varied experiences have not only enriched my understanding of diverse community needs but also honed my skills in adapting to different environments, ensuring effective communication, and fostering positive engagement within various community settings.

Click here for a reflection on a unique experience this rotation.

Click here for a presentation on overcoming a challenge faced during this rotation!

Spring 2019

During our community rotation, my partner and I engaged in the development and execution of educational lesson plans tailored for inner-city communities in Hartford and New Britain. At the Charter Oak Health Center, we presented comprehensive lesson plans focusing on effective weight loss strategies. Similarly, at FreshPlace Pantry, we conducted informative sessions centered around the benefits of incorporating fish and fiber into one's diet.

Our educational outreach extended to diverse age groups, encompassing interactive sessions with preschoolers and kindergarteners at Hartford Public Schools and the Manchester Early Learning Center. These sessions were geared towards fostering an understanding of vegetables and promoting the inclusion of healthy snacks in their diets. Additionally, we provided educational sessions for seniors at the West Hartford Fellowship, focusing on vital aspects such as portion control and calorie awareness.

Furthermore, we gained valuable experience through shadowing WIC nutritionists in Willimantic, CT, which provided an insightful glimpse into the practical applications of nutrition education in a community setting. Additionally, our volunteer work for FoodShare trucks in Avon and Unionville, CT, allowed us to actively participate in the distribution of nutritional resources and support within the community.

These multifaceted experiences not only broadened our understanding of diverse community needs but also equipped us with practical skills in delivering tailored nutrition education across various age groups and community settings.

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