June Yerrington Award – Crystal J. Wilson, EdS, MS, RDN, LD, FAND

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to present the June Yerrington Award to Crystal J. Wilson, EdS, MS, RDN, LD, FAND.

The June Yerrington Award was established in 1980 to recognize Idaho Academy members who have made a significant, long-term contribution to our affiliate. The June Yerrington award is our affiliate’s highest award. This award recognizes individuals that have been members of the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for at least 10 years. Recipients of this honor have made a significant impact in his or her community and have earned respect from within the profession. This award also honors the respect the recipient has earned from his or her colleagues.

Crystal is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach for Dairy West. She serves as the Vice President of Employee Development and Engagement and represents the organization’s culture strategy and employee experiences.. Crystal is passionate about health and wellness and strives to take science-based nutrition and health recommendations and translate them into consumer-friendly messages. Crystal is a graduate of the Idaho Agricultural Leadership Academy and is proud to represent our agriculture industry to her fullest ability.

Crystal earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Idaho, a Master’s degree in Adult and Organizational Learning from the University of Idaho and an Educational Specialist degree in Adult and Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho (GO VANDALS!)

Crystal’s role as a leader and influencer in the nutrition field has not only impacted Idaho but has national reach. She has previously been awarded Idaho’s Business Review Woman of the Year. She has held various volunteer positions with the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics including the presidency. Crystal has been instrumental in helping the Academy accomplish its strategic goals and expand the Registered Dietitian’s role in health care. She has worked tirelessly to encourage dietitians to broaden their scope of work beyond the traditional roles of dietetics.

Crystal has served as a preceptor and mentor to dietetics students for many years. Students have commented that they have been honored to be encouraged and mentored by her.

Crystal, with her husband Chance, have three children and reside in Boise, Idaho. Crystal has dedicated her personal and professional life to the field of child nutrition. Prior to joining Dairy West, Crystal spent two years teaching Family and Consumer Science courses at Lowell Scott Middle School three years coaching tennis, and eleven years in school food service in the Boise School District.

Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award Barbara J. Gordon, MBA, RDN, LD, FAND

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to recognize Barbara J. Gordon, MBA, RDN, LD, FAND, as the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year for 2020. This award recognizes members who havedemonstrated leadership in the affiliate or employment through research, education, management or legislation. Recipients of this award have also served as an outstanding role model of professionalism and as a source of inspiration to others in nutrition and dietetics. Barbara is a very active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on both a state and national level. She is constantly sharing her experiences and encouraging the Dietitians around her to participate and contribute to the Academy. Since coming to Idaho five years ago, Barbara has enthusiastically volunteered her time for a number of IAND activities. She currently serves on the IAND Public Policy Committee. In the past, she has served on the planning committee for the IAND Annual Meeting and has presented two fantastic sessions! In addition, as an IAND representative she served on the Idaho State Health Improvement Program Population Workgroup and wrote a column for the Idaho Press Tribune.

Barbara is known to be a terrific team player with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She was recently asked to serve as a Subject Matter Expert on Evidence Based Practice for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ House of Delegates. In addition, she is currently the Chair for the Research Dietetic Practice Group and previously served as the Research DPG liaison to the Academy Council on Research. Barbara co-presented the 2016 FNCE session, “Emerging Nutrition Interventions in Urology.”

As a dietitian, Barbara has held an incredible variety of jobs. Her career trajectory demonstrates the value of the RDN credential and her resourcefulness in leveraging this credential in a variety of fields. Barbara currently serves as Chair and Dietetics Program Director for Idaho State University. She is a role model to students. Taking a keen interest and taking time out of her busy schedule to get to know each of them and asking for feedback to enhance their experience.

Her willingness to openly share her rich career experiences is a tremendous gift to not just her students at ISU but other dietitians within the state of Idaho and throughout the country.

Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award Melissa M. Wallinga, MS, RDN, LD, CSP

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to recognize Melissa Wallinga, MS, RDN, LD, CSP, as the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year for 2020. This award recognizes members 35 years and younger who have demonstrated leadership in the affiliate or employment through research, education, management or legislation. Recipients of this award have also demonstrated concern for the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population. Melissa is a pediatric critical care expert who currently manages the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise Idaho. Since starting at St. Luke’s in 2013, she has been instrumental in the expansion of the Dietitian role on the inpatient and pediatric units. She started the Weight Intervention sand Nutrition Clinic which serves children with malnutrition.

Melissa is regularly featured on KTVB during their nutrition segments and recently wrote an article for the Idaho Press Tribune to educate Treasure Valley residents on the increasing prevalence of eating disorders in the pediatric population.

Melissa had the honor of presenting a paper at the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Science and Practice Conference in March of 2020 and continues to be an active member of the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Melissa’s passion for dietetics is evident in every aspect of her professional career to date. She has developed into a mentor for new dietitians as well as dietetic interns and has become a highly valued member of the staff at St. Luke’s Children’s.

Outside of dietetics, Melissa is an avid golfer, volunteering with the Veteran’s Golf Association. She enjoys spending time with her two young children and is active in her church and community.

Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician of the Year Award Lori Ann Haroldsen, NDTR, MHE

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to recognize Lori Ann Haroldsen, MHE, NDTR, as the Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered, of the Year for 2020. This award recognizes the contributions of Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered to the profession. Recipients of this award are recognized for their promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the population and demonstrated leadership in the affiliate or through their employment.

Lori has been a member of the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 2011, joining as an undergraduate at Idaho State University. Lori has maintained her membership since graduating and has participated in local and affiliate activities. Lori is a dedicated and active member of our affiliate, serving on the Annual Meeting Fundraising Committee (2018-2020). Lori is always willing to help out on committees.

Lori advanced her education by completing a Master of Health Education at Idaho State University. Currently, Lori works with Eat Smart Idaho in Bonneville County under a grant through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP). In this position, Lori teaches youth, adolescents, and adults about nutrition. In this position Lori uses both her dietetics degree and her health education degree. When the pandemic hit, Lori had seven youth classes going and had just started an adult class. Lori is now using video recordings instead of in person classes. Lori states that she misses the in-class interactions with her clients but is adding a new skill to her resume!

In her free time, Lori is finishing family genealogy work started by her mother. She and her husband also are doing some home remodeling, which always takes more time!

Outstanding Dietetic Student Award, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho - Meredith LaFrance

The University of Idaho Coordinated Program in Dietetics has selected Meredith LaFrance to receive the Outstanding Dietetic Student Award for 2020.

“Meredith’s desire to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is rooted in her love of food, passion for cooking, and determination to empower others to live healthy, happy lives. Her journey has been a bit untraditional. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish, she embarked on a life-changing journey to Rwanda, where she served for 27 months as a Peace Corps Volunteer. As a teacher, she was acutely aware of how food insecurity and poor nutrition impacted her students’ performance. Her enthusiasm for nutrition and dietetics continued to grow in the jobs she accepted upon her return to the U.S. Through her experience working with diverse communities in Oregon and Alaska, she recognized the value of nutrition education and wished she could do more. She now seizes any opportunity to increase her knowledge of nutrition-related topics and strives to provide guidance founded in evidence-based research. Meredith aspires to connect with individuals and communities and effect change through nutrition education and support. She is interested in all areas of the field, including acute clinical care, long term care, diabetes management, oncology nutrition, and community outreach. Components of the job she finds most exciting include grocery store tours, cooking demonstrations, and project development. She hopes to one day work at an outpatient clinic centered on lifestyle medicine.”

Outstanding Dietetic Student Award, Didactic Program in Dietetics, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho – Samantha Mitro

The Idaho State University, Didactic Program in Dietetics, has selected Samantha Mitro to receive the Outstanding Dietetic Student Award for 2020.

“ Samantha Mitro will graduate with her B.S. in Dietetics from Idaho State University in May 2020. During her time at ISU, Samantha has been an active member of the Nutrition and Wellness Club and Phi U Honorary Society. She is the current secretary for both organizations. Samantha’s gentle leadership style translates well into the classroom. She is very engaged and willing to volunteer her time and talents for others. Samantha’s positive attitude and willingness to learn are assets to her today and in the future. Samantha will begin her dietetic internship and MS degree this fall. After completing her internship, Samantha would like to begin her career in the clinical setting and eventually work in oncology. “

University of Idaho Coordinated Program in Dietetics Preceptor Award – Jennifer Lind, RDN, CD, LD

Jen Lind, RDN, CD, LD has been chosen as the 2020 Outstanding Preceptor for the University of Idaho Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Jen has worked as a clinical dietitian since she graduated in 2010. Currently she is the Director of Wellness at Tri-State Memorial Hospital. In addition to her work at Tri-State, Jen is completing her MBA at Washington State University. Jen always goes above and beyond for students! She genuinely cares about the students and their experience in the clinical supervised practice rotation. She carefully considers each student and creates an experience tailored to their career goals. She finds additional optional opportunities for students at the hospital and in the community. Students know that she is always looking out for them to make sure they are taught skills for success. She is an example of excellence in professional practice, as she has a very large presence at the hospital. She is dedicated to improving nutrition and health, not only for the patients but also for the employees. The University of Idaho is grateful for Jen’s role in teaching and mentoring future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists!

Idaho State University Master of Science – Dietetic Internship (MS-DI) Preceptor Award -Becky Sulik, RDN, LD, CDE

Idaho State University is honored to present their Master of Science – Dietetic Internship (MS-DI) Outstanding Preceptor Award for 2020 to Becky Sulik, RDN, LD, CDE. Becky works at the Rocky Mountain Diabetes and Osteoporosis Center in Idaho Falls and has for many years.

Becky is the embodiment of what an excellent preceptor is. Becky takes all of the Pocatello based interns every year with an amazingly positive attitude. It is clear that she enjoys working with interns and has an educator’s heart. She asks for intern evaluation of her facility feedback because she strives to make the rotation as good as possible. A frequently commented upon practice of Becky’s at the facility is that the interns are given a great deal of autonomy to set their own schedules and work with all the clinic diabetes educators. Most interns express how much they enjoyed that aspect and their diabetes rotation is one of their favorites.

Another important behavior to note is Becky’s commitment to our profession. Becky has served in numerous positions within the Academy and is currently on the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) Committee this year. Becky values the Academy and its work on our behalf and in turn strongly believes in giving back to her profession, a valuable contribution for our future dietitians. She serves as an excellent example of “paying forward” into our professional associations and is most deserving of this award.

Gem Award Renee Watson, RN

The Gem award recognizes nonmembers of Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that have promoted and/or encouraged good health with an emphasis on sound nutrition habits through efforts to educate the public. Recipients of this award are selected for their contributions to mission and vision of the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics presents its 2020 Gem Award to Renee Watson, RN, for her contribution to our profession as a public member of the Licensure Board from 2015-2019.

Renee’s experiences as Senior Director of several St. Luke’s departments, including Health Partners, Nursing and Patient Care- Ambulatory Services and Humphreys Diabetes Center positioned her well to be an advocate for RD’s practicing at the top of their license. Renee was a supportive voice on the Licensure Board during a critical time for our profession.

When the changes to the Dietitian Practice Act were presented to the Idaho House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees, Renee testified in support of key changes, including diet order writing and insulin adjustment. Renee stated in her testimony that allowing RDs to adjust insulin and write diet orders would improve patient care and reduce costs. Renee described to the committee members how practice policies in St. Luke’s Clinics would benefit from the proposed changes to our licensure statute.