Today @ MAND – September 2020
MAND 2020-2021 President’s Welcome
Hello MAND Members!
Normally this time of year is busy, and often symbolic of a fresh & crisp fall start. This year takes on more meaning. We are in a place of challenge and uncertainty. If you had asked me a year ago if I thought my year as President would be during a pandemic filled with unknowns, I wouldn’t have even dreamt it. With that being said, in a time of challenge and uncertainty, I want you to know that I am certain this year with MAND will be full of community and creativity. My goals are to continue providing continuing education opportunities, networking opportunities (whether virtually or in-person as permitted) and continue our impact on public policy and diversity & inclusion within our community and profession.
I have already witnessed many members of our Board express such innovative ideas for the year ahead! I truly cannot wait for you to see what we have in store. We will continue to adapt and keep up our MAND momentum.
I am so honored to lead MAND for this year and to be surrounded by such incredibly passionate dietetics professionals.
In health,
Christina

Healthy French Toast Casserole Recipe
By Shelby Burns, MS/RD/LDN
I am sure I am not the only one baking up a storm during Covid-19, especially seeing as many baking products seem to be in short supply. As we navigate these uncertain times, baking can be a form of stress relief and bring joy and comfort to our homes. However, it can also bring the unwanted “quarantine-15” if overdone. Here I share a healthy take on a comfort food recipe that has brought both deliciousness and comfort to my day. It’s a great spin on a classic dish that can be eaten any time of day! (and makes lots of leftovers)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup stevia/truvia brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 3 TBSP Cinnamon
- 3-4 tart apples
- 1/2Cup craisins
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup skim milk or milk of choice
- 1 TBSP vanilla extract
- 1 loaf bread of choice
- 2 Cups 2% Milk
Directions:
- Combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon in a bowl
- Add sliced apples, craisins to mixture and toss then transfer to a 9X13 inch pan
- Arrange bread slices over mixture in pan until covered
- Mix eggs, milk, vanilla extract in a bowl then pour over bread in pan; add more cinnamon on top if desired
- Bake 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes then let sit for 5 minutes.

| Shelby is a Registered Dietitian based in Boston, MA. She previously served as our Awards Chair and is a dedicated professional with a rich knowledge-base in sports nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, motivational interviewing, and weight loss counseling. She has a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and health care industry however, growing up, she always knew she wanted to work in health and wellness, with a focus on disease prevention. She has since pivoted and focused more so on building her own personal private counseling business. She has a Master’s in Nutrition from Boston University and completed her Dietetic Internship through Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. In her “free” time she enjoys staying active, writing, reading nonfiction books, and partaking in the local food scene. |
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Today @ MAND – MDEF Scholarships of 2020
Every year the Massachusetts Dietitians Education Foundation (MDEF) chooses three lucky students to receive scholarships to further their education in the field of dietetics. This year’s MDEF scholarship winners are Elena Bergomi, RD, Gabrielle Redner, and Kate Killion. Elena Bergomi, RD Master’s of Science at Simmons University Elena’s Goals: I work in both private practice […]
Today @ MAND – July 2020
Boston Alliance for Diversity in Dietetics (BADD) has launched! In May 2020, led by Michele “Shelly” DeBiasse, PhD, RDN and Deanna Belleny, MPH, RDN, the Boston University’s Didactic Program in Dietetics was selected by the 2019-2020 Diversity & Inclusion Committee of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) to receive the 2020-2022 Diversity and Inclusion Promotion […]
Today @ MAND – June 2020
SNAP & SNAP-Ed Updates for Massachusetts By Amy Branham, MS, RD, LDN This article offers a brief overview of recent programmatic changes in SNAP and SNAP-Ed in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program has instituted a number of changes to assist individuals and families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. To support these […]
Today @ MAND – May 2020
We Missed You in April March, April and May might be starting to blur together as dietitians and nutritionists take the front line with other healthcare workers to fight COVID-19. We hope everyone has remained safe and healthy during this time and has found sources of hope. Thank you for all you are doing! Supporting […]
Today @ MAND – March 2020
MA Dietitians Education Foundation T-Shirt Fundraiser Buy a shirt (or two!) to help fund scholarships for future nutrition professionals. Visit https://www.customink.com/fundraising/MDEFscholarships to get your t-shirt(s). Massachusetts Dietitians Education Foundation (MDEF) is in dire need of donations to its scholarship fund in order to continue providing yearly scholarships to worthy nutrition students and professionals looking to […]
Today @ MAND – February 2020
Part One: Plant Pigment Power of Phytonutrients and Vascular Health By Jody Bergeron, MS, RN Phytochemicals, also known as phytonutrients (phyto=plant) are plant based compounds with certain biological actions that sustain human health. There are literally thousands of theses non-nutritive compounds that can potentially reduce the risk of chronic conditions. Phytonutrients stimulate enzymes that assist […]
Today @ MAND – January 2020
What is Allulose? By Hailey Crean, MS, RD, CDE, CSOWM In my practice, I encourage an all-foods-fit approach to nutrition and that includes sugar. And yes, even when managing diabetes. But, while some sugar fits, studies show most of us are eating way too much of it. In fact, the CDC estimates that between 2005 […]
Today @ MAND – December 2019
Q&A session with Dan Coello for a feature on the BU Sargent Programs in Nutrition By Caroline Kohler Q: What is the most surprising/interesting thing you’ve learned in the DI? A: That people make mistakes in healthcare, and sometimes they can be pretty bad mistakes. While now it seems like common sense that people would […]
Today @ MAND – November 2019
MAND BLOG National School Lunch Week: What’s On Your Playlist? Celebrated Across the Nation By Shennie Quintanilla, MS, RDN School lunch is not what it used to be in yesteryears. Districts across the nation are cooking scratch-made tasty meals, enhancing culinary skills, reducing food waste, and supporting local agriculture. School districts are hiring more and […]
Member Spotlight
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Registered Dietitian Role: The Registered Dietitian is responsible for implementing the overall nutrition program for the Elder Service Plan. Under the general supervision of the Nutrition Manager, the Dietitian assists.. Read more >
WIC Nutritionist Role: The Program Nutritionist provides nutrition services to WIC applicants and participants. Responsibilities: • Provides nutrition care to high-risk women, infants and children under the.. Read more >
Call for Nominations for MAND 2026-2027 Elections
The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for individuals who foster teamwork, innovation, and dedication for the following 2026-2027 Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ballot positions below. Elections will take place in February 2026.
Click Here to learn more.
