Meet Christine Meissner, EdD, RDN, FNAP, CBHM – Lifelong Learner and Teacher
NJAND August RDN of the Month
Christine Meissner is a perfect fit for her current role as Clinical Faculty Member in the Foods and Nutrition Department at St. Elizabeth University.Christine’s typical week is centered in advancing the future of Dietetics. Her work is a balance between classroom education and planning placement sites for interns. A typical week can include lecturing students, working in the simulation lab, communicating with preceptors, and building courses. What she finds most satisfying about her job is seeing interns graduate and pass the RDN exam.“I value the importance of obtaining advanced certifications and degrees to be effective in your job. Early in my career I was certified as a nutrition support clinician through ASPEN. As I moved to faculty work, I obtained a doctorate in education.”
Wisdom for Students Outside of the Classroom
Volunteering for committee work as a student can really help expand career potential. It offers the opportunity to network with health professionals and work on projects that enhance their career prospects. Two organizations she encourages students to join as interns are the New Jersey Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the NJAND Public Policy committee. Both of these groups offer interns opportunities beyond the classroom, and many former students have gone on to join our boards as working professionals.
Self-Reflection – Inspiration and Giving Back
Christine’s greatest inspiration as a dietitian is networking with other RDNs to accomplish a goal. A group that she works with right now is the NJAND Public Policy Committee. “This is a very supportive group, and we work to advocate for nutrition policy. This committee works at a high level and we are accomplishing great things. Everyone’s hard work inspires me to do more.” Christine serves on the board of the New Jersey Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and is the State Regulatory Specialist for NJAND. Advancing interprofessional collaboration is also a focus, leading to her appointment as a Distinguished Fellow with the National Academies of Practice. One interesting volunteer position she has recently taken on is being appointed to her town’s Board of Health. “This is an important area for dietitians to be a part of to advance the health of the local community.” As a dietitian, Christine has worked as both a nutrition support clinician and a nutrition counselor. She has learned from her patients and clients to take life one day at a time and meet challenges with a positive attitude. She is grateful to many people who served as mentors as she was entering her career as a dietitian. Mentors were important in helping her build confidence in her skills and abilities; they also helped her network with potential employers. “We all need to remember to always give back and nurture new members in our field.”
Just for Fun
Christine is a native New Yorker and has lived in New Jersey for many years. New Jersey is great for accessing nature, and her favorite thing to do is day at the Jersey Shore – preferably in Spring Lake. She also loves anything outdoors including running, biking, swimming and kayaking. “The best part of my free time is enjoying the company of my family – including my husband, children and grandchildren.” With her dedication to advancing future RDNs and the profession as a whole it is fitting that one of her guiding quotes by Seamus Heaney is “Walk on air against your better judgement.” May we all hold on to hope as we continue our professional and personal journeys. NJAND would like to thank you, Christine, for your dedication to NJAND, mentorship, compassion, guidance and all you do for the profession and public health.
