Theresa O’Reilly obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences with a concentration in Dietetics from Montclair State University. She completed her dietetic internship there as well. Theresa went on to complete her Master’s in Applied Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition Education at Northeastern University in Boston, MA and is currently enrolled in D’Youville College’s Doctoral Program in Education in Health Professions Education.
After struggling with a binge eating disorder as a teenager, Theresa was compelled to study nutrition. She decided to major in nutrition so that she could learn more about food and help herself. She reflects,
“Once I started my bachelor’s degree in nutrition, I then learned all about how nutrition can help others, and I fell in love.”
Over the years,Theresa has learned she is most passionate about helping others pursue their nutrition dreams and feels blessed to have found her new home at Saint Elizabeth University as the new Dietetic Internship Director. Theresa feels lucky to work with an amazing group of faculty and interns. A typical day as internship director involves discussing interns’ progress, exploring ways to continue to strengthen the curriculum and internship experiences, helping to coordinate intern site placements, and ensuring the program is meeting ACEND requirements.
Theresa is grateful for the outstanding mentors she has had in her career. Especiallyfor Mary-Pat Maciolek, EdD, MBA, RD, FAND, who hired her in her first position in education within the Dietetic Technology Program at Middlesex County College (now Middlesex College). Theresa notes, “Not only that, she helped expose me to so many opportunities within the field of nutrition and helped me network with so many amazing RDNs, I will be forever grateful.” Theresa is also thankful to follow in the footsteps of Kathleen Carozza, MA, RDN, FAND her predecessor at Saint Elizabeth University,
“Both Kathleen and Monica Luby, MS, RD, who came before me as DI Program Directors, created such a wonderful program for interns and I am so lucky to follow them.”
When reflecting on her biggest challenge to becoming a dietitian, Theresa cites imposter syndrome and notes that working with so many amazing RDNs helped her overcome this. She states,
“At first I was intimidated wondering if I would find where my niche was. My biggest advice is if you are open to new experiences and focus on doing what you love while helping others, you are bound to find your niche and confidence!”
As a New Jersey native, her favorite thing about the state is how diverse it is. Her children have friends of all different cultures and religions. Living in a diverse state also provides easy access to many different amazing cuisines, as well as a short drive to the beach, city or country.
