Interview with Nicole Coelho, CNM: A Leader in Food and Nutrition Management
Nicole Coelho, CNM, is a seasoned professional in the field of Food and Nutrition Management, currently serving as the Food & Nutrition Manager at AgeCare Alymer in Alymer, Ontario. With a career spanning over a decade, Nicole has garnered extensive experience and expertise in various aspects of food service, nutritional assessment, and team leadership. Her journey into this field began in Saskatchewan, where she graduated from a Food & Nutrition Management Program in 2010, eventually moving to Ontario and becoming a member of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM). Throughout her career, Nicole has held several positions, including part-time Food Service Supervisor in acute care and long-term care settings, showcasing her dedication to the field and her commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through nutrition.
Nicole’s interest in food and nutrition management began in her last year of high school, where she worked as a camp counsellor and developed a passion for ensuring that people have access to healthy and delicious meals. While initially aspiring to become a dietitian, Nicole (with some insightful advice from her mother) realized that food and nutrition management offered the opportunity to make a broader impact on the lives of residents in long-term care homes. This realization motivated Nicole to pursue a career in the field, and she hasn’t looked back since.
In her role as a Food & Nutrition Manager, Nicole is responsible for a wide range of duties, including hiring and human resources tasks, food purchasing, and nutritional assessments for residents. She handles scheduling budgeting and participates in various committees within the home. Nicole’s goal is to ensure that our residents receive high-quality, nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs and preferences.
Nicole believes that being a successful leader in food and nutrition management requires being team-oriented and empowering your staff. “It’s important to get to know your team members and involve them in decision-making processes whenever possible, “ Nicole says as it helps to get buy-in from your staff and set them up for success. Additionally, effective communication and the ability to problem-solve are crucial skills in this field, as you often encounter challenges that require creative solutions. Nicole lives by this philosophy in her day-to-day work life.
Meal planning and menu development are core skills required by any Nutrition Manager. Even though Nicole receives seasonal menus for her home from head office, she personalizes them to include the specific likes and dislikes of her residents. Nicole firmly believes that menus should be dynamic and evolving based on resident feedback. “If a resident indicates that they don’t like a particular dish, we remove it from the menu. Similarly, if they request a specific item, we try to accommodate their preferences.” Nicole says that this approach ensures that their menus are not only nutritionally balanced but also enjoyable for her residents.
One of the cornerstones of being a manager is customer relations. One challenging situation Nicole faced was managing a family member’s demands regarding a resident’s diet. The family member wanted their loved one to be restricted beyond what was medically necessary, which created a conflict between their expectations and the best practices for managing the resident’s health. To resolve this, Nicole worked closely with the registered dietitian and medical director to educate the family member about realistic expectations and the importance of following evidence-based practices. The home held special care conferences and maintained open communication to address any concerns that arose, ultimately ensuring that the resident’s needs were met while respecting the family’s wishes as much as possible.
Nicole feels it’s important to stay updated on current food trends and nutritional guidelines. She does this by following professional organizations such as the Dietitians of Canada and CSNM. Nicole also makes a point to attend industry events and food shows, where she can learn about new products and network with peers. Additionally, she relies on food suppliers to provide information on new products and trends in the industry.
In offering advice to newcomers entering the world of Nutrition Management, Nicole emphasizes the need to be prepared for a rewarding yet challenging journey. This field demands a blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and a genuine passion for enhancing lives through nutrition. “It’s important to stay curious, continue learning, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.”
Nicole Coelho’s dedication to her role as a Food & Nutrition Manager is evident in her commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious meals to residents. Her leadership qualities and passion for her work make her a valuable asset to AgeCare Alymer and an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the field of Food and Nutrition Management.
Interviewed by Vicki Coppins, CNM