Melissa Payne
Melissa completed her undergrad at the University of Manitoba and her internship with NODIP in 2017. After graduating, Melissa knew she wanted to return to her hometown of Kenora, Ontario. However, there were no available dietitian positions in Kenora. Melissa was determined to create a dietitian position for herself. She contacted organizations in Kenora to state how valuable a dietitian could be, and how important the role is in contributing to the health and well-being of others. She soon received a call back from Ogimaawabiitong Kenora Chiefs Advisory. Melissa is now working with the nine affiliated Indigenous communities surroun...
> Read MoreKiera Mackenzie
Kiera completed her BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics at Brescia University College-Western University in 2015. After completing her undergrad, she returned north when she was accepted into NODIP in 2015-2016. During her internship, she completed placements in communities such as North Bay, Fort Frances and Timmins. Coming from a small northern community, she decided to stay in a rural setting when she accepted her first position as a Registered Dietitian in Manitouwadge, ON. As a dietitian in a small community, she works in a variety of areas including hospital acute care, Long Term Care, Public Health, Family Health Team and community wo...
> Read MoreLesley Lalonde (née McBain)
Lesley grew up in Barrie and completed her Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph in 2012. After graduation, NOSMU's Dietetic Practicum Program (DPP) was the perfect fit as she was looking for a practicum program that would push her outside of her comfort zone to develop skills and confidence working in diverse practice settings. From 2013 to 2024, Lesley worked as an acute care RD at Health Sciences North in Sudbury in various practice areas including critical care, medicine, and oncology. During these years, she worked closely with the DPP as a preceptor, a member of the DPP Committee, and as a contr...
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