Justine completed their Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition and Food at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in 2017. In 2019 Justine completed their postgraduate practicum with NOSM University’s DPP in Sault Ste. Marie with placements in their hometown of Wasaga Beach, Barrie and up north in Sioux Lookout. After completing their practical training, they accepted a full-time job as a Registered Dietitian in Wawa, with placements in pediatrics, renal, diabetes and a community health centre, to name a few, Justine felt prepared to practice as the lone dietitian in a family health team in a rural community. The range of roles encompassed in the day-to-day brings constant excitement and challenges. Justine is thankful for the relationships built with preceptors and fellow learners during their time at DPP that help support them in practice now. Why the NOSM DPP program stood out to Justine was, the focus on supporting learners through their journey and tailoring the program to their interest. Justine is now a preceptor for the DPP. After celebrating over five years of living and working in Wawa, Justine has no plans of leaving, is planting their roots, and building lasting relationships in the community.
Michelle Dumont
Michelle is an RD who grew up an hour north of Sudbury, surrounded by beautiful nature on Windy Lake. Michelle graduated from Laurentian University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science specializing in biomedical biology. To further her education, Michelle pursued a Bachelor of Applied Science at Ryerson University, graduating in 2017. At this time, Michelle had a strong interest in clinical nutrition and registered in the Northern Ontario Dietetic Internship Program (NODIP) graduating in 2018. Throughout the program, her interests evolved, and she gained a true appreciation for all nutrition practice settings.
Upon graduating, Michelle accepted the position of Territory Manager for Nestlé Health Science in Northern Ontario. This career as a Sales Representative allowed Michelle to apply many aspects of nutritional best practices that she learned throughout her dietetic internship from research, clinical practice, management, and public relations. Michelle decided to return to the clinical practice setting and is currently a Registered Dietitian working at Health Sciences North in Sudbury.
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 surrounding Kenora.
Her diverse portfolio focuses on helping communities organize feasts and ceremonies, food security, diabetes, healthy lifestyle education, and traditional food projects.
One of the best aspects of her current position is practicing traditional protocols and learning from elders and co-workers. She also facilitates classes with Confederation College. Melissa remains connected to the life-long friends she made during the internship, and recently attended her research partner’s wedding. NODIP is fortunate to have Melissa contributing to NODIP’s Indigenous Health Curriculum Advisory Group.
