Part 2 of 4: What Inspired You to Become a Dietitian?

In Part 1, you were introduced to Susan, Ginette, Ellen, and Kathy. Today, they share their response to the question: What inspired you to become a dietitian, and how has your background shaped your connection to the food system?

Susan: “Healthcare has always been a big part of my family, so I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in this field. My connection to food, however, started when I was very young. Growing up near Thunder Bay in the 1970s, family activities like fishing, berry-picking, and gardening, sparked a lifelong love of food. I was curious about food and enjoyed reading cookbooks and watching shows like Julia Child and The Galloping Gourmet. My parents often entertained, hosting dinner parties and going out to restaurants, which further nurtured my passion for food and its cultural significance.

On my father’s side, my family were farmers in northern Alberta, raising goats for many years. While I didn’t live on the farm, I always felt a deep connection to that rural lifestyle.

At first, I didn’t know a profession like dietetics even existed. But once I discovered it, I immediately knew that was right for me and enrolled at Brescia to begin my path to becoming a registered dietitian. It was exciting to be surrounded by people who shared my enthusiasm for food and nutrition.

After spending many years working in clinical nutrition in a hospital setting, I became increasingly interested in food systems and procurement with questions like— where does our food come from and why is it so processed. This curiosity led me to join the MLFPC (Middlesex London Food Policy Council), and grateful to now be volunteering with individuals who are actively engaged in shaping the future of our food system.”

Ginette: “My professional and personal experiences have instilled a strong sense of responsibility and motivation to work towards a more sustainable and connected food system. I deeply value both the land and community relationships. As a vegetable gardener and a Master Gardner, I have a profound appreciation for the environment and the food I can produce for my family at home as well as support others to grow their own food.”

Ellen (former dietitian, retired licence in Dec 2024): “I was inspired by another dietitian, to become a dietitian. She was the professor for my Intro to Nutrition class in my 3rd year at the University of Guelph. She was a public health dietitian and spoke with such passion about the work she was doing. Her work was of so much interest to me I switched my career goal of becoming a social worker to becoming a dietitian, and have never looked back. I chose community/public health nutrition as my focus for my entire career as an RD. My most recent role as Coordinator for the MLFPC is where I discovered how instrumental dietitians are in shaping and supporting our local food systems.”

Kathy: “When I chose to become a dietitian, I was a bit naïve—I simply thought I’d learn how to “eat healthy.” Growing up on a dairy farm, I hadn’t fully connected the dots between farming, food, and nutrition. As I’ve grown older, my appreciation for my rural roots has deepened. I have fond memories of being surrounded by animals and the rhythm of farm life. My parents had an inclusive approach to food—it was never about strict rules, but rather about enjoying home-cooked meals, often made with milk and meat from our farm. Over the past 19 years, my career has reshaped my understanding of food systems, but those deep roots in rural living continue to shape my perspective.”