Julia Maher, MS, RD, LDN
Nutrition And Food Science
Elkins Park,PA
Summary
Seasoned culinary expert with 8 years of experience as a chef, combined with a deep understanding of nutrition as a Registered Dietitian. Demonstrated ability in creating delicious and health-conscious meals, tailored to diverse dietary needs and preferences. Passionate about integrating culinary arts with science-backed nutritional principles to promote holistic well-being. Effective in educating individuals on making informed food choices and fostering a healthier lifestyle.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
1
1
Language
Work History
Lead Registered Dietitian
Allegheny Health Network
Pittsburgh, PA
07.2021 - Current
- Manage nutrition components of weight management programs which includes the design of program structure and curriculum, writing clinical protocols, policies, and developing educational handouts
- Translate latest scientific findings and information so that it is easy for our staff, clients, and caregivers to understand and put into practice
- Participate in media interviews, research symposiums, publish newspaper and newsletter articles about current nutrition trends and research
- Prepare and conduct weekly and monthly nutrition education support classes on a variety of topics
- Provide nutritional assessment, counseling, education and clinical follow-up both in person and in group settings for complex patients with multiple comorbidities including but not limited to TPN, tubefeeding, obesity, malnutrition, diabetes, lipid disorders, hypertension, cancer survivorship, PCOS, infertility, bariatric surgery, and GI disorders
- Collaborated efficiently with multiple departments and staff including medical weight loss, bariatrics, endocrine, and primary care to ensure comprehensive and seamless treatment plans for patients
- Write thorough narratives to referring providers with detailed descriptions of nutrition assessment, education given, plan of care, and recommendations
- Verify insurance eligibility & nutrition benefits for patients, ensure all referrals are addressed in a timely manner; contact patients to schedule
- Educate medical students and residents, dietetic interns, and train new hires
- Developed nutrition plans addressing individual patient diabetes and food allergies.
- Assisted patients clients with mean plan development, addressing individualized dietary requirements.
- Developed nutrient-dense recipes and flexible meal templates to meet nutritional objectives.
- Planned nutritious meal options for individuals with various health needs and conditions.
- Determined client-specific nutrient and energy requirements, with consideration to specific lifestyles, physiology and medical concerns.
- Coordinated and implemented nutrition programs within community to promote healthy eating.
- Liaised with healthcare professionals in creating nutrition-related treatment plans.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Dietetic Intern
Allegheny Health Network
Pittsburgh, PA
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Completed an ACEND-accredited curriculum with a 12-week Oncology specialty at five outpatient cancer treatment centers; additional rotations included ICU, medical, surgical, renal, hematology, and cardiology
- Performed nutrition assessments, wrote diet orders, prepared nutrition education materials, implemented nutrition interventions including tube feeding and TPN for patients
- Utilized motivational interviewing skills and medical nutrition therapy to promote behavior change for patients with nutrition related illnesses and those at risk of malnutrition
- Completed quality improvement project researching the efficacy of prophylactic enteral tube feeding in head and neck cancer patients
- Planned and conducted lesson plans, food demos, social media posts and other nutrition-related educational activities for children and adults at the Community Engagement Center in Homewood
- Developed and presented proposal to Homewood Engagement Center leaders for Community Fridge in order to increase access to fresh and healthy foods, reduce food waste, and foster a sense of community 1
- Conducted culturally diverse healthy cooking classes to encourage client interest in dietary modifications.
- Completed client weigh-ins and counseled clients on healthy eating behaviors and sound meal planning to promote commitment to nutritionally sound diets.
- Planned nutritious meals for patients with food allergies and special dietary needs to promote good nutrition and healthy eating behaviors.
- Observed food service operations to obtain knowledge of large-scale dining services catering to diners with varied meal requirements.
- Learned meal planning strategies for clients with special dietary preferences and food allergies to increase knowledge of dietary options.
- Created evidence-based diet and nutrition content for organization's blog to promote nutritionally sound dietary practices.
- Followed all food safety regulations while preparing meals for patients.
Assistant Coordinator of Billing
Parkway Health And Wellness
Philadelphia, PA
01.2018 - 07.2019
- Performed administrative duties requiring specific knowledge of medical and insurance billing terminology
- Scheduled nutrition appointments, billed insurance, followed up on claim inquiries and compiled and recorded medical charts, reports, and correspondence
- Increased monthly nutrition counseling bookings by 300%
- Set up booth at Employee Health Fair – followed up with 45 prospective patients and booked appointments for 30% of them within the month
Clinical Research Assistant
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
04.2018 - 09.2018
- Analyzed patient data for clinical research studies in oncology, nutrition, meditation, brain imaging and patient satisfaction as part of a multidisciplinary research team
- Processed and tracked all regulatory requirements and documents and contributed to the creation and distribution of correspondence, manuscripts, and presentations related to the research
- Screened, scheduled, and communicated with study participants to ensure participant retention and compliance
Community Chef
EAT Cafe
Philadelphia, PA
07.2017 - 04.2018
- Prepared and served meals at a pay-what-you-can price in an open kitchen setting while encouraging dialogue among patrons
- Utilized resources within the community (donations from community and local food companies) to address the tastes and nutritional needs of the clientele
- Coordinated events including book signings, fundraisers and lectures
- Prepared and stocked ingredients to effectively carry out each day’s service
Senior Line Cook
The Restaurant At Wente Vineyards
Livermore, CA
05.2013 - 06.2015
- Trained and managed new hires to ensure high level quality expectations for all stations
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create and implement new menu items
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and multi-task effectively while preparing food for up to 300+ patrons nightly
- Managed daily inventory and purchasing of produce in collaboration with Executive Sous Chef
- Set production flow and delegated tasks while upholding safety and sanitation standards
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
Education
Master of Science - Nutrition And Dietetics
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 08.2019 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition And Food Science
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA 08.2016 - 06.2019
Culinary Arts Diploma - Culinary Arts
International Culinary Center
Campbell, CA 05.2011 - 03.2012
Skills
Nutritional analysis
Certification
SkillsandCertifications
Affiliations
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2016 –
present (Oncology DPG 2016 – present, Weight
Management DPG 2022 - present)
Pittsburgh Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,
2019- present
Philadelphia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,
2016 – 2019 (Student Representative, 2018 – 2019)
Drexel Nutrition Association, 2016 – 2019
o Secretary, 2017 – 2018
Volunteer at MANNA, Vetri Cooking Lab
2
Timeline
Lead Registered Dietitian
Allegheny Health Network
07.2021 - Current
Dietetic Intern
Allegheny Health Network
08.2020 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Nutrition And Dietetics
University of Pittsburgh
08.2019 - 05.2021
Clinical Research Assistant
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
04.2018 - 09.2018
Assistant Coordinator of Billing
Parkway Health And Wellness
01.2018 - 07.2019
Community Chef
EAT Cafe
07.2017 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nutrition And Food Science
Drexel University
08.2016 - 06.2019
Senior Line Cook
The Restaurant At Wente Vineyards
05.2013 - 06.2015
Culinary Arts Diploma - Culinary Arts
International Culinary Center
05.2011 - 03.2012
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