Michelle Esposito
Bartlett,TN
Summary
Knowledgeable Nutrition Therapy Manager with over 15 years of experience bringing planning and problem-solving abilities. Focused on maximizing resource utilization to support excellent patient care. Organized and systematic with natural relationship-building and leadership talents. Successful at overseeing many areas of daily operations and making effective policy decisions to positively impact business direction. Committed and motivated to advocate for the nutrition department and collaborate with the nutrition department to foster and support a positive work culture.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nutrition Therapy Manager
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Memphis, TN
05.2020 - Current
- Work with the Nutrition Therapy leadership team to establish and maintain policies, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the NT department or relate to nutrition in the hospital setting
- Develop and maintain systems and training programs to provide a safe working environment and exceptional patient care.
- Supervise and mentor team of ~ 25 dietitians, 2 lead dietitians, and 1 diet tech
- Provide and oversee nutrition assessments and interventions provided to patients in patient as well as outpatient.
- Recruit and hire qualified candidates to fill open positions.
- Proposed and gained approval for critical staffing patient care model as well as crisis pay for clinica staff.
- Organize team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Created training modules and documentation to train staff.
- Created and updated a staffing model to staff after hour calls, holiday and weekend coverage.
- Organized special events such as the Pediatric Nutrition Symposium with our Gastrointestinal Department and the Pediatric Nutrition Intensive lecture series to train intern's from 5 internship groups.
- Planned and led nutrition therapy team meetings to review procedures, staffing, training, division of responsibility and to communicate new and ongoing priorities.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Conducted quality, timely performance feedback and performance appraisals.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
- Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
- Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
- Assigned tasks to associates to fit skill levels and maximize team performance.
- Communicated company directives and programs to associates and ensured all follow-up items were completed accurately and timely.
- Resolved conflicts between employees by providing guidance on company policies and procedures.
- Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
- Exercised good judgment and decision-making in escalating concerns and resolving issues.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Leveraged leadership skills to identify deficiencies and opportunities to improve policies, procedures and controls.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Managed budgets for travel, training and teambuilding activities.
- Scheduled interviews for potential candidates and conducted reference checks prior to hire.
- Trained employees on additional job positions to maintain coverage of roles.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Initiated new projects that resulted in increased productivity.
- Entered time and attendance logs in preparation for payroll.
- Enforced customer service standards and resolved customer problems to uphold quality service.
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
- Collaborated with other departments to prioritize high nutrition risk patients during staffing shortage.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, vacation requests.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
- Modified existing software systems to enhance performance and add new features.
- Planned and completed group projects, working smoothly with others.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Collaborated with others to discuss new opportunities.
Clinical Dietitian II, Renal, Nutrition Clinic
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Memphis, TN
10.2015 - 07.2020
- Follow the nutrition care process using nutrition screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation, and education, according to department policies
- Work with multidisciplinary teams with excellent collaboration
- Attend multidisciplinary rounds, quality improvement meetings, and educations
- Created and implemented a variety of different approaches to support QI projects such as improving renal labs.
- Provide input during nutrition, nephrology, and adolescent meetings to support forward movement
- Flexible and collaborative seeking input while keeping realistic expectations of myself and others.
- Strive to improve myself, others and those things in which I am involved
- Focused on encouraging integrity and authentic views in jobs performed
- Supervise dietetic interns
- Mentor and train newly hired registered dietitians
- Assisted in the development of Eating Disorder outpatient Clinic and work flow
- Team member to develop inpatient eating disorder power plan
- Cross cover gastroenterology and other services as able and when needed.
Private Practice, Registered Dietitian
Balance 4 You
Memphis, TN
07.2016 - 09.2018
- Provide individual counseling and education to clients in regards to their personal goals
- Educated patients, families and medical practitioners on nutrition.
- Analyzed laboratory results to evaluate patient's response to prescribed diets and make necessary adjustments.
- Helped individuals manage chronic illnesses with dietary management strategies.
- Recommended appropriate supplements when needed in order to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
- Attended conferences and workshops in order to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in nutrition science.
- Evaluated new products or recipes for nutritional content before recommending them to clients.
- Participated in community outreach programs to promote healthy eating habits among at-risk populations.
- Counseled clients on mindful eating habits.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Follow up with patient with documented positive change in labs, weight, and emotional well-being in relation to food, fitness, and wellness.
- Provided nutrition education to patients and their families, including individual counseling sessions.
- Provided support and guidance regarding lifestyle changes required for effective management of chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension.
- Calculated nutritional requirements to assess adequacy of diet and nutrition support.
- Referred patients to other relevant services to foster continuity of care.
- Designed customized diet plans tailored towards specific goals such as weight loss or improving overall well-being.
Sports and Wellness, Registered Dietitian
Fitness INSPIRATION! Inc.
Memphis, TN
12.2014 - 07.2016
- Provide individual and group nutrition counseling and education to enhance performance of the casual or competitive athlete
- Provide wellness sessions to provide individualized lifetime healthy eating practices and meet individual health goals
- Hold workshops and group sessions as another education avenue
- Review products and recommend nutrition supplements best for individual clients
- (Portfolio available for review)
- Evaluated new products or recipes for nutritional content before recommending them to clients.
- Facilitated group classes on topics such as weight management, intuitive eating, and sports nutrition.
- Recommended appropriate supplements when needed in order to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
- Provided nutrition education to patients and their families, including individual counseling sessions.
- Helped individuals manage chronic illnesses with dietary management strategies.
- Facilitated group classes on topics such as weight management, diabetes prevention, or heart health awareness.
- Provided support and guidance regarding lifestyle changes required for effective management of chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension.
- Developed diets to meet nutritional requirements for people with special conditions.
- Guided individuals in food selection, preparation or menu planning based upon nutritional needs.
- Calculated nutritional requirements to assess adequacy of diet and nutrition support.
- Educated patients, families and medical practitioners on nutrition.
- Designed customized diet plans tailored towards specific goals such as weight loss or improving overall well-being.
- Counseled pregnant women on nutritional requirements and suggestions for healthy diets.
Clinical Dietitian, NICU
Region One Health Center
Memphis, TN
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Rounded with multidisciplinary team
- Provided nutrition assessments and recommendations on preterm and term infants
- Provided parenteral, enteral, and oral nutrition plans in acute care and transitional care in preparation for discharge home
- Nutrition support and electrolyte management as a part of patients care
- 16 week maternity leave coverage, stayed on part time as nutrition needs continued to grow in this population.
- Assessed patient's response to prescribed diets and made necessary modifications as needed.
- Implemented evidence-based practice guidelines into daily workflows.
- Monitored progress of patients in achieving nutrition goals.
- Provided support to family members or caregivers in understanding the importance of proper nutrition for a loved one's health.
- Developed individualized nutrition plans to meet the nutritional needs of patients.
- Evaluated unique nutrient and energy requirements for each patient based on pre term age and birth complications.
- Calculated nutritional requirements to assess adequacy of diet and nutrition support.
- Wored closely with SLP to develop feeding plans to support appropriate swallow as well as nutrition intake.
- Worked with fellows on PeaPod project.
- Collaborated and provided sign out to other NICU RD.
- Maintained open communication with multidisciplinary team.
Clinical Dietitian, Multiple Service Coverage
Region One Health Center
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Provide nutrition assessments
- Cover multiple ICU settings including trauma and burn
- Covered general adult floors providing diabetes and nutrition education
- Able to advise physicians on the appropriate diets for patients based on past medical history and current conditions
- Developed nutrition plans including nutrition support recommendations, provided counseling and education to patients on appropriate nutrition for multiple adult units
- As needed and weekend coverage.
Clinical Dietitian, Multiple Service Coverage
Region One Health Center
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Provide nutrition assessments
- Cover multiple ICU settings including trauma and burn
- Covered general adult floors providing diabetes and nutrition education
- Able to advise physicians on the appropriate diets for patients based on past medical history and current conditions
- Developed nutrition plans including nutrition support recommendations, provided counseling and education to patients on appropriate nutrition for multiple adult units
- As needed and weekend coverage.
Pediatric Clinical Dietitian II, Hem/Onc
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC)
Cincinnati, OH
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Provided nutrition assessments and implemented nutrition plans
- Participated in inpatient multidisciplinary rounds
- Delivered in patient and outpatient nutrition education and counseling
- Provided therapy based nutrition plans
- Developed nutrition support recommendations and gained extensive experience writing total parenteral nutrition
- Supervised dietetic intern’s
- Mentored and trained newly hired registered dietitians
- Delegated appropriate tasks to dietetic technicians
- Participated in training and education of clinical staff
- Apart of multiple committees and task forces.
- Utilized understanding of chemo regimen as well as diagnosis to develop proactive nutrition plans.
- Calculated total nutrition provided to patient through nutrition support, enteral feedings, and oral diet. Titrated these based on clinical status of patient.
- Advised patients and families on food safety.
- Educated families on the benefits and risks of natural nutrition supplements as well as alternative approaches to standard enteral feeds.
- Worked closely with medical providers to initiate appetite stimulants.
- Conducted nutritional assessments, including anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests, and dietary intake analysis.
- Provided education for home eneral feeds including recipe to mix formula, rate, and dose.
- Maintained daily communication with pharmacy and medical providers writing parenteral nutrition orders.
Pediatric Clinical Dietitian, Neurology/Neurosurgery/Rehabilitation/Eating Disorder’s/ Feeding Team
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, OH
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Conducted nutrition assessments and provided individualized nutrition interventions.
- Evaluated macro and micro nutrients needs and provided recommendations to the medical team.
- Worked closely with the multidisciplinary team within Neurology and Neurosurgery both inpatient and outpatient.
- Provided education and support to families with specialized elimination diets
- Provided a variety of different enteral nutrition plans in conjunction with transitional plans to introduce oral intake
- Provided education to families on rounds, and educated residents/medical staff within the nutrition therapy scope
- Counseled patients both in and out patient developing individualized acute and long term appropriate eating and nutrition support plans
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans for patients.
- Worked closely with a multidisciplinary team on the Rehab and Feeding Team collaborating goals to one another
- Significant experience with PBGT feeds and enteral nutrition.
- Performed administrative tasks such as ordering supplies or completing paperwork related to nutrition services provided.
- Evaluated patient's food preferences, lifestyle habits and health status to create effective nutrition plans.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff on menu options that meet the nutritional needs of patients.
- Provided educational materials and counseling to help clients understand their dietary requirements.
- Monitored progress of patients in achieving their nutrition goals.
Yale New Haven Hospital Dietetic Intern
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT
09.2007 - 08.2008
- Participated in multiple clinical, food service, and management rotations
- Received training in hands on patient care
- Rotations included: oncology, medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, neonatal, transplant, neurology, surgery, intensive care, cardiology, cardiology intensive care, psychology, and general medicine for clinical rotations
- Experienced acute care inpatient, along with long term follow up outpatient
- Selected additional pediatric hospitals, Cincinnati Children’s and Lebonheur Childrens to complete special interest experiences
- In addition received experience at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast working with adult patients continuing to hone my education skills
- Selected to serve on the intern selection committee to evaluate the following intern candidates
- Delivered multiple case studies and presentations to staff and peers
- Provided staff relief for pediatrics, oncology, and transplant.
- Created menus and recipes that met dietary guidelines set forth by the American Dietetic Association.
- Learned scientific principles and hands-on food preparation skills in kitchens, laboratories and processing facilities.
- Evaluated patient's nutritional status through laboratory tests results interpretation.
- Stocked food and other supplies for main kitchen and units.
- Referred patients to other relevant services to foster continuity of care.
- Treated patients and team members with dignity and respect.
- Developed individualized meal plans for clients based on their health needs and preferences.
- Performed data entry and analysis for research projects related to nutrition and health outcomes.
- Observed medical staff during patient visits to gain insight into medical diagnoses and treatments.
- Set up trays and food service carts to deliver food to residents.
- Developed strategies for addressing cultural barriers that may prevent individuals from making healthier dietary choices.
- Conducted presentations on nutrition topics to classmates and other hospital associates.
- Counseled clients on lifestyle modifications needed to achieve optimal health goals.
- Documented patient progress notes after each visit according to ADA standards.
- Followed dietary procedures in accordance with established policies.
- Notified registered dietician of individuals identified as high-risk.
- Collaborated with others to discuss new opportunities.
- Maintained schedule of class assignments to meet deadlines.
Education
Dietetic Internship -
Yale University School of Medicine
01.2008
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics -
Western Kentucky University
01.2007
University of Kentucky
01.2004
Skills
- Project Coordination
- Logistics Management
- Project Management
- Staff Management
- Staff Development
- Organizational Development
- Charismatic Leader
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Crisis Management
- Strategic Planning
- People Management
- Rules and Regulations
- Negotiation
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Company Guidelines
- Creativity and Innovation
- Hiring and Retention
- Issues Resolution
- Workforce Management
- Performance Management
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Schedule Preparation
- Team Leadership
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- Performance Evaluations
- Key Performance Indicators
- Time Management
Registration Numbers
998098, 2776, 7325170
Certification
- CPR
- Certified Nutrition Support Certification, current
- Board Certified Specialist Pediatrics 2016 -2021
- TN License
Committees
- Team Dynamic Lead, Lebonheur Children’s Hospital, 2018, 2020
- Building Block For Life Co-Editor, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, 2017, 2020
- PowerNote Development Committee, Super User, Lebonheur Childrens Hospital, 2016, 2021
- Nutrition Support Special Interest Group, Chair, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, 2013, 2014
- Nutrition Practice Council, Chair, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2012, 2013
- Nutrition Support Special Interest Group, Co-Chair, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, 2012, 2013
- Staff Development Committee, Member, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2012, 2013
- Decision Tree and Evaluation Flow Sheet for Pediatric Oncology within the Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2012, 2013
- Shared Governance Council, Member, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2011, 2013
- Nutrition Practice Council, Co-Chair/Chair, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2011, 2013
- Nutrition Therapy Meeting Task Force, Member, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 2010, 2011
- Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, web coordinator, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2008, 2011
Credentials
R.D, LDN, CNSC
Presentations
- Registered Dietitian Electronic Form/Charting Presentation/PowerNote, Lead a team to develop ideas and present proposal for Cerner electronic charting form to IT and also Clinical RD staff. Presented form to director and staff. Completed and implemented charting system.
- Increasing Safety and Satisfaction with Formula “Kit” Concept, Participated in the development of after hour formula kits to provide safe and accurate formula to patients. Educated staff on implementation, and delivered poster presentation at nurse’s week poster exhibit.
- ASPEN’s Conference Updates, Attended American Society for parenteral and enteral nutrition annual conference. Composed and presented information obtained from these lectures to staff and peers at CCHMC.
- Nephrology Fellow Education, Provided nephrology fellows nutrition education for the nephrology patient.
- Intern Nutrition Lectures, Provided nutrition in the nephrology patient lecture to intern classes for multiple years.
- Vitamin and Minerals in the Pediatric Population, Provided lectures to pediatric residents during grand rounds on pediatric nutrition; specifically vitamin and mineral requirements.
- Caring for Patients with Disabilities and Chronic disease, Panel discussion and presentation provided to medical students at the University of Cincinnati.
- Total Parenteral Nutrition: Indication and Orders, Provided a lecture at CCHMC to mid level practitioners on TPN writing for Neurology and Neurosurgery patients.
- CCHMC Pediatric Oncology Senior Resident Lectures, Provided monthly education sessions on nutrition management of the pediatric oncology patient. Specific detail regarding nutrition support with enteral and parenteral indications and use.
- JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, Counting Carbohydrates, “Surviving the Holidays”. Guest speaker at a chapter meeting for new diagnosis of children under 10 years old.
- Grocery Shopping 101: How to Be a Smart Shopper, Provided presentation at Fitness INSPIRATION Inc. Workshop class on smart ways to grocery shop.
- Nutrition Scenarios Workshop, Provided workshop presentation at Fitness INSPIRATION Inc. with various case scenarios balancing fitness and nutrition. Provided education about sports nutrition recommendations and how to increase performance.
- Who Wants To Be A Millionare – Sports Nutrition Workshop, Provided workshop presentation at Fitness INSPIRATION Inc. Played 2 teams against each other answering sports nutrition questions with RD education between questions.
Research
- Nutrition Success – Nutrition Algorithm, 2013, 2014, Retrospective study looking at previous nutrition status. Developing an algorithmic approach to help the multidisciplinary team evaluate nutrition risk, be able to implement interventions, and guidelines for follow up plan.
- Appetite Stimulation in the Pediatric Oncology Population, 2011, 2013, Collaborated with a team of advance practice nurses and pharmacist to develop a decision tree to be used as a guideline for initiation of enteral stimulants.
Personal Information
Title: Registered Dietitian
Volunteer Experience
- West TN National Kidney Foundation Fundraiser and Walk, Raised awareness, funds, and support for LeBonheur’s hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplant teams. Encouraged a large team of LeBonheur’s staff and families to talk as a team with the NKF. Our team has won multiple awards for funds raised and t-shirt design.
- Fellowship Memphis Church Youth Summer Camp, Attended summer camp as a youth counselor.
- Fellowship Memphis Welcome and Hospitality Team, Set up tables prior to service. Welcome guests before service. Connect members before and after service to one another.
- West TN Chapter – Leader, Adults with Type 1 Diabetes, Adults with type 1 diabetes support group. Participate as a member. Lead discussions. Facilitate meetings. Listen to group about desired topics. Plan and schedule speakers for each meeting.
- Camp Joy, 2012, 2013, Participated as a member of the medical staff to support kids with cancer and blood disorders while at camp. Organized intake information, assisted counselors and nurses with medication administration, triaged first aide issues, and provided hydration to activity areas. Provided nutrition breakout sessions and cooking lessons.
- TriState Bleeding Disorder Foundation, 2011, Developed and presented a nutrition session for parents of children with bleeding disorders.
- Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, 2011, Medical staff member at a first aide center.
- Olier Elementary School - Healthy Kids Education, 2010, Presented a healthy eating session included small group food activities with hands on experience.
- Cincinnati Walks for Kids, 2010, Team captain for Nutrition Therapy department. This fundraising event supports Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center.
- March for Babies, 2010, Team captain for Nutrition Therapy department. This fundraising event supports the March of Dimes.
- Christ the King Church, 2009, 2013, Welcome and Connect service teams. Participate in meetings discussing membership, community service, welcoming new members, children’s ministry, among other topics.
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1997, Participate in annual fundraising and walks. Leading the team as team Captain. Fundraising and achieving bronze award for money raised. Participate and volunteer at Gala events.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Nutrition Therapy Manager
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Medical Center
05.2020 - Current
Private Practice, Registered Dietitian
Balance 4 You
07.2016 - 09.2018
Clinical Dietitian II, Renal, Nutrition Clinic
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Medical Center
10.2015 - 07.2020
Sports and Wellness, Registered Dietitian
Fitness INSPIRATION! Inc.
12.2014 - 07.2016
Clinical Dietitian, NICU
Region One Health Center
10.2014 - 10.2015
Clinical Dietitian, Multiple Service Coverage
Region One Health Center
10.2014 - 10.2015
Clinical Dietitian, Multiple Service Coverage
Region One Health Center
10.2014 - 10.2015
Pediatric Clinical Dietitian II, Hem/Onc
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC)
01.2010 - 12.2013
Pediatric Clinical Dietitian, Neurology/Neurosurgery/Rehabilitation/Eating Disorder’s/ Feeding Team
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
01.2008 - 01.2010
Yale New Haven Hospital Dietetic Intern
Yale New Haven Hospital
09.2007 - 08.2008
Dietetic Internship -
Yale University School of Medicine
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics -
Western Kentucky University
University of Kentucky
- CPR
- Certified Nutrition Support Certification, current
- Board Certified Specialist Pediatrics 2016 -2021
- TN License
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