Experience

From Dietitian to Web Writer

I have had an exciting and diverse career working with businesses of all sizes from small consulting firms to large multinational companies. Through previous roles as a Nutrition Clinic Administrator and as a Nutrition Counselor with my own practice (Practical Nutrition), I have taught thousands about nutrition and health. I was even interviewed by Extra! as the first Corporate Dietitian for Subway World Headquarters during Jared's rise to fame.

In addition, I have been able to work with the Internet, a medium I love due to its dynamic nature and far-reaching power. Over the past decade, I have filled the following professional roles as an employee or consultant: Web Marketing Specialist, Web Traffic Analyst, PR Writer, Communications Project Manager and Web Site Manager / Newsletter Editor. Throughout my career I've maintained a passion for health promotion. I particularly enjoy working with nonprofit organizations aimed at advancing public health and education.

For more details on my work experience, see my resumé Michelle Traub.

           

---

Educational Experience

Undergrad

I completed my undergraduate studies at Keene State College (Keene, NH). KSC is a very small college which meant lots of accountability - very few multiple choice tests and ample opportunities for me to flex my writing muscle. While I knew I could never be a doctor (blood + me = fainting), health science fascinated me and I had a natural affinity for the information. I graduated in four years with a bachelor of science degree (Dietetics), a GPA of 3.96, and several awards under my belt (KSC Outstanding Freshman, KSC Outstanding Senior Service Award).

Internship/Grad

I was then accepted into the highly competitive Hines VA Dietetic Internship program (Hines, IL), so I packed up my things and headed west for nine months of intense, hospital-based training on all areas of nutrition. As part of that program, I completed 8 credits of graduate coursework in Research Methodology and Advanced Clinical Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an independent research project on BMI as an assessment tool. I then passed the dietitian registration examination, therefore earning the right to call myself an R.D. (Registered Dietitian)*.

Graduate

I am currently completing a master's degree in Experiential Health & Healing (Integrative Health) through The Graduate Institute (Bethany, CT). The program provides a rich perspective on the path to optimal health with emphasis on the whole person – mind, body and spirit. It is already enriching my life and providing a new perspective to my health writing. I am on track to graduate in 2012.

Continuing Education

In order to maintain my credentials as a Registered Dietitian I complete 75 credits of continuing education every 5 years. In addition, my love of the Internet has led me to pursue courses in HTML, DreamWeaver, Web Marketing, and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Likewise, I read a host of marketing newsletters and writing resources to stay on top of my game.

*What is a Registered Dietitian (R.D.)?

Registered Dietitians possess a minimum of 4-5 years of nutrition education, combined with comprehensive testing, and ongoing continuing education. This rigorous training insures that anyone using the R.D. credential is extremely qualified in the fields of food and nutrition.

Don't be fooled by the term "Nutritionist," while many nutritionists are very knowledgeable, virtually anyone can claim the title. Many doctors also don't have much business calling themselves "Nutrition Experts" since their training in nutrition is often limited to just a few courses. To learn more visit the American Dietetic Association.

Return to Top