What does being a CDM, CFPP mean to you?
Fred Vitelli, CDM, CFPP
Wyomissing, PA
"The CDM, CFPP credential means we have specialized training in all aspects of foodservice operations. Most importantly, it means we have the ability to make a difference for others in a variety of settings – whether it be nursing homes, hospitals, schools, meals on wheels, etc. For me personally, the CDM, CFPP credential has enabled me to grow in my career within the continuing care retirement community I have enjoyed working in for the last 18 years and counting. In my current position as an assistant manager, I help oversee foodservice in personal care, memory support, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. The highlight of my day is interacting with the residents, getting to know them, their preferences and needs, and meeting (or exceeding!) their expectations. Our part-time consultant dietitian mostly works remotely so I get to uniquely dabble in manager as well as clinical tasks, both of which I enjoy. Whether I’m working on schedules, performance reviews, mentoring employees, attending care conferences, providing diet education to residents, assisting the RD with screenings, assessments and care plans, overseeing meal service, interviewing/hiring, updating menus and residents’ dietary information in our menu software, or conducting audits and ensuring compliance with regulations for surveys/inspections, the days are never dull or boring! One thing I was excited to do this year was to revamp our meal service in the skilled nursing dining room to make it more friendly and comfortable for those we care for with Alzheimer's and other dementias. This was after a formal three-day training on dementia which our CCRC conducted based on Hearthstone Institute and the book I'm Still Here by John Zeisel, Ph.D. Through continuing education, Nutrition & Foodservice Edge magazine, and other resources such as ANFPConnect, I continue learning and growing as a CDM, CFPP every day!"
January Beckett, CDM, CFPP
West Columbia, WV
"Being a CDM, CFPP was something I had never thought about or even considered becoming. I was still clueless about what I wanted to be or do after high school. I had to grow up quickly when I had two small children. I needed an income to be able to provide for my family. I quickly came to learn that I enjoyed cooking. I am passionate about cooking, even the how-to, and to be able to provide a meal for everyone and know the satisfaction of people’s enjoyment of the meal. I had always wanted to increase my knowledge and use my love of cooking in the foodservice industry. Even now that I think about it, being a CDM, CFPP is more than just a title behind the name. Being a CDM, CFPP means that you can help participate in providing the meals; the careful planning of how-to and what to cook; and even helping the cooks gain insights and knowledge about food.”
Patricia Penry, CDM, CFPP
Denton, TX
"Earning my CDM, CFPP certification has allowed me to start a rewarding career that I am proud of. I am now more confident knowing that I have the education and tools needed to make a positive impact on my residents’ nutritional needs. I have joined an amazing team at a reputable company that makes nutrition and food quality a top priority. Acquiring my CDM, CFPP certification has made a positive impact on my career and has changed my life."
Jesus Osorio, CDM, CFPP
Tulare, CA
"Acquiring the CDM, CFPP certification has opened up an avenue of opportunities that I wouldn't think about. This certification has allowed me to connect with peers through ANFPConnect, has allowed me to work on every type of setting imaginable, and had changed my career in a way no other certification can or could."
Deb Dawson, CDM, CFPP
Des Moines, IA
"Being a CDM, CFPP means I am able to provide nourishing food to clients in a safe and sanitary manner. I am also able to perform clinical duties within my scope of practice. I continually learn and increase the value of my credential. Coupled with many years of experience, I educate, mentor, and groom others to be the best they can be in their current capacities, allowing them to grow. I am able to assist others in becoming CDM, CFPPs, adding to the community in our industry. As a result, I grow personally and professionally. I have a large network of fellow CDM, CFPPs as a support system and I gain lifelong friends as a bonus. Watching the joy on the faces of those I serve, those I work with, and those I work for is the best reward! I am proud to be a CDM, CFPP."
Heather Pass, CDM, CFPP
Loudon, TN
“Being A CDM, CFPP means being there for our residents. Educating them on trying to make the best choices in the foods and drinks that they choose for intake. Making sure that they have all availability of any supplements or extra added foods that they might want or need to get the calories and nutrients that they need to continue nourishment. Being an advocate for them for the foods or drinks that they want, which gives them their choices that they are allowed to have in a nursing home lifestyle. After all, this is their home. I come to work every day for them.”
Matilda Gurule, CDM, CFPP
Grants, NM
“The CDM, CFPP certification comes with great pride. It is the knowledge and dedication I have put into myself and my facility to ensure that everyone we serve, from in-patients to the community, has a safe, nutritious, and home-cooked meal. Hospital food is comfort food at my facility and I am incredibly proud of my staff and their time they put into every meal. The special garnishes, the superb flavors and the extra touches they add to each dish are what make everyone compliment our meals. I am proud to be a CDM, CFPP.”
Terrell Williams, CDM, CFPP
Columbus, OH
“To me it says that I’ve achieved a level of care and passion for the food industry. Taking the time to become a CDM, CFPP isn’t just required process of employment; it says to me that the want to be the best Manager so that I can provide the best for my team, my company, and myself. As a CDM, CFPP, our names are on the forefront of dining from the way the kitchen looks flows to the presentation once it hits the table. Anybody can lead but being a CDM, CFPP is saying I’m certified for a reason.”
JaNeil J. Peschon, CDM, CFPP
Pipestone, MN
“When the opportunity came up to take the CDM, CFPP class I was thrilled that I could do this and advance in my department. I learned so much from the classes about food and nutrition. I had worked in the restaurant/catering business for 28 years before applying for a cook’s job. That gave me the cooking experience I needed. I have now worked for 20 years in Food and Nutrition. I know we cannot please everyone but when a resident comes to me and tells me how good the meal was it really lifts my spirits. Food is one of the last things that our residents can have control of. So, working with my staff and teaching them customer service and good practices that I have learned from being a CDM, CFPP makes the day so fulfilling. I continue to encourage my staff to take the CDM, CFPP course. It takes a special person to do this job.”
Kelly Braun, CDM, CFPP
Clovis, CA
“I’ve been in the industry for over ten years. There are no great chefs without a great Team. To have the opportunity to lead my great team, providing great food to folks that typically, choices of food is the last faculty that they can control. It’s been my passion to teach the techniques that I’ve learned, and to learn from others. I’m blessed to be in the position that I’m in, and work with the people that I work with and for.”
Cassie Verkamp, CDM, CFPP
Hawthorne, NV
“I became a CDM, CFPP in January of 2020, and I have learned so much about myself and how to manage my team since then. I feel very lucky to get to come to work every day and do what I love. I love to cook and serve at our facility and create art out of food. My team and I find creative solutions daily and I attribute a lot of my skills to my knowledge and education through the CDM, CFPP certification process. My patients and residents make me smile every day and seeing the joy in their eyes is very rewarding. Life is short so always live with passion, stay positive and do what makes you happy.”
Tampatha Patterson, CDM, CFPP
Baton Rouge, LA
“What being a CDM, CFPP means to me…. It means that I get to create safe, delicious and healthy foods for the residents that depend on me. I get to teach, inspire and train the staff that I employ to explore careers in food service. I majored in English & had hopes of being an English teacher and writing. I never thought I would be teaching staff in a kitchen and also writing recipes, but I love it! My kitchen completely cooks from scratch. We only use the most basic ingredients with nothing premade. We don’t even use a toaster and my staff embraces the concept. I’ve been in this profession for over ten years, and I can proudly say I’ve never got a “tag” & very few food complaints.”
Lakeshia Mcleod, CDM, CFPP
Enterprise, AL
“Being a CDM, CFPP gives me the confidence to lead in the food industry by using my knowledge and passion to provide nutrition to our patients and staff. With my certification, I currently serve as the Food Service Director helping and showing my staff there is so much to offer in food service.”
Jessica Daniels, CDM, CFPP
New Smyrna Beach, FL
“Despite the challenges, I find great joy in being a CDM, CFPP. I strongly believe in the profound impact food choices can have on one's well-being, at any age. My passion stems from the idea that food can either harm or heal, and I am dedicated to being on the side of healing.
I strive to instill in my team an understanding of the vulnerability of the population we serve. My goal is to cultivate a genuine sense of compassion, fostering an environment where my staff takes pride in their contributions, mirroring my dedication. I am driven by the desire to provide the utmost care for residents who have spent a lifetime making their own choices, both in life and food. I understand the connection between the effort invested and the results achieved, realizing that one day, I may find myself in their shoes.
What being a CDM, CFPP means to me is the embodiment of these values. It's not just a title, but a promise to always deliver my best, ensuring the well-being of everyone I serve. It's a commitment to excellence and a dedication to always giving my best to everyone. You get what you give."
Adam Hagar, CDM, CFPP, CEC, CWPC
Pataskala, OH
"Being a CDM, CFPP is the way of bridging the gap between nutrition and the art of food. With each recipe crafted and each meal prepared, we blend expertise, compassion, and precision, nourishing both the body and the soul. With skillful precision and compassionate touch, we navigate the complex landscape of dietary needs, allergies, and medical conditions. Our expertise ensures that every plate becomes a symphony of nourishment, bringing joy, comfort, and vitality to those we serve. A CDM, CFPP embodies the art of culinary care, creating a harmony of flavors that uplifts both body and spirit."
Raven Marchino, CDM, CFPP
Jasper, IN
"Being a CDM, CFPP means that I am able to take something that I am passionate about and love and turn it into a career I can be proud of. It gives me a sense of purpose knowing that every day the things I do, no matter how big or small, have a positive impact on the patients and the families we serve."
Chris Bisson, CDM, CFPP
South Paris, ME
"Being able to provide nourishment, comforting, and delicious food to the population that has given up so much for the following generations -- that's important to me."
LaTasha Allen, CDM, CFPP
Jasper, AL
“Being a CDM, CFPP to me can be summed up in one word: OPPORTUNITY! By becoming a CDM, CFPP I have been given the opportunity to grow and to give -- two of the most important factors and principles in my life. CDM, CFPP stands for more than complaints department manager, as we many times feel; however, instead it provides the opportunity to reinvent solutions we face daily to provide the best culinary nutritional care! I love having the opportunity to teach fellow CDM, CFPPs that we do not just lead a kitchen, but we lead a department that happens to have a kitchen! My motto is by an unknown author..."one does not think well, feel well, sleep well, or even love well, if one doesn't dine well." I am excited to be a part of an industry that is surpassing the normal expectations and shining light on the leaders and trailblazers in this field! CDM, CFPP is more than a title, it is a badge or medal of honor that I wear proudly! We are elite and exceptional, and I am honored to be a part of such an amazing community!”
Michelle Kerr, CDM, CFPP
Clackamas, OR
“What it means to be a CDM, CFFP for me is empowering your workforce by guiding, listening, and helping your team to achieve long term success in daily operations and their aspirations. Sharing the knowledge and having certification of a CDM, CFPP, working together with the subject matter experts is a phenomenal partnership putting the patient and employee in the center building and creating exceptional service and experiences together.”
Nicole Stinson, CDM, CFPP
York, NE
“Being able to give and help others in any way possible is a huge part of who I am. Receiving my certification has giving me a new and better understanding of nutrition and how important it is in healthcare. It has helped me bring new ideas to not only our kitchen, patients, and staff, but to my community as well. Food is my love language and being able to provide food and nutrition to others has become one of my favorite ways of giving.”
Shannon Ketcham, CDM, CFPP
Marshalltown, IA
“Becoming a CDM, CFPP was a culmination of almost 20 years of experience and hard work. For me, it is a rewarding career where I get to express myself through tasty and nutritious food. I also get to pass on my knowledge and experiences to my staff and fellow healthcare professionals.
I have worked in Skilled Care, Assisted Living and Independent Living; I find that I truly love Skilled Care and the challenges that it gives me. I like feeling that my opinion matters and being able to give education while doing what I feel is important. Making one tenant smile while working makes all the trying times so much easier.”
Mary Kueker, CDM, CFPP
Medelia, MN
“I love being a CDM, CFPP because it gives me great pleasure to serve the aging population. I enjoy every aspect of my work from making fabulous meals, to working with such wonderful staff, and meeting the needs of our residents. Every day I come to work, I know I am making a difference in the lives of not just the residents I serve, but also their families. I am so happy to be a part of such a wonderful organization and take great pride in the work I do. I started my journey as a dietary aide and have found my true calling as a CDM, CFPP. I have a passion for food and nutrition, and this is the best way for me to showcase not only my love of the business, but also my staff's. We live in a smaller area than most so our residents are truly like family to all of us. Anytime I can make a resident, or their family, smile is the best day for me.”
Patricia Patterson, CDM, CFPP
Ellsworth, WI
“Being a CDM, CFPP is not for everyone, you need to have compassion for the elderly; listening to them about their food preferences, serving them nutritious meals and following their doctor ordered diets. I started in a culinary school with help from a Swiss chef that I worked under. Cooking was always a passion of mine making customers happy and even my own family. When I had an interest working in a Nursing Home, I became a CDM, CFPP worked very hard for this. I am proud of accomplished my goal and to serve the nutrition/clinical team.”
Sang Hyun Park, CDM, CFPP
Stockton, CA
“CDM & CFPP credentials have been with me for the past 10 years since 2012. Regardless of my job title or where I work in this food industry, I was always able to use my knowledge & skills as a CDM & CFPP. For example, as a CDM, I implemented a new Nutritional Labeling program successfully by working closely with our field culinary & HQ IT teams, and I used it to promote our food (Grab & Go) products to customers as a part of our marketing initiatives. And as a CFPP, I took care of various food safety related topics/events smoothly & professionally in each time. I have been proud of having CDM & CFPP credentials, and it will be the same for the rest of my foodservice career."
Mildred Zarate, CDM, CFPP
Johnson Creek, WI
“Having my CDM, CFPP has allowed me to be recognized as a professional. It has given me the opportunity to serve as an assistant dietary manager, a healthcare specialist in sales and now as a director of dining services in a continuum of care facility. I feel strongly that having this credential has opened many doors for me in my career. It allows me to continue to learn the best way to serve my clients and support my staff with the education provided through the organization. It's a career that allows you to be involved with both staff and residents and truly make a difference in their lives.”
Jessica Goldman, CDM, CFPP
Evansville, IN
“Being a CDM, CFPP means so much to me. I have spent 17 years in this industry. I get to share that passion and knowledge from all those years with my staff, coworkers, and Sisters (residents). I watch my staff use their creativity, knowledge, passion, and team working skills to come together to create delicious meals daily. I provide my team the tools and knowledge to grow so they can create these delicious meals safely for our Sisters. I am so grateful to be able to do and share what I am so passionate about every day.”
Martha Rincon, CDM, CFPP
Hereford, TX
“CDM, CFPP is a profession to be proud of. I have been in the profession since 1975, and every moment has been very rewarding even through trails, errors... A CDM, CFPP plays a very important role in the healthcare system.
As a CDM, CFPP, I make sure our patients and residents are well taken care of, through meeting their nutritional needs with quality and nutritious foods. We are part of the Healing and Intervention team, so we work together to improve the quality of life for our patients and residents. Through the screening and assessment tools, we focus on malnutrition in healthcare to help decrease healthcare cost, improve patient outcomes, reduces readmissions, and support healthy aging.”
Jean Bagby, CDM, CFPP
Reseda, CA
“I have been in healthcare foodservice for over 40 years. Started washing dishes and worked my way up through dedication, hard work, determination and education. I have been a CDM, CFPP for over the past 20 years and am so grateful for the ability to make the difference in someone's day. Having worked in Acute Care, Assisted and Independent living as well as SNF, the education I have received and continue to receive, has been a tremendous help. My team and I take pride, and are truly grateful to serve our residents well prepared, attractive, nourishing and tasty meals. Meals are the certain time of day residents look forward to. Seeing smiles on their faces and getting a nod of 'job well done' makes for a successful day.”
Joey Sickling, CDM, CFPP
Marion, IL
“Being a CDM, CFPP means that I can share my years of knowledge to my staff, to try to make them better and to set them up for success. Seeing veterans receiving a hot nutritious meal that they enjoy is what makes my day worthwhile.”
Tabitha Baker, CDM, CFPP
Russellville, AR
“When you love what you do it’s not a job, it is a career. Becoming a Certified Dietary Manager, you are more than just the certification, it is a sense of pride and knowing you make a difference in your residents’ life. Nutrition plays a major part of their healing process. Each plan is tailored to the individual resident, being able to wake up each morning and walk through the facility give you a sense of pride. The smile and good mornings from each resident let you know you are making a difference in their lives!”
E. Marsha Reeves, DTR, CDM, CFPP
Levittown, PA
“What being a CDM means to me is letting the residents and other professional staff know thatI have passed a nationally recognized exam that ensures that I am proficient in food safety and sanitation, nutrition, purchasing, and production. I work every day to provide my residents with the best and most nutritious meals possible in a welcoming atmosphere and train my staff to do the same. Being a CDM means I understand sanitation and the importance of have a clean kitchen to provide my residents meals. I am able to provide guidance to my staff about the best possible way to complete their daily tasks and have fun while doing it!”
LeAnn Alyea CDM, CFPP
Minot, ND
"For me being a CDM/CFPP is rewarding and heartwarming! I have managed in the nursing home/assisted living fields as well as in a correctional facility. I take pride in knowing each person is getting a tasteful meal. If I can help one person each day in a positive way, I feel I have made some progress in life.
As a manager I enjoy helping others learn and succeed in the world of nutrition. I am only as good as I can build my staff to be!"
Bea Peterson, CDM, CFPP
Racine, WI
"I have been a ANFP member for 30 years. When I started the CDM program, I did not know what or where it would take me in my career. But I will tell you investing in my education and ANFP as a volunteer has been and continues to be a very good investment professionally."
Brittney Maderia, CDM, CFPP
Massillon, OH
"Being a CDM, CFPP means that I can provide my residents with a quality food service experience they deserve. They can rest assured knowing that I have the knowledge to ensure proper food safety and sanitation. Being a CDM, CFPP also means that I am able to provide proper support/guidance to my Dietary team. Food brings joy to so many, and I'm grateful to ensure my residents’ satisfaction."
Rejean Sheehy, CDM, CFPP
Nashua, NH
"I have achieved the title of CDM, CFPP through academics as well as hands on training. I have obtained valuable knowledge which helps me provide excellent nutrition care through foodservice for my residents. I have been able to enhance my leadership skills and help create a strong food service department. I have become a valuable part of the interdisciplinary team bringing knowledge, ideas, and experience to help provide the best care. I am able to continue to expand my skills and knowledge through continuing professional education which only helps me to be a better CDM, CFPP. I strive to be a successful asset to the foodservice team by assisting others to develop professional standards and achieve workplace excellence."
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Shelby Pirtle, CDM, CFPP
Decatur, IL
"Never in the world did I ever think being a CDM, CFPP would be so fulfilling! I love providing nutrition to my residents in any form, from purée to a mechanical soft diet! I love that we as CDMs give our residents, patients, and second family members the food they want, crave and NEED! I love the smiles on their face when a surprise ice cream treat shows up on their bedside table, and they were not expecting it. Giving them a choice at what they want to eat is priceless in its own. The food we serve is what they want, and they have a say so in it and they love that. Most don’t have a say in their medical care, where they are, and most don’t remember. To give them food is a treasure!"
Thomas Fox, CDM, CFPP
Holland, PA
“To me, being a CDM, CFPP is a once in a lifetime experience. Having passed the exam and received the certification allows me to explore and learn new options in the nutrition and food services department. Not only has receiving continuing education allowed me to grow in this profession, but it has allowed me to meet new vendors and form relationships with them. During my time, I had the opportunity to attend an event at a local hotel where I received many lessons on food allergies, becoming an effective leader, and meeting new vendors from Gordon Food Service, Sysco, and Ecolab. I always enjoy helping others and learning new things. I can’t thank my boss enough for bringing this up to me. It is a lot of work, but at the end, providing your residents quality care and having support from all of your staff and faculty members makes it worth it.”
Trish De Leo, CDM, CFPP
St. Petersburg, FL
“My primary goal has always been to teach and develop the next generation of CDMs. Giving a person the opportunity to practice quality food service skills is a requirement, but to understand that there is much more than putting the best meal together for their clients is where they face their biggest challenge. Balancing management, production, clinical and now COVID concerns will test the best let alone a new student or recent graduate just starting their first assignment. We have an obligation to educate our successors so they can continue to improve our vocation.”
Jenni Matz, CDM, CFPP
Hudson, WI
“I have worked at my facility for 19 years and have been the CDM for the last 8 years. In the next year, our current Director is retiring, and I am hoping to take that position then. I have done many positions since coming to this facility. I started out as a Dietary Server, then a Line Cook, then was an office assistant, then CDM, and hopefully to be director come fall. Being in each of these past positions has really helped me in my current position. Even though not every day is rosy, as you all well know, I think the impact we make on the lives of our residents is important and the reason I still enjoy my job as a CDM.
These last few months dealing with the daily changes and challenges due to COVID-19 has shown me how resilient and strong my team is here. We have employees with varying degrees of panic about what these next few months will bring as our cases increase around our community. However, even the ones that feel that the apocalypse is coming are still showing up every day and working hard. Our management team has been trying to alleviate as much fear as possible and I think just that fact that our building was one of the first in our area to not allow visitors, make every staff take their temperature when they come in, and wear a mask makes people feel better. Also, our maintenance staff are busy making one of our halls a negative pressure isolation area so if we do get COVID-19 in our building those residents can be in that hall. We have daily meetings to address the concerns of our staff and to update them on any changes that has been made (which is almost daily). I am very proud of everyone that works here and how well they have been willing to pitch in wherever they see a need.”
Amy Lou Inez Clark, CDM, CFPP
Montesano, WA
"I have been in Nutrition for the past 30 years and a member of ANFP for the past 19 years. I have seen several changes along the way. This position is always a challenge and I learn every day. That is what makes this a great position for myself, as I am always willing to learn and enjoy challenges to the fullest."