Meet Mary Wissmann, MS, RDN, LD, who works in private practice with other dietitians. You don’t have to work alone! Learn how she became a part of the team at McDaniel Nutrition. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I always knew I wanted to work in a profession that helped people. From an early age, I understood the connection between eating well, being active and feeling good. Then, in high school I became very interested in nutrition and once I learned about the field of Dietetics, I knew it was a perfect fit.

Your Job Title? Registered Dietitian

Company you are with now? McDaniel Nutrition

Website: – http://www.mcdanielnutrition.com

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? My day starts by checking the mobile platform that I use with clients who need or want more in-depth monitoring. I provide feedback and on their food and exercise choices. Then I head to the office to see clients. I provide counseling on anything from weight loss, to GI issues, to diabetes self-management. Between clients I contact new, potential clients who are interested in our services. At the end of the day, I send quick follow-up emails to all of my clients from that day. I like to remind them of the take-aways from our appointment and their short term goals for the next few weeks.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? A posting for the job was sent out to St. Louis Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members. I saw that email, and despite being in the midst of selling our house, packing everything we owned into boxes, and moving into a new house with my husband, 3 kids and a dog, I knew it was a perfect fit. I contacted Jennifer the day I saw the posting.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I am definitely a born problem solver. I think of my clients like complicated puzzles. I listen to all of the pieces and then tailor my recommendations to solve their complex food or health challenges. I am excited by the challenge of solving each client’s unique puzzle. I am not easily deterred and will keep working to find solutions. In this respect, I have had to become a very good listener and learn to ask the right questions.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Be open to taking chances when opportunities present themselves. I can’t imagine a more stressful time in my life to take a new job, but the opportunity arose and I was open to taking a chance on it. I am so incredibly glad I did. I needed a better work/life balance with my 3 young children and this job enables me to have that while still working in the profession I love.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Fresh, off the farm, food! Local fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat delivered to my door would be fantastic, and I wouldn’t have to wrangle my 5 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old in the grocery store nearly as often.

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.