Living one’s dream job is something Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, CLT, is used to. She hasn’t “worked” a day in her life since becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Her passion has led her to have a successful career in private practice and she is also a Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Learn how hard work, determination, and strategic planning helped shape Sonya’s business. - Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I was an athlete in high school and college and knew that nutrition influenced my performance. I started reading about nutrition and learning just how nutrition could affect the human body and my athletic performance, specifically. I also heard conflicting information in my quest to learn more about nutrition. I wanted to study this field, help others benefit from optimal nutrition and help clear up confusion for the public.

Your Job Title?
Consulting Nutritionist and Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Company you are with now?
Self employed in private practice for more than 20 years. This includes seeing clients in my private office, consulting work, and teaching classes. I am also a full-time PhD student.

Website:
I still don’t have one! I haven’t needed one and have spent my time raising my family, working and pursuing additional education. My referrals are from local physicians and word of mouth.

Social Media:

- Twitter: @SonyaAngelone

- Facebook: Sonya Angelone

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
Each day is different but generally begins with breakfast, getting the family ready for the day then off to my office. I balance time to check email messages, see clients, conduct media interviews, study, exercise most afternoons, study a little more, prepare dinner, family time, study more, return messages.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?
I decided long ago that I wanted flexibility in my schedule, the ability to have an impact on clients and with the public, in general. I wanted to raise my three sons and adjust my work around my personal life. I like to do so many things, and I felt private practice would be best suited for me. I used to have a weekly nutrition segment on our local CBS affiliate years ago that lead me to more media work as a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I am a passionate person and strive for excellence. I don’t give up very easily. I enjoy talking about nutrition, but I had to learn public speaking skills. I used to be terrified of speaking to groups. Then one day in graduate school when I was giving a presentation, I realized that students were listening to my presentation and asking questions because they were interested in the topic I was presenting. I started working on public speaking skills, and I learned to love it! I also had to learn ways to maximize time management and organization skills. They are definitely skills!

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Follow your passions. As someone said, “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” I love making a difference in the lives of those I work with. Keep learning more and develop your clinical skills. The field of nutrition changes daily, and we need to stay current on leading edge issues to really be the nutrition experts. Sometimes our roles are like private detectives connecting the dots to come up with solutions for better health.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what
would it be?
That’s me now! I love to work with people over time to help them feel better! I mostly work with people who have lived with chronic issues for years. I use a variety of methods to help them optimize their health.