Get to Know a WAMDA BoD Member: Laura Owens MA MS RD CNSC LDN- Membership Coordinator
Current place of employment and job title:
Baystate Medical Center -Springfield, MA. Clinical Nutrition Practice Coordinator and Staff Educator
What inspired you to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics?
I originally started out as a biomedical researcher. While on track for getting my PhD in Biochemistry, I realized that although I loved science I was truly fueled by human connection- teaching and training students - and that solo bench science and grant writing was not going to provide long term meaningful work for me. I did an entire career re-evaluation and tried a bunch of things, eventually landing in Dietetics through my love of working with people, love of food, science, and medicine.
Why did you become a WAMDA member?
I moved from the Boston area to Western MA in the past few years. I joined WAMDA to connect with local RD’s and become more integrated into the local nutrition community.
What goals do you have for your career?
My goals are to continue to learn and grow as a clinician and also grow my managerial skills to best support the talented team of Dietitians and Diet techs I serve.
What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?
I homestead in the beautiful Pioneer Valley and am refueled by spending my time on our homestead surrounded by natural beauty and cultivating a strong and personal relationship with the food that sustains me.
Interested in joining the WAMDA BoD? Please reach out to [email protected]