Rebecca Smith
NZ Registered Nutritionist
Kumara,Westland
Summary
Experienced health education professional qualified in nutrition, health and lifestyle coaching. Successful at conducting group and personal coaching sessions to improve client wellness. Highly motivated employee with a desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Hokitika Primary School
, West Coast
02.2022 - Current
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
- Created meaningful projects that allowed students to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
Health Coach
West Coast Primary Health Organisation
Greymouth, West Coast
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Conducted weekly one-on-one sessions with clients to review progress against established goals.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure alignment between nutrition recommendations and medical protocols.
- Identified barriers that interfere with goal attainment and provided strategies for overcoming them.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with government regulators, residents, families, other area health care providers, physicians and community at large.
Nutritionist
Pegasus Health
, Christchurch
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Designed and facilitated workshops for the Somali and Eritrean Community.
- Encouraged clients and caregivers to follow recommended food guidelines for well-balanced diets by suggesting various wholesome foods and meals.
- Analyzed food labels to help clients make informed decisions about what they eat.
- Provided education on healthy eating habits, food selection and preparation.
'Appetite For Life' Facilitator
Pegasus Health
, Christchurch
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Facilitated workshops on improving dietary intake and lifestyle choices.
- Demonstrated proper techniques for food preparation and storage.
- Encouraged clients to adopt positive attitudes towards healthy living practices.
- Educated individuals on the importance of physical activity in maintaining health.
Nutritionist
Self Employed
, Rarotonga
02.2017 - 02.2021
- Provided nutritional services to the Cook Island people of Rarotonga in collaboration with a NZ-based primary health care provider.
- Provided care ranging from nutrition education to nutrition support for patients with a variety of medical conditions.
- Devised meal plans in line with patients' age, gender, diagnosis, cultural background and religious practices.
- Provided education on healthy eating habits, food selection and preparation.
Clinical Nutritionist (voluntary)
Te Rawhiti Family Medical Centre
, Christchurch
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Coordinated nutritional care with other healthcare team members and managed care actions related to diet management.
- Educated patients, families and medical practitioners on nutrition.
- Analyzed clients' eating habits, outlined areas for improvement and developed goal plans with ideal life changes to support wellness.
- Notified registered dietician of individuals identified as high-risk.
Consultant Nutritionist
The Children's Clinic and Allergy Centre (Work Experience)
, Christchurch
01.2012 - 03.2012
- Work experience with Dr Rodney Ford in testing for food intolerances and allergies in children.
- Conducted one-on-one consultations with clients with allergies/intolerances to recommend appropriate modifications to meet nutritional requirements.
Community Nutrition Educator
voluntary
, Christchurch
- Created a healthy food and physical fitness educational programme and implemented and facilitated this in low decile schools throughout Christchurch
Health Advisor
Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora - Otakou Marae (Voluntary)
, Otago
2012 - 2012
- Planned, prepared and catered for a two-day hui where members of the community could experience and learn how to make healthy food. Also conducted a workshop on understanding food labels to enable informed food choices. Assisted the marae in implementing changes to their menu to reflect what had been taught.
Education
Grad.Dip.Tch.Ln. -
University of Canterbury
Canterbury02-2014
Bachelor of Science - Human Nutrition
University of Otago
Otago12-2010
Skills
- Individual and Group Coaching
- Motivational Interviewing
- Health Education
- NZ Registered Nutritionist
- Professional Networking
- Client Confidentiality
Certification
- Health Coach training (Health Literacy NZ)
- Current comprehensive First Aid Certificate
- Professional development: 'focused acceptance and commitment therapy'
- Professional development: 'motivational interviewing'
Affiliations
- Surfing is my preferred exercise of choice. When I'm in the ocean I feel a sense of freedom and exhilaration in "being one with nature".
- I regularly go camping and hiking to keep fit, enjoy nature and challenge myself.
- I relish spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes and creating delicious and nutritious meals.
- Due to having a passion for health, I love researching and learning as much as I can on this topic.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Health Coach
West Coast Primary Health Organisation
03.2022 - 06.2023
Teacher
Hokitika Primary School
02.2022 - Current
Nutritionist
Pegasus Health
01.2021 - 12.2022
Nutritionist
Self Employed
02.2017 - 02.2021
'Appetite For Life' Facilitator
Pegasus Health
01.2017 - 12.2022
Clinical Nutritionist (voluntary)
Te Rawhiti Family Medical Centre
01.2012 - 12.2012
Consultant Nutritionist
The Children's Clinic and Allergy Centre (Work Experience)
01.2012 - 03.2012
Community Nutrition Educator
voluntary
Health Advisor
Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora - Otakou Marae (Voluntary)
2012 - 2012
Grad.Dip.Tch.Ln. -
University of Canterbury
Bachelor of Science - Human Nutrition
University of Otago
- Health Coach training (Health Literacy NZ)
- Current comprehensive First Aid Certificate
- Professional development: 'focused acceptance and commitment therapy'
- Professional development: 'motivational interviewing'
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