We thank Kathy Moore Gregory and Mary Martinez on 50 years of membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics! 

Thank you for being a part of our profession and helping lay the foundation for future dietitians!

Celebrating our Members…

Meet Mary…

Why did you choose to become a dietitian?  

 “I did take a undergrad nutrition course and wondered what I could do with degree. So when I did get to Berkeley I saw they had a Dietetics degree and was allowed into the program by Dr Calloway.”

What is your favorite memory as a dietitian? 

“I always enjoy working with patients and families and seeing them progress after a stroke to eating and going home, such a wonderful feeling seeing them progress. I still continue to work part time clinically. Also I have enjoyed teaching our future healthcare workers and always love seeing them at work when they come up to me and remind me that I was their instructor.”

What is your favorite NM food? 

“Tamales.”

Meet Kathy…

Why did you choose to become a dietitian?

“When I went to college at Texas Tech, I intended to be a Clothing and Textiles Major.   But my instructor for a basic Food and Nutrition course,  Dr. Margaret Hardin, was so good...she just inspired me to want to know more about nutrition...and I changed my major.  The rest is history!”

What is your favorite memory as a dietitian? 

“So many good memories over my career!  It's impossible to name a favorite. Highlights in my memory....achieving the goal of installing the first cook/chill meal service system in NM.   As the Director of Nutrition and Dietetics in Roswell, I was part of the transition of two hospitals into one, in a single day.  I'll never forget the day we moved patients, and how much work and coordination it took to get everyone fed.

As an outpatient RD, then working in ABQ, I recall one patient that I counseled.  I spent time with her, gave her tools, and she came back to see me to tell me how much I changed her life.   I"ll never forget the impact that made on me; my work with her really made a difference.

My several years in service to the NMDA...when I enjoyed my two terms as President, and other roles, especially being part of our achievement of the first Licensure Bill in NM.  Being from the southern part of the state, serving in the organization gave me the  opportunity to get to know other RDs from around the state.

In later years I became very involved in the Academy practice group, Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine…I served in many leadership roles over the course of ten years, including Chair.  It was very challenging,  but one of the most rewarding  times in my career…”

What is your favorite NM food? 

“Well, that's easy!  Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas!”

Spring Conference 2025

Please join us for 6 virtual sessions.

Each session provides 1.0 CPEU.

FALL SOCIAL 2024

NMAND had a fall social event this past November, with three in-person locations and an online presence as well. Events of the evening included networking and potlucks, and presentations by AND and two lobbyists working with NMAND.

Attendees learned about the principles behind the Academy’s current stance on licensure and New Mexico’s legislative process, post-election briefing, engagement, with a Q&A. This event was worth 1.5 CEU hours.

2023 Annual Business Meeting

NMAND wrapped up its last event of the year on May 6 with its annual business meeting.    The meeting started with a wonderful brunch graciously provided by the Beef Council.  After a little business, Cathy McDivitt announced the election results as well NMAND award winners for this year.  Lastly, Debbie Luffey recognized members who were RDNs for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years.  Rebecca Lamoreaux won a basket, donated by the Beef Council, which was raffled in support of student scholarships.  A special thanks to Kate Schultz and Patty Waid for their assistance with this! Thank you to all members who joined us for this fun event!  

Left to right: Arlin Diaz Torres, Jacqueline Edaakie, Debbie Luffey, Patricia Sanchez, Guinevere Ottesen.

Hannah Contrucci and Cathy McDivitt having fun during the award presentations

Debbie Luffey and her Dream Team! 

“These are UNM graduates who are all heading to grad school or internship programs in the fall. (Arlin, Patricia and Guin will attend UNM's combined MS/DI program and Jacqueline will attend UNLV's accelerated internship).  These 4 worked with me as a type of undergraduate TA to promote engagements in lower-level nutrition courses.”

—Debbie

2023 Award and Scholarship Winners

Congratulations!

  • Ariana Rodriguez

    Graduate Scholarship winner

  • Jacqueline Edaakie, BS

    Outstanding Dietetic Student (DPD)

    Undergraduate Scholarship Winner

  • Hannah Contrucci, MS, RDN, LD

    Emerging Dietetic Leader

  • Rebekah Schaff Bailey, MS

    Outstanding Dietetic Intern

  • Debbie Luffey, MS, RDN, FAND

    Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award

    Regional win! Debbie also earned the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Outstanding Dietetics Educator award for the West Central Region.

  • Matthew F. Bouchonville, MD

    Chili Pepper Award

Highlighting Contributions from NMAND members

Derrick Collins

“It was great to be back on the UNM campus to speak to future nutrition professionals in Dr. Luffey’s life cycle class. Only a few years ago I was a nutrition student sitting in those same seats; now I am grateful to be invited back to speak about my path to becoming a dietitian and current work with pediatric patients at UNM Children’s Hospital. Additionally, we discussed the topic of kidney disease across the life cycle, and how dietitians are the most qualified professionals to help guide these patients to meet their nutritional goals specifically, which plays a vital role in delaying CKD progression, preventing or treating complications, and improving quality of life. With kidney disease specifically, this is a population that benefits greatly from medical nutrition therapy (it’s also one of the few conditions medicaid covers for MNT counseling). It’s also a population that is growing in size each year - meaning more meaningful opportunities for future RDs to serve.”

Derrick is a Clinical Dietitian at UNM Children’s Hospital.

Kelli Begay

Kelli moderated two sessions at FNCE on October 9th and 10th. She owns a consulting business in Albuquerque and uses her understanding and lived experience in Native communities to promote healthy tribes. Read more about Kelli’s history and role in community nutrition here.