Dietary Manager and Team

What does being a CDM, CFPP mean to you?

Janet Derrickson, CDM ,CFPP

Batesville, AR

“Being a CDM, CFPP means more than just food to me; it’s a career to help me get my family the things they need and want, and to help my residents get the best nutrition they can possibly get. I get to make it more than a meal and make it a family gathering.”

Sallea Marble, CDM, CFPP

Peoria, IL

“Being a member of ANFP not only gives me the credentials for my job, but also the tools and resources to continually improve and bring value to the organization I work for.”

Andrea Whitegon, CDM, CFPP

Warren, IN

"To me, being a CDM, CFPP is a full circle life changer. I have always worked in this industry. I started at entry level and have worked most every job in my facility's department. Now, I can see it all from a different perspective and am always looking for ways to improve my own performance. I try to apply all that I learned to my daily routine and make the lives of our clients a little bit easier. Someone said to me during my time in the course, 'you have three chances a day to either delight or disappoint your clients,' and I keep that in my mind all the time. I think about things (especially the meals) from their perspective first, and I adapt where it is possible. Thankfully, I have had great role models to set my standards against for anything I may face in the future. I am an analytical person by nature but being a CDM, CFPP has made me more mindful of the choices I make and the example I may be setting for others in the same industry. I am proud of the work I do."

Renee Taylor, CDM, CFPP

Stoughton, WI

"Holding the title of CDM is not just a career, but a collaborative effort by all those in our industry to uphold the reputation, standards, and ethics of what the certification stands for. I appreciate all that we do independently, as well as together as an organization. Within ANFP, I have the feeling that I really belong to a group, and this sets the CDM certification apart from that in other organizations."

Heather Clark, CDM, CFPP

Port St. Joe, FL

"I finally have a career with purpose. To be able to meet the needs of others and give them something to look forward to is the most meaningful thing I have ever done. When my monthly weights come back with little to no weight loss, there is not better sense of pride."

JoAnn McClanahan, CDM, CFPP

Atkinson, NE

"As a CDM, CFPP, I feel confident that by being certified I can educate cooks and dietary staff to serve nourishing meals to our residents, patients, and families."

Shannon Diemart, CDM, CFPP

Andover, KS

"I have been a CDM, CFPP for 18 years. I started out in a hospital but shifted my focus to long-term care in 2006. For me, being a CDM, CFPP means making a difference in someone's life. For most nursing home residents, a lot of choices have been taken away from them due to age and health. However, at our facility, we have open dining, meaning they can order what they want, when they want. I have an incredible team of dietary staff who go above and beyond to make them what they want to eat. My staff members take time to get to know the residents and even prepare residents' old family recipes, if requested. Knowing that our department brings joy to the residents' lives makes me feel like what I do matters."

Megan Griffith, CDM, CFPP

Cincinnati, OH

"As a CDM, CFPP, I care, and I can make the best decisions for our elderly in their nursing homes! I couldn't be prouder to be a CDM, CFPP. My job has a meaning, and my residents are my world!"

Margaret Rowlands, CDM, CFPP

Winamac, IN

"Being a CDM, CFPP gives me the opportunity to grow in my profession, volunteer, and network with others. We all have best practices that will make a difference in our customers' lives. We touch so many different fields and show compassion by being our best."

Julia Ann-Fowler Anderson, CDM, CFPP

Springfield, MO

“Being a CDM, CFPP provides a sense of commitment, loyalty, and respect for my residents and my staff in being the leader and role model to inspire each and every individual I encounter in my workplace.”

Lisa Quested, CDM, CFPP

Marquette, KS

"I have been in foodservice for 33 years and this is the only job that has such a wide scope of practice. We order the food, help cook and serve the food, create special menus, work closely with other departments, document and keep records of staff and resident activity, track weights, maintain equipment and inventory, schedule, cover shifts, and adhere to all regulations from weight loss to food safety. I am proud to offer quality foodservice to the elders in my community!"

Becky Spears, CDM, CFPP

Danville, WV

“I love being a CDM, CFPP. I knew from the very start of my career that I loved nutrition. It allows me to be confident when educating patients, the community, and staff members. Nutrition is a necessity in the life of my patients and aiding in their healing or recovery is always rewarding. I display my credentials proudly in the cafeteria while leading staff in the pathway of preparing and serving good food safely.”

Amy Minnich, CDM, CFPP

Warren, IN

“I feel like becoming a CDM, CFPP has opened many opportunities for me and my career! It has also opened opportunities with my family! I am very proud of what I have accomplished with this achievement in my life and am proud to call myself a CDM, CFPP!”

Lisa Smith, CDM, CFPP

Minneapolis, MN

“Being a CDM, CFPP means making residents' meal time the best dining experience. Putting a smile on their face by serving them a great meal or delicious treat is the best payoff. Also, I enjoy being able to mentor my staff!”

Read more personal stories of what being a CDM, CFPP means.