What does being a CDM, CFPP mean to you?
LaToya Preston, MPA, CDM, CFPP, FSM
Tucker, GA
“Being a CDM, CFPP means a lot to me. I’m able to help patients return home to their families by using my knowledge and skills to meet their nutritional needs. Being a CDM, CFPP means that I can go into any foodservice environment and ensure that the operation is ran by a professional who is trained and has integrity!”
Chris Miles, CDM, CFPP
Jacksonville, FL
"To me, the CDM, CFPP credential represents professional excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to nutrition and food safety. It is my responsibility to uphold these standards, as my staff look to me for guidance. Leading by example encourages my entire team to maintain high-quality results, while the facility staff look to me as the expert on operational standards. This credential equips me with the expertise needed to manage operations effectively and provide impactful dietary care to the residents at our Mental Health Resource Center locations."
Aatul Jain, CDM, CFPP, CEC
New Brunswick, NJ
“Being a CDM, CFPP, combined with my culinary training and experience at varied foodservice operations, currently at a large acute care hospital, means I bring both culinary artistry and operational excellence to every meal that leaves our kitchen. It represents my commitment to nourishing patients at their most vulnerable moments — where a carefully planned meal can truly aid in recovery and bring comfort during a difficult time. This certification has deepened my expertise in food safety, leadership, and compliance, empowering me to guide my team with knowledge and compassion. More than a professional achievement, being a CDM, CFPP is a calling — one that helps me to innovate, inspire, and make a meaningful difference through the powerful act of feeding people well.”
Valerio Scopelliti, CDM, CFPP
Hartsdale, NY
“Being a CDM, CFPP represents a commitment to excellence in nutrition and foodservice, ensuring that residents receive safe, high-quality, and person-centered care. It reflects my dedication to leadership, continuous improvement, and elevating standards across the communities I serve. This credential reinforces both my clinical understanding and operational expertise in delivering meaningful dining experiences.”
Jennifer Terrell, CDM, CFPP
Bay Minette, AL
“To me, CDM, CFPP is more than a certification—it’s a promise to those I serve. It represents my commitment to quality, safety, and compassion in foodservice. Every day, I use the knowledge and skills behind this credential to make a difference in the lives of residents and support my team in delivering the best care possible.”
Syed Rehan Ahsan, CDM, CFPP
Canton, MI
“Becoming a CDM, CFPP represents my commitment to professional growth and excellence in nutrition services, foodservice operations, and leadership within a higher-education dining environment. This experience strengthened my knowledge of nutrition, food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational best practices while enhancing my confidence and leadership skills. It reinforced my ability to collaborate effectively with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and leadership, lead teams with accountability, and support consistent, high-quality service. The knowledge gained has positively impacted my work unit by improving food safety practices, operational consistency, staff training, and menu implementation, ultimately enhancing efficiency, compliance, and the overall student dining experience.”
Lisa Lange, MS, RD, LD, CDM, CFPP
Scranton, IA
"Being a CDM, CFPP means being the voice for my residents. Food is something that they still have a say in what they would like to eat and how things are prepared. As a CDM, CFPP, it is my job to ensure that each resident has a unique and fun experience three times out of the day. My certification as a CDM, CFPP laid the groundwork to continue my education that led me to complete my dietetic internship and become a dietician."
Katy Gerrard, CDM, CFPP
Berryville, AR
“I am a CDM, CFPP for Berryville Public Schools and Mercy Hospital of Berryville in Arkansas. I have always worked in the food industry, but becoming a CDM, CFPP has really opened my eyes to the worlds food can connect. We all help feed the world in some way, no matter what category your kitchen falls under. We make the difference. We make the change. I love the connections that CDM, CFPPs make across the nation. It shows just how far simple recipes, practices, and support truly can go. I am grateful to be a part of this team!”
Sandy Youngquist, CDM, CFPP
Wahpeton, ND
“I started working as a Culinary Services Aide in my current facility when I was 16. I worked with several certified dietary managers during that time who taught me so much about the day-to-day operations working in a kitchen of a skilled nursing facility. In 2008, when the opportunity was presented for me to enroll in the CDM, CFPP course, I was excited to take on a profession that I had grown to know and love.
Being a CDM, CFPP is something I am proud of. Leading our culinary department and taking responsibility for the food that leaves our kitchen is something that matters to me. Food is an important part of our lives and being able to be a part of providing good, nutritious meals to our residents and tenants is so rewarding. Seeing their smiles and taking their compliments or complaints is an essential part of being a CDM, CFPP.”
Courtney Granato, CDM, CFPP
North Charleston, SC
“The CDM, CFPP credential is symbolic to me. I changed careers wanting to follow my passion for nutrition and helping nourish our aging population, instead of a career that was slowly chipping away at my soul. Gaining my credential has enabled me to help honor my residents' preferences, empower my employees, and hopefully make a difference.”