Here at Saber Healthcare, there are programs available to our employees and affiliates to help them grow in their career. The affiliated facilities offer programs in education and partner with schools to help affiliated employees earn the certificates they need to serve the residents.
Shannon Casella, Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Certified Food Protectant (CFP) at Third Avenue Health and Rehab, recently graduated from the CDM program at Roanoke University. Shannon took the time to share her story about this amazing accomplishment!
Tell us a little about yourself
“I have been working at Third Avenue Health and Rehabilitation since 2022. I started off here as a Dietary Aide/Cook,” Shannon told us.
She also told us a little bit about her background, “When I was in high school, I cooked at some restaurants. Cooking was one of my first career experiences, and I fondly remember learning the basics. Later on, I became a Nurse Aide for 14 years. I decided to go back to cooking again, and now I work in the Dietary Department.”
What made you decide to go into the Dietary field?
“I remember going to my great grandma’s house on Sunday as a kid. Something I learned at an early age was that food makes people happy. Now, I like to make my residents happy the same way I saw others enjoy food throughout my life.”
Tell us a little bit about the Certified Dietary Manager program and how you learned about it
“I learned about the CDM program at Roanoke University from the regional manager, Kim Mazzoni. She asked me to apply since she believed I was a good fit for the scholarship. I was happy when they chose me! As part of the program, we met every single Thursday and I took tests after each semester. I passed and now I am certified, working as the Dietary manager at Third Avenue Health and Rehab.”
What is the most exciting meal that you’ve made at your facility?
“What I would say for the most exciting meal is Resident Choice Day, since it is what they really want to eat. We’ve had everything from lasagna to homemade cannolis, and since the residents don’t get to choose very often, they always enjoy these special days.”
How do you work alongside the clinical teams to meet the residents’ nutritional requirements?
“I work very close with my Dietician Beth, who is always a phone call away. I will reach out to her with any questions and work with my team to follow the protocols at Third Avenue Health and Rehab.”
What is your favorite part about your job?
“My favorite part about the job is making the residents happy. I sometimes like to make their day by serving them what they like to eat from what we have. I can’t always cook the things that they ask for, but I will do my best with what I have. For example, one gentleman told us that all he wanted was a double cheeseburger with a fried egg on top of it, and I made it for him for his birthday.”
Tell us one positive memory you’ve had since joining Third Avenue
“We have dietary parties every single holiday, and this month we are having a tree lighting ceremony. It is a good time and we all love it! When Santa Claus comes, everyone is always so happy. Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year.”
