Tell us about one or two influential women in your life.
The two most influential people in my life are my mentor and fellow dietitian Anna Albritton and my daughter Chloe Claiborne.
I first met Anna in 2015 when I was still in my undergrad for dietetics. I was looking for a summer camp with a nutrition component to earn volunteering hours and experience. She was just finishing up her internship at the time and working contract as the Dietary Coordinator at Camp Kudzu. It’s a non-profit organization for kids living with type one diabetes. I worked with her during the summers of 2015 and 2017 on dietary staff and complete a five-week rotation with her as my preceptor while in an internship. She, like I, do not have a personal connection to type one but have built a connection through the camp community. I have learned so much about diabetes management and how to help my patients with diabetes.
Though my daughter Chloe is only 10 years old I look up to her in many ways. She is somewhat of an old soul. Chloe is naturally kindhearted, sees the positivity in any situation, and is fearless. She has taught me to interact with those around me in more personal and intentional ways. She offers thoughtful compliments and provides pep-talks like a seasoned motivational speaker. Chloe also has taught me to not overthink things but to be all in. There is not a ride she won’t try or a sport she can’t play. She is always up for trying any exotic new dish. She just dives right in. Her zest for life helps me to not sweat the small stuff.
What pearls of wisdom would you share with a young woman starting her career?
I would love to scream from the rooftops to new career women, “don’t be afraid to fail!” Too often our fear of failing keeps us from not making any moves at all. We plan and plan until we feel like the plan is fail-proof but the reality is, nothing is fail-proof. There is no such thing as perfection and failing is part of life. As babies falling down and failing to walk steadily didn’t stop up from getting up and trying to walk again. Take that same energy with you when you open your business, go into an interview, or ask for a raise.
Giving back is very important to us at Johns Creek Lifestyle magazine. How do you share your gifts?
I started volunteering for Camp Kudzu, a non-profit camp for kids with type one diabetes, in 2015. I now work part-time for them as their Medical Coordinator. We serve about 900 campers and their families through various year-round programs. The organization is heavily operated by volunteers and would not be able to do what we do without the wonderful people who dedicate their time to the camp.
Shrimp, Avocado, and Mandarin Orange Salad
This is a recipe I received from my aunt and love to make it for lunch during the spring and summer months.
Prep time: 10 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 mandarin oranges, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
12 oz. frozen cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed (about 32 shrimp)
1 avocado, peeled and cut into ½ inch chunks
1/2 c. of Italian Dressing
1/3 c. of crumbled feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a medium bowl, add all ingredients and toss gently. Enjoy alone or over a bed of fresh mixed green.