Kathryn Arcudi, PDt, CDE
Diabetes Clinic/ Lakeshore General Hospital
Kathryn Arcudi, PDt, CDEDegree: BSc 1998 (McGill University)
Short Bio: Kathryn Arcudi graduated with distinction from McGill University in December 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics). She has been working as a clinical dietitian in the hospital/outpatient setting for the past 31 years with a special interest in diabetes. Kathryn first obtained her Certified Diabetes Educator designation in the year 2000. She has been an active volunteer with Diabetes Canada for over 20 years and is passionate about diabetes education, whether it is educating fellow colleagues, students or her clients. Kathryn has been involved in both the writing of the Nutrition Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes in Canada 2013 (CPG’S) as well as in their dissemination across Canada.
Email: karcudi.odi [at] ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Marie-Ève Besner, PDt
Montreal Children's Hospital
Marie-Ève Besner, PDtDegree: BSc 2001 (Université Laval – Quebec City)
Short Bio: Marie-Eve Besner is a registered dietitian. She has been working in clinical nutrition for the past 17 years. Since graduating, she has been working at the Montreal Children’s Hospital of the McGill University Health Center. She specialized in pediatric nutrition and has extensive experience in parenteral and enteral nutrition, nutrition support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as well as in food allergies. She is the professional coordinator of the clinical nutrition department since 2013. She leads a team of 35 professionals and technicians.
She has been certified twice over a period of 10 years with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, as a Certified Nutrition Support Dietician and Clinician. She has collaborated with McGill University School of Human Nutrition throughout her career, supervising several undergraduate and graduate students. She lectures medical students on infant nutrition during their rotation at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. She has collaborated on different projects with the Ministère de la Santé et des services sociaux and the Ordre Professionnel des diététistes du Québec.
Email: marie-eve.besner2 [at] mcgill.ca
Annyck Besso, PDt
Founder, Sööma
Annyck Besso, PDtDegree: BSc 2012 (St Francis Xavier), MSc 2014 (McGill University)
Short Bio: Annyck Besso is a registered dietitian and the founder of Sööma, a private practice that serves the Montreal population and offers services virtually in the United States. After completing her bachelors in nutrition at St Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Annyck completed a Masters in dietetics at McGill University.
After graduating in 2015, Annyck began working on a pediatric unit specialized in the treatment of eating disorders at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal. Annyck then moved to Washington, DC, where she lived for three years, treating individuals diagnosed with eating disorders and developing and directing a day program.
Annyck founded Sööma in 2020 after returning to Montreal. She currently sees clients in both Montreal and the United States and manages and supervises a team of dietitians at Sööma. Additionally, she provides private clinical supervision to dietitians throughout Montreal and the United States and offers training for health professionals, coaches and student educators on fostering a safe, inclusive and food neutral space. Annyck is trained in various therapeutic modalities which are used heavily throughout her work.
Annyck strongly believes in offering a training space for future dietitians. She is enthusiastic about supervising and teaching dietetic students through stages at Sööma and guest lecturing in Clinical Nutrition 3.
Email: abesso [at] sooma.ca
Sarah Blunden, PDt, CDE
LMC Diabetes and Endocrinology
Sarah Blunden, PDt, CDEDegree: BSc 2003 (McGill University – Montreal)
Short Bio: Sarah Blunden is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator (CDE since 2006). She is a McGill graduate from Dietetics and Human Nutrition 2003 and currently working as the Regional Manager for the Diabetes Education Program at LMC Diabetes and Endocrinology. She has a strong expertise in diabetes management, in particular with insulin pump therapy. In addition to supervising students in stage, she offers annual guest lecture in Clinical nutrition since 2008. Her lectures have always been very appreciated from students.
Email: sarah.blunden [at] mcgill.ca
Catherine Delorme, PDt
Ste-Anne's Hospital
Catherine Delorme, PDtDegree: BSc 2014 (Université de Montréal)
Short Bio: Catherine Delorme is a 2014 Université de Montréal graduate from the program of Nutrition. She is currently working as a clinical dietitian at Ste Anne Hospital and specializes in geriatric nutrition and dysphagia. She actively participates in the education of dietetics students through multiple yearly stage supervisions and as a guest lecturer. Catherine Delorme gives an annual dysphagia workshop alongside her colleagues to third year undergraduate students and provides the students with essential notions and practical exercises for the management and treatment of dysphagia.
Email: catherine.delorme [at] mcgill.ca
Théa Demmers, PDt, MSc
Perform Centre
Théa Demmers, PDt, MScDegree: MSc 2004 (McGill University), BSc 2002 (Messiah University)
Short Bio: Théa is a Registered dietitian with the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ) and Dietitians of Canada. Théa supervises and supports the activities in the Nutrition Suite at the PERFORM Centre, and hosts dietetic interns and graduate students.
Théa has worked previously with various community organizations, and as an instructor in Concordia’s Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology. She has experience with interactive workshops, talks, cooking workshops and nutrition counseling for: diabetes (gestational, Type 1 and Type 2), weight management, eating disorders, food allergies or gastrointestinal conditions, mental health conditions, nutrition for exercise, across the lifespan, renal failure and oncology. Théa also has experience in recipe and menu development. See Théa’s LinkedIn profile.
Email: thea.demmers [at] concordia.ca
Linda Falcon, PDt
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Linda Falcon, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 1982 (Université de Montréal – Montréal)
Short Bio: Linda Falcon is a team member nutritionist of the Eating Disorder Program at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute since the opening of the clinic in 1986. She provides nutrition education and nutrition counselling to adults suffering of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. She is also responsible of the food management for the program’s day hospital and in-patient unit. Since many years, Linda Falcon is involved in sharing her expertise in eating disorders with dietetics students as a guest lecturer and as a stage supervisor. In 2017, she received the ‘Prix d’Excellence en carrière’ from the Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec in recognition of her exceptional work.
Email: linda.falcon2 [at] mcgill.ca
Louidgina Khoury, PDt
Clinique Michel Gagner MD/ Louidgina Khoury Private Practice
Louidgina Khoury, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 2014 (State University of New York at Plattsburgh), M.Sc. 2017 (McGill University)
Short Bio: Louidgina Khoury, a member of l'Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ), is the Director of Nutrition and Clinical Nutritionist at Clinique Michel Gagner MD. She received her undergraduate degree in Nutrition from the State University of New York in Plattsburgh (2014) (SUNY) and her Masters in Nutrition from McGill University (2017). Louidgina specializes in weight loss surgeries and regularly attends conferences and seminars as part of her continuing education. Outside the office she enjoys preparing delicious recipes, and staying active with outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and cycling.
Email: louidgina.khoury [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Isabelle Lam, PDt
Remix Snacks/ Openspace Clinic
Isabelle Lam, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 2019 (McGill University)
Short Bio: Isabelle Lam graduated from McGill University's dietetics program in 2019, and is a registered dietitian under the OPDQ. Taking on a more unconventional dietetics career path, Isabelle is a co-founder of a snack start-up, Remix Snacks, where they create healthy snacks that are good for consumers, and the environment through upcycled ingredients. She is passionate about sharing the integration of entrepreneurship and the diverse opportunities dietetics has to offer with her stagiaire students. On the side, Isabelle practices in a clinical setting at a private clinic, working with clients in intuitive eating, sports nutrition, weight management and overall healthy living.
Email: isabelle.lam [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Alexander McLean, PDt
Lakeshore General Hospital
Alexander McLean, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 2010 (McGill University – Montréal)
Short Bio: Alexander is a graduate of Dietetics and human nutrition at McGill (2010) and a registered dietitian (OPDQ). Following graduation, he joined the nephrology team at the Lakeshore General Hospital in 2011. Relevant areas of clinical practice include Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and general nephrology including advanced practice in chronic kidney disease related bone mineral disorders.
Secondary areas of clinical practice include: geriatrics, intensive care, Pre-op ERAS protocols (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
He is an experienced speaker having given a variety of lectures related to Autism, ERAS protocols and Bariatric surgery in chronic kidney disease at the Canadian obesity weekend for Canadian Association of Bariatric physicians and Surgeons.
He is a Member of the RNNQ (Regroupement des Nutritionnistes en Néphrologie du Quebec).
Email: alexander.mclean [at] mcgill.ca
Monica Melcone, PDt
Ste-Anne's Hospital
Monica Melcone, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 2011 (McGill University – Montréal)
Short Bio: Monica Melcone is a McGill University graduate from the program of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. She is currently working as a clinical dietitian at Ste Anne Hospital and specializes in geriatric nutrition and dysphagia. She actively participates in the education of dietetics students through multiple yearly stage supervisions and as a guest lecturer. Monica Melcone gives an annual dysphagia workshop alongside her colleagues to third year undergraduate students and provides the students with essential notions and practical exercises for the management and treatment of dysphagia.
Email: monica.melcone [at] mcgill.ca
Laura Li Ching Ng, PDt
McGill University Health Centre
Laura Li Ching Ng, PDtDegree B.Sc. 2016 (McGill University – Montreal)
Short Bio: Laura Li Ching Ng is a registered dietitian, member of the Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec, since 2016 and a member of the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. She started her career working at the McGill University Health Centre and the Montreal Diet Dispensary. She worked as an editor for the Montreal Diet Dispensary’s website, “Nurturing Life”, which provides prenatal and postnatal nutrition education material for both the public and community intervention worker. She also worked simultaneously at the Montreal Children’s Hospital as a clinical dietitian in surgery, oncology and medicine. From 2017 to present, Laura has been working exclusively as a clinical dietitian both in adult and pediatric nutrition. Laura gained experience working in different areas of adult care nutrition at the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Montreal Neurologic Institute and the Montreal Chest Institute.
Currently, Laura is working as a clinical dietitian mainly in the neonatal and pediatric intensive cares of the Montreal Children Hospital. Her main area of interest is in nutrition support for the critically ill children.
Email: laura.lichingng [at] mcgill.ca
Piraveena Piremathasan, PDt, CDE, CBE
CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montreal
Piraveena Piremathasan, PDt, CDE, CBEDegree B.Sc. 2014 (McGill University – Montreal)
Short Bio: Piraveena Piremathasan is a Professional Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Certified Bariatric Educator practicing in Montreal, Quebec. She is a graduate from the McGill University and a member of the Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec, since 2014. She has worked as a Community Nutritionist at the Cree Board of Health and Social Services Of James Bay, and as a Diabetes Educator at LMC Diabetes & Endocrinology. Currently, she is employed as a Clinical Dietitian at CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. Piraveena is passionate about improving access to nutrition and health education to Montreal residents that come from many different backgrounds. She volunteers as the Co-Chair for the Mavis Verronneau Diabetes Canada Professional Chapter and as a Dietitian/Diabetes Project Manager for the Montreal Tamil Health Initiative. Her efforts have been recognized by Dietitians of Canada, and she has been awarded the 2020 Member Recognition Award in the Association Catalysts category.
Email: piraveena.piremathasan [at] mail.mcgill.ca
Marilyn Rabin, PDt
Private Practice
Marilyn Rabin, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 1975 (McGill University); Graduate Internship 1976 (Montreal Diet Dispensary); Adult Education Certificate 1981 (Concordia University); MINT 2017 (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers-Malahide, Ireland)
Short Bio: Marilyn Rabin is a registered dietitian and a member of OPDQ since 1976. She recently retired from the Douglas Institute where she worked as the Community Dietitian for 40 years until August 16, 2020. She currently volunteers her expertise providing workshops to COMPEER Montreal, a non-profit community-based centre that offers support for people living with severe mental illness, to mental health professionals, as well as to the School and to dietitians with an interest in the motivational interviewing approach to achieve favourable nutritional and health outcomes. She maintains her competency by regularly participating in MI and relevant webinars in addition to researching current clinical practices on nutrition and mental health. She is extremely grateful to her past and present mentors who embody the spirit of partnership, acceptance, compassion and evocation.
Email: dietitian [at] videotron.ca
Donna Schafer, PDt, MSc
CIUSSS Centre-Ouest de l’Ile de Montréal
Donna Schafer, PDt, MScDegrees: M.Sc. 1993 (McGill University – Montreal); B.Sc. 1990 (McGill University – Montreal)
Short Bio: Donna Schafer is a registered dietitian (OPDQ) and a member of the Practice Based Evidence in Nutrition and of Dietitians of Canada. She has more than 15 years of experience as a clinical nutrition manager. She is currently the Chief of Clinical Nutrition at the CIUSSS Centre-Ouest de l’Ile de Montréal. She has developed policies and procedures to ensure nutrition care met standards and best practice. She has work closely with the School to offer meaningful projects to stagiaires. She has won numerous awards during her career, including a multidisciplinary award in collaboration with nursing and cardiac dietitians for controlling risk factors associated with nutrition in cardiac patient (CII Nursing Innovation Award, 2014).
Email: donna.schafer [at] mcgill.ca
Sondra Sherman, RD, CDE
Jewish General Hospital (Endocrinology)
Sondra Sherman, RD, CDEDegrees: B.Sc. 1976 (McGill University – Montreal); B.F.Sc. 1978 (McGill University – Montreal)
Short bio: Sondra Sherman is a senior registered dietitian and Certified diabetes educator (CDE) at the Endocrinology department, at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. She is a passionate diabetes ambassador, advocate and volunteer working at the local, provincial and national levels. She is one of several founders of the Diabetes Canada’ Educator Chapter in Montreal and a well-known diabetes expert. Sondra was chosen Diabetes Educator of the Year Award (CDA 2016).
She has been working alongside the School since the start of her career. She has been a frequent guest speaker to the dietetic students on Career days and she has welcome numerous students in their clinical stage rotation. Her favorite quote is “ We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” – Winston Churchill
Email: sondrasherman [at] me.com
Patricia Urrico, PDt
Jewish General Hospital
Patricia Urrico, PDtDegree: B.Sc. 1990 (McGill University – Montreal)
Short Bio: Patricia Urrico is a registered dietitian (OPDQ) and a member of Diabetes Canada and Diabète Québec. She has been working as a clinical dietitian at the Montreal Jewish General Hospital since 1990. Since 2017 she is also the professional coordinator in clinical nutrition. During her career, she has sat on multiple committees (president of the JGH multidisciplinary council, co-chair for the Diabetes Canada Montreal Chapter). She supervises annually students during their clinical stage rotations. She has also been a guest speaker in clinical nutrition.
Email: patricia.urrico2 [at] mcgill.ca
