“I’ve really enjoyed my experience at AgeSpan,” Karley says. “I have learned not only about the specific nutrition needs of older individuals, but also about what AgeSpan stands for as an organization. AgeSpan helps set up the aging individual for success!”

Karley is originally from Medfield, MA and decided she wanted to become a dietitian when she realized it was the perfect way to blend her love of science and food. Now in her first year of a Nutrition and Human Performance Graduate program at Merrimack College, she is required to complete 1,000 hours of fieldwork experience. She did the first 200 hours here at AgeSpan.

Nutrition classes, Meals on Wheels, and more

During her internship, Karley worked with the AgeSpan team to lead nutrition classes at senior centers and senior housing sites, focusing on topics like cooking for one and understanding the latest food guidelines. She also got to deliver food with the Meals on Wheels program and perform kitchen inspections. She says she was amazed by the variety of things she got to do, including working directly with older adults.

“I’ve done a few home visits and nutritional screens with our consumers, who have been so kind and willing to take time out of their days to chat with me,” Karley says. “I’ve been surprised by how much AgeSpan actually does and offers. There are so many services that can be beyond helpful for consumers, which is really great.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the internship has been working with a team who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to improving health outcomes through nutrition.

“My preceptor, Michelle, has been so welcoming since day one and I really have learned so much from her,” Karley says.

A great learning experience

Karley is still exploring which area of nutrition she would like to focus on after graduation, but her current interests include helping people use nutrition to manage chronic diseases and helping the everyday person achieve their health and fitness goals. Whatever she chooses to do, she’ll take the lessons she learned at AgeSpan with her.

“My mind changes almost every day about what I really want to do as a dietitian,” Karley says. “AgeSpan has been such a great learning experience, and I am so grateful for this opportunity.”