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Member Spotlight - Kendal Ecker Gheen, MS, RDN, LD

How long have you been an RDN?
22 years

Current Positions:
  • Event Chair for the Behavioral Health Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group
  • Manager, Contract & Program Services - Impact Standardization – Vizient
  • Commerce Strategist of Ability@Vizient Diversity Networking Association - Vizient

Are there any duties or responsibilities that you have in your position that you’d like to highlight?
Although my role at Vizient primarily focuses on the healthcare supply chain, I am also deeply involved as a leader in Vizient's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). I serve on the Ability@Vizient Diversity Networking Association, whose mission is to educate and inspire action to recognize and leverage the full range of every person's abilities, including mental health. I particularly enjoy my strategist role, where I advise leadership, serve as a resource for fellow employees, and organize events that promote mental wellness for Vizient employees and their families.

How long have you been in the Behavior Health Nutrition area?
Five years

Can you describe your journey to working in behavioral health nutrition? Any specific milestones or experiences?
I was working in hospital business development when I learned that the Eating Recovery Center (ERC) was expanding its facility near my home in Dallas. The opportunity to combine my nutrition expertise with my business development background was too good to pass up. Working with professionals in the behavioral health community has been one of the most fulfilling career decisions I've made.

One unforgettable milestone occurred early in the pandemic while I was at ERC. We had planned an in-person spring symposium in Dallas, Texas, featuring two expert physicians and a psychologist. When the pandemic hit, we had to pivot quickly and move the event to a virtual format—something ERC had never done before. I embraced the challenge of hosting and moderating the live-streamed sessions, with Dr. Stephanie Setliff in Texas, Dr. Philip Mehler in Colorado, and Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher in Illinois. The event was a success, attracting over 1,000 attendees from around the world and supporting many clinicians during a critical time.

Why did you join BHN?
I wanted to work with a collaborative and diverse group of Registered Dietitians (RDs) who share the desire to give back to the dietetic community and advance the conversation around dietetics, especially in the context of behavioral health nutrition and its various facets.

Are there any specific benefits, resources, or opportunities that you find particularly useful with your membership?
The message board is invaluable, as is the networking with other members.

How has BHN helped you professionally?
In numerous ways! I’ve been supporting the Employee Resource Group (ERG) at my company, which aligns closely with the focus of the BHN Dietetic Practice Group (DPG). Through my membership, I can tap into a broad network—both locally and nationally—to identify resources and opportunities that support the Ability@Vizient membership.

What do you think other RDN’s should know about BHN?
This group is incredibly welcoming to RDs across a variety of settings. As someone working outside of traditional patient care, I was initially unsure if I would fit in, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the inclusivity of both members and leaders. Mental health, addiction, neurodiversity, and intellectual disabilities touch all areas of society, making this group relevant to just about anyone in the field.

A little about me
Working in healthcare as a dietitian has been a dream of mine since childhood. My career path has evolved significantly—from starting as an inpatient and outpatient dietitian in a hospital system to navigating roles in food service management, hospital business development, and behavioral health and eating disorders. Today, I’m one of the few dietitians working in a group purchasing organization. Each step in my career has contributed to both personal and professional growth, and I’ve stayed true to the servant heart that led me into healthcare. One thing I’m passionate about is connecting people with the right resources. With my natural ability for research and my outgoing personality, I’ve had the privilege of being a trusted resource for friends, colleagues, and even strangers in need of guidance toward appropriate clinicians and treatment programs.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kendal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendal.gheen
Instagram: @kendalgheen

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Behavioral Health Nutrition is an inspiring group concerned with the health and well-being of individuals in the practice areas of Addictions, Eating Disorders, Mental Health, & Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

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