Lisa Garcia, MS, RDN, LD, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year award by the New Hampshire Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NHAND). Lisa runs Food Coach, LLC, where in addition to counseling patients in her private practice, she assists writers and reporters who are working on stories related to nutrition and health. Companies and organizations also hire Lisa to make presentations and conduct workshops on a variety of nutrition related topics.
Lisa entered the field of dietetics and nutrition as a second career. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by induction into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her degree led her into a career in marketing culminating in the position of Vice President of Marketing and Senior Officer at Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB). After nearly 10 years at MVSB, Lisa decided to pursue her lifelong passion for food, science, and nutrition and the effects of diet on physical and mental health.
Following completion of the didactic dietetics program requirements at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), Lisa qualified for a position in the Dietetic Internship program at UNH. Following her internship, Lisa went on to earn a Master of Science degree in nutrition sciences from the University of St. Joseph, Hartford, CT. In addition to her MS degree, Lisa has had extensive training in the FODMAP diet from Monash University. Lisa also earned a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
A past president of NHAND, Lisa has served in a variety of positions on the NHAND board of directors since 2009. Lisa’s other volunteer activities include serving as a member of the board of trustees of Meredith Public Library, as a member of the board of directors of Geneva Point Center, a nonprofit conference center and summer camp located on Lake Winnipesaukee, and as a member of the board of directors for Partnership for Public Health.
Lisa’s contributions to NHAND have been numerous. Aside from her 3-year commitment as President, Lisa was responsible for redesigning the NHAND website and continues to serve as webmaster. NHAND applauds Lisa’s many accomplishments and contributions and honor her as the 2021 NHAND Outstanding Dietitian of the Year.
