For 28 years, registered dietitian nutritionist Susan Weiner has run a private practice specializing in sports nutrition, weight management and, most notably, diabetes education. In a Long Island, New York, office that is more like a home than a professional building, Weiner creates an atmosphere where clients feel comfortable and at ease. "I sit directly across from my clients, without the barrier of a desk or computer, to keep communication flowing," says Weiner. "This process, along with active listening, has helped my clients take small, steady and significant steps to adopt positive lifestyle changes."
Active listening and operating in a "no-judgment zone" are fundamental work values that Weiner has developed. After all, she says, "putting people down for not following a health professional's advice doesn't lead to positive and long-term lifestyle changes." Instead, Weiner tailors her approach to "meet clients where they are in their personal health journey."
Weiner also shares her expertise with organizations, including Marjorie's Fund, Project REAL, The Betes Organization and DiabetesSisters. In 2016 at the American Association of Diabetes Educators' Annual Conference, Weiner and the CEO of DiabetesSisters co-presented a section of the report "Women & Diabetes: 10 Relevant Health Topics for Women Living with Diabetes," which she co-authored.
"Talking about topics like pregnancy and menopause, and providing the educational material free of charge, will help make a difference in so many lives," says Weiner. "As a proud contributor and advisor to DiabetesSisters, I promote selfworth of women, so they can improve their health outcomes and feel great about themselves at the same time. These achievements fill my heart with gratitude and inspire me to do more to help this organization reach more women and their families."
Weiner's accomplishments have earned her numerous awards, including the 2015 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year and the 2016 Dare to Dream Award from the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.
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