Committee member

Who do you represent on the Coalition Steering Committee?
My name is Melissa Caravan and I work at Eastern Health in the Health Promotion Division as a Regional Nutritionist.

Tell us about yourself
I am originally from Nova Scotia. I came to Newfoundland in August 1987 to do my dietetic internship at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. My plan was to stay one year to finish my internship and then back to Nova Scotia. Well….. I was offered a job before I graduated from internship and was dating my husband at the time. So….. one husband, 3 children, 4 jobs and almost 25 years later I’m still in Newfoundland and have no regrets!

Tell us about your work
As a regional nutritionist with Eastern Health, I work to promote healthy eating among school age children, adults and seniors. This can include a variety of activities: assisting professionals and communities with healthy eating projects; reviewing school lunch menus to ensure they meet the Provincial School Food Guidelines; developing healthy eating resources and participating in a healthy aging series pilot providing sessions on healthy eating for seniors. I am also a member of several committees including the Finance Subcommittee of the ERWC, School Services Committee, and Healthy Students, Healthy Schools Regional Committee. What are you involved with in your community? I am a strong believer of volunteering in the community. In the past I have been a girl guide leader and involved with our local female volleyball league executive. My husband is the volunteer in our household at present.

What are the benefits of being involved with the
ERWC?
It is a great way to hear about what is happening in communities with regards to promoting wellness. The coalition is made up of community groups and as a member of the steering committee, I like to think that decisions made at the committee level helps those communities with their wellness initiatives. This could be through the community grants program, workshops, networking days etc. What is your advice for community groups? I would encourage community groups who are members of the ERWC to avail of any opportunities offered by the coalition to help work towards making their communities a healthier place. I would suggest to those community groups to spread the word about the coalition and what it can offer community groups and encourage groups that are not already members to join.