UCA dietetic interns research communities across the state

CONWAY— The University of Central Arkansas Dietetic Internship Program is collaborating with the Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention’s Growing Healthy Communities to provide health assessments in 20 Arkansas communities.

Through the internship, students use critical thinking skills to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities in their selected communities.

The information gathered by the interns will be presented after they complete their internship. The communities are invited to attend the presentation and have access to a copy of the student’s final report.

The assessments provide communities with the opportunity to highlight strengths and provide strategies to improve other areas.

Dr. Nina Roofe, Dietetic Internship Program Director, said, “It’s a “win-win” for our students as well as for ArCOP and the communities involved in the program.”

Ten interns are selected each academic year. Interns earn their post-baccalaureate degree and complete the dietetic internship in 15 months.

The current interns and their selected Growing Healthy Community are as follows:

Rebecca Blaylock- Perry County
Angela Bradshaw- City of Batesville
Candace Casebier- Searcy County
Hayley Chappell- Woodruff County
Ashley Cornett- City of Conway
Alicia Courtway- City of Monticello
Caroline Fridell- City of Maumelle
Aubree Fry- City of Harrison
Amanda Gentry- City of Little Rock’s University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s University District
Robin Gipson- Saline County
Brenda Green- Monroe County
Chris Henson- City of Wooster
Mandy Hines- City of Little Rock’s South Main Street Community
Miranda Lytle- City of Hot Springs
Erick McCarthy- City of Greenbrier
TJ Mirji- City of North Little Rock
Lyndsay Myers- City of Bentonville
Rachel Sanders- City of Bryant
Daniela Utrera- City of Fayetteville
Erica Watson- City of Little Rock’s Arkansas People First Community

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