Today we meet Cynthia who is marking 18 years with the Government of Yukon. Cynthia’s journey began far from the Yukon, as a licensed practical nurse in Newfoundland. But her desire to try something new led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. This bold step brought her to the Yukon for a dietetic internship, and in 2007, she joined continuing care as a clinical and administrative dietitian. Now based at Copper Ridge Place in Whitehorse, Cynthia plays a vital role in ensuring residents have access to fresh, healthy, and culturally meaningful meals. Let’s learn more about Cynthia’s impactful work and her commitment to making a difference in the Yukon.
Could you introduce yourself and what you do?
My name is Cynthia and I'm a registered dietitian. I work for the Government of Yukon as a clinical and administrative dietitian at Copper Ridge Place. My job is all about ensuring our residents have meals that are nutritious, enjoyable, and tailored to their needs. It’s a blend of clinical work and managing food services. I collaborate with an amazing team of cooks, dietary aides, and speech-language pathologists to create meals that not only meet dietary requirements but also reflect residents’ preferences and cultural backgrounds. For example, we make a special effort to include foods that are meaningful to our Indigenous residents. Food is such an essential part of comfort and quality of life, and it’s a privilege to contribute to that.
This means we work with the inter-professional team to monitor resident health. An example of that would be a blood test. If a test shows something like a low vitamin B12, we can adjust the person’s diet to help that and ask the physician for a vitamin B12 supplement. If a resident needs assistance with wound healing, we ensure they have access to extra protein, calories, etc. to assist the healing process. We order oral nutritional products as necessary. We also manage enteral nutrition for residents who are unable to swallow safely. I also attend care conferences with residents, their families, and the rest of the care team. It’s important to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and that we’re meeting their needs as a group. Mentoring dietetic interns is another part of my role that I really enjoy. It’s rewarding to share knowledge about long-term care and help shape the next generation of dietitians.
What makes for a good day at work?
For me, it’s all about the people. A good day is when I see a resident enjoying their meal or hear them say, “That was delicious!” Whether it’s a special holiday meal or just their favorite snack, knowing that we’ve made them happy is incredibly rewarding. I also love the teamwork here. Everyone, from the kitchen staff to the care team, is dedicated to making sure the residents are well cared for. When we come together to solve a challenge or try something new, it’s always a great feeling.
Let’s talk about food quality in the Yukon. How do you find the fruit and vegetables here?
We’re actually very fortunate in Whitehorse. We have some very good food service suppliers. The quality the vegetables and fruit here is very good. As a registered dietitian, I have the privilege of working with the coordinator of food services in menu development and advocating for good quality food. Many residents will receive fresh fruit for a snack or a small salad as an appetizer before dinner. If they want it, we can certainly arrange it!
Thanks to Cynthia for telling us about her work!
Find a healthy workplace with the Government of Yukon's Department of Health and Social Services. Visit yukon.ca/employment to see job listings.