Shawna McCusker graduated from CSNN as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ professional in 2016; she is passionate about pediatric nutrition and wellness. After nearly 10 years working in Social Work, mental health/counselling and behaviour therapy at CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital, Shawna decided to pursue an adjunct career in nutrition to further benefit the population with whom she worked, as well as her own growing family. It became increasingly evident that the relationship developed with food at an early age can assist and enable someone in navigating life stressors in the healthiest way possible, while fostering a healthy relationship with one’s own body and sense of self. Shawna continues to work full-time in behaviour modification and counselling at The Ottawa Hospital Weight Management Clinic while running her own business – Sprouting Balance Nutrition and Wellness – through which she offers workshops, consultation and a supportive community for parents, caregivers and ‘The Village’ at large, to discover and nurture what is ultimately best for oneself, little people and the family as a whole.
Shawna teaches Motivational Interview Skills, AN102 Nutrition and Mental Health Part 1 Mood Disorders, AN103 Nutrition and Mental Health Part 2 Alzheimer’s Disease, and the Cooking for Kids culinary workshop.