NUTRITION WITH PURPOSE
Simone Nicolas, MS, RDN, CDN, is a skilled nutrition professional with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and a commitment to improving outcomes through nutrition. Early in her career, Simone transitioned from acute to long-term care, where she not only continued to practice nutrition but also played an integral role in the operational growth of foodservice programs, focusing on elevating the services and experience provided to patients and residents. Simone worked as a teaching nutritionist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center for 14 years, collaborating closely with pediatric physicians to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among their patients. Concurrently, she served as the corporate director of culinary services at National Health Care Associates, which operates 39 skilled nursing and assisted living centers throughout the Northeast. During her time at National, Simone played a key role in successfully implementing a room service program and improving customer service scores in Connecticut skilled nursing facilities.
Simone Nicola s , MS , RDN , CDN
Nutrition Professional
As an experienced leader, Simone developed and led group education programs focused on diabetes and weight management for short-term care patients. She also advocated personalized nutrition interventions to enhance the quality of life for adults in long-term care settings. In 2021, Simone transitioned to state service full-time and currently serves as nutrition services administrator at the New York State Office of Mental Health, Kingsboro Psychiatric Center, in Brooklyn, NY, where she has achieved Level 2 status in the organization’s Lean Six Sigma Performance Improvement methods and has been instrumental in developing the first Nutrition Garden in OMH. Simone, who served as the Past President of the AHF New York chapter in 2023 and 2024, is an active member of the National organization’s Board and various committees. She also maintains memberships in other professional groups, constantly seeking opportunities to learn from her peers, share her expertise, and mentor others. She credits her career progression in part to the resources and networking opportunities provided by AHF National and the local New York Chapter, which have played a crucial role in fostering growth in healthcare foodservice.
AHFNY Annual Educational Symposium & Vendor Exhibition | June 12, 2026
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