Congratulations to our Dietetic Technician Michael Brown for being named Connecticut’s Recognized Nutrition and Dietetic Technician of the Year!

“It feels wonderful, and it’s very humbling,” said Michael, who has worked at Ability Beyond for three years. “A lot of people don’t know who we are, Dietetic Technicians, but we’re an important component of an interdisciplinary nutrition team, trained in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service.” 

Michael accepted his award on Wednesday, April 9, during the annual spring meeting of the CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Each year, the AND chooses one dietetic technician per state for this honor. Their names, including Michael’s, will be published in the upcoming Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for distribution nationwide. 

“Michael is responsible, positive, and professional, and he puts so much effort into building one-on-one relationships with the people we serve,” said his supervisor Rachael Whitney, who leads our dietary teams in New York and Connecticut. “He sits down with folks and takes the time to explain their diets to them, getting them involved as much as possible in the process.”

Food is Medicine

Michael also serves on the Board of the CT Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and has been invited twice in a row to discuss the profession with students graduating from Lehman College, CUNY.

 Just a few years ago, he was graduating from school himself. 

“I went back to college in my 50s,” Michael said. “I was in nursing school, and I really wasn’t feeling it. But one day I was doing my rounds, working with a patient with a pressure ulcer, and the dietician came in to do an exam. I started talking to her, and what she told me was fascinating.”

For instance, Michael was surprised to hear the dietician prescribe more protein in the patient’s diet. Before then he didn’t realize the profound connection between nutrition and chronic health issues other than weight gain. Suddenly it clicked: food is medicine. So he applied for the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at Gateway Community College.

Finding the Right Fit

The same person who nominated Michael for the CT AND award had suggested in 2022 that he apply for an open position at Ability Beyond:  Dominique Doris, Michael’s former professor and now the Program Coordinator for the Gateway nutrition program. 

Not only was Michael a skilled Dietetic Technician, but he worked part-time as a direct support professional for people with developmental disabilities. It was the right fit. 

Today Michael serves 30 people spread across seven Danbury homes, ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s. He takes pride in educating and empowering them to stay healthy.

“Nutrition is an important facet of our well-being, and needs to be taken as seriously as medical appointments, psychological needs, and behavior,” Michael said. “It all works together, and if something’s off—even the bacterium in your gut—that’s going to affect your quality of life.” 

Overcoming Setbacks with Tenacity

For Michael, the CT AND award doesn’t only mean he’s great at his job. It’s also a testament to his tenacity, because earlier this year, Michael experienced a stroke that paused his work for several months. 

“I wasn’t sure I could ever come back,” he said. 

After the stroke, Michael spent two weeks in the hospital and another three weeks in rehab. Full recovery took until May. When the time came, Michael decided to return to Ability Beyond—and his passion for helping others.  

The dietary department, and all the people that Michael serves, were thrilled.

“When people come into the building, they wave to him and say, ‘Hi Michael!’” Rachael said. “They know him and they love talking to him. As a manager, I learned quickly just how hard-working he is. I admire the strength it took for him to go through that medical concern and keep going.”