Suzanne Cryst, RDN | Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center

Suzanne Cryst, RDN is a registered licensed dietitian with a certification specialty in gerontological nutrition employed at Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center, a 170 bed Extended Care facility in Akron, Ohio. In addition to her advocacy for quality care, improved nutrition status and quality services for all ages, Suzanne is focused on the advancement of the dietetic profession by her commitment as a preceptor for numerous dietetic programs, and education of the intra- professional team at all levels. Suzanne also has a very robust volunteer history within the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND), and the Ohio and local Affiliates. Currently she is a board member on the Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Ohio Society for Post Acute and Long-term Care Medicine, and serves on the clinical practice guideline committee for The Society of Post Acute and Long-term Care Medicine ( formerly known as AMDA – American Medical Directors Association).

Suzanne had the distinct honor to co-author the Standards of Practice, Standards of Professional Performance for RDN’s in Extended Care Settings that was published in 2018. She is currently the Chair of the Ohio AND Foundation, and was appointed by the Governor of Ohio to serve on the Malnutrition task force that submitted a paper on the issues surrounding Malnutrition in Ohio – including ideas for improvement and positive outcomes – in 2018.. . Suzanne is Past Chair of the long term care practice group – Dietetics in Health Care Facilities, Past President of the Ohio Dietetic Association, Past member of the AND House of Delegates, Past Ohio Public Policy Chair..

Recognitions include, the most prestigious Medallion Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation in 2013; 2001 Award for Excellence in the Practice of Management from the Academy Foundation; 2008 American Medical Directors Association Foundation/Evercare Quality Improvement Award; 2010 Outstanding Member Award from DHCC; 2010 Outstanding Preceptor Award – District V – AND Education Practice Group and the Academy Foundation; and 2012 Ohio Dietetic Association President’s Award.

Suzanne’s mantra is that no one works in a silo and change is not a four letter word. . Team work is vital and part of teamwork is educational, access to knowledge and that word “change.” She has been educated to be a change agent and takes great pride in the successes she has experienced.