Stephanie Graziano, RD, CDN, CDCES
Education and training
Diabetic Internship – University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Professional interests
Diabetes care
Weight management
A little about me
I feel the most important thing I can do as a practitioner is to listen to what my patients care about most. I like to take a realistic approach and ensure that patients are comfortable with any decisions they make regarding their health and lifestyle changes.
Why I love my job
I love to do what I do because I am passionate about helping people take charge of their health. There is great reward in watching someone lower their A1c or lose weight and feel good about themselves. I feel privileged to be a part of this process and support folks in meeting these goals.
Professional certifications or affiliations
Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Professional Experience and Accomplishments
Stephanie began her career after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado Didactic Internship Program in 2016. She joined a large multi-specialty physician group practice in Kingston NY shortly afterward, where she worked with a variety of patients using effective behavioral counseling techniques to assist them in achieving their health goals. She designed and implemented The Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity Program, which included 22 weekly counseling sessions along with meal planning to help patients lose weight and achieve a target BMI. Stephanie counseled clients with a wide range of conditions including gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Rheumatologic disorders and HIV. She also hosted monthly diabetes education classes, participated in the annual Women’s Health and Fitness Expo, and provided support to staff members seeking help with their own individual goals.
Later transitioning to become the inpatient registered dietitian-nutritionist at Health-Quest (Nuvance) Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, her responsibilities were to oversee the care of patients in the medical surgery, intensive care, and acute rehabilitation units. Using the Nutrition Care Process to identify nutrition problems and provide support to the physicians and surgeons, Stephanie ensured patients were receiving the adequate nutrition they needed to heal and recover as quickly as possible. Stephanie sat as a board member on the Nutrition Care Committee, overseeing the interdisciplinary policy revisions for enteral and parenteral nutrition administration. Having special certifications in both malnutrition and nutrition-focused physical examination, she spearheaded a progressive movement to increase hospital-wide awareness of malnutrition and the need to prioritize treatment. She routinely assisted the food service director with menu revisions, nutrient analysis, formulary changes, and patient-related concerns. In July 2018, Stephanie became the official nutrition educator for the Northern Dutchess Hospital Cardiac Rehab Program, creating a 6 week curriculum to help patients recover from and prevent future cardiac-related incidents by educating them on the role that nutrients play in cardiovascular health.
Stephanie is now a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, serving clients in her community with the Institute for Family Health. Diabetes care and prevention has always been a major area of interest for her. Stephanie performs point of care testing for her diabetes clients including blood glucose and A1C testing, blood pressure monitoring, mono filament and pedal pulse exams, as well as insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor training. As an RD, CDCES, Stephanie provides both diabetes self-management education in addition to medical nutrition therapy counseling.