Through the Years - With Katie Brunke RD, P.H.Ec.

Katie Brunke, RD, P.H.Ec. Source: Katie Brunke

A brief background:
​I am a Toronto-based Registered Dietitian and Professional Home Economist. As a dietitian, I work full-time as a clinician and diabetes educator in an urban primary health care team. As a diabetes educator, I am passionate about community dietetics and working with clients to achieve their nutrition and wellness goals. As a P.H.Ec., I am committed to fostering food literacy skills among vulnerable and marginalized populations and facilitate an ongoing community-based ‘Healthy Eating on a Budget’ program. 

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I also have a flourishing side business providing nutrient analysis and recipe development to Manitoba Canola Growers “Canola Eat Well” website, Canada Beef, and Watermelon.org. I have contributed nutrient analysis to cookbooks including  “Homegrown” (Mairlyn Smith and OHEA, Whitecap, 2016); and a second cookbook by Mairlyn Smith slated for release in 2019.

​During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my new puppy, Ziggy.

How long have you been involved with OHEA. If you have served on the board, list your roles here too.
I have been an OHEA member since 2011 and served as the OHEA Ryerson University Student Liaison from 2013 - 2014. 


Why did you keep your OHEA membership?
I have enjoyed being part of the OHEA community and connecting with my fellow P.H.Ec.s at conferences and food and nutrition related events. Professionally, having the P.H.Ec. designation complements and adds value to my work as a dietitian and recipe developer. 


How has being a PHEc positively impacted your life?
Since joining OHEA, I have fostered wonderful connections both personally and professionally working with my mentor, Mairlyn Smith who has shaped multiple facets of my career.

​As a P.H.Ec., I have had the opportunity to contribute to multiple cookbooks and work with clients as a recipe developer, nutritional analyst and recipe tester. Through these connections I have learned more about food, farming and the system of agriculture and am able to share that knowledge with my clients in a dietetic capacity.


What led you to join OHEA?
In 2011, I answered a call for Ryerson University students interested in recipe testing for ‘The Vegetarian’s Complete Quinoa Cookbook’. I was selected as a recipe tester and introduced to Mairlyn Smith. It was she that encouraged me to join OHEA and it was through her mentorship that I honed my skills as a P.H.Ec. 


If you could change something about your career, would you and what would it be?
I am grateful for how my career has unfolded and there is not much I would change. Lately, I have been doing more culinary training to expand my skill set. I see myself as forever learning and growing and I look forward to where my career takes me next. 


Recipe Development: 
This delicious Grilled Arctic Char Nicoise salad was developed by Katie for Canola Eat Well. Click here for the recipe!