It’s estimated that 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease. Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune disorder triggered by eating foods containing gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley and is commonly found in foods like bread, pasta, and...
If you're looking for a great side dish for Thanksgiving, look no further. This green bean dish is a crowd-pleaser that also packs a nutritional punch. While side dishes can be an afterthought when it comes to meal planning, this quick and easy green bean recipe pairs...
It’s sweet potato season! Sweet potatoes are a highly nutritious food that offers many health benefits like promoting gut health, support healthy vision, strengthening the immune system. Sweet potatoes may even enhance brain function! It's very easy to incorporate...
Hooray for apples! Apple season is officially here and apple cider is going to be popping up on shelves and farmers markets everywhere. Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against...
If you’re about to sit down for a meal, what would you rather have? Buttery pancakes, fluffy mashed potatoes with gravy, and ice cream with chocolate sauce, or a canned supplement shake? Probably the first option, right? Many senior living communities choose to tackle...
In 2018, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics took an official stance supporting liberalized diets for seniors in long-term care facilities. They reasoned that liberalized diets would enhance residents’ quality of life and their nutritional status. A liberalized...
It's officially National Wellness Month, which means it's time to focus on your health! Whether it’s drinking more water, exercising, getting outside, practicing meditation, stretching, or just slowing down, it’s important to incorporate wellness into your life each...
July is Culinary Arts Month and we'll be celebrating all the talented chefs that are part of the CSG community all month long. Our Director of Culinary chose this month's recipe, a savory and delicious jerk chicken. He says, "I know it's a lot of ingredients but it's...
The term “gluten-free” has become a food industry buzzword over the past few years. Why? Because celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered when people eat gluten, is more common than ever. In fact, an article from the New York Times states that celiac...
Hydration is an essential part of staying healthy. Seniors in care communities are often at a greater risk for dehydration because as we age our bodies hold less water, and may also be less likely to sense thirst. Hydration helps to promote brain...
Brandee Grenda serves as the Director of Clinical Services for Culinary Services Group. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dominican University with a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare. She also holds several certifications in health and fitness. Brandee currently volunteers her time for the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition’s (ASPEN) Education and Professional Development Committee and Self-Assessment Committee. She is also the nominating chair-elect for Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy, a Dietetic Practice Group for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Brandee is a published co-author in the ASPEN Nutrition in Clinical Practice (NCP) and the Journal of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition (JPEN). She has also been interviewed and published in the Journal of Perinatology-Neonatology for her work in a neonatal intensive care unit.
As a leader, Brandee is focused on advocating for continued knowledge and growth within the clinical services team. She believes that this growth is essential for providing the best care possible within the communities and people we serve and the exceptional work stems from a cohesive and knowledgeable team.
Keisha Stevens serves as the Executive Vice President for Culinary Services Group. Keisha has over 20 years of Human Resources experience. She graduated from University of Maryland Global Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology at George Mason University. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Divine Dance Institute and has previously served as an Advisory Board member at Harford County Department of Social Services and as a Board of Director at Greater Edgewood Education Foundation.
Throughout her career Keisha has mastered many valuable skills including talent management, workforce planning, learning and development, talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and compensation and benefits. She has demonstrated expertise leading culture and employee focused initiatives to create high performing, engaged and passionate teams. Keisha is a firm believer that a talented workforce is the cornerstone of business success and is committed to strengthening the company’s culture, building on trust and transparency, and exhibiting behaviors that exemplify our guiding principles.
Amanda Emerson serves as the Area Manager overseeing Culinary Services Group’s Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia accounts. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Administration and Management from Fairmont State University and an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts and Chef Training from Pierpont Community and Technical College. She is a Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional through the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals and is ServeSafe Manager Certified.
Amanda enjoys creating synergy among team members while also providing detailed training and mentorship. Her goal as a leader is to provide the highest level of service to our clients while fostering growth and leadership among team members.
