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The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

Karen Gillian

Lecturer

Food Science and Nutrition

simmonsgillian@mail.fresnostate.edu

Education

  • B.S.- Swarthmore College
  • Internship - University of California, San Francisco
  • M.S. - California State University, Fresno

Courses Taught

  • Nutrition and Health: Realities and Controversies (NUTR 53)

Experience

Adjunct Faculty Instructor, Fresno State
  • Fresno Jan 2017 - Present 
  • Skills: Leadership Development · Staff Recruitment · Preceptor · Group Education · Community OutreachSkills: Leadership Development · Staff Recruitment · Preceptor · Group Education · Community Outreach

WIC Program Director, Merced County Community Action Board
  • Nov 2011 - Sep 2022 · 10 yrs 11 mos
  • Managed a two-county WIC Program with a staff of 53 professional and union represented staff.
  • Administered and controled a multi-million dollar budget with multiple grants.
  • Determined appropriate staffing levels at 11 sites and allocate labor hours according to participant enrollment at sites.
  • Interpreted and implemented applicable legislation, laws, and regulations.
  • Coordinated and consulted with other public and private healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure appropriate integration of WIC services.
  • Skills: Community Development · Administration · Operating Budgets · Staff Training · Policy Analysis · Public Health · Nonprofit Management · Food PolicySkills: Community Development · Administration · Operating Budgets · Staff Training · Policy Analysis · Public Health · Nonprofit Management · Food Policy 

Deputy Director, Merced County Community Action
  • November 2010 - July 2011
  • Skills: Community Development · Administration · Operating Budgets · Staff Training · Policy Analysis · Public Health · Nonprofit ManagementSkills: Community Development · Administration · Operating Budgets · Staff Training · Policy Analysis · Public Health · Nonprofit Management

Child Nutrition Consultant, California Department of Education, Nutrition Services
  • 1990 - 2010 · 20 years
  • Provided technical assistance to school districts, child care centers, residential child care institutions and other USDA-funded agencies in the Central Valley.
  • Provided recommendations for operations, labor utilization, budget analysis, inventory management, sanitation, food production and storage, and staff training.
  • Planned and conducted on-site reviews of child nutrition program sponsors.
  • Evaluated food service methods and promoted dietary guidelines.
  • Conducted fiscal reviews and budget analysis. Provided nutrition program planning, education, training and evaluation in collaboration with school districts and community stakeholders.
  • Skills: Community Development · Staff Training · Policy Analysis · Public Health