Get to know Jackie Pizzo

It’s something we all need, and for the most part, something we all enjoy: food. But while we all enjoy consuming it on a daily basis, it takes a special kind of person to enjoy preparing it for others. At Parsons Presbyterian Manor, one of those special people is Dining Supervisor Jackie Pizzo.

“My favorite thing about working in food service is that food is the one thing that unifies everyone. It draws us together. It’s the one thing that internationally, we all speak the language of. It creates bonding time. Even around this area, when families get together, there’s always food involved. It gives everyone a chance to get together and enjoy a meal in fellowship,” said Jackie.

Jackie loves the food profession so much that she recently completed coursework to be a certified dietary manager, a certification which requires she pass boards from the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals.

“I’ve been at Parsons Presbyterian Manor for almost two years. I started as a dietary aide and was promoted last year. I went back to school at Barton Community College to become a certified dietary manager,” said Jackie. “I’ve worked in food service for the majority of my life. Our current certified dietary manager, Ruth Haile, was the CDM at the last place I worked. We have a really good working relationship. She’s been here about a year, and it’s a great place to work.

“I appreciate the quality, the teamwork, and the real drive for excellence in what we provide. If it weren’t for PMMA, I wouldn’t have sought my certification, but I’m so glad I did.”

When she’s not preparing delicious and nutritious meals at work, she enjoys cooking at home and spending time with her boyfriend and 10-year-old son.

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