Sharon Gallagher

Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of the Dietetic Internship Program

Education

  • BS in Clinical Nutrition from Cornell University
  • MEd in Nutrition Education from Framingham State College

License/Certifications

  • Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN)
  • Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions for Adults (2019)

About Me

I have over 35 years of clinical experience as a Registered Dietitian, and over 30 years as a college professor. As a practitioner, I have worked various settings, including community health centers, teaching hospitals, food service operations, and home health. Besides my position at Simmons, I also work in private practice and consult for a visiting nurse agency. I enjoy being able to continue working in the field as it lets me share my professional experience with my students. At the same time, I'm constantly learning about best practices from my Simmons colleagues and students which I can apply toward my current practices.

Area of Expertise

  • Dietetics Education
  • Weight Management
  • Diabetes Management
  • Counseling and Education
  • Home Health

What I Teach

  • Fundamentals of Nutrition Science
  • Introduction to Nutrition Science
  • Advanced Applications in Community Nutrition
  • Dietetic Internship

Community Engagement

  • Personnel Chair for faith based organization

Publications/Presentations

Nelson, P., Collin, C., Gushwa, M., Gallagher, S., Rissmiller, P., Hartmann, K. (2022, November) It Takes a Village: Examining a Collaborative Methodology to Promote Interprofessional Education for Graduate Students. 2022 ASHA Convention.

Janvier, N., Gallagher, S. (2021, October) “A survey to determine the acceptability of an interactive recipe to increase children’s exposure and acceptance to healthy foods.” Abstract/poster accepted for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo.

Poccia, S., Gallagher, S. (2021, August) “Health360 Policies: Lessons for healthy habits to reduce childhood obesity risk.” Abstract/poster accepted for the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Conference.

Huntley, C., Gallagher, S., and Stone, R. (2020, March) Nutrition Intervention to Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice at the Open Door in Gloucester. Poster accepted by the MA Annual Nutrition Conference and Exposition, Norwood, MA.

Ruiz, A., Gallagher, S., and Petrowski, L. (2020, March) Snack Attack: A Workshop Focusing on Basic Nutrition Education and Efficacy in Choosing Healthy Snacks with Second Graders in Hanover, MA. Poster session accepted by the MA Annual Nutrition Conference and Exposition, Norwood, MA.

Gallagher, S. “Networking for Nutrition and Earning Administrative Support” In: Nutrition in Public Health, S. Edelstein, ed., 4th edition, Jones & Bartlett, 2016.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • Program Reviewer for ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics)
  • Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Awards

  • 2023 Simmons University Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching