With a decade of experience in health care, Kris Kreiner, BS, RD, has made significant contributions to diabetes education and nutrition assessment. She currently serves as a registered dietitian and quality diabetes coordinator at McKenzie Health System, a role she has held since 2022. McKenzie Health System is a community-focused health care provider offering comprehensive medical services, including primary care, emergency services, and specialty care, to improve health outcomes in Sanilac County and surrounding areas.
In this capacity, Ms. Kreiner completes nutritional assessments for inpatients, authorizes dietary changes, and facilitates community diabetes education programs accredited by the American Diabetes Association and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Her commitment to addressing the needs of underserved communities is evident in her efforts to establish diabetes programs in areas lacking adequate services.
Before joining McKenzie Health System, Ms. Kreiner was a registered dietitian at McLaren Caro Region from 2020 to 2022, where she initiated a diabetes self-management education service to provide essential care and education to the community. From 2015 to 2020, she served as a registered dietitian at McLaren Port Huron, refining her expertise in diabetes education and nutrition management. She began her career with the WIC program from 2013 to 2015, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in dietetics.
Moreover, Ms. Kreiner is actively involved in various organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her contributions to the field are further highlighted by her efforts to establish diabetes self-management education programs at both McKenzie Health System and McLaren Caro Region, demonstrating her dedication to improving health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.
Laying a solid educational foundation, Ms. Kreiner earned a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Eastern Michigan University, graduating magna cum laude. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, earned in 1991. Additionally, she is certified as a registered dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and is licensed as a registered dietitian in the state of Oregon.
Ms. Kreiner’s most significant career achievement has been establishing diabetes programs in underserved areas, addressing the lack of specialized care in her region. Recognizing a critical gap in services, she successfully implemented programs in two counties, attracting patients seeking diabetes education and medical nutrition therapy. Her dedication to bridging this gap has led to contracts with health departments and organizations, allowing her to expand access to essential care.
Ms. Kreiner attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, including her husband and children. Their encouragement has been instrumental throughout her educational journey, helping her overcome challenges and achieve her goals. She also credits her older brother for his guidance during her pursuit of her first degree. Despite facing obstacles in her academic journey, she remained steadfast in her commitment to providing essential services that empower individuals to improve their lives.
Passionate about expanding diabetes education, Ms. Kreiner envisions establishing a diabetes support group to foster a community-centered approach to disease management. By broadening her reach, she hopes to equip individuals with valuable resources for better health outcomes. Her personal philosophy centers on resilience and perseverance, a legacy she hopes to pass on to her children. She aspires to be remembered as someone who never gave up, continued pushing forward despite challenges, and inspired others to do the same.
Looking to the future, through her work and personal life, Ms. Kreiner remains dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on those she serves. As she nears retirement, she plans to focus on remote contract work, balancing her passion for helping communities with the flexibility to travel alongside her husband.