Catherine Vandermer

My philosophy is simple: 

There are no bad foods, only bad food habits. 

Balance is the key to healthy living. 

I have been very fortunate in my career as a Dietitian to have a wide variety of experiences. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with you. I find it very rewarding to meet interesting people and perhaps teach them something new or help them to see something from a different perspective.

“Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.” ~ Chinese Proverb

“That is, if he likes fish” ~ Katie

What can the Dietician do for you?
Click on my name to download RD brochure

Counseling Services – No charge for Shepherd students and staff during office hours
Healthy Lifestyle
Prevention of Chronic Disease (Heart Disease, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure)
Optimizing Athletic Performance
Weight Control
Coping with Food Allergies
The Truth about Organics
The Top Ten Super Foods
How to get the Nutrients You need on a Vegetarian Diet
Group Classes by Request (Any Topic)

Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00am – 5:00pm
Click here to schedule an appointment cvanderm@shepherd.edu

Please include name, preferred time, and reason for your appointment
I will check my email on Monday morning and send a confirmation email with the date and time of your appointment

Special Events – Learn something new, eat something delicious, and have some fun!

Dining Lite events will be held regularly throughout the semester.  Look for promotional posters in the dining hall.

Ask the Dietitian
Have a nutrition related question? 
Send me an email and I will do my best to answer it.  cvanderm@shepherd.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a gluten allergy; do you have any special foods for me

Absolutely, we have a gluten free cabinet to the right of Piazza Place.  The cabinet is stocked with gluten free pizza crusts, crackers, cereals, breads, pretzels, and many more items.  We have gluten free grilled chicken available on the salad bar daily.  If you have any particular items that you would like us to order, or double check to make certain they are gluten free, just let us know.

What type of meal plans do you have? Do you have anything for commuters?

It is nice to know that you have a place you can count on for good food and an affordable meal, a snack, or a great cup of coffee to lift your spirits and get you back on track. Shepherd University Dining Services is that place for you. We have developed plans we know will fit your lifestyle.

For more information please download our brochure:
· Ram Traditional Dining Plan
· Ram Traveler Meal Plan

Where can I find more vegetarian options?

Vegetarian options can be found daily on many of the serving stations.  Our salad bar is also an excellent source, providing a wealth of local produce, frehs fruit and freshly made peanut butter. Additional vegetarian items are available daily in the Veggie Ally Refrigerator to the right of Piazza Place.  Selections include: Veggie Crumbles, Boca Burgers, and Vegetarian Sausage.  The Ram’s Den and Bistro also have Veggie Burgers, Vegetarian Wraps, and Salads available daily. If you have any particular items that you would like us to provide, just let us know.

How do I make an appointment with the Dietitian?

Dietitian office hours are on Mondays & Wednesdays from 10:00 – 5:00pm.  Send me an Email with your name, preferred time, and the reason for your appointment to  cvanderm@shepherd.edu, and I will contact you with an appointment date and time.  I will be checking my email on Monday mornings to set up appointments for the week.  You may also contact Jack Shaw, the Director of Dining Services at (304) 876-5149 if you do not have access to email.

Is there any charge to see the Dietitian?

There is no charge for Dietitian counseling services for Shepherd students and staff

Is there any charge for special events?

Dining Light, Pace Breakers, Theme Dinners, and Create Excitement Events are free to all students who have purchased a meal plan.  Students and staff without a meal plan are welcome to attend, but will be charged the standard fee or theme meal fee for the meal.

I don’t have a meal plan; can I attend the special events?

Students and staff without a meal plan are welcome to attend, but will be charged the standard fee for the meal.

Where can I find sugar free options?

Sugar free maple syrup, sweeteners, desserts, and jellies are available by request.  Requests may be directed to any server in the dining area.

How can I get Breakfast if I have a class until 9:30am?

Students can obtain a continental style breakfast from the dining hall until 11:00am.  This would include items such as juice, cereal, bagels, fruit, and baked goods.  Breakfast is also served in the Ram’s Den, Bistro and Welness Cafe until 10:30am. 

How can I get Lunch if I have a class until 3:00pm?

The salad bar, soup station, pizza bar and sandwich bar are open all day at the Dining Hall. Lunch is also served in the Ram’s Den and Bistro until 3:30pm; and at the Wellness Café all day.

How can I get Dinner if I have a class until 8:00pm?

Dinner is served in the Ram’s Den until 9:00pm and in the Bistro until 10:00pm Monday thru Thursday.

I’m allergic to peanuts; can I eat the fried items?