The SEN Nutrition Department
Fueling Growth, Health, and Lifelong Wellness!
The SEN Nutrition Department is dedicated to promoting the health, growth, and well-being of individuals with special educational needs (SEN) through personalized nutrition education and support. Recognizing the critical role that proper nutrition plays in cognitive development, emotional regulation, and overall physical health, the department provides tailored guidance to meet the unique dietary needs of each learner. Services include nutrition assessments, meal planning support, healthy eating workshops, and collaboration with families, educators, and healthcare teams. The department empowers learners and their support networks to make informed choices that foster energy, focus, and long-term wellness. By addressing feeding challenges, dietary sensitivities, and lifestyle habits, the SEN Nutrition Department ensures that nutrition is a powerful tool for enhancing educational and developmental outcomes. Aligned with CESC’s mission, the department champions a holistic approach to health, ensuring every learner has the foundation for a vibrant and thriving life.
Services
Coming Soon
Department Chair
Shandera Smith, MSc Nutrition
Shandera has always had an intense passion for rendering Christian service especially through health and youth ministries. Among her greatest desires is to see people accept and serve Christ and to see them enjoy their lives to the fullest experiencing optimal health.
To enable her to accomplish these, with God’s help, she pursued an Associate’s of Art degree in Biology with Chemistry; Bachelors of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from the University of The Bahamas, the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and Mona Campuses, respectively. She is a licensed Dietitian and Nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Educator.
She is currently employed at the Ministry of Health & Wellness as a Senior Dietitian; a part-time lecturer at the University of The Bahamas and Southern College, a Distributor for ArdyssLife and owner/manager of Trinity Wellness Center.
She currently serves as the Health Ministries Director for the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; the Immediate Past President of the Adventist Health Professions Association (AHPA); as secretary for the Adventist Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI); the Chaplain of the Bahamas Association of
Nutrition & Dietetics; Education Officer for the Bahamas Association of Diabetes Educators and the Bahamas Diabetes Association and she is a member of the U.S. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Shandera has served in many ministries (Adventist Youth, Pathfinders, Sabbath School, Sanctuary Choir, Deaconess, Treasury, Communications). She currently serves as the 1st/Head Elder at the Philadelphia Church.
Shandera believes that there is nothing more fulfilling than worshipping and serving God. Her favourite Bible text is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’
She enjoys traveling, writing, helping others, baking, reading, camping, and beaching.
