—Marianne Katusin

Marianne Katusin

Manager, Support Services
Halton Healthcare 

Role/partnership with CHA Learning:

Alumni of the Food Service and Nutrition Management Program
Faculty Member, Food Service and Nutrition Management in Healthcare for 15 years 

Website: www.chalearning.ca | www.haltonhealthcare.on.ca
Social Media: LinkedIn
Location: Oakville, Ontario

Marianne is an instructor and faculty member in CHA Learning’s Food Service & Nutrition Management in Healthcare program. The testament to Marianne’s passion for the development of successful food service managers is stated by her students in the following feedback:

“Instructor Marianne J Katusin is the best, and very supportive, I receive a response or clarification on the same day as my email.”

“The Instructor (Marianne) was awesome when I emailed for help she was there for me.”

“Marianne, my instructor, is very helpful and supports me a lot in navigating through the course. I always get tips to improve.”

“Overall great instructor who makes learning easier such as engage us to improve writing skills, critical thinking skills and other learning activities also responding to student question briefly and giving positive feedback.”

In addition to her faculty role at CHA Learning, Marianne is the Manager of Support Services at Halton Healthcare – Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in Oakville, Ontario. In this role, Marianne is responsible for Patient Food Services, Portering, Waste & Linen and the Support Services Call Centre.

Halton Healthcare is comprised of three community hospitals: Georgetown Hospital, Milton District Hospital and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. These hospitals care for more than 325,000 residents and serve more than half a million patient meals a year with a commitment to providing “exemplary patient experiences, always.” Championing the procurement and use of fresh, locally grown foods, the Food Service team has led change across Ontario’s food services industry by partnering with a network of Ontario food manufacturers and producers. This partnership has been instrumental in developing new nutritious food options for hospital menus, and in providing patients with personalized meal delivery options, including the award winning “Call to Order Room Service” program.

Marianne has worked in healthcare for 30 years in various roles. She was the project lead for Halton Healthcare’s award winning “Good for you…Locally Grown” project, recognized by the Greenbelt Fund for putting more Ontario grown and produced foods on hospital menus. Marianne holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Administration & Information Management, a Diploma in Food & Nutrition Management, her Lean Healthcare Yellow and Green Belts, and is an active member of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management.

“The pandemic has certainly changed the way we provide meals and food service to our patients. We have had to review our processes and come up with innovative ways to develop menus. More than ever we have seen how essential our vendor partners are to our operations and our ability to sustain supply and service.” – Marianne Katusin

A Little More About Marianne:

What is something you have worked on that you are proud of?

I am immensely proud to have had the opportunity to work on several redevelopment projects within my career in Food Services. The ability to manage a project and be involved in design & development of our kitchen has provided a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Who do you admire in healthcare and why?

Our team at Halton Healthcare has worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to respond to the pandemic and ensure the needs of our patients, families and community have been met. I am proud to be a member of this team!

What would you want someone to know entering CHA Learning’s Food Service and Nutrition Management in Healthcare Program?

I have found that dedication and commitment to learning goes a long way. Finding that balance of work, family and education is key.  With a little hard work you can be successful in completing the program.

How do you make room for continuing to learn while leading?

Giving back to my industry is very important to me. As an instructor, I am able to influence and impact the success of a students learning journey. I am passionate about my role with CHA Learning. The ability to share knowledge and mentor a new Manager is rewarding. We make time for what is important to us.

What are the best ways that leaders can support other leaders, whether within the same organization or different organizations?

The important thing to recognize is that we are all different. As a leader, I have to give my time, listen without judgement, share my knowledge, communicate openly and focus on supportive, positive relationships. This empowers us to be committed to our teams.

What are some of your favourite hobbies outside of work?

When time permits, I really enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures and ways of life. We have been fortunate to travel to various countries and experience various traditions. I also enjoy gardening and spending time with my family – relaxing by the pool.