NOK’s Contributions and Impact on Change
Donna Terjesen and Nourish Our Kids, Inc.™’s (NOK’s) involvement with various child advocacy associations and groups, coupled with Donna’s certifications, experience and background in nutrition and holistic health, has made Donna and NOK a well-respected organization to support health education and impact positive change. A sample representation of NOK’s accomplishments is listed below:
Speaking Engagements & Lectures
- Conducted quarterly health forums at local libraries, community centers and book stores;
- Participated in NYC’s “No Junk” legislation that supported the elimination of junk food sold to children through vending machines during school hours, with all elementary schools in New York City having eliminated the sale of soda, candy and gum;
- Asked to participate as one of four experts as a representative at the Annual Children’s Aid Society’s Symposium in a panel addressing current health issues affecting New York City’s children;
- Donna’s work with the Go! Children program was featured in the 2004 documentary titled, “Obesity—A National Crisis” that aired on Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s “City Talk” as well as on “Keeping Children Healthy” that aired on PBS in May 2005.
- Provided a testimonial for a published book entitled “Institute for Integrative Nutrition,” released in Fall 2005;
- In 2009/2010, Donna personally became involved in her local parent/school committee to impact significant changes to the lunch menu serving 3,000 children daily by introducing only natural and fresh made foods, hormone free milk and meat without antibiotics;
- NOK co-authored the release of the 2010 United Way Fun Fit and Fly publication by adding nutritional content to support educating preteens about healthy lifestyle choices.
I Have a Dream Foundation
NOK developed two after-school health and cooking classes at the New York I Have a Dream, Melrose II program. The five-week health and wellness seminar was developed for children ages 8–12. The seminar included cooking classes, nutritional education, and a hands-on drumming program to support stress release.
Children’s Aid Society
Donna Terjesen joined the Children’s Aid Society and volunteered her time to assist in developing and launching Go! Kids, a pilot obesity prevention program. The Go! Kids program is a school-based model, which in 2003 served 70 children and their parents in New York City’s low-income elementary schools. Donna participated hands-on in the children’s lessons, provided content and consulting for the parent workshops and offered cooking demonstrations to parents.
At the end of 2004/2005, Donna was appointed Curriculum Director for the Children’s Aid Society’s Go! Kids program. As Curriculum Director, Donna was responsible for completely revising the children’s and parent’s curricula; hiring and training health educators; forecasting budgets; grant writing; and responding to media requests. Donna’s commitment to Go! Kids was evident by her time, energy and contributions and has played a significant role in the development of the NOK Rocker’s Healthy Lifestyle Curriculum available free to all nursery, preschools/kindergartens and elementary schools. The curriculum is meant to support children with early learning development and to introduce early learning concepts about the importance of taking care of their growing bodies though exercise and good nutrition.
If you are interested in scheduling Donna to speak at your school or special event, or learning how you can implement the NOK Rockers Healthy Lifestyle Curriculum in your school, please contact us.
