Meet Susan & Leanne
Registered Dietitians
Susan Merko, RD (She/Her)
Susan has over 30 years experience working in level 3 neonatal intensive care units and neonatal follow up programs in Toronto and Hamilton. She obtained her nutrition degree from the University of Guelph and completed her dietetic internship at Kingston General Hospital. She has published research examining preterm human milk composition and neonatal growth outcomes.
She co-wrote sections regarding human milk fortification for the Canadian Pediatric Society and Health Canada. She also has many publications which include papers on Post Discharge Nutrition and Infant Formula. She is a co-founder of the Canadian Neonatal Dietitian Education and Support Network (CndNeoRD) and is recognized by peers for establishing the dietitian role within neonatal intensive care both provincially and nationally.
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A growing body of literature is connecting adequate growth after discharge with improved developmental outcomes. Recognizing limited access to preterm nutrition expertise in the community, Susan wants address these issues through the provision of support to infants born preterm after discharge from Neonatal Intensive care.
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Susan Merko maintains hospital role within the neonatal intensive care unit and in her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog and supporting her children at the rowing club and ski hill.
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Leanne Ingram, RD (She/Her)
Leanne Ingram is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Dietetic internship at University Health Network in Toronto. Her life was forever changed after a position at The Hospital for Sick Children which sparked a passion for pediatric nutrition. Eventually landing in the east end of Toronto, she spent 16 years of her career working in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at the Scarborough Health Network.
Leanne is focused on building her private practice while maintaining a hospital position in pediatric eating disorders. With her sights now set on helping all parents feel confident in feeding their children regardless of their medical complexities.
In addition to her clinical practice, Leanne is a well-respected resource for her health care community, educating pediatricians, nurses, pharmacists, and other allied health in neonatal and pediatric nutrition.
Outside of work, Leanne is a busy mom of two kids. She spends most evenings and weekends at the pool and hockey rinks. When she can find a few minutes to herself, you can find her practicing with her masters artistic swimming team or hiking the amazing trails surrounding the Toronto area.
Our Values
Compassionate family
centre care
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Understanding about the challenges of bringing babies home from the hospital
Providing reassurance
Support families in feeding choice - breast, bottle or mix of both