Elisabeth Almekinder, BA, Registered Nurse, & Certified Diabetes Educator
Elisabeth Almekinder grew up in a small town in the piedmont of NC. She has fond memories of growing up in her hometown. Daughter of a country doctor, her father was sometimes paid with pies, chickens and goats. During her time at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, she developed a love of writing and obtained a BA in English. For some time, she worked as a staff reporter at a small Southern newspaper. Eventually, she went back to school and obtained a nursing degree.
Her first job out of school was on the vascular surgery floor, where she witnessed many people with diabetes who had lost their limbs or were diagnosed with other conditions which could have been preventable. She worked as a RN for 25 years in public health in South Carolina. As a nurse at the Pender County Health Department, she works as a CDE in the Diabetes Self-Management Program, teaches a CDSMP class quarterly, attends health fairs, writes press release, develops graphics for advertisement and banners, conducts influenza clinics, writes the employee wellness newsletter, and performs a variety of health education duties
In home health, she worked with many diabetics helping them in developing treatment plans for self-management. Currently, at a small health department in the coastal region of North Carolina, she has built up the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program and obtained her Certified Diabetes Educator credential. Elisabeth’s best friend from high school passed away at age 38 due to complications related to diabetes that could have been prevented. She is dedicated to helping others with diabetes prevent devastating complications, and live a healthier life. Elisabeth, her loving husband, son (age 17), and daughter (age 19), live in Pender County, NC, near the Intracoastal waterway.