Cindy’s Bio

Cindy Heilman

Cindy Heilman MS, DTR

Cindy Heilman has over 25 years of experience in enhancing hospitality, and food service standards.  She is the CEO of her own company, Higher Standards LLC, and creator of Kind Dining® Training.  Her unique background in restaurant ownership, in hospitality and healthcare food service, in working as a Dietetic Technician Registered and Healthcare Specialist at SYSCO Foodservices, led her to the development of her exclusive program that improves relationships and lives of aging residents through the dining experience.

Cindy has been honored as recognized Oregon Dietetic Technician of the year and she received the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) National Award for Excellence in Dietetic Technology.  Cindy holds a Masters Degree in Food and Nutrition Management  and was recently elected as ADA’s At Large Delegate: Dietetic Technician.

Through her graduate research, she recognized the relationship between improved training of serving staff and a respectful dining experience in senior living communities.

Cindy is a national speaker and trainer who’s lifelong dedication to hospitality and nutrition shines in her passion for enriching the mealtime experience for seniors and servers.   She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband Mike, daughter Katrina and dog Sunny bear.

Professional Recognition

  • At Large Delegate: Dietetic Technician: American Dietetic Association 2010-2012
  • Award for Excellence in Dietetic Technology 1999: American Dietetic Association
  • Recognized Dietetic Technician of the Year 1998: Oregon Dietetic Association

Professional Membership/Activities

  • Honors Committee Member:  2009-2010: American Dietetic Association
  • Fast Track Candidate National Speakers Association (NSA) 2009-2010
  • Member American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Cascadia Chapter
  • Member Education Committee: Making Oregon Vital for Elders (M.O.V.E. coalition)
  • Member Oregon Dietetic Association, Oregon Consulting Dietitians
  • Current Certified  ServeSafe  Instructor
  • Past Board of Directors: Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA): Business Partner Rep: 2003-2008


Kind Dining Pins

“Your workbook is clever, entertaining, soul-searching, thought-provoking, and full of common sense.”

Brigitte Burke RD,

--- AVP Dietary Services, National Health Care Corporation, Murfreesboro, TN.