Kacie Merchand, MS, RDN, LD
About Kacie Merchand, MS, RDN, LD
Meet Kacie, a native Vermonter with 20+ years of travel experience, including six continents, over 40 countries and territories, two years in France, and one year of tiny car life (think van life, but in a Hyundai Accent). While she typically packs light, she brings her diverse background in clinical oncology nutrition, education, sociology, travel, and business to the Create Joy community. Her passions include adventure, dogs, people, hiking, and foods, specifically cheese. Kacie believes travel can be a powerful catalyst and opportunity for personal evolution. She loves using travel as a platform to learn, grow, explore new perspectives and pathways, and create positive change. Every experience has the opportunity to teach invaluable lessons, unveiling both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Growth Story
My journey of personal growth through travel began when I lived in France for the first time, an experience that forever shaped how I approach the world. Though I learned French as a student, it wasn’t until I arrived and began piecing together my first real conversations—often choppy and complemented by charades—that I truly grasped the power of communication. Even the simplest interactions felt significant, and walking to and from school each day, I found satisfaction in the everyday exchanges. This sense of growth, sparked by curiosity, became a cornerstone of my love for travel, turning each new destination into a classroom where I could learn, evolve, and deepen my understanding of myself and others. Since that first year abroad, I’ve embraced “slowed-down travel” as a way to continue my personal and educational journey. From spending a month in Cuba to learn Spanish, to cooking with women in Tunisia, to living in southern France teaching English, to volunteering in Senegal on a tortoise reserve, I view every experience as a chance to connect more deeply with people and culture. As a dietitian, I’ve come to see food as a powerful means of connection. While I’m not a chef, I love cooking with locals, exploring not only the nutritional value of dishes, but also the socio-political stories behind them. Each shared meal becomes a rich conversation about history, community, tradition, and present day. These experiences have shaped my role as a growth experience strategist, helping facilitate enriching experiences that support others in their own path of personal discovery.
Other Posts By Kacie Merchand, MS, RDN, LD
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Preparation & Empowerment
Taking Self-Discovery on the Road: Transforming Your Life with Travel
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Preparation & Empowerment
Thoughtful Planning and Goal-Setting: The Key to Traveling to New Places
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