About The DECAADE

History

The idea for the formation of a Chicago diabetes educators group was conceived in August 1976, at the third annual AADE (American Association of Diabetes Educators) workshop. Regular meetings began in October, 1976, and were held monthly thereafter. Several Chicago area hospitals took turns as meeting places.

On May 29, 1977, DECA (Diabetes Educators of the Chicago Area) was established as the official name for the new organization and the first officers were elected. In 1980, the first DECA-ADA symposium was presented.

The DECA organization voted to become a chapter member of the AADE in 1987. The new name adopted was DECAADE (the Diabetes Educators of the Chicago Area American Association of Diabetes Educators).

Purpose

DECAADE (the Diabetes Educators of Chicago Area American Association of Diabetes Educators) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide a forum in which diabetes educators meet monthly September through May.

Goals

• Provide educational opportunities for professional growth. 

• Work to foster communication and cooperation among health professionals. 

• Promote the development of quality diabetes education to the consumer with diabetes. 

• Are committed to facilitating research endeavors in the area of diabetes education.

• Sponsor camperships for individuals whose lives are affected by diabetes. 

• DECAADE is a chapter of AADE and supports their National endeavors. We encourage membership in AADE. 

President
Steve Freed R. Ph.

Vice President
Carol Vagnoni, RN, CDE

Past President
Karen M Giese, MS RD LDN CDE BC-ADM

President Elect
Judith A. Toth, Pharm.D., CGP, CDE, FASCP

Publications Chair
Edie Pignotti, RN, CDE

Membership Chair
Linda Bandy, RD, LDN, CDE

Treasurer
Jim Carr, RN MS CDE
2008 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Public Relations
Melissa Dobbin, MS RD CDE

Secretary
Jenna Scarsi

Program Chair
Brenda Jagatic, BScN, RN, CDE

By Laws
Margie Matulik, RN, CDE

Legislative Chair
Marla Solomon, RD, LDN, CDE