Coordinator Chair
Katie Ellison, MS, RDN, LDN
foodismedicine8701@gmail.com
Katie is a registered dietitian nutritionist and weight loss coach residing in Birmingham, Alabama. She is earning her Ph.D. in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where her research primarily focuses on adaptive experimental designs for developing personalized obesity treatments. Katie is devoted to a plant-based lifestyle and has been vegetarian for many years. She believes that food is medicine and strives to empower others to take charge of their health through good nutrition.
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Alabama
Sheryl D. Mims, MS, RDN, LDN, CHC
Sheryl is originally from Montgomery, Alabama. As a part of a military family, she has lived in various states and Germany. She received a bachelor’s degree from Oakwood University in Dietetics with minors in both Chemistry and Fitness & Wellness. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in Human Ecology with a Specialization in Human Nutrition from the Ohio State University. Her internship was completed at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Sheryl enjoys teaching others about healthy living. She uses her passion for teaching healthy lifestyles in her current position as a Clinical Dietitian for the Veterans Health Care Administration and as a community volunteer.
Sheryl has followed a plant-based diet since her mid 20s and enjoys growing many of her own fruits and vegetables in her home garden. Her plant-powered lifestyle has enabled her to complete several marathons and half-marathons.
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Alaska
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Arizona
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Arkansas
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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California (Southern)
Michelle Pecheck, DipACLM, MS, RD
michelle.pecheck@csulb.edu
Michelle is a California native hailing from Long Beach, California. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and teaches nutrition, professional foodservice for Dietetics students, and sustainable food systems at CSULB. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Loma Linda University, a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly-Pomona, and a second Master’s degree in Nutrition Science & Policy from Tufts University (Boston). She returned to Loma Linda University in 2020 to begin a Doctor of Public Health program specializing in Preventive Care. Her years at Loma Linda University, which serves only plant-based meals on campus, greatly influenced her interest in ‘plant power’ and she enjoys sharing with others the benefits of a sustainable, plant-based diet.
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California (Northern)
AnnaMarie Rodriguez, RDN, LD, FAND
annamarierd@hotmail.com
AnnaMarie has worked as a nephrology dietitian for over 25 years in a variety of settings from clinical to pharmaceutical including clinical, sales, education, and renal medical affairs. She is currently an Independent Consultant, the owner of Nutrition Directions LLC, and employed by Pentec Health as a Renal Clinical Retention Specialist. She has served and chaired several boards including the South and Central Texas National Kidney Foundation Medical Advisory Board, San Antonio Council of Renal Nutrition, Renal Practice Group DPG, Wisconsin Council of Renal Nutrition, and Vegetarian DPG Speaker Bureau. Currently she is on the Academy’s Quality Management Committee, the WI/MI/IN/N.CA State Coordinator for VN DPG, a board member of the Plant-based Prevention of Disease organization, the VN DPG Chair, the WAND SE Region Representative, and the Professional Education Chair-elect for WAND. She is a Master Gardener and is focusing on continuing education, in addition to peer reviewing, authoring, and coauthoring additional projects related to CKD and plant-based nutrition.
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Colorado
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Connecticut
Morgan Bragdon, Graduate Student and Dietetic Intern
mbragdon@usj.edu
Morgan is completing her Masters of Science degree in Nutrition and is a Dietetic Intern at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. Morgan grew up in Maine and completed her Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Maine. In her undergraduate career Morgan found passion in plant-based nutrition, wellness and education. Combining all of her passions together she decided to take a year off after her undergraduate career to pursue a position teaching in Connecticut as a FoodCorps AmeriCorps service member. During her service year she found love in teaching nutrition and garden education with an emphasize in sustainability to elementary students. She believes that healthy food is a right not a privilege and that disease prevention starts with our youth. Now a graduate student and dietetic intern, Morgan is actively engaged in policy, hoping to make a positive impact in the field of plant-based nutrition and sustainability.
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Delaware
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Florida
Elizabeth E Yahn MS, RD, LD, CLC
e.yahn@outlook.com
My road to dietetics was a bit winding and it is still unclear where I will end up in this field. However, my commitment to a plant-based diet started to develop at a young age when I began to found it difficult to separate the ethical questions of killing another living being from the animal flesh on the plate. My mother was therefore the least surprised when I committed to a vegan lifestyle within a year of my son’s birth. After graduating from American University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies I spent 4 years confirming that commitment to veganism; learning more about how to be a healthy woman, raise a healthy child; and developing a love for food science. Through my self-education I found dietetics and decided to commit to the path of Registered Dietitian with a lofty goal of being part of the solution to problems that I had spent 4 years studying in my undergraduate program. I completed my DPD program and Master’s of Nutrition Science with Simmons University and then moved to Florida to complete my Dietetic Internship through the FL Dept. of Health.
I was an active member of the Academy as a Master’s Degree student, and upon moving to Florida I was inspired Katya Galbis and her leadership with the state VN DPG here. I hope to build on the work of Katya and Sheetal and continue to inspire both current and future dietitians through the support and mentorship of our practice group as well as continuing networking events and outreach to our communities. Thank you for this opportunity to serve.
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Georgia
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Hawaii
Mele Fernandez MS, RDN, LDN
melekealoha@gmail.com
Mele graduated with a Masters in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Hawaii in 2012. She has been a practicing vegetarian since 19 years of age and during her university years her focus of research was dedicated to vegetarian nutrition. Research included a study abroad, “Assessing the impact of lacto-vegetarian and traditional school menus on the growth of preschool children in Brazil” and on the University of Hawaii campus, “Meeting nutrients with non-animal food provided at the Hale Aloha cafeteria.” She is honored to have been the first recipient of the Vegetarian Nutrition Practice Group Research Grant in 2010 which funded her “lab rat” research examining the nutrient composition and food label quality of meat-alternative products. Mele is currently working for Adventist Health at Castle Medical Center. She is fluent in the Portuguese language and spends her vacations in Petropolis, Brazil organizing and implementing community service projects promoting vegetarian and yoga lifestyle.
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Idaho
Andrea Jeffery, MS, RDN, LD
jefferydrea@gmail.com
As an outpatient dietitian, Ms. Jeffery provides medical nutrition therapy for teens and adults on a range of health conditions, including prediabetes and diabetes, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, urological conditions (interstitial cystitis/erectile dysfunction), weight management, healthy aging and wellness. She is Monash University-trained on the low FODMAP diet for IBS. Her expertise includes plant-based eating patterns (vegetarian, vegan, and other). She holds a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition (eCornell and T. Colin Campbell Center). Ms. Jeffery also specializes in women’s health, including offering prenatal nutrition counseling for high-risk pregnancies and helping women manage the special dietary considerations of menopause.
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Illinois
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Indiana
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Kansas
Alison Jordan MMN, RDN, LMNT, CLC
Hello, I am Alison Jordan! I currently live in Omaha, Nebraska and I will be serving as the Nebraska and Kansas State Coordinator. I look forward to meeting more VNDPG members and growing our Midwest community.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I decided to become a vegetarian at the age of ten and eventually became a vegan a few years later, which is what sparked my interest in nutrition. I attended the University of Arizona where I received my bachelors of science in Nutritional Science with minors in biochemistry and Africana studies. I then moved to Omaha to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center to complete my clinical focused dietetic internship and masters of medical nutrition degree. I finished school in the winter of 2019 and decided to make Nebraska my new home! I currently work for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska working under the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI.) I have recently obtained my lactation counselor credential to grow my expertise and services offered. I also serve my community by volunteering as a nutrition therapist for the Healing Gift free clinic in Omaha. I am working on growing my own private practice, focused on plant-based nutrition and longevity. I am passionate about my work and making an impact locally!
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Kentucky
Interested in taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Louisiana
 Jessica Blanchard, RD
jessblanchard@gmail.com
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Maine – See New England
Interested taking over as Maine States Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Maryland
Joni Rampolla, RDN, CSOWM, LDN
Joni Rampolla, RDN, CSOWM, LDN brings over 20 years of experience in weight management and corporate wellness to her role of Regional Nutritionist with The GIANT Company. Joni advises leveraging nutritious foods including many plant-forward choices for improved outcomes. Grocery offers the ability to connect with retail vendors to learn the story behind the products and business practices. Joni is a graduate of Penn State University, is a board certified specialist in obesity and weight management and is currently an MBA student at Capella University, expected graduation in 2021.
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Massachusetts
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Michigan
AnnaMarie Rodriguez, RDN, LD, FAND
annamarierd@hotmail.com
AnnaMarie has worked as a nephrology dietitian for over 25 years in a variety of settings from clinical to pharmaceutical including clinical, sales, education, and renal medical affairs. She is currently an Independent Consultant, the owner of Nutrition Directions LLC, and employed by Pentec Health as a Renal Clinical Retention Specialist. She has served and chaired several boards including the South and Central Texas National Kidney Foundation Medical Advisory Board, San Antonio Council of Renal Nutrition, Renal Practice Group DPG, Wisconsin Council of Renal Nutrition, and Vegetarian DPG Speaker Bureau. Currently she is on the Academy’s Quality Management Committee, the WI/MI/IN/N.CA State Coordinator for VN DPG, a board member of the Plant-based Prevention of Disease organization, the VN DPG Chair, the WAND SE Region Representative, and the Professional Education Chair-elect for WAND. She is a Master Gardener and is focusing on continuing education, in addition to peer reviewing, authoring, and coauthoring additional projects related to CKD and plant-based nutrition.
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Minnesota
Riana Hoagland
Hi, I'm Riana! I grew up in Washington State, moved out East for a B.S. in biological engineering, and am now pursuing a career in dietetics. I will be working and volunteering in the Minneapolis area while wrapping up pre-requisite classes and applying for the coordinated dietetics program at University of Minnesota. I have been vegetarian my whole life, and now I strive to follow a whole food plant based lifestyle. I would love to chat and connect or answer any questions you might have!
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Mississippi
Jennifer Moore, MS, RDN, CSR, CPT
Jennifer Moore, originally from the Mississippi delta, which is the unhealthiest part of the state, never considered a plant-based lifestyle growing up. She obtained her undergraduate degree in nutrition from Mississippi State University and interned at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she first learned of veganism. She continued to research, and after the birth of her third child and reading The China Study, she became fully plant based.
Jennifer has always worked in the renal space. Seeing the large number of patients initiating dialysis, she began to wonder if there was a way to stop the progression of kidney disease. This became the focus of her research in her master's program at Central Michigan University and led to the completion of her book Plantfed Kidneys. She has helped numerous patients delay or avoid dialysis through low protein plant-based nutrition.
Jennifer now lives in north Mississippi where she works remotely for a Boston based company in patient advocacy as well as seeing private clients. She is a Certified Specialist in renal nutrition through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a Certified Plant Based Specialist through Cornell University. She is the mother of four beautiful children and the wife of an Air Force veteran. She loves cooking, running, spin, weightlifting, and being outdoors. She also loves public speaking about the power of plant-based nutrition for optimal health.
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Missouri
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Nebraska
Alison Jordan MMN, RDN, LMNT, CLC
Hello, I am Alison Jordan! I currently live in Omaha, Nebraska and I will be serving as the Nebraska and Kansas State Coordinator. I look forward to meeting more VNDPG members and growing our Midwest community.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I decided to become a vegetarian at the age of ten and eventually became a vegan a few years later, which is what sparked my interest in nutrition. I attended the University of Arizona where I received my bachelors of science in Nutritional Science with minors in biochemistry and Africana studies. I then moved to Omaha to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center to complete my clinical focused dietetic internship and masters of medical nutrition degree. I finished school in the winter of 2019 and decided to make Nebraska my new home! I currently work for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska working under the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI.) I have recently obtained my lactation counselor credential to grow my expertise and services offered. I also serve my community by volunteering as a nutrition therapist for the Healing Gift free clinic in Omaha. I am working on growing my own private practice, focused on plant-based nutrition and longevity. I am passionate about my work and making an impact locally!
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Nevada
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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New Hampshire
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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New Jersey
 Kelsey Downey, BS, RDN
kelssdowney@gmail.com
Kelsey Downey is a Clinical Nutritionist at New York-Presbyterian Columbia Irving University Medical Center in New York City. She grew up in New Jersey. Kelsey completed her Dietetic Internship at Tulane University and her undergraduate degrees at Johnson & Wales University. She received an Associate’s degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, and Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Nutrition. She has been an instructor for Culinary Medicine courses at Columbia, the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane, and Food + Health Initiative of Johnson & Wales and Brown University. Kelsey believes that food is medicine and everyone should have access to credible nutrition resources. She has a passion for helping her patients develop creative diet and lifestyle solutions during nutrition education sessions. She has recently begun projects in food writing and media. Her favorite way to spend her free time is traveling, spending time with family, baking, or studying piano and dance.
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New Mexico
 Gabriel Gaarden, MPH, RD
g.gaarden4@gmail.com
After years spent struggling with food addiction and chronic digestive issues, my life dramatically changed after watching "Fork Over Knives: The Extended Interviews". I was so inspired by the film that I immediately adopted a whole food plant-based diet and soon gained dynamic health, while overcoming my digestive woes and addictive relationship to food. Before long, it became clear that I needed to combine my lifelong love for human rights and social justice with my passion for plant-based nutrition. I decided to return to University to earn a degree in Nutrition, become a registered dietitian, and will soon complete a Master of Public Health program in May 2020. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work from within the dietetics profession to spread the evidence-based message that plants have the tremendous healing power to ameliorate chronic disease, improve environmental health, and reduce impact on livestock and wildlife populations. With news like that, let's celebrate by eating lots of plants at every meal! Photo by Adria Malcolm.
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New York
Kelsey Downey, BS, RDN
kelssdowney@gmail.com
Kelsey Downey is a Clinical Nutritionist at New York-Presbyterian Columbia Irving University Medical Center in New York City. She grew up in New Jersey. Kelsey completed her Dietetic Internship at Tulane University and her undergraduate degrees at Johnson & Wales University. She received an Associate’s degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, and Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Nutrition. She has been an instructor for Culinary Medicine courses at Columbia, the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane, and Food + Health Initiative of Johnson & Wales and Brown University. Kelsey believes that food is medicine and everyone should have access to credible nutrition resources. She has a passion for helping her patients develop creative diet and lifestyle solutions during nutrition education sessions. She has recently begun projects in food writing and media. Her favorite way to spend her free time is traveling, spending time with family, baking, or studying piano and dance.
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North Carolina
Rachel Werkheiser, MS, RD, LD
Rachel Werkheiser transitioned to the field of dietetics as a second career after working several years in the finance/accounting industry. She completed her undergraduate nutrition coursework at Tennessee Technological University, and then fulfilled her dietetic internship at East Tennessee State University, where she also earned a master’s in Clinical Nutrition. Rachel’s diverse roles have included work as a clinical dietitian in a community hospital setting, coverage of medical and surgical ICUs as well as a GI surgery floor at a regional health system hospital, and outpatient dietitian in an ambulatory oncology center. Rachel has served as Clinical Nutrition Manager in the community hospital setting and at a Level 1 trauma center and academic medical university. Her skills include project and program management with expertise in organization, communication, and change management. Rachel has had a long-time interest in plant-based diets/nutrition therapy and following emerging research in this area. She currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina and provides project support to the Sodexo Nutrition Leadership Team and is passionate about clinical nutrition and advancing the role of RDs to improve the quality of life of the populations they serve.
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North Dakota, South Dakota & The Great Plains
Misty Hildenbrand, RD
misty4wellness@gmail.com
Misty Hildenbrand grew up in the Black Hills, South Dakota. She became interested in vegetarianism in high school and became whole food plant based while completing her Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2007. A passion and interest for whole food plant-based nutrition and wellness prompted her to return to school to become a registered dietitian. After completing her Bachelor of Science in dietetics at the University of Wyoming, Misty completed her coordinated internship and graduate degree program though South Dakota State University with an emphasis in sports nutrition.
Misty is currently works as a clinical dietitian in eastern South Dakota and enjoys being involved with the Whole Foods Plant Based Group of South Dakota. She not only shares her experiences with others but has also been a guest speaker and led a grocery shopping tour. When is not working as a dietitian, she practices her skills as a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Misty also enjoys working out, crafting, and being in the kitchen.
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Ohio
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Oklahoma
Joy Howell, MS, RDN, LD
jhowellmsrd@yahoo.com
Joy works in Private Practice as a Consultant Dietitian. In 2016 she received a certificate in Plant Based Nutrition and is excited to step up as Oklahoma Coordinator for the VN DPG. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Clinical Dietetics and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Food Service Management with an emphasis on Marketing. She spent the majority of her career working as a corporate dietitian for a full line food distributor as well as for companies representing enteral and parenteral nutrition support products and services. She credits her two vegan daughters for her own transition of going from a vegetarian to a plant based diet as they prompted her to investigate the claims of a WFPBD (Whole Food Plant Based Diet). She is a firm believer in the trans-formative healing power a plant based diet brings to one’s individual mental and physical health. This lifestyle supports compassion, sustainability and disease prevention. Joy is a volunteer artist for Oklahoma University Children’s Cancer Clinic art program. She serves as girl’s enrichment ministry leader for her church. She enjoys watching her son play basketball for his college, travel, painting and designing jewelry.
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Oregon
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Rhode Island
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Pennsylvania
 Jeanie Subach, EDD, RD, LDN
rsubach@wcupa.edu
Jeanie Subach is a Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Sports Specialist Dietitian, and Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition at West Chester University. In this position, she is the coordinator of the foods curriculum, the advisor to the Student Dietetic Association, and Nutrition Director for Campabilites, a camp for visually impaired students, and the Adapted Wellness Program, a program for young adults with developmental disabilities. Jeanie serves as the department liaison to business and industry, securing experiential learning and internship opportunities for students.
Jeanie earned a BS in Home Economics/Dietetics and a Masters in Nutrition Education from Immaculata University. Jeanie completed her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Management at Capella University. Her dissertation on the impact of nutrition intervention on young adults with developmental disabilities was completed with the Adapted Wellness program at West Chester University. Jeanie’s research interest includes nutrition education with persons with disabilities, nutrition and athletic performance, and whole-food, plant-based nutrition.
Jeanie started her professional career in school lunch and college and university feeding before moving to the areas of consumer and sports nutrition. She held one of the earlies positions of consumer advocate and supermarket dietitian for Genuardi’s Family markets in the early 1990’s. Jeanie was the creator and facilitator of numerous nutrition-based programs in the West Chester Area School District. She has acted as spokesperson for numerous food companies, including Campbell Soup, Green Giant, General Mills, the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Council, and Balance Bar. In addition, she was a spokesperson for the NFL Fuelup to Play 60 program.
Jeanie is the sports nutritionist for the Philadelphia 76ers, starting with the team in 1989. She held the role of team nutritionist for the Philadelphia Eagles under Coach Andy Reid from 1999-2013 and for the Philadelphia Flyers from 1989 to 1997. Jeanie currently acts as the nutrition preceptor for the Sports Medicine Fellows in the Crozer Keystone Sport Medicine fellowship program. Jeanie is a member of the Gatorade NBA Advisory Board. She serves as sports nutrition consultant to St. Joseph’s University Men’s Basketball, Metz Culinary Management, and numerous local high schools and sports programs.
Jeanie loves food, cooking, running and entertaining. She is said to be happiest when in the kitchen.
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South Carolina
Rachel Werkheiser, MS, RD, LD
Rachel Werkheiser transitioned to the field of dietetics as a second career after working several years in the finance/accounting industry. She completed her undergraduate nutrition coursework at Tennessee Technological University, and then fulfilled her dietetic internship at East Tennessee State University, where she also earned a master’s in Clinical Nutrition. Rachel’s diverse roles have included work as a clinical dietitian in a community hospital setting, coverage of medical and surgical ICUs as well as a GI surgery floor at a regional health system hospital, and outpatient dietitian in an ambulatory oncology center. Rachel has served as Clinical Nutrition Manager in the community hospital setting and at a Level 1 trauma center and academic medical university. Her skills include project and program management with expertise in organization, communication, and change management. Rachel has had a long-time interest in plant-based diets/nutrition therapy and following emerging research in this area. She currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina and provides project support to the Sodexo Nutrition Leadership Team and is passionate about clinical nutrition and advancing the role of RDs to improve the quality of life of the populations they serve.
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Tennessee
Amy Richards, PhD, RDN, LDN
aricha54@utm.edu
Amy Richards was born in Deadwood, South Dakota, grew up on a cattle ranch in western South Dakota, became a vegetarian in 1995, and has been vegan for over 10 years. She is an associate professor and directs the DPD program at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She has served as president of the West Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on two occasions, has served twice as the statewide student group advisor for Students of the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is currently the VN DPG State Coordinator for Tennessee. Dr. Richards teaches Advanced Nutrition, Nutrition Assessment and Counseling, Nutrition and Disease, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Sports Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Nutrition as well as a few additional courses. Past awards include: Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Tennessee at Martin Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Service; the The Bachtel/Holbrook Advising Award (awarded nationally to one collegiate chapter honor society advisor by Phi Upsilon Omicron; and a teaching and scholarly activity award from the university. Amy’s most recent publication is: Evaluating hours of sleep and perceived stress on dietary cognitive restraint in a survey of college students published in the Journal of American College Health, June, 2019.
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Texas
Lisa McDermott, MS, RDN, LD
Lisa McDermott is a Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the state of Texas. Originally from California, Lisa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from California State University Fullerton. She went on to manage a dental office. It was here that Lisa developed a passion for nutrition and working with clients. She decided to pursue further education and earned a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Loma Linda University. After graduating she worked in hospitals, eating disorder clinic, and renal clinics. She then spent six years teaching college nutrition courses as an Adjunct Faculty member. Upon moving to Texas, Lisa started working in private practice. Lisa is passionate about functional nutrition and is currently working to become an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner. Lisa enjoys educating and giving back and loves to volunteer at local schools. She is always looking for ways to educate the next generation in the ways of nutrition. When not working Lisa spends time with her family and 2 dogs, typically working in the yard or garden.
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Utah
 Amy Covington, MS, RDN, CD
coving10@gmail.com
Amy Covington is a registered dietitian nutritionist and is currently employed as a clinical research dietitian with the University of Utah. She is a co-investigator on a national grant received from the Administration for Community Living. The title of the grant is “Implementation of an Improved Collaborative Malnutrition-Focused Transitions of Care and Referral Process Based on Previously Identified Gaps between Healthcare Entities and Aging Services.” Prior to this she was the clinical dietitian and research assistant on a grant from the Administration for Community Living titled, “Bridging High Quality Malnutrition Screening, Assessment, and Intervention for Older Adults from Hospital to Home: Impact of Nutrition Home Visitation.” She is also working in private practice. She attended the University of Utah where she completed her Masters of Science degree in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. Following a plant-based diet has provided her with many health benefits and she is passionate about empowering others to take control of their health using evidenced based nutrition recommendations. Her goal is to increase knowledge and research of plant-based diets for the community as well as policy leaders. She has a love for gardening and sustainability. She enjoys combining her clinical knowledge of nutrition and physiology with a focus on nutritious sustainably sourced foods to improve both the health of her patients and the environment.
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Vermont
Gretchen Berry, RDN
I currently works as a Supervisor Clinical Dietitian at Fanny Allen Campus of University of Vermont Medical Center. I love this role because I am able to use both my clinical and food service skills. I am also lucky to be a part of our Culinary Medicine team. I am passionate about building a sustainable food system and am excited that I can support this value in my current job.
I attended the University of Vermont graduating in 2010 with my Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics with a minor in Food Systems. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with my coordinated master’s degree in clinical nutrition and completed my dietetic internship. I’ve worked in many clinical settings including the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, DC and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where I helped develop plant-based cooking demonstrations in collaboration with our retail nutrition services team.
In my free time I love to hike as much as possible, snowboard, snowshoe, cook delicious plant based meals at home and enjoy all of Vermont’s seasons!
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Virginia
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Washington
Nicole Treanor, MS, RD, CD, CDCES
nicole.treanor@gmail.com
I am originally from Minnesota and have lived throughout the Midwest and Florida before moving to the Pacific Northwest. I completed my Bachelors of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and my Masters of Science degree in dietetics from Florida International University. I have been a registered dietitian since 2008.
I currently work as an outpatient Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and am the program coordinator for a diabetes education program. I love working with both people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and whenever possible I promote a whole food plant-based diet.
I have followed a whole food plant-based diet for more than a year, having become an enthusiastic convert after researching the health benefits and now feel further encouraged by the environmental and animal rights benefits.
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West Virginia
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.
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Wisconsin
AnnaMarie Rodriguez, RDN, LD, FAND
annamarierd@hotmail.com
AnnaMarie has worked as a renal dietitian for over 20 years in a variety of settings from clinical to pharmaceutical including sales, education, and renal medical affairs. She is currently an Independent Consultant, the owner of Nutrition Directions LLC, and employed by Pentec Health as a Renal Clinical Retention Specialist. She has served and chaired several boards including the South and Central Texas National Kidney Foundation Medical Advisory Board, San Antonio Council of Renal Nutrition, Texas Hill Country Patient Awareness Days and Kidney Walks, Renal Practice Group DPG and Wisconsin Council of Renal Nutrition, Vegetarian Nutrition (VN) DPG Speaker Bureau; in addition to serving on advisory committees for local symposiums and building annual Hill Country Education Days while living in TX. Currently she is the Chair-elect for VN DPG, SE Wisconsin Academy Representative-elect, a board member of the Plant-based Prevention of Disease, and on the Quality Management Committee for the Academy. She has a house full of kids, dogs, loves volunteerism and is focusing on continuing education. Managing chronic pain led to an enjoyment of plant-based meals and, ultimately, chronic pain management and her love of animals has led her to embrace a vegan lifestyle.
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International Coordinator
Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.
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Student Coordinator
 Ashley Lombardi MS, RDN
aqbritta@gmail.com
Ashley graduated with her bachelors degree in 2008 in Evolutionary Anthropology. In 2013 she went back to pursue a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She graduated in 2017 from Rutgers University with her second bachelors degree. She completed her dietetic internship on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2018 from the University of Southern Mississippi and her masters in 2019. She started her career in dietetics as a clinical dietitian at a hospital in Staten Island. She currently works as a retail dietitian for Village Supermarkets in New Jersey. Ashley's interest in plant based nutrition came from her background in anthropology where she studied prehistoric diets and primates. Working at a primate sanctuary in Florida, she saw how normal diets can affect new world monkeys and how a focus on plant based nutrition and Whole Foods can help to manage those conditions. After several years living plant based, she decided to go back to school to understand how food is processed by the body. Working in the grocery stores and in the community allows Ashley to highlight better for you products, understand labeling, and simplify healthy eating.
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