Coordinators by State

The State Coordinators are the DPG’s official field representatives. The purpose of having state coordinators is to enhance the visibility of the Vegetarian Nutrition DPG among Academy members and the community at the state and local level. State Coordinators serve to promote the mission and visions of VN DPG in their respective states.

If you are interested in learning more about the state coordinator program, please read the VN DPG State Coordinator Position Description and Responsibilities.

If you have any questions or want to become a state coordinator in your state, please contact vn@eatright.org.

If you are interested in serving as s State Coordinator, please reach out to Ashley Lombardi or Sheetal Parikh the State Coordinator Co-Chairs at vn@eatright.org,

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Alison Ozgur, MAT, MHS, RDN, DipACLM, RYT

fitnessdietitian@gmail.com

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

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.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Truddie Reif, MSAN, RDN 

treif@une.edu

As a career changer with a background in fashion and graphic design, I discovered my passion for the field of nutrition after learning about close friends with autoimmune conditions. This led me to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. In December 2024, I graduated from the University of New England with a Master's in Science in Applied Nutrition. Being a lifelong vegetarian and now vegan, I have always been fascinated by the benefits of plant-based nutrition and have helped spread awareness and education about it. My ultimate goal is to combine my design skills with my passion for nutrition to create innovative solutions that promote healthy living. I envision a world where everyone has access to wholesome and nutritious food that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the mind and body. 

Kayellen Umeakunne, MS, RDN, LD

chimster17@gmail.com

Kay began her journey as a vegetarian at age 17 following a spastic colon diagnosis and has been 100% plant-based for the last 10 years. She earned her Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Kay worked as a Research Dietitian for over 25 years, managing the Emory University General Clinical Research Center Nutrition Unit for 13 years and the Morehouse School of Medicine Bionutrition Core and Body Composition Lab for 15 years. She has designed a plethora of research diets including culturally enhanced plant-based research diets for feeding studies in African Americans. Kay has been a VN DPG member for over 10 years and served as Research Committee Chair for the VN DPG from 2014 to 2018. She was the recipient of the 2013 Academy Foundation Vegetarian Nutrition Research Grant in which she examined changes in the gut microbiome, body composition, and blood pressure following a traditional versus a plant-based DASH diet. She is currently a co-investigator examining plant-based diets and risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal African American women. Her most recent accomplishments are creating the African Portion Plate for the Academy VN DPG Diversity Plate Project and the VN DPG IDEA Culture Kitchen African Cuisine food demonstrations. She authored a book chapter on Whole Plant Foods and Optimal Gut and Host Health in Promoting Biodiversity in Food Systems. Kay is a member of Next Level Functional Nutritionists and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She holds Certificates of training in Foundations of Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine and Food as Medicine Essentials, Plant-Based Nutrition- eCornell T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition, and Vegetarian Nutrition-Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Lifelong Learning. Kay loves working in the community. She volunteers as a grant writer for a free clinic for the uninsured, and cooks plant-based meals for the homeless population at her church. Kay is currently furthering her education in functional nutrition which she hopes to integrate with plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, and the achievement of health equity for all Georgians.

Mele Fernandez MS, RDN, LDN

melekealoha@gmail.com

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Annamarie Rodriguez, MS, RDN, LD, DipACLM, FAND

annamarierd@hotmail.com

Annamarie Rodriguez has almost 30 years of experience in a vast array of settings surrounding chronic diseases and specifically kidney disease, both CKD and ESKD. She owns Nutrition Directions, LLC providing dietitian/nutrition consulting services and is dedicated to serving the community to advocate for health equity to advance preventative measures and decrease the incidence and progression of chronic disease. She has a Master’s in Health and Wellness Management, is a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional, and is a Licensed Food for Life Instructor. She believes that each person is on their own personal “food journey” and the direction of nutrition care is personalized, empowering patients to sustainable life changes. She looks forward to partnering with her patients on their food journey to find the direction of nutrition that is just right for them. 

Annamarie is an avid volunteer with dietetic practice groups, her state affiliate, the Academy, and her community. Outside her profession, she loves gardening, cooking, nature, travel, and her dogs (since her houseful of kids are grown!). She thrives on staying physically and mentally busy, loves hiking in state and national parks, and kayaking!

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Danielle Pettit

Interested in taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator Chair.

Interested taking over as Maine States Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

Stephanie McBurnett, RD

stephanie.mcburnett22@gmail.co

Hi! My name is Stephanie McBurnett, and I recently returned to Maryland last November with my husband and children to the small town of Kensington. I am excited to meet more VN DPG members and bond with Maryland Dietitians!

My road to dietetics has been interesting; after high school, I went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and spent more than five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. After my service, I decided to follow my passion for nutrition and wellness and become a registered dietitian nutritionist. While receiving my nutrition degree at the University of Alabama, my daughter was diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), requiring open heart surgery. This event inspired me to research heart-healthy diets and what we can eat to optimize heart function. The evidence showed that the more whole-food, plant-based foods you consume, the better your heart can function.

After completing the Wellness Workdays Distance Internship, I started a job with Healthcare Services Group, Inc in a sub-acute care rehab center, which I did until moving back to Maryland and taking a position with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine as a Nutrition Educator.

It is an honor to be part of a mission-driven group of healthcare professionals working alongside policymakers, industry, the medical community, the media, and the public to bring awareness to how plant-based diets can be harnessed for better health for people, the environment, and animals, too.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Annamarie Rodriguez, MS, RDN, LD, DipACLM, FAND

annamarierd@hotmail.com

Annamarie Rodriguez has almost 30 years of experience in a vast array of settings surrounding chronic diseases and specifically kidney disease, both CKD and ESKD. She owns Nutrition Directions, LLC providing dietitian/nutrition consulting services and is dedicated to serving the community to advocate for health equity to advance preventative measures and decrease the incidence and progression of chronic disease. She has a Master’s in Health and Wellness Management, is a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional, and is a Licensed Food for Life Instructor. She believes that each person is on their own personal “food journey” and the direction of nutrition care is personalized, empowering patients to sustainable life changes. She looks forward to partnering with her patients on their food journey to find the direction of nutrition that is just right for them. 

Annamarie is an avid volunteer with dietetic practice groups, her state affiliate, the Academy, and her community. Outside her profession, she loves gardening, cooking, nature, travel, and her dogs (since her houseful of kids are grown!). She thrives on staying physically and mentally busy, loves hiking in state and national parks, and kayaking!

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.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator Chair.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

Ashley Lombardi MS, RDN 

Ashley has worked as a dietitian in both clinical and community settings for over five years. She is currently a clinical dietitian working in long term and subacute rehab for Ocean Healthcare in her home state of New Jersey. She has served as the student coordinator for VNDPG for three years and the former Speaker Bureau Chair for VNDPG. She is excited to step into her role as Chair elect. She has worked for the NJAND for three years as the sponsorship coordinator and on the annual meeting committee. Prior to her career as a dietitian, she studied to be an anthropologist/archeologist participating in studies in Kenya, Spain, and with the Medical Examiner's Office of New York City. Her work with sanctuary primates led her to discover plant based diets and the power they have for health and longevity. Ashley loves to spend time in the forest with her daughter, traveling, and trying new and exciting vegan foods.

Elisa Bremner, MS RDN CDN

elisa.bremner.rd@gmail.com

Elisa Bremner is a practical plant-based dietitian, with degrees from Cornell University (BS, Communication) and Teachers College, Columbia University (MS, Nutrition Education). She has worked in education, outreach and public health for over twenty years and remains an advocate for nutrition equity and climate action through food choice. Elisa also provides nutrition consultation, individual and group culinary workshops, and interactive presentations through her private practice, Green Bites™. 

Lavanya Kethamukkala, RDN, CLT, LDN

lavanyard@nourishingexpert.com

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

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.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

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.

Rachel Werkheiser, MS, RD, LD

rachel.werkheiser@sodexo.com

Rachel Werkheiser transitioned to the field of dietetics as a second career after working several years in the finance/accounting industry. She has had experience working as a dietitian in acute care and outpatient settings, and 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 lives in Charleston, South Carolina and works as a project manager on the Sodexo Nutrition Leadership Team.

Jennifer Blaylock, MS RDN LDN

jenniferblaylock901@gmail.com

Jennifer started her vegetarian journey in the early 90s and is raising three vegetarian children with her vegan husband. Dietetics is Jennifer’s encore career, as she has held a cosmetology license since 1996, working as a stylist, manager, and educator positions.

She accomplished her undergrad at UT Martin, did her dietetic internship at the Memphis VA, holds her master’s degree from the University of Alabama, and is working towards her certification in renal nutrition.

Jennifer started her dietetics career as an inpatient dietitian for step-down, labor, and delivery. She recognized the need for a more defined menu for vegan and vegetarian patients. She worked with the chef to start laying the groundwork for this project. Jennifer lives in the heart of Memphis, working as part of an IDT within a dialysis company with home therapies and incenter patients. Her goal is to continue promoting plant-based protein and lifestyle within this population.

In her free time, Jennifer loves to crochet, try new recipes for her family, and snuggle with her three rescue pups.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.

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.

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!

Robyn Engman, RD

robynengmanrd@gmail.com

Hello, I'm Robyn Engman, originally from Colorado, and I've been happily residing in Virginia for the past five years. My journey began with culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, where I earned degrees in Culinary Arts and Culinary Nutrition. After completing my dietetic internship, I became disheartened by my role as a dietitian and the recommendations I was giving. After watching 'Forks Over Knives' and taking a deep dive into plant-based nutrition research, my passion for nutrition was reignited and I felt compelled to educate others.

During my time as a Shoprite Dietitian, I dedicated myself to community outreach and education, collaborating with schools, participating in local events, hosting nutrition classes, and offering individual counseling sessions. I also worked as an outpatient dietitian, specializing in eating disorders and emotional eating, using intuitive eating and mindfulness techniques to improve individuals' relationships with food.

Currently, I serve as a Nutrition Associate at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a leading organization in evidence-based plant-based nutrition advocacy. My role involves actively participating in nutrition campaigns, handling administrative duties, and contributing to the Building Healthy Communities Action Network. I'm excited to connect with VN DPG members and fellow Virginia Dietitians to advance plant-based nutrition in our community.

Stephanie McBurnett, RD
stephanie.mcburnett22@gmail.co

Hi! My name is Stephanie McBurnett, and I recently returned to Maryland last November with my husband and children to the small town of Kensington. I am excited to meet more VN DPG members and bond with Maryland Dietitians!

My road to dietetics has been interesting; after high school, I went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and spent more than five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. After my service, I decided to follow my passion for nutrition and wellness and become a registered dietitian nutritionist. While receiving my nutrition degree at the University of Alabama, my daughter was diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD), requiring open heart surgery. This event inspired me to research heart-healthy diets and what we can eat to optimize heart function. The evidence showed that the more whole-food, plant-based foods you consume, the better your heart can function.

After completing the Wellness Workdays Distance Internship, I started a job with Healthcare Services Group, Inc in a sub-acute care rehab center, which I did until moving back to Maryland and taking a position with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine as a Nutrition Educator.

It is an honor to be part of a mission-driven group of healthcare professionals working alongside policymakers, industry, the medical community, the media, and the public to bring awareness to how plant-based diets can be harnessed for better health for people, the environment, and animals, too.

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to the State Coordinator Chair.

Annamarie Rodriguez, MS, RDN, LD, DipACLM, FAND

annamarierd@hotmail.com

Annamarie Rodriguez has almost 30 years of experience in a vast array of settings surrounding chronic diseases and specifically kidney disease, both CKD and ESKD. She owns Nutrition Directions, LLC providing dietitian/nutrition consulting services and is dedicated to serving the community to advocate for health equity to advance preventative measures and decrease the incidence and progression of chronic disease. She has a Master’s in Health and Wellness Management, is a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional, and is a Licensed Food for Life Instructor. She believes that each person is on their own personal “food journey” and the direction of nutrition care is personalized, empowering patients to sustainable life changes. She looks forward to partnering with her patients on their food journey to find the direction of nutrition that is just right for them. 

Annamarie is an avid volunteer with dietetic practice groups, her state affiliate, the Academy, and her community. Outside her profession, she loves gardening, cooking, nature, travel, and her dogs (since her houseful of kids are grown!). She thrives on staying physically and mentally busy, loves hiking in state and national parks, and kayaking!

Interested taking over as State Coordinator? Apply to become a State Coordinator.