Executive Committee and Leadership Team

Melissa is an Outreach Associate in Workforce Development at University of Illinois Extension. She is a nutrition educator and registered dietitian with expertise in organizational leadership, community nutrition research and outreach specifically related to nutrition education and food security in underserved populations. She received her Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Followership from Indiana Wesleyan University, a B.S. and M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from Eastern Illinois University where she also completed a dietetic internship. She has previous experience as a dietetic internship coordinator at Eastern Illinois University and SNAP-Ed program leadership at Purdue University. She has previously served as the chair elect for the Nutrition Education for the Public DPG. In her free time, she serves as a volunteer counselor at her church and spends time hiking and walking with her goldendoodle, Ted.

Terri is adjunct faculty teaching nutrition at a local community college, has taught the community practicum for the college’s NDTR program & has taught nutrition communications at ASU. She's on the management team for the LifeSteps® LifeStyle Change program. Recently retired after a 28-year career as VP of Sustainable Nutrition & Education at Dairy Council of AZ, Terri served as a bridge between food producers & the public to ensure consumers get the correct information about food & agriculture.

Active at the state & national level, Terri has served numerous roles with AZ Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, including President, Delegate and other positions; with FCP-DPG as Secretary; with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on the Positions Committee & on many state and local nutrition, education, culinary & agriculture boards. Terri holds a BS in clinical nutrition and an MS in nutrition from Arizona State University.

She is a recipient of the 2021 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Medallion Award and is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Rikki Rabbin, MS, RDN, LDN, CSG works with at a PACE program, helping senior citizens stay in their own homes and remain independent through end of life. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s combined master's and dietetic internship in 2016 and recently earned a specialty practice certification in gerontological nutrition. Professional interests include food safety, public speaking, and the intersection of business and food.

Gabby Zeagler, MS, RD, CN, CDCES is a clinical dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist for a private endocrinology practice in New York City. She works closely with patients who are managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, obesity, and many more. Gabby is up-to-date on current diabetes technology and eager to discover the next cutting-edge device to help better patient care. She also works for a remote nutrition counseling company, Nourish, offering  virtual one-on-one sessions to discuss preventative actions that can be taken to address health concerns. Aside from caring for her patients, Gabby enjoys cooking, live music, running and spending time with her rescue dog, Benji. She received her Bachelors in Nutritional Sciences from Texas Christian University and Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from California State University, Long Beach.

Amy is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida (UF). She is a nutrition educator and registered dietitian with expertise in community nutrition research and outreach specifically related to nutrition education and obesity prevention in underserved populations. She received her Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Maryland, a M.S. in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University where she also completed a dietetic internship, and a B.S. in Applied Nutrition from The Pennsylvania State University. She has served in several prior leadership positions for the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, American Society for Nutrition, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Weight Management DPG, and is a past recipient of the Nutrition Education for the Public Award for Excellence from the Nutrition Education for the Public DPG. In her ‘spare’ time, she enjoys running, hiking, visiting beaches and Florida theme parks with her husband and two children, and walking her two rescue dogs, Rocky and Elly.

Carol Sloan is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and consultant with expertise in food and nutrition communications and food service management. Carol retired in February 2023 from the position of Health Research Director for the California Walnut Commission where she led project implementation and oversaw active research studies internationally and domestically since 2000. Carol collaborated with the public relations and marketing departments to translate this scientific research for broader audiences, including consumers and health professionals. She is a freelance journalist specializing in delivering scientifically sound, realistic information all about food, nutrition and health and is nutrition consultant to several healthcare facilities in southern California. Carol currently serves as a delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has also served on the Executive Board for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is an active member of many Academy Dietetic Practice Groups (DPG) including Public Health/Community Nutrition and Dietitians in Business and Communications. She is currently the editor of the Nutrition Education for the Public (NEP) DPG newsletter. She received both the Excellence in Private Practice, Business & Communications Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the 2022 NEP DPG Outstanding Member Award. Carol serves as a preceptor to the Individualized Supervised-Practice Pathway Program at California State University, San Bernardino and the master’s Dietetic Internship at California State University, Long Beach.

Sharon Lutheran received her undergraduate degree in Dietetics and Consumer Food Science from Iowa State University and completed her graduate degree in Nutrition from the University of North Florida.  Sharon has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for 30 years and continuous member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 1990 and has volunteered in local dietetic associations in Florence, SC and Jacksonville, FL.  Sharon has served in several positions with Nutrition Education for the Public DPG including Chair, Chair Elect, Treasurer, External Funding, Website Coordinator and Awards Committee.  Sharon has worked in different areas of nutrition such as reviewing school lunch programs, federal nutrition programs, inpatient dietetics in a rehabilitation hospital, outpatient diabetes education, employee wellness and health coaching.  Sharon currently works at Mayo Clinic in Outpatient Endocrinology.

Henna earned her doctorate in Nutrition Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2009-2012), where she also received post-doctoral training (2013-2014). She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nutrition Science from the University of Cincinnati. She completed her dietetic internship at Loyola University and has been a registered dietitian since January 2008. Currently, she is an Associate Professor and Eating Disorders and Obesity Certificate Facilitator in the School of Health Studies at Northern Illinois University. Henna specializes in community nutrition and public health research. She has worked with populations of various ages, diverse health and nutrition issues, and in different research settings. She has discovered a niche in conducting obesity-related interventions in schools and health disparities research in the community. She is proficient in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research studies. Her health promotion programs are framed within behavioral change theories. She has also been engaged in developing, instructing, and co-teaching community nutrition, research methods, and health disparities research courses. For professional service, she serves as the Awards Committee Chair of the Nutrition Education & Behavioral Sciences Research Interest Section of the American Society for Nutrition, and the Communications Committee Chair for the Nutrition Education for Public Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Since 2016, she has also served as the Outreach Coordinator for a food pantry, Friends of Champaign County Food Pantry, in Urbana, IL. Currently, she serves on the board of directors for Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry and as the research consultant for Northern Illinois Food Bank. Henna is the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award in March 2018 from the Friends of Champaign County Food Pantry, 2019 Early Career Award from the Nutrition Education & Behavioral Science Research Interest Section of the American Society for Nutrition, Nutrition Education for Public Award of Excellence from the Nutrition Education for Public Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in June 2021, and Fisher Award for Excellence in Service from the College of Health and Human Sciences by Northern Illinois University in May 2022. In April 2020, she was recognized as the Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Liz Gutierrez is a Latina dietitian based in the northwest side of Chicago, known for her passion for making nutrition education accessible and engaging for all. With a deep-rooted commitment to bridge the gap between complex dietary information and everyday practices, Liz works to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to make informed and healthy food choices. Liz holds two degrees in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where she honed her skills and knowledge in both clinical and community settings. Her expertise extends beyond traditional dietetics, as she is an advocate and collaborator working for the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation in her day job. Outside of her professional life, Liz is a vibrant advocate for health equity and beyond. She has a small furry family with 2 dogs and a cat named Moped, Ollie, and Fluffy. Liz loves to cook new foods from different cultures, go to concerts, watch movies, and her favorite fun food is chips and queso or chocolate ice cream with M&M's!

Vivian Haley-Zitlin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences at Clemson University, in Clemson, SC. She is actively involved in the teaching of undergraduate and graduate nutrition and food science students and in leading student research teams’ outreach and educational projects.

Her research activities primarily focus on the influences of food components and exercise on physiological functioning and the relationships between food choices and nutrition knowledge on overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk.

Vivian served as the South Carolina Public Policy Coordinator and is actively involved with the South Carolina Dietetic Association.

Her training as an NIA Postdoctoral Fellow in the Nutritional Gerontology Program, Departments of Physiology and Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio TX and the receipt of her PhD from the University of Tennessee, along with her Clemson University appointment have significantly increased the color orange in her wardrobe.

Currently, I am a Senior Lecturer and the DPD director in the Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Science Department at Clemson University. I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in May 2022 and appointed DPD Director in June 2021. My appointment date at Clemson University began on August 1, 2017. Teaching, advising, and service are my shared responsibilities within my appointment. My courses being taught at Clemson include Quantity Foods Production, Food and Culture, Principles of Human Nutrition, Food Service Management, Professionals in Dietetics, Quantity Foods Production, and Nutrition Counseling. I also advise 70-80 students within the Human Nutrition department during the academic year. I also am the faculty advisor for MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) organization in the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences and the Mentoring Program in the Human Nutrition department.  Before my employment began at Clemson University, I taught at South Carolina State University for one academic year. Some of the courses included Food Service Management, Meal Management, Advanced Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Food Science, and Maternal and Child Nutrition.  My teaching experience derives from Georgia College and State University (GCSU) as an adjunct instructor where I taught clinical nutrition for the Nursing department and basic nutrition courses for the Kinesiology department for a total of seven years, including two semesters of online nutrition courses. In addition, my teaching experience includes undergraduate level courses, such as Life Span Nutrition, Seminar in Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Maternal and Child Nutrition at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) for six years as an adjunct instructor. Furthermore, I have 15 years of clinical experience in renal dietitian, long-term care, and consulting.  My degrees include a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition (Dietetics), and MS degree in Food and Nutrition from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I completed my Dietetic Internship at Southern Regional Medical Center.  I am licensed to practice in Georgia and South Carolina. Also, I have earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. My Dissertation was titled “Promoting & Motivating Middle School Children to Develop Healthy Eating Habits: A Case Study on Middle School Educator’s Perceptions”.  As for leadership positions, I served the role as Past Immediate Chair from 2020-2021. I completed my term as Chair for NEP DPG serving from 2019-2020. I served as Chair-Elect for NEP DPG serving from 2018-2019. From 2017-2018, I served as Membership Chair of NEP DPG and served as Nominating Chair from 2016-2017. I also served on the nominating committee for 2023-2024 for NEP. Additionally, I will be serving on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) committee for SCAND 2023-2024.

Carol Sloan is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and consultant with expertise in food and nutrition communications and food service management. Carol retired in February 2023 from the position of Health Research Director for the California Walnut Commission where she led project implementation and oversaw active research studies internationally and domestically since 2000. Carol collaborated with the public relations and marketing departments to translate this scientific research for broader audiences, including consumers and health professionals. She is a freelance journalist specializing in delivering scientifically sound, realistic information all about food, nutrition and health and is nutrition consultant to several healthcare facilities in southern California. Carol currently serves as a delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has also served on the Executive Board for the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is an active member of many Academy Dietetic Practice Groups (DPG) including Public Health/Community Nutrition and Dietitians in Business and Communications. She is currently the editor of the Nutrition Education for the Public (NEP) DPG newsletter. She received both the Excellence in Private Practice, Business & Communications Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the 2022 NEP DPG Outstanding Member Award. Carol serves as a preceptor to the Individualized Supervised-Practice Pathway Program at California State University, San Bernardino and the master’s Dietetic Internship at California State University, Long Beach.

Maureen Ternus, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian and consultant with over 30 years’ experience in nutrition communications. She is the Executive Director of the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation (INC NREF) and was involved in securing the first FDA qualified health claim for nuts and heart disease in the U.S. She currently oversees INC NREF’s health research projects, develops their nutrition education materials, coordinates various professional and consumer outreach programs and serves as their national spokesperson. Maureen possesses unique skills, including the ability to translate health and nutrition information into laymen’s terms for dissemination to the public. She is co-author of, “The Everything Vitamin, Mineral and Nutritional Supplements Book,” and has written for such publications as Veggie Life and Healthy Kids magazines and Environmental Nutrition newsletter. She has authored papers in publications including The Journal of the American Dietetic Association and Nutrition Today. For 30 years she has been a co-editor of Networking News, a publication of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ practice group, Nutrition Education for the Public. Prior to working with INC NREF, she was an integral member of the food and healthcare account teams at Ketchum Public Relations’ offices in New York and San Francisco. Maureen received a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Administration from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California, and a Master of Science in Nutrition Communications from Boston University. She worked as a clinical dietitian at Fresno Community Hospital and Medical Center in California before receiving her graduate degree.

Jessica is an Associate Teaching Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU). She teaches courses in evidence-based nutrition research, food science, health theory, and health communications. Jessica received her M.S. in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University, where she also completed a dietetic internship, and a B.A. in Sociology from Wesleyan University. She completed her DPD at New York University. Jessica recently finished serving as past president of the Central District of the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and as an IDEA Liaison to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a past recipient of the Outstanding Dietitian award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jessica and her husband and their three sons live in Phoenix, Arizona, where her hobbies include lifting, hiking, walking her dog Shanti, and practicing yoga.  She enjoys spending time in northern Michigan with family during the summers to escape the heat

Catherine is an outpatient dietitian working in private practice.  She specializes in a weight neutral approach to supporting health behavior change.  She received a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Central Washington University and a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from California State University of Long Beach.  She has served in various positions for state affiliates of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: monitoring legislation updates for the Public Policy cohort of the California Academy, Oregon Academy Board secretary, and Washington Academy Board secretary.  Outside of work you can find her on her bike in the Pacific Northwest.

She is a recipient of the 2021 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Medallion Award and is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Bethany Daugherty, MS, RDN, LD is the Program Coordinator for the Nutrition and Wellness division of OneOp, a learning network with the Department of Defense and the United States Department of Agriculture. She collaborates with subject matter experts to provide professional development for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, Extension Educators and other providers serving military families. Bethany graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition, completed her dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and graduated from Purdue University with a Master of Science in Nutrition Science. She has served in leadership roles for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Southeast Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Kelly Taber, MS, RDN is the Director of Food Services and Clinical Registered Dietitian  at a long term care facility, in Englewood, CO. She is also an Adjunct Instructor at University of Maryland Global Campus teaching courses on basic nutrition and environmental sustainability. Kelly grew up in Long Beach, CA, and lived in Honolulu for 12 years where her nutrition journey began. She received my Bachelors in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at Cal State University at Long Beach, where she also completed her dietetic internship. Kelly has been an active member of NEP DPG for 10+ years and has served as the Twitter Coordinator, Student Representative, Website Assistant, Nominating Committee Member, Nominating Committee Char and Website Coordinator.  In her spare time, she loves to bake, watch movies, take her cats for walks and travel!

Lis David, is a Junior obtaining her B.S. in Dietetics and Human Nutrition at Kansas State University as a distance student, from home in Ventura, California. At Kansas State she serves on the board of the Distance Student Dietetics Association (DSDA) as Planning Coordinator. Lis grew up in College Park, MD and Washington, D.C. and started a 20-year career in Hospitality and Culinary Arts working for chefs Josè Andrès and Michel Richard. She moved to Chicago, IL to partake in City Year, a National Service program, volunteering as a literacy educator and after-school program coordinator.  In Chicago, she obtained her A.A.S in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Kendall College and spent her time there managing restaurants for chef Shawn McClain. She moved to Whidbey Island with her husband and worked as sous chef for Orchard Kitchen. In 2018 she studied the art of Italian Cooking in Castel D’Ario, Italy as an apprentice at Trattoria Stazione and returned to open her own catering and private chef business, Magical Feast. In 2023 she and her husband and their dog, Abby, moved to Ventura, CA to be closer to family. She aspires to obtain an MPH and her credential as an RD. Her goal is to work in the field of Culinary Medicine and Food as Medicine, teaching community nutrition programs. In her spare time, she loves to cook for her friends and family, surf, and travel.

My fascination with the transformative power of food began in my early years, nurtured within a household where home-cooked meals was the basis of our family bonds. The enticing aromas emanating from my mother's kitchen and the joyous gatherings around the dining table indelibly marked my consciousness. It was during these moments that I realized food transcends mere nourishment; it tells a story, forming connections to our past and bringing people together. As I embarked on my undergraduate studies at Cal State University, Los Angeles, I naturally gravitated toward an innate desire to comprehend the complexities of the human body and the pivotal role that food plays metabolically. It was here that I carved my path in the field of nutrition. My academic endeavors were complemented by hands-on experiences, including my role as the Nutrition Director for two non-profits, where I oversaw both the Home-Delivered and Congregate Meal Program for senior Angelinos. Following my experiences with both non-profits, I observed a common issue – while commendable for providing meals to the community, both organizations fell short in delivering nutritious meals. Their emphasis leaned towards selecting food vendors based on price rather than quality, highlighting an underlying problem in today's food industry and society. Now, as I enter my final semester of my MS/DI Graduate Program at Cal State University, Long Beach, I am equipped with a robust academic foundation and practical experiences. My goal is to become a Registered Dietitian and advocate for increased awareness regarding the profound connection between nutrition and well-being. Through my journey, I aspire to contribute to a healthier society where individuals are provided with culturally tailored nutrition education and feel empowered to make informed dietary choices.