Leadership

Chair

Education Service Center, Region 11
Child Nutrition Specialist

Jocelyn Karbo

MBA, RDN

Jocelyn Karbo is the Child Nutrition Programs Team Lead and NSLP Content Specialist for the Education Service Center Region 11 in Fort Worth, TX. Since starting at ESC Region 11 in 2006, along with her team, she has supported 10 counties of school nutrition program operators through high quality training and technical assistance. She has most recently joined the Texas Department of Agriculture as a state-level content expert for the education team creating, revising, and updating training materials for school nutrition professionals across the state.

Prior to working at Region 11, Jocelyn started her career as the Nutrition Coordinator at Duncanville ISD (Duncanville, TX). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities, MN); completed her Dietetic Internship at Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas, TX); and earned her MBA from Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX). Jocelyn has completed her Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management as well as maintains her dual role instructor/proctor credentials for ServSafe and her School Nutrition Specialist credentials with the School Nutrition Association. Attending USDA’s Produce University has been another career highlight.

Jocelyn enjoys supporting Child Nutrition Programs by connecting school nutrition operators to tools and resources available, understanding the uniqueness of each individually, all while making connections to local food sources and maximizing each school’s ability to serve delicious healthy meals to kids! Supporting School Foodservice internships has kept her energized, and she has served as a preceptor for Baylor University Medical Center and TCU dietetic students. In her free time, Jocelyn serves on her local SHAC committee, enjoys gardening, and spending time outside with her family.

Chair-Elect

Director, Office of School Nutrition Programs
Virginia Department of Education

Sandy Curwood

PhD, RDN

State Director, School Nutrition Programs, Virginia Department of Education, working to assure that every Virginia student has equitable access to good, healthy, food at school, to enhance academic success and promote lifelong wellness.

Former school foodservice director for fifteen years, in school districts in California, successful in implementing farm to school programs, conversion to speed-scratch cooking and incorporating nutrition education and garden based learning in to the classroom.

A registered dietitian having worked in a variety of food service and healthcare settings. As adjunct faculty taught foodservice systems and nutrition courses at Cal State Northridge. With a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition and Masters degree in Business, Health Care Administration, and a PhD from Iowa State in Hospitality Management, with a focus on food safety in Farm to School programs.

Past Chair

K12 Wellbeing & Regulatory Business Partner
Kellogg Company

Stefanie Dove

MBA, RDN, LDN, SNS

Stefanie Dove, MBA RDN SNS is a Registered Dietitian and K-12 Wellbeing & Regulatory Business Partner for Kellogg. Prior to working for Kellogg, she was the Coordinator of Marketing & Community Outreach for Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia.

She has worked in the school nutrition sector, specializing in marketing and communications since 2015. Prior to working in School Nutrition, Stefanie lead the marketing efforts for several food companies in New York City and was the social media manager for two nutrition lifestyle blogs. Stefanie contributes regularly to consumer publications on topics ranging from school nutrition, young professionals in the workplace, heart health, food allergies, recipe development, Celiac Disease, consumer trends, childhood nutrition, marketing and branding.

Stefanie was recognized as one of Loudoun County’s 40 Under 40 for 2017 and in 2018 was selected as a finalist for Young Professional Community Leader of the Year in Loudoun County. Stefanie was also recognized for her farm to school efforts and was named one of Loudoun’s 100 residents making an impact in the community. Stefanie was also selected by the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the 2018 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year. She is part of the 2018 upwaRD class established by FoodMinds where five dietitians were selected based on their commitment to enhancing the field of nutrition through innovative practices in their communities.

Secretary

Stacy Lofton

MS, RD, SNS

Stacy currently holds the position of Director of Food and Nutrition Support and Services.

In her current role, she works collaboratively with members and suppliers to grow and drive greater savings and efficiencies within Premier’s portfolio of contracts and solutions. Beyond contracting, Stacy partners with members on menu planning and compliance, procurement, product innovation and utilization and education & training including food allergies, federal guidelines and more.

Stacy has more than 24 years of experience as a registered dietitian.  Prior to joining Premier, Stacy was a Premier member and corporate dietitian for Knowledge Universe, a leading provider of early education in the USA where she managed the food and nutrition program for more than 1500 centers nationally. Her professional experience includes healthcare, media relations, health and wellness and foodservice management.

Stacy has a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Management from Oregon State University; A master’s degree in Health Promotion & Education for the University of North Texas. She is a Registered Dietitian and has completed the requirements for School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) through the School Nutrition Association.

Treasurer

Registered Dietitian
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD

Meghan Martinson

MS, RD, LD

Meghan Martinson is the Registered Dietitian for Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District in North Fort Worth, Texas. In her 8 years with Eagle Mountain-Saginaw, she has worked with her director to improve the quality of food served in the district and promote fresh fruits and vegetables as well as local Texas-grown products. Students now have access to higher quality proteins, higher quality fruits and vegetables, including Pink Lady and Gala apples, blueberries, strawberries, fresh cut pineapple and organic vegetables in the elementary schools. Meghan plans the menus for the districts’ 30 locations and over 21,000 students, including modified menus for special diet requests and innovative menu items for Harvest of the Month and the monthly Fusion Food offering. Meghan presented a session on Fusion Foods at the 2019 SNA Annual National Conference and has since then watched numerous districts across the country add Fusion Food items to their menus. Her Smart Snack compliant recipes for the district’s three high school Bistros help the district bring in a la carte sales each year that are in turn reinvested in food quality improvements for the program. Meghan received her Bachelor of Science with a focus in Dietetics from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln and received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Memphis. In 2019, she was named one of Today’s Dietitian Magazine’s TD10, an annual showcase of 10 RD’s Who Are Making a Difference.  Meghan was appointed as the Scholarship & Awards Coordinator for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-Northeast Region in 2021.  When she is not working, she can probably be found in the kitchen at home with her husband and three daughters ages 8, 5 and 3.

Nominating Committee Chair

Fit TEXT, LLC
Founder
www.fitkidtext.com

Shannon FitzGerald

MS, RDN, LD

Shannon has worked in the K12 arena for nearly 15 years; first as a school district Dietitian and Director and as a small business owner of Fit Kid Text, and currently as a consultant for Titan School Solutions; a school nutrition tech company. She has a passion for feeding kids and creating healthy communities. Shannon has served as a local School Nutrition Chapter president as well as on the state level Nutrition Advisory Committee and advocated for school nutrition in Washington DC through LAC.

She obtained her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and went on to Case Western University for her Master’s in Nutrition. In addition, Shannon currently is an Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Social Media content contributor and writer. She is part of the Healthy Food choices in Schools Community of Practice (CoP) on eXtension.org, and is on the National Advisory for CSI Dee Carroll. She has presented at the School Nutrition Association National Conference and is a certified yoga teacher. Sharing her yoga practice with both students and staff is one of her favorite things.

Nominating Committee Member

Ryan Cengel

MS, MA, RDN, LD, CPT, SNS

Ryan Cengel MS MA RDN LD CPT SNS is the Dietitian for the Austin Independent School District in Austin, TX. Ryan has completed degrees in Culinary Arts and Culinary Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University, completed his dietetic internship at Keene State College in Keene, NH and holds Master’s Degrees in Education from North Park University and Nutrition from Arizona State University. He is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and certified as a School Nutrition Specialist through the School Nutrition Association.

Ryan is a licensed Texas teacher in Science, Health Science Technology and Health and spent 6 years teaching Health Science Technology courses in Austin ISD. He is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer having served as a Health Volunteer for the United States Peace Corps in Niger from 2004-2006 working on nutrition, maternal and child health, and food and water security projects.

Director of Child Nutrition
School District of Riverview Gardens

Shannon Ebron

MS, RDN, LD

Shannon Ebron is the Director of Child Nutrition for The School District of Riverview Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri. She is responsible for day to day operations of 13 schools and a centralized kitchen in RGSD. With a strategic focus on health, she utilizes her leadership skills and nutrition expertise to create a healthy school environment for RGSD scholars.

Prior to her appointment to director at Riverview Gardens School District, Ebron served as assistant director of school nutrition for Fox C-6 Schools. In that role, she assisted in department oversight, including school menu development, special project funding and professional development activities. Ebron’s food service experience also includes serving as child nutritionist and school cook. 

Recognized for her servant leadership, in 2018 she was named Outstanding Preceptor in Dietetics by Fontbonne University, Department of Family & Consumer Sciences where she simultaneously delivered the keynote graduation address to Master of Science and dietetic internship candidates. 

Ebron earned bachelor’s degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences and Dietetics. She also earned a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Saint Louis University. 

Nutrition Consultant

Kathy Wilson-Gold

MS, RDN, LD, FAND

Wilson-Gold has more than 30 years of experience in business and industry-leading executive teams to deliver innovative and customized business solutions for K-12, C&U, and Healthcare. She is currently a Nutrition Consultant for the US Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs.  Career highlights include the Campbell Soup Company, Abbott Laboratories, and US Foodservice. She has held national and state offices in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, including Academy Foundation Chairperson, Academy Nominating Committee Chairperson, Dietitians in Business and Communications Chairperson, and Texas Academy President. Wilson-Gold serves in her community as the Council Chair of the YMCA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Oklahoma.

House of Delegates

Theresa Stretch

MS, RDN, CP-FS

Theresa Stretch, MS, RDN, CP-FS has been instrumental in children’s health initiatives on the Federal, national, and state level for over 30 years. Theresa has served in numerous leadership roles for the American Commodity Distribution Association, National Environmental Health Association, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  In addition to serve as the SNS representative for the House of Delegate, she serves on the Food and Culinary Professional Dietetic Practice Group as the Food Safety Chair, and serves as a food safety committee member for National Environmental Health Association.  Theresa has authored numerous federally-funded training publications and coauthored two Position Papers: Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Child and Adolescent Federally Funded Nutrition Assistance Programs (August, 2018) and Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Food and Water Safety (November, 2014).

Theresa has been the Executive Director for Synergy Visions, LLC since 2015 and after 20 years of service she retired in March 2020 from Institute of Child Nutrition. She has a professional track record of communicating evidence-based messages to diverse populations, cultures, and age groups and is passionate about promoting ways to attain a higher quality of life and healthy behaviors across all life stages.

Awards & Scholarship Chair

Courtney Morabito

MBA, DTR, SNS, FAND

Courtney Morabito is the Operations Supervisor for Cincinnati Public Schools Student Dining department.  She is responsible for overseeing the operations and regulatory meal compliance of over 60,000 meals each day at 65 schools.

She is the current DTR-At Large Delegate for the Academy, the DTR representative for the local Greater Cincinnati Dietetic Association, participates in conference planning committees for state Academy and SNA boards, and has served on the Ohio SNA Board of Directors Executive Committee as Nutrition Chair since 2017.

This is Courtney’s ninth year in school food service management. 

Courtney has a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from Eastern Kentucky University, and graduated cum laude with a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Cincinnati in 2019.

She resides with her husband Vincenzo, 2 year old son Giovanni, 1 year old daughter Vera, and two dogs.

Education Committee Chair

Sarah Combs

MS

Sarah Combs is one of the Compliance Specialists at the Georgia Department of Education, School Nutrition Division.  She has a Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Nutrition from California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo and is a Registered Dietitian.  Sarah is an expert in program regulations and works closely with others to create essential training for local districts.

Policy and Advocacy Leader

Director School Nutrition Programs
Burke County Public Schools

Donna Martin

EdS, RDN, LD, SNS, FAND

Martin is director of the Burke County (GA) school nutrition program, which has 4,500 students in five schools, serving breakfast, lunch, after-school snacks, supper and the summer feeding program. She served as the Academy’s treasurer from 2013-2015. Martin served as the Academy’s President in 2017-2018. Donna was the first School Nutrition Director to be President of the Academy. Martin is a graduate of the University of Georgia and earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama – Birmingham and an education specialist degree from Augusta University.

In 2016, Donna’s work in the Burke County Public Schools nutrition program gained national attention when Michelle Obama and Al Roker visited Burke Middle School to help plant a school garden. Donna was then invited to speak at the White House for Michelle Obama’s capstone event celebrating all the work that had occurred in changing how children eat. Donna was also awarded the 2016 Golden Radish Award for the state of Georgia because of her efforts in the Farm to School Movement. Donna has been involved in numerous public policy initiatives including testifying before Congress about the new School Nutrition Standards and to the House of Representatives Staff on the Farm to School Bill.

SNS DPG PAL 2021-22 Committee

• Nancy Rice, MEd, RDN, LD, SNS
  • Georgia
• Karen Bakies RDN, LD, FAND
  • Ohio
• Karen Ehrens , LRD
  • North Dakota
• Stephen Menyhart RD, SNS
  • Colorado
• Charlotte Davis, RDN
  • Arkansas
• Diane Duncan Goldsmith, RDN
  • Iowa
• Julie Raway, MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, FAND
  • New York
• Jen Cadenhead, PhD, RDN
  • New York 
• Beth Thorson MS, RDN
  • Texas
• Jeanne Reilly, RDTR
  • Maine
• Hannah Carroll MA, RDN     
  • California 
• Jocelyn Karbo, MBA, RDN, SNS
  • Texas
• Arianne Corbitt, RD
  • Florida

Newsletter Chair

Registered Dietitian & Menu Planner
Coppell ISD

Alicia Braun

RDN, LD

Alicia Braun is the Registered Dietitian and Menu Planner for Coppell ISD in Coppell, TX.  She has worked in school nutrition since 2013 and has been creating excitement surrounding school breakfast and lunch at Coppell ISD Since 2016.  In her current position, Alicia oversees menus, orders, commodities and marketing for the program on social media.  She prides herself in creating both fun and appetizing menus that meet the district's unique demographics while utilizing the district’s school gardens to feature Texas-grown items.  Alicia’s passion is nutrition education and employee training.  What she loves most about school nutrition is introducing students to new foods and experiences. 

Membership Chair

Ashley Powell

PhD, RD, SNS

Ashley K. Powell is a registered and licensed dietitian and currently serves as the Child Nutrition Director for Auburn City Schools.  She holds a B.S. in Dietetics and a M.Ed. in Health Promotion from Auburn University.  She completed her Ed.S. from the University of Georgia and her PhD from Auburn University in Adult Education. Dr. Powell holds her School Nutrition Specialist credential from the School Nutrition Association.

In her current position, Dr. Powell is responsible for the overall foodservice operations of the school district while following all of the federal, state and local nutrition and food safety guidelines.  In previous positions, Ashley has served as a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, School Nutrition Coordinator, as well as a Renal Dietitian.

Dr. Powell has served as the Alabama School Nutrition Association President, President-elect, and Vice-president.  She has also served on the ASNA nominating and scholarship committee.  She is the past chair for the SNA Professional Development committee and current SNA board member.

Ashley and her husband reside in Auburn and have three children.

Membership Committee Members:

Tandy Blackwell

Jeff Caguioa

Sponsorship Chair

Cyndie Story

PhD, RDN, CC, SNS

Cyndie Story and the K-12 Culinary Excellence Team work together to bring their skills and experience in developing a culinary systems approach to enhance school nutrition operations. Our team of professionals has a combined skill set that includes extensive experience in nutrition science, dietetics, culinary arts, recipe development, training program development, school nutrition program operations, and volume foodservice management. Further, a deep understanding of the operational needs and constraints of school nutrition programs allows this K-12 Team to be effective in providing change leadership. The White House recognized Chef Cyndie with a Champion of Change award in 2011 for her no-nonsense balanced approach to nutrition and dedication to educating school nutrition professionals. In 2018, she received the SNS DPG Award of Excellence. Never boring, always engaging. The team brings to the table a passion for delicious and nutritious foods that entice the customer to return day after day. For more information go to www.chefcyndie.com

Sponsorship Committee Member

Noelle Yeo

MPH, RDN

Noelle Yeo is a program project specialist in school nutrition at the Arizona Department of Education. She earned a masters in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Minnesota and a bachelors degree in Nutrition, Exercise, and Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Noelle has experience consulting in school nutrition catering and non-profit work. As a new registered dietitian in 2019, Noelle is looking forward to a long career in school nutrition. She is passionate about improving nutritional quality of school meals and supporting school nutrition program operators.

Electronic Communication Committee Chair

Dayle Hayes

MPH, RD

Dayle Hayes is an award-winning author and educator. Her creativity and common-sense have made her a sought-after speaker across the USA. As a parent and member of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), Dayle has dedicated decades to making school environments healthy for students and staff. She collected success stories for Making It Happen, a joint CDC-USDA project; co-authored the 2014 Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition Guidance for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years; and was lead author for the 2018 Joint Position (Academy, SNA and Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior) and Practice Papers: Comprehensive Nutrition Programs and Services in Schools.

In recognition of her professional and volunteer leadership, Dayle has received many honors, including Montana Dietitian of the Year and an ADA Excellence in Consultation and Business Practice Award. In January 2012, she received the Silver FAME Award as a Friend of Child Nutrition and FoodService Director magazine named her as one of their 20 Most Influential. She was honored with a Medallion Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Montana School Food Service Professional of the Year in 2013. Dayle delivered the 2017 Lenna Frances Cooper Lecture at FNCE in Chicago.

Hayes served on the ADA Board of Directors, chairing the Public Initiative Team and Technology Task Force. She is a past president of the Montana Dietetic Association and past-chair of the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group. Hayes currently serves on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nominating Committee.

Diversity Liaison

General Mills
K12 Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Anh-Tram Pham

MPH, RD

Anh-Tram Pham is a Registered Dietitian and is currently a K-12 Regulatory Compliance Specialist at General Mills. During her time with the company, she has also worked in the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition in a variety of roles including nutrition communication, health strategy and regulatory affairs. Anh-Tram has been with the company since 2004 and has supported a variety of brands including Big G cereals, Yoplait, Pillsbury and Green Giant. Additionally, she has worked with the General Mills Foundation and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation on the Champions Grants for Healthy Kids Initiative.

Anh-Tram earned both her Master's degree in Public Health Nutrition and Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. She has a certificate in Nutrition Science and Communication for Public Relations Professionals through Tufts University. Anh-Tram has published research on whole grains in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association and Topics in Clinical Nutrition. In 2008, she was the first recipient of the Sylvia Rowe Fellowship from the International Food Information Council (IFIC). Through her fellowship with IFIC, she worked on a variety of projects to communicate nutrition and food safety information to the public, academia, and health professionals.

Anh-Tram and her husband enjoy a fun and busy life at home in Minneapolis, Minnesota with their two young children.

Academy DPG/MIG Relations Manager

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy DPG/MIG Relations Manager
kgustafson@eatright.org

Katie Gustafson