Leadership

Contact the SNS DPG executive committee at SNS@eatright.org.

Assistant Director of Child Nutrition

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District

Meghan Martinson, MS, RD, LD

Chair

Meghan Martinson is the Assistant Director of Child Nutrition for Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District in North Fort Worth, Texas.  In her 10 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 including Pink Lady and Gala apples and strawberries, and larger quantities of fresh vegetables. Meghan plans the menus and manages the commodities for the districts’ 30 locations and over 23,000 students, planning inclusive modified menus for special diet requests and innovative menu items for the monthly Fusion Food offering. Meghan is honored to have been a presenter at multiple national events including the School Nutrition Association Annual National Conference and the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference & Expo.  Her Smart Snack compliant recipes for the district’s three high school Bistros help the district to bring in around a half million dollars in a la carte sales each year to be reinvested in food quality & equipment improvements for the district.  Meghan is currently the President of the Child Nutrition Directors Association of North Texas and is serving as the Treasurer for the SNS DPG.  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.  When she is not working, she can probably be found in the kitchen at home with her husband and three daughters, ages 11, 7 and 5.

Shannon Fitzgerald, PhD, RDN, LD

Chair-Elect

Shannon FitzGerald is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at the Institute of Child Nutrition. She was a school nutrition director in a suburban Cleveland, OH district for fourteen years. She is passionate about child nutrition, public health issues, food systems, and social justice, creating a healthy path for the next generation. Shannon has a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and a master's degree in nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She is a PhD candidate in health promotion at the University of Mississippi and serves as a Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research Network (NOPREN) fellow.

Susan Thompson, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS

Past Chair

Susan Thompson is a part-time K-12 consultant with Culinary Solution Centers, LLC. She received BS degree from Campbell University, MS in Nutrition from East Carolina University (ECU), and also completed American Dietetic Association (ADA) approved Dietetic Internship at ECU. Recently retired from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Nutrition Division, Susan worked for over 30 years with school nutrition programs in district and state agency positions and is a member of School Nutrition Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Current consulting with Chef Cyndie Story and K-12 team at Culinary Solution Centers, LLC brings together vast skills and experience in developing a culinary systems approach to enhance school nutrition operations. The team brings to the table a passion for delicious and nutritious foods enticing students to return day after day. When not involved in school nutrition projects, Susan enjoys sewing, knitting, cooking, and beach-related activities.

Shannan Young, RDN, SNS

Secretary

Shannan is a registered dietitian with 30 years of experience across local, state, federal, and international levels in school food and nutrition education, public health, and food systems transformation. She is dedicated to building health and nutrition movement-based initiatives with motivated, high-performing teams that embrace change and lead with authenticity and integrity. Shannan has 11 years of experience at the school district level and six years at the California Department of Education before joining the Dairy Council of California where she serves as the Officer of Initiatives, Education, and Engagement. She is the founding leader of the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement of CA Collaborative and the California Local School Wellness Policy Collaborative, and she currently oversees the activation of the Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative. Through her leadership roles in the California School Nutrition Association, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the California Society for Association Executives, Shannan actively engages others to become leaders in school nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in community nutrition with a focus on psychology from the University of California, Davis, and is a registered dietitian nutritionist and credentialed school nutrition specialist through the School Nutrition Association.

Rachel Huber, MPH, RDN

Treasurer // Sponsorship Co-Chair

Rachel is a registered dietitian with her Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After starting her career in health behavior change and program development at the renowned Cooper Institute, Rachel transitioned to the food industry leading nutrition and regulatory for Pizza Hut, Inc. There, she rolled out the brand’s K-12 compliant offerings, gluten free pizzas, Real Flavor initiative, removing artificial colors, favors, and preservatives as well as sodium from core ingredients, and managed the brand’s menu labeling project to comply with federal nutrition labeling regulations. Over the past 11 years she has worked with numerous restaurant and retail brands in nutrition and regulatory affairs and is currently the Foodservice Dietitian for PepsiCo. In this role, she is tasked with advancing PepsiCo’s foodservice business, providing nutrition and regulatory support and strategy for away-from-home foods and beverages, with an emphasis on driving PepsiCo’s K-12 Education portfolio of the future. Rachel has held executive committee roles in the Academy’s Food and Culinary Professionals and Dietitians in Business and Communications Dietetic Practice Groups and is looking forward to contributing to the advancement and growth of the School Nutrition Services DPG.

Maria Givler, M.Ed., RDN

Nominating Committee Chair

Maria is a registered dietitian and clinical assistant professor with the Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration. Her background includes experience in maternal and child nutrition, foodservice management, and education development and counseling. After a rich career in these different areas, she is thrilled to work with students as they prepare to enter the dietetics profession. Maria loves mentoring students and helping them recognize and develop their strengths, as well as embracing overall growth. Maria earned her undergraduate degree in Dietetics from Brigham Young University and her master’s degree in nutrition education from Framingham State University. Her professional interests include school nutrition, sustainability and animal welfare. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Sandy Curwood, PdD, RDN

Nominating Committee Member 2nd Year

State Director of 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. As a registered dietitian worked in a variety of food service and healthcare settings. Served as adjunct faculty taught foodservice systems and nutrition courses at Cal State Northridge. Has 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.

Education and Training Specialist II

Institute of Child Nutrition

Danielle Barrett, PhD, RDN

Education Committee Co-Chair // Nominating Committee Member 1st Year

With over a decade of experience in adult learning, community nutrition, and public health, Dr. Danielle Barrett is an Education and Training Specialist II at the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN), the only federally funded national center dedicated to improving child nutrition programs. As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), she applies her expertise in food and nutrition to design, implement, and evaluate resources and trainings for child nutrition professionals across the country. Dr. Barrett is also an instructional designer and an educational technology leader. She is passionate about using innovative and evidence-based methods to create engaging and effective learning experiences that support the professional development and career advancement of child nutrition professionals. She is committed to advancing the field of child nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits among children and families.

Jocelyn Karbo, MBA, RDN, SNS

House of Delegates

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.

Lindsey Palmer, MBA, MS, RDN

Sponsorship Co-Chair

Lindsey has been working in child nutrition, K12 education, and school food service operations since the completion of her dietetic internship in 2008. Currently, Lindsey is the Vice President of Nutrition and Industry Relations for Chartwells K12, helping to oversee 2 million meals a day in nearly 700 school districts across 35 states. She is currently the awards chair, assisting the Executive Committee to promote and honor leaders in school nutrition. 

Sarah Combs, MS, RDN

Education Committee Co-Chair

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.

Donna Martin, EdS, RDN, LD, SNS, FAND 

Policy Advocacy Leadership (PAL) Committee Chair

Martin is the retired director of the Burke County (GA) school nutrition program, which served 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.  Donna got to speak at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on the importance of School Meals. Donna is on the GenYouth Board of Directors, The Chef Ann Foundation Advisory Board, is a National Dairy Ambassador and a No Kid Hungry Consultant.  She is also a trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.  

Dietitian/Menu Planner

Barbers Hill Independent School District

Sarah Strickland, MS, RD, LD

Newsletter & Webpage Chair

Sarah Strickland is a dedicated registered and licensed dietitian, currently serving as the Dietitian/Menu Planner for Barbers Hill Independent School District in Mont Belvieu, Texas. With her commitment to enhancing school nutrition, Sarah is actively increasing the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and promoting scratch cooking within the district. As she enters her third school year in this pivotal role, Sarah is enthusiastic about expanding menus to further benefit student health and well-being. Sarah earned her B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition, followed by an M.S. in Food & Nutrition Services, both from the University of Mississippi. Outside of her school nutrition endeavors, Sarah applies her culinary skills in diverse roles, including working part-time as a barista and cookie decorator.

Ashley Powell, PhD, RD, SNS

Membership Chair

Dr. 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 and is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

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.

Food and Nutrition Director

Manor Independent School District

Ryan Cengel, MS, MA, RDN, LD, SNS

Research Chair

Ryan is a Registered Dietitian with 9 years of experience in school nutrition. His educational background includes undergraduate degrees in culinary arts and culinary nutrition (Johnson & Wales University) and master's degrees in education (North Park University) and nutrition (Arizona State University). He is a licensed Texas teacher in Science, Health Science Technology and Health and is certified as a School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) through the School Nutrition Association. Ryan is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer having served as a Health Volunteer in Niger from 2004-2006 working on nutrition, maternal and child health and food and water security development projects.

Shannon Ebron, MS, RDN, LD

Electronic Communication Committee Chair // Nominating Committee Chair

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. 

Cindy Culver, MS, RDN, LD

IDEA Liaison

Cindy Kanarek Culver, MS, RDN, LD is the Director of School Nutrition for Marietta City Schools (GA).  She has 22 years of experience in school nutrition.  She is the current Georgia Affiliate Liaison for the School Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. The Marietta City Schools Nutrition Program serves breakfast, lunch, after school snacks and supper to nearly 9,000 students daily.  Additionally, they serve the Seamless Summer Option Program within the community and were granted the USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program Grant at five of their elementary schools.  Cindy received her BSFCS from the University of Georgia, completed her dietetic internship from the University of Northern Colorado, earned a Master of Health Sciences from the University of Alabama and is a current student pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership in Business student at Anderson University.  

Chief Wellness Officer

GENYOUth

Karen Kafer, RDN

Awards & Scholarship Chair

Karen Kafer is a registered dietitian with over four decades of diverse experience including healthcare, media, foodservice management, and corporate nutrition communications and marketing.  She is currently the Chief Wellness Officer for the national nonprofit GENYOUth where she leads strategic health, nutrition and government partner relationships and thought leadership communications.  Karen works with purpose partners and school districts nationwide to help increase access to and participation in school meals through providing nutrition equipment grants.  She also oversees GENYOUth’s youth engagement initiatives including GENYOUth’s National Student Council.  Karen elevates youth voice through timely youth insights research and issue-framing reports, and well as national platforms. As a passionate advocate for public-private partnerships, Karen has parlayed her expertise managing and collaborating with national organizations, to create impactful collaborations and initiatives to advance youth wellness. As a registered dietitian, she has worked actively on behalf of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and its Foundation, where she served as a past board officer, and a past president of the D.C. Metro affiliate. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where she was honored with a Distinguished Alumnae Award. Karen is also a graduate of Georgetown University’s Executive Non-Profit Management Program.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Martha Huizar, MS, RDN

Academy DPG Relations Manager