Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight

We are thrilled to highlight Maria Givler in this month’s Member Spotlight. Maria’s journey in nutrition, especially in school nutrition, has been influenced by her upbringing, her Christian faith, and her love for creating positive change in the lives of students. From Pennsylvania to Utah, her work continues to make an impact in both academia and the field of school nutrition.

Read her story!

March 2025: Karen Kafer, RDN

Karen Kafer, the March Spotlight Member, has dedicated her career to improving youth wellness and school nutrition through roles in healthcare, foodservice, and nonprofits. Now retired, she continues her impactful work as a consultant and as the SNS DPG Awards & Scholarship Chair, fostering the next generation of school nutrition professionals.

Read her story!

February 2025: Ryan Cengel, MS, MA, RDN, LD, SNS

Meet Ryan Cengel, Food and Nutrition Director at Manor ISD – With a background in culinary arts, education, and nutrition, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and passion to school nutrition. From his time as a Peace Corps volunteer to leading Farm to School initiatives, his journey is driven by a commitment to improving school meals and supporting local communities. Learn more about his inspiring career path, insights, and advice for aspiring school nutrition professionals.

Read his story!

January 2025: Lauren Krohn, MS, RDN

This month, we’re excited to feature Lauren Krohn, MS, RDN—a passionate advocate for school nutrition and local food systems who’s also celebrating her birthday! As the owner and lead consultant of her business, Sprout & Savor Nutrition, Lauren is working tirelessly to break down barriers to help school districts embrace scratch cooking and incorporate more locally sourced foods into their meal programs.

Read her story!

December 2024: Emily Karel, RD, LRD

RDN Spotlight: Emily Karel, RD, LRD

This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Emily Karel, RD, LRD, North Dakota Team Nutrition Grant Coordinator, whose journey in the field of nutrition and school foodservice is a testament to her passion for helping children and families lead healthier lives.

Learn more about Emily!

November 2024: Oliver Gonzalez-Yoakum, RDN

RDN Spotlight: Oliver Gonzalez-Yoakum, RDN

Our November Member Spotlight is Oliver Gonzalez-Yoakum, RDN. Oliver’s journey from San Francisco to New York City reflects his passion for nutrition and community health. After a career shift during the pandemic, he now focuses on improving school nutrition in NYC, while inspiring future health professionals through his teaching and research.

Learn more about Oliver!

October 2024: Rachel Huber, MPH, RDN

RDN Spotlight: Rachel Huber, MPH, RDN

This October, we're excited to spotlight Rachel Huber, MPH, RDN, a dedicated Food Service Dietitian at PepsiCo who is making a significant impact on school nutrition. Explore her inspiring journey, innovative projects, and insights on how to make healthy eating more appealing for students by reading the full article!

Learn more about Rachel!

September 2024: Shannan Young, RDN, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Shannan Young, RDN, SNS

Meet Shannan, a dedicated registered dietitian with a remarkable 30-year career spanning local, state, federal, and international levels in school food and nutrition education. Her journey is one of commitment to public health, food systems transformation, and empowering communities through education.

Read Shannan’s story!

August 2024: Shannon Gleave, RDN, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Shannon Gleave, RDN, SNS

Get to know Shannon Gleave! With over 15 years of experience, she holds a wealth of knowledge and passion for the field of school nutrition. Shannon serves as the current 2024-2025 School Nutrition Association (SNA) President and is the Director of Food & Nutrition at Glendale Elementary School District in Glendale, Arizona.

Read her story!

July 2024: Meghan Martinson, MS, RD, LD

RDN Spotlight: Meghan Martinson, MS, RD, LD

Get to know the incoming SNS DPG Chair, Meghan Martinson! Meghan is committed to engaging school nutrition professionals in the SNS DPG and listening to the voices of the membership. Her journey to school nutrition began from the flexibility of the role, and continues as she creates her own path in the field.

Read her story!

June 2024: Lucy Balogun, MPA, RD, LD

RDN Spotlight: Lucy Balogun, MPA, RD, LD

Meet Lucy Balogun, MPA, RD, LD! Lucy’s career has spanned far and wide in the world of dietetics. The Chair-Elect of the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics and Nutrition (NOBIDAN) Member Interest Group, Lucy’s involvement across Academy groups and versatile expertise mark her as a stellar achievement in dietetics. Read more about Lucy!

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April 2024: Amy Virus, MS, RD, LDN

RDN Spotlight: Amy Virus, MS, RD, LDN

Amy Virus (pronounced VE-rus) , Manager of Administrative and Supportive Services for the School District of Philadelphia, knows her way around an excel spreadsheet and dragon boat racing. A woman of many talents, it’s no surprise she is our feature spotlight this month. Ask her about the merits of a cabbage pierogi, and you may spark a lively debate that’s been carried on through the years thanks to her grandmother’s tradition of homemade pierogies.

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March 2024: Cindy Culver, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Cindy Culver, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS

Meet Cindy Culver, Food Service Director in Marietta Public Schools. Cindy serves as the SNS DPG IDEA Liaison. She is also a recipient of the 2023 Academy Foundation Scholarship, pursuing her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. Her journey with school nutrition is one that comes full circle from her own elementary education to her tenured career.

Read More!

February 2024: Jennifer Bailey, MS, MPH, RDN, LDN, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Jennifer Bailey, MS, MPH, RDN, LDN, SNS

Meet Jennifer Bailey, MS, MPH, RDN, LDN, SNS! Jennifer has built her career in school nutrition from the ground up, working her way up through local and state levels of school meals, while bringing her passions and hobbies along for the ride.

Read More!

December 2023: Brenda Wattles, RDN

RDN Spotlight: Brenda Wattles, RDN

Meet Brenda Wattles, RDN! Brenda's entrepreneurial spirit and expertise as a dietitian and chef has led her to make a name for herself in the world of school nutrition and food service.

Read More!

November 2023: Jeanne Reilly, NDTR, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Jeanne Reilly, NDTR, SNS

Get to know Jeanne Reilly, NDTR, SNS! Jeanne has been a vital member of the SNS DPG, being a critical player in communicating and engaging with numerous school nutrition professionals.

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October 2023: Jennifer Cadenhead, PhD, RD

RDN Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Cadenhead, PhD, RD

Meet Dr. Jennifer Cadenhead, PhD, RD! Her heartening story of her career is motivating and encouraging for those seeking academia through their school nutrition path.

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September 2023: Garrett Berdan, RDN

RDN Spotlight: Garrett Berdan, RDN

Get to know Garrett Berdan, RDN! Garrett’s distinct path into our beloved school nutrition niche is one to watch and sure to ignite your culinary passion. His time completing his culinary studies in his own version of the American west coast Hogwarts to crafting culinary training for the Institute of Child Nutrition is worth the read.

Read More!

August 2023: Morgan McGhee & Jeanne Reilly, SNS, DTR

A couple of esteemed SNS DPG members have recently been recognized and selected to represent K-12 school nutrition professionals in respective participation and for their culinary innovation! Read on to hear about the latest success stories in the news from fellow members:

FoodCorps Director Morgan McGhee Announced as Part of Inaugural Obama Foundation United States Leaders

Read the Success Story Here!

The Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award pays special tribute to Jeanne Reilly, SNS, DTR, Director of School Nutrition in Windham, ME!

Read the Success Story Here!

June 2023: Kelly Bristow, MS, RDN, LD

RDN Spotlight: Kelly Bristow, MS, RDN, LD

This month, we feature a nutrition expert excelling in a unique space, Kelly Bristow, MS, RDN, LD! Kelly’s path working with school nutrition and efforts in supporting and engaging with Farm-To-School initiatives has led her to her current role working in Global Nutrition Affairs with Bayer’s Crop Science division.

Read More!

May 2023: Susan Thompson, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Susan Thompson, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS

This month, we feature Tandy Blackwell, DHPE, RDN, SNS! Tandy is the Coordinator of Child Nutrition in Athens, Alabama. Tandy is who you want sitting next to you at the next CNP conference or meeting. She will get to know you and become your best CNP friend! Read more about her upbringing and what she brings to her role!

As we move forward into the next membership year, we meet our upcoming SNS DPG Chair, Susan Thompson, MS, RDN, LDN, SNS! Susan’s love for cooking and upbringing in North Carolina is exciting to delve into, and see where she can lead the SNS DPG. Read on to hear about Susan and her experiences that led her here!

Read More!

April 2023: Julie Raway, MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, FAND

RDN Spotlight: Julie Raway, MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, FAND

This month, we feature Tandy Blackwell, DHPE, RDN, SNS! Tandy is the Coordinator of Child Nutrition in Athens, Alabama. Tandy is who you want sitting next to you at the next CNP conference or meeting. She will get to know you and become your best CNP friend! Read more about her upbringing and what she brings to her role!

Named a 2023 Outstanding Preceptor by the Academy, Julie Raway, MPH, RDN, CDN, SNS, FAND is worthy of the award nomination. In 12 years of serving as a preceptor, Julie has made a lasting impression on a plethora of future dietitians from numerous internship programs, all recognizing the value Julie holds with her wealth of experience and knowledge.

Read about Julie’s journey!

March 2023: Chef Lindsay Schoenfeld, RDN, and Chef Vahista Ussery, MS, MBA, RDN

RDN Spotlight: Chef Lindsay Schoenfeld, RDN, and Chef Vahista Ussery, MS, MBA, RDN

Get to know two Chef RDNs turned friends turned business partners - Chef Lindsay Schoenfeld, RDN, and Chef Vahista Ussery, MS, MBA, RDN in this month’s RDN Spotlight!

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February 2023: Tandy Blackwell, DHPE, RDN, SNS

RDN Spotlight: Tandy Blackwell, DHPE, RDN, SNS

This month, we feature Tandy Blackwell, DHPE, RDN, SNS! Tandy is the Coordinator of Child Nutrition in Athens, Alabama. Tandy is who you want sitting next to you at the next CNP conference or meeting. She will get to know you and become your best CNP friend! Read more about her upbringing and what she brings to her role!

Read More!

January 2023: RDN Spotlights from 2022

Looking to feel inspired? Need a boost of motivation? Featured dietitians from 2022 return in this month’s Spoodle, showing you there is more than one way to be an RDN. Your way! Take a look back at last year’s SNS DPG dietitian spotlight line-up (it could be you!)

2022 RDN Spotlights

December 2022: Rachel Findley, MS, RDN, LDN

Would you let a coin flip decide your future? Rachel did. Rachel Findley, MS, RDN, LDN, a School Nutrition Director turned Didactic Program Director, is a kind and caring individual whose passion for feeding the future merged into teaching future dietitians. Dive into Rachel’s story and see where the fate of a coin flip led her!

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November 2022: Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC

Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC (he/him/his) is no stranger to creating culinary excellence. His career expertise ranges from restaurants to corporate wellness, with a shift to K-12 and focus on “innovative ways to prepare America’s favorite vegetable”.

Read More!

October 2022: FNCE® 2022

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This month we focus on FNCE®! See our The Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® feature and all the happenings from the conference.

Read the FNCE® Feature Here

September 2022: Morgan McGhee, MPH, RDN

This month we feature a stellar dietitian serving schools across the nation: Morgan McGhee, MPH, RDN (she/her)! Morgan’s distinctive lens encourages school nutrition leaders to shift perspective and foster engagement alongside collaboration within our practice.

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August 2022: Whitney Ellersick, MS, RDN

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This month’s spotlight Whitney Ellersick, MS, RDN is no stranger in the garden or in the kitchen. Growing up in a family with a passion for gardening, alongside a strong generation of dairy farmers, excellent cooks and bakers, Whitney’s path towards school nutrition took shape. She was awarded the 2022 International Fresh Produce Association’s Produce Excellence in Food Service award winner for the K-12 sector!

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July 2022: Verena Vancil, RDN, LDN

Say hello 👋 to Verena Vancil, RDN, LDN (she/her)! Verena, a Colombian native, currently hails from Gainesville, FL, where she serves as the Registered Dietitian for Alachua County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services. Her distinctive journey into school nutrition is a notable example of what hard work and a positive mindset can do!

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June 2022: Sandy Curwood, PhD, RDN

Meet your new 2022-2023 SNS DPG Chair, Dr. Sandy Curwood, PhD, RDN! We are so fortunate to have one great leader after another in this critical role. A big thank you to outgoing chair, Jocelyn Karbo, MBA, RDN, SNS, for the dedication and hard work that she committed to 2021- 2022.

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May 2022: Jamie D. Hartz, MS, RD, LD

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Jamie D. Hartz, MS, RD, LD is the Manager of Culinary Systems for Sodexo Culinary Solutions Team. In addition, she is a member of the Culinary Institute of America’s Healthy Kids Collaborative where she co-leads the Plant-Forward Group, working with school chefs across the country to bring vegetarian, vegan and plant-forward recipes to students’ trays. Learn more about Jamie.

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April 2022: Melani Duffrin, Ph.D, RDN, founder of FoodMASTER

To hear Melani Duffrin, Ph.D, RDN, tell it, the founding of the FoodMASTER Initiative was serendipitous. A couple of colleagues met up to collaborate, and boom! A 20-year project providing free mathematics and science curriculum with nutrition themes was born.

Read more about Melani and the FoodMASTER Initiative.

March 2022: April Liles, RDN, SNS and Shennie Quintanilla, MS, RD, LDN

Congratulations to April Liles, RDN, SNS and Shennie Quintanilla, MS, RD, LDN, the winners of the SNS Award of Excellence and SNS Emerging Leader Awards! Click here to learn more about how each winner is making an impact in the field of school nutrition.

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January 2022: Robyn Douglas Scholar, MPP, RDN, SNS

Robyn Douglas Scholar, MPP, RDN, SNS is the Manager of Nutrition, Compliance and Partnerships for District of Columbia Public Schools. With a love of public policy and varied experience as a Clinical Dietitian, Dining Services Manager and Clinical Nutrition Manager, she eventually found her way to school nutrition and has never looked back. DC Public Schools has a unique dynamic which utilizes her knowledge of public policy, management, and love of school nutrition. Click here to learn more about Robyn.

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