NYSAND’s members are served by an enthusiastic Board of Directors and Coordinating Cabinet. Here’s a brief introduction to these volunteers. We look forward to seeing you at meetings and programs this year and to receiving your feedback and opinions about how NYSAND can serve YOU, the NYS Dietitian or Diet Tech, Registered, and advance our profession in the eyes of our communities. To get in touch with a BOD or CC member, please contact the NYSAND Central Office at INFO@EATRIGHTNY.ORG. Thank you!

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Board of Directors (BOD)

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Brenda Abu is an Associate Professor in the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  In the same institution, she previously served as an Assistant Professor ( 2019 – 2025) and a Post-Doctoral Fellow  (2017 – 2019).  She was previously a Post-Doctoral Associate at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She completed a Dietetics Internship at Iowa State University, Ames. Dr. Abu received her PhD in Nutrition from the University of the Free State in South Africa (in 2015). 

Dr. Abu has experience as a clinical dietitian and nutrition consultant. Her research interests include micronutrient deficiencies, food security, maternal and child nutrition, program/project design and impact assessment, and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about stakeholder engagement and facilitating partnerships. 

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Catherine/Katie Brown has been a Registered Dietitian since 2015. She owns her own growing private practice. Drawing from her own experiences with disabilities, Katie aims to establish an inclusive environment where nutrition therapy is readily available to all.

Katie’s journey in leadership and volunteering began during her time as a dietetics student at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. While pursuing her graduate studies at the University of Buffalo, she served as the coordinator for the Free Medical Clinic for dietetic students. Throughout her career, she has assumed various roles within NYSAND and within her local community. Katie’s passion for Public Policy, Diversity, and Inclusion drives her aspirations to advocate for improvements in job opportunities for RDNs.

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Catherine Conway, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES lives and works in the various boroughs of New York City. She received her Masters in Clinical Nutrition from NYU and has had additional training in weight management and diabetes. Cathy has worked as a Senior Center Director, a Nutrition Consultant for the NYC Dept for the Aging and for over 25 years worked with Intellectual and Developmental individuals. She has served in various positions as Chair, HOD, NL editor, and PAL and currently Awards and Scholarship Chair for VN DPG; ANPAC Committee, and currently serving on AND’s Legislative and Policy Committee, LPC representative on AND Nutrition Services Payment Committee, and Chair of the Disabilities in Nutrition and Dietetics Member Interest Group of the Academy. In her spare time she serves on the Board of Trustees as Secretary for the Queens Historical Society, and on the Board of the Vegetarian Resource Group. She loves fashion, skin care and make up–need to have fun.

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Executive Director
Melissa Munoz

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Chair of Delegates
Maria C. Mahar, MA, RD, CDN

Maria C. Mahar currently holds the position of Deputy Commissioner at the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long-Term Care Services. As a registered dietitian, she has assumed significant roles in the Academy, NYSAND, and District, including DPG Chair, NYSAND and CNYAND president positions, and Annual Meeting Chair. Her professional experience encompasses clinical and management positions, reflecting her unwavering commitment and proficiency in dietetics. Furthermore, she has been a dietetic internship preceptor for over 24 years, mentoring dietetic interns from Cornell, Russell Sage College, SUNY Oneonta, and Syracuse University.

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Co- Chair of Delegates
Lauren Mulligan, RDN, CDN (Pendergast)

I am a RDN with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Delaware and I completed my dietetic internship at the University of Delaware. I am currently a Health and Well-Being Benefits Manager for a financial services corporation in Manhattan. I have experience in community health, nutrition education, program management and leading well-being programming. I have held multiple positions within my local affiliates, including Regional Co-Chair, Hudson County Professional Networking Group lead and Social Media Co-Chair for the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and President, Nominating Committee member, Public Relations Co-Chair and Sports Nutrition Interest Group Co-Chair for the Greater New York Dietetic Association. I also served as a Nominating Committee member for the Dietitians in Business and Communications Dietetic Practice Group. Being a dietitian is a large part of my life and I truly enjoy being involved at all levels to learn from others in the field and help better our profession.

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Public Relations Coordinator Co-Chair
Kristine O’Connor

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Public Relations Coordinator Co- Chair
Allison Bowers, MPH, RDN, CDN

Allison is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with extensive experience working with clients ranging from infants to the elderly. Allison earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from James Madison University and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Saint Joseph. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health in Social Behavioral Science and Health Communication from Boston University, as well as a Certificate in Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is currently Colgate University’s campus dietitian and, when she’s not working, enjoys being a new mom to 2 little boys as well as an avid runner.

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Public Policy Coordinator Co- Chair
Terri L. Provost, Ph.D.

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Public Policy Coordinator Co- Chair
April Ho, RDN, CPT, CDN

I’m April Ho, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Certified Personal Trainer, I was born and raised in Rochester, NY and I love helping people use food and fitness to improve their physical and emotional well-being. I completed undergraduate and graduate studies in Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University, and currently, I work at the University of Rochester Center for Community Health and Prevention providing medical nutrition therapy and personal training to individual patients. My professional interests and expertise include helping people heal their relationship with food and their bodies, cardiovascular disease prevention, and IBS. I live with my husband, three children, and dog, and I spend my free time experimenting with recipes and practicing jiu-jitsu!

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Parliamentarian
Diana Monaco

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Coordinating Cabinet (CC)

Media Spokesperson
Elisa Bremner, MS RDN CDN

Passionate about food justice and sustainability, Elisa Bremner, RDN, empowers people of all ages and abilities to make healthful choices – with fruits and vegetables the primary focus. Elisa teaches culinary and nutrition classes to intellectually and developmentally disabled high school students at Westchester Community College, serves as Campus Nutritionist for JCCA/Pleasantville Cottage School, and founded her own plant forward nutrition business, Green Bites, to help make vegetables quick, easy and delicious for everyone! Elisa has a BS in Communication from Cornell University and an MS in Nutrition Education from Teachers College.

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Media Spokesperson
Emily Tills, MS, RDN, CDN

Emily Tills is an accomplished Registered Dietitian from upstate New York, who serves men and women across the United States. Emily is a graduate of Marywood University’s Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetic Coordinated program and Concordia University’s Master’s in Applied Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition program. Her expertise lies in building confidence in the kitchen and helping her clients feel comfortable in their own skin through nutrition education, accountability, and tailored programs to help them achieve their goals. Emily is a passionate advocate for ending restrictive diets and promotes balanced nutrition and health with her clients as well as through public speaking engagements. She is a contributor to national media channels like TIME magazine, Sports Illustrated, and HealthLine.

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Media Spokesperson
Wendy Kaplan, MS, RDN, CSO, CDCES, CDN

Wendy Kaplan, MS, RDN, CSO, CDCES, CDN is Director of Nutritional Services. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Studies from New York University and is licensed in the state of New York.

She is a board certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

Wendy has been a speaker at several support groups and non-profits and is also frequently quoted in online and print media. She has a special interest in providing comprehensive nutrition care for cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship as well as overall health and wellness and her passion is translating evidence-based nutrition research into practical ways people can understand and use to optimize their health and quality-of-life.

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Media Spokesperson
Jen Nguyen, RDN, CDN

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Delegate
Maria C. Mahar MA RD CDN

2026 Annual Meeting Chair & Co-Chairs
Egondu Onuoha‑Nwaokorie & Catalina Duque

Hospitality/ Special Events Chair
Vacant

Marketing/Communications Chair
Jahnvi Nayankumar Shah

Poster Session Chair
Liz Ruder, PhD, MPH, RDN

Sponsorship/Vendor Chair
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Bylaws/Handbook Chair
Coral C. Clarke, RDN, CDN, IFNCP

Communications Editor
Emily Holdorf, MS, RDN, CDN

Membership Chair
Alaina Hoschke MS, RD, CDN

DTR Representative
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Diversity & Inclusion Liaison
Egondu Onuoha, MS, RDN, CDN, IBCLC, CDCES, GPC, FAND, FILCA

Social Media Manager
Jahnvi Nayankumar Shah

Webmaster
Priscille Hilaire, RDE (Registered Dietitian Eligible)

State Policy Representative
Beth Machnica MPH MS RDN CDN

Nutrition Services Payment Specialist (NSPS)
Kelly Springer MS, RD, CDN
Maja Mirkovic, MPH, RDN, CDN, CDCES, BC-ADM

State Regulatory Specialist
Carole DeBonte, MBA, RD, CDN

Student Representative
Mariana Gianulis & Katie Clarkson

Consumer Protection Coordinator/ Licensure
Taskforce Chair
Karen Ostrum, MS, RD, CDN

Medicaid Task Force (Chairs)
Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN