March 10-15, 2025
Reno, NV
Reno, NV
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our 2025 Annual Conference! We had three evenings of virtual speakers, a successful & educational Legislative Day in Carson City, and a fantastic In-Person Conference Day at the University of Nevada, Reno. All of our speakers were wonderful – I definitely learned quite a bit from them! And it was even more wonderful to see everyone in attendance, both virtually and in person!
Registration closed. Email [email protected] with questions about admission.
Virtual Weekday Sessions
Friday Legislative Day
Saturday In-Person Networking
Virtual Weekday Sessions
Virtual Weekday Sessions
Mon, March 10th
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Delegate Townhall - Reimagining the Power of our Profession
Kara Freeman, DrPH, RDN, FAND 6:00pm - 6:30pm |
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Hypnosis in RDN Practices: A Skill Beyond Motivational Interviewing
Adam K. Lax RDN/LDN 6:30pm - 7:30pm 1.0 CPEU 
Description:
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Speaker Bio:
Description:
Hypnosis has been used for hundreds of years in medical practices and therapists practices to connect and create impact for their clients. The question is why haven't RDNs utilized this skill set outside of MNT? Obesity is at its highest and knowing where the new trends and medications are with the weight loss industry, behavior modification is imperative in conjunction with this intervention. Come and explore where hypnosis is being utilized in nutrition practices and making impact in nutritional change. Learning Objectives:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of hypnosis and its uses in nutrition practice 2. Identify the 4 components of Motivational Interviewing 3. Investigate the state regulations and its requirements to practice hypnosis 4. Evaluate and Monetize 3 Hypnosis aspects in your practice Performance Indicators:
9.21, 9.22, 9.23 9.24 Speaker Bio:
Adam currently is president of RD4U, Inc., a private practice and he coaches nutrition entrepreneurs in business in how to earn a 6-figure plus and sustainable income program in Nutripreneurship. At the end of the day, Adam’s mantra is to leave his “nutritional blueprint to the planet” for all that seek health, vitality and prosperity. Adam Lax is a nutritional lifestyle authority, speaker, “best-selling author” and registered dietitian for 34 years. He uses his love of food and clinical expertise to make him “The Fun Back into Food Dietitian.” Adam has a B.S. in Dietetics in Nutrition from Florida International University. He holds certifications in Weight Management for Adults and Children from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as hypnosis to assist in transforming his clients. Adam has helped thousands of people reduce and maintain their healthy weight, eliminate medications, and saved them thousands of dollars in healthcare costs. He incorporates simplistic approaches to provide fun, practical, realistic, and safe results. |
The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
Kelly H. Webber, PhD, MPH, RDN, LD 7:30pm - 8:30pm 1.0 CPEU 
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Speaker Bio:
Description:
Approximately 23% of the population affected by some form of mental health condition. Despite the availability of treatments, only 43% of those with a mental health diagnosis receive any form of care. Nutrition is one modifiable factor that can have a positive impact on mental health and can support mental well-being outside of traditional healthcare frameworks. Join us for an informative seminar where we'll explore the intricate connections between diet and mental health and provide actionable strategies for enhancing both. Learning Objectives:
Participants will: 1. Gain an understanding of the link between diet and mental health 2. Identify dietary habits that may be detrimental to mental health 3. List specific foods and dietary patterns that support mental resilience 4. Develop actionable strategies to make positive changes to dietary intake Performance Indicators:
1.1.5 Integrates new knowledge and skills into practice. 5.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision-making. 9.1.5 Demonstrates knowledge of nutrient requirements throughout the lifespan, and their role in health promotion and disease prevention 9.2.1 Engages in educational activities to maintain knowledge and to obtain new knowledge of diseases and clinical conditions. Speaker Bio:
Dr. Kelly H. Webber is a registered and licensed dietitian, a faculty member in the UNLV School of Public Health, and a graduate student in Couple and Family Therapy at UNLV. She earned an MPH and Ph.D. in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Webber has taught in the areas of nutrition and public health for over 17 years and has a unique blend of expertise in physical and mental health and a passion for holistic wellness. |
Tues, March 11th
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Food IS Medicine: RDNs Needed!
Melissa Bernstein, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, DipACLM, FACLM, FNAP 6:00pm - 7:00pm 1.0 CPEU 
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Description:
Diet has been identified as the most important risk factor for morbidity and mortality in the United States. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) regularly treat patients with one or more chronic diseases, many of which have a strong relationship to diet and nutritional health. Disease prevention, treatment and reversal is possible with Food is Medicine (FIM). As food and nutrition experts, RDNs are in a unique position to educate, inspire and guide patients to use FIM to be an active and empowered participant in their own health care. Learning Objectives:
1. Appraise the evidence supporting the benefits of a Food Is Medicine diet prescription, in promoting health and for the treatment and reversal of chronic diseases 2. Describe the role of RDNs as Food Is Medicine experts 3. Confidently apply Food Is Medicine to enhance the overall wellness of patients, clients, and community. 4. Explain the way in which RDNs can take a leadership role as part of the interprofessional healthcare time in educating and empowering patients to adopt healthy dietary pattern Performance Indicators:
Communications 2.3 Collaborates with inter- and intra-professional team members to achieve common goals and to optimize delivery of services Food Nutrition and Dietetics 8.2 Applies current knowledge and skill in the management of a variety of diseases and clinical conditions. Community, Population and Global Health 12.1 Advocates for health promotion and disease prevention in communities, in populations and globally Speaker Bio:
Melissa Bernstein is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and Chicago Medical School. Her professional and personal interests include food and lifestyle as medicine for preventing, treating, and reversing chronic disease. As an internationally recognized speaker and educator, she is passionate about educating students and healthcare professionals on the importance of food is medicine for improving health outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Bernstein has co-authored 6 nutrition textbooks, and has contributed, authored, and reviewed textbook chapters and peer-reviewed journal publications. She participates on numerous advisory and review boards including the board of editors for the Nutrition Care Manual, the Primary Care Advisory Board for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and nutrition editor for the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. A former member of the Board of Directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr Bernstein continues to actively serve on several committees including as chair of the Education Committee charged with creating impactful, evidence-based materials for healthcare providers. |
Unleash the Power of Nutrition for Healthy Smiles
Ellen Karlin, MMSc,RDN,LDN,FADA Sara Karlin, DDS 7:00pm to 8:00pm 1.0 CPEU
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Speaker Bio:
Description:
Explore the dynamic intersection of nutrition and oral health in this interprofessional course. Delve into the core concepts of the nutrition-oral health connection, where cutting-edge research has uncovered crucial nutrients for oral health promotion. Investigate how RDNs and oral healthcare professionals can collaborate to enhance oral and systemic health. Gain insights into the latest scientific findings regarding the profound impact of dairy on oral health, equipping you with effective communication tools for clients and patients. This course will bridge the gap between nutrition and oral health research and practical applications, empowering RDNs to promote positive oral health outcomes. Learning Objectives:
1. Gain greater insight into the bi-directional interrelationship between nutrition and oral health 2. Discover dairy’s pivotal role in maintaining the health of both oral hard and soft tissues 3. Discuss the current evidence-based research regarding oral health guidelines that can be integrated into individualized, comprehensive nutrition messages 4. Discuss how RDNs and oral healthcare professionals can work together to support our patients’ oral health and nutritional status Performance Indicators:
9.1.1, 9.1.5, 9.2.4 Speaker Bio:
Ellen Karlin runs a successful virtual nutrition consulting service. She was a nutrition consultant to dental healthcare professionals in Owings Mills, Maryland and a nutrition consultant at the Comprehensive Asthma and Allergy Center for over 3 decades. Ellen holds a Master of Medical Science degree in nutrition education. Ellen is a fellow of the American Dietetic Association, a spokesperson for the American Dairy Association Northeast and an internationally recognized speaker. She is co-author of “Dental and Oral Considerations in Pediatric Celiac Disease” and has contributed to a variety of other resources. Dr. Sara Karlin is a board-certified pediatric dentist working as Adjunct Faculty at Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and in private practice in Phoenix. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and completed her D.D.S. at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Dr. Karlin pursued her specialty training at New York University and Bellevue Hospital Center, earning a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Karlin is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Karlin is an internationally invited keynote speaker about nutrition and oral health. |
NvAND Business Meeting
8:00 - 8:30pm
8:00 - 8:30pm
Wed, March 12th
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Navigating AI: The New Frontier in Dietetics
Drew Hemler, MSc, RD, CDN, FAND 6:00pm to 7:30pm 1.5 CPEU 
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Speaker Bio:
Description:
In this dynamic and forward-thinking session, explore the profound impact and transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the dietetics profession. From private practice to public health, clinical settings, and academia, AI is revolutionizing how dietitians operate, collaborate, and engage with clients, colleagues, and communities. This session offers both big-picture insights and practical applications of AI, focusing on streamlining tasks in communications, marketing, client services, and nutrition education planning. Additionally, ethical considerations and frameworks for responsible AI use will be highlighted, making this session eligible for a CDR-mandated Ethics CPEU. Learning Objectives:
After attending the session, participants will be able to: 1. Recognize key AI technologies, including their perceptions and historical & current use in public, private, and professional settings. 2. Utilize generative AI through structured prompts to help strategize and support dietetic practitioner related tasks and workflow. 3. Discuss the B.E.A.S.T. of ethical implications in order to plan for responsible AI integration & use in any area of dietetic practice. Performance Indicators:
Ethics: 1.1.2, 1.3.1 Communications: 3.1.3 Critical Thinking and Decision Making: 5.1.1, 5.1.6 Education and Counseling: 10.3.4 Speaker Bio:
Drew Hemler (he/him) is an internationally credentialed registered dietitian who’s been integrating AI across private practice, telehealth, academia, and clinical care settings since the birth of generative AI, collaborating with Microsoft and TELUS Health Canada to enhance and streamline nutrition communications, client management, marketing, program development, and public health education. At Buffalo State University, Drew leverages AI for course development, student real-world preparation, and community collaboration with a focus on ethics and practice sustainability. Drew has been recognized for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence, receiving awards like Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (2024), Nutrition Educator of the Year (2023), and Outstanding Dietetics Service-Learning Course (2021). A Fellow of and active leader within our Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Drew celebrates the diverse & dedicated roles of RDNs & NDTRs across all areas of practice. |
Empowering Future Dietitians: Integrating AI Literacy and Application in Dietetics Education
Raul Palacios, MS, RDN, LD 7:30pm - 8:30pm 1.0 CPEU 
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Experience the future of dietetics education with AI! This session reveals how AI transforms student learning, featuring insights from a classroom study on AI-assisted projects and a live demonstration of an AI-driven diabetes simulator. We’ll also tackle the critical need for AI literacy in nutrition programs, ensuring students use these powerful tools effectively. Join us to see how AI can elevate, and sometimes complicate, education. Learning Objectives:
Analyze the effects of AI tools on student learning outcomes in a foodservice capstone project. Explore AI-driven patient simulations to enhance student skills in clinical counseling. Discuss the risks of unregulated AI use and advocate for AI literacy in dietetics education standards. Performance Indicators:
7.7.1 7.8.5 10.1.4 10.4.6 Speaker Bio:
Raul Palacios is the Didactic Program Director in Dietetics at Texas Tech University and has been a dietitian for over 7 years and has started his PhD studies into the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Nutrition. Prior to his time in dietetics education, he practiced in several settings including foodservice management, clinical and outpatient counseling. He continues to keep up his skills with various PRN positions. As an up-and-coming speaker in the nutrition/AI space, Raul has presented at many conferences as a workshop facilitator and session speaker. He is the guest editor for the International Journal of Obesity’s AI edition, served on the AND committee for AI and education, and teaches an AI fundamentals course at Texas Tech for future healthcare professionals. |
Friday Legislative Day
Friday Legislative Day
In-Person
Carson City, NV
In-Person
Carson City, NV
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Join the Nevada Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics for our Legislative Day on March 14th! What is Legislative Day?
Why is it important?
Where do I go to participate?
How do I join in?
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Saturday In-Person Networking
Saturday In-Person Networking Luncheon Event
Saturday, March 15th
UNR Campus - Joe Crowley Student Union Building
Reno, NV
UNR Campus - Joe Crowley Student Union Building
Reno, NV
Registration and Light Snacks
10:00am to 11:00am
10:00am to 11:00am
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Level Up As a Leader: Exploring Ways to Honor Who You Are While Challenging Yourself To Be the Leader You CAN Be
Toni Toledo, MPH, RDN 11:00am to Noon 1.0 CPEU |
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Description:
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Performance Indicators:
Speakers Bios:
Description:
In this session we will explore methods and pathways to foster, build and bolster leadership skills. While exploring the value of working with other professions and disciplines to expand leadership opportunities. We will hear “voices” of other dietitians sharing insights into what has been most valuable on their leadership path. There will be stories, resources, tips and prompts to explore ways to build and foster leadership skills, qualities and opportunities that honor core values. The takeaway it that it is possible for ANYONE to be a leader. We will discuss ways to explore inner strengths and areas for growth--and explore the myriad ways to be challenged and grow as a leader. My hope is to inspire all to take stock of what they possess and build on that to help themselves and others.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain insights through stories, anecdotes, tips and strategies to help build and/or bolster your leadership skills.
- Identify ways to foster and nurture your leadership qualities to augment your leadership skills and capitalize on myriad tools and resources.
- Appreciate your own interests and innate strengths as assets when working to become a stronger or well-rounded leader.
Performance Indicators:
3.1.1 4.1.3 5.2.2
Speakers Bios:
Toni Toledo is a California-based dietitian who has been working in our field for 35 years. She is an adjunct instructor at San Jose State University and has a private practice serving clients with behavior change in the area of health promotion and health management. She serves as a curriculum consultant for Innovate Health Solutions. She worked at Palo Alto Medical Foundation in health promotion and weight management as well as Stanford University in program and curriculum development and research in health behavior change. She attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for undergrad and completed her Dietetic Internship at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago. She received her master’s degree in public health from the University of Minnesota where she earned the Ruth Stief Leadership award. She is a peer reviewer for the ACEND program and a member of the faculty for the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Certificate of Training in Pediatric and Adult Weight Management. She speaks on the topics of collaboration, authentic leadership and nutrition counseling to fellow health professionals in many different settings such as local, state and national dietetic associations. Her mission and passion is helping her clients find ways to “add to” their lives by focusing on the positives to live long and healthy lives. Toni is driven by this passion and commitment. She created and cohosts an award-winning podcast called –PATH Positive Approaches To Health. This podcast explores inspiring, interesting, and practical examples of what is going on around the world that help people achieve their best health.
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Microbiome and Diet
Steven Frese, PhD Noon to 1:00pm 1.0 CPEU |
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Description:
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Speakers Bios:
Description:
Dr. Frese's presentation will highlight some of the most recent, rigorous work in the diet and microbiome space, as well as describe some of the key innovations from his group's research at the University of Nevada, Reno. The talk will also address key concepts and misconceptions surrounding the gut microbiome and diet, and provide resources for more information for dietitians and patients alike.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe some of the latest findings in diet and microbiome research; 2. Identify common misconceptions about the gut microbiome; 3. Explain key concepts in food and microbiome, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods.
Performance Indicators:
5.1.2; 5.1.3; 5.2.1
Speakers Bios:
Steven Frese is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada. His research applies principles of microbial ecology and evolutionary biology to develop rational interventions to improve human health via the gut microbiome. This includes applying advanced techniques including bioinformatics, DNA/RNA sequencing, and mass spectrometry to determine strain- and ecosystem-level interactions both in vitro and in human clinical trials. His work has primarily focused on the gut microbiome in early life, and the role of diet and the microbiome in shaping infant health and development. Dr. Frese's research group at the University of Nevada is focused on developing translatable applications of cutting edge research to “fix food and save babies.”
Luncheon and Awards
1:00pm to 2:00pm
1:00pm to 2:00pm
Graduate Topics and Abstract Presentations
2:00pm to 3:00pm
1.0 CPEU (Pending)
2:00pm to 3:00pm
1.0 CPEU (Pending)
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Evidence-Based Dietetic Practice
David St-Jules, RD PhD 3:00pm to 4:00pm 1.0 CPEU |
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Description:
Learning Objectives:
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Speakers Bios:
Description:
This session will introduce a model for translating nutrition research into clinical practice.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. describe the main components of nutrition assessment.
2. explain the major challenges in translating nutrition research into diet therapy.
3. organize nutrition assessment to guide and evaluate diet therapy.
1. describe the main components of nutrition assessment.
2. explain the major challenges in translating nutrition research into diet therapy.
3. organize nutrition assessment to guide and evaluate diet therapy.
Performance Indicators:
7.1.1 Identifies gaps in evidence to determine research priorities.
5.1.2. Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision-making.
11.2.14 Analyzes and synthesizes assessment data and findings to establish nutrition diagnoses.
5.1.2. Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision-making.
11.2.14 Analyzes and synthesizes assessment data and findings to establish nutrition diagnoses.
Speakers Bios:
David St-Jules is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research program examines the translation of nutrition research into diet therapy for people with kidney disease.
Giveaways and Closing
4:00pm to 4:30pm
4:00pm to 4:30pm
Questions? Email [email protected]
Thank you to our Sponsors
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