NvAND Board
Elected Board Members
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President
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I am a part time instructor at UNLV, and have taught nutrition, community nutrition, food science, and food & nutrition policy since 2019. It's incredibly rewarding to see interest in food and nutrition policy bloom in students once they understand the way our governments work to create and implement policy. In my own educational journey, I am about halfway through the Doctor of Public Policy program at UNLV. I am also the Program Assistant for the UNLV Dietetic Internship, and really enjoy being part of growing and improving our program. I have one cat with a crazy personality, and she keeps me laughing even on the toughest of days. Warning - I laugh a LOT, and sometimes inappropriately. It's exciting to take on this new role in NvAND!
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President-Elect
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I have previously served as Public Policy Coordinator and am happy to be supporting NVAND and Nevada RDs as HOD. I currently work tackling food insecurity, inequity and stigma amongst people living with HIV/AIDs as a RD and Health Educator for the Aid For AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). I maintain a clinical presence at Spring Valley Hospital and am currently working towards an MPH with an emphasis on Healthcare Administration from UNLV. When I am not busy I enjoy walking through The Wetlands, watching UFC and keeping up with anything Marvel/DC related.
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Past President
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Kara Freeman, DrPH, RD FAND, moved to Las Vegas full-time in 2012 after a 40-year career at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she was a professor in the Human Nutrition and Food Science Department. During her career at Cal Poly, she taught Introduction to Food Science, Foodservice Systems Management, Nutrition for non-majors, as well as numerous other classes. In addition, she developed and served, for 20 years, as the Director of the post-graduate Dietetic Internship. In her spare time, Kara enjoys hiking, volunteering at Red Rock Canyon andreading.
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Treasurer
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Hi, my name is Dillon Martin and I am excited to be your President for 2020-2021. My overall goal this year to increase the influence of our organization within the community and highlight that “Dietitians Make a Difference”. I graduated from UNLV and earned my registered dietitian license in 2018. I currently work at Premise Health, an outpatient corporate health and wellness clinic servicing Caesar’s Entertainment. I also work per diem at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. When I’m not providing diabetes education or calculating tube feeds, my two daughters keep me busy at home. I enjoy exercise, particularly triathlon, running, and generally most endurance related sports.
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Secretary
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After getting her first degree in 2009, Shauna spent nearly a decade working in health and human services for the State of Nevada before she elected to return to school to pursue her true passion in nutrition and become a RD. She completed her dietetic internship through UNR and now works as an outpatient dietitian in a private practice and also works at a skilled nursing facility.
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House of Delegates/ Reimbursement Representative
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Kara Freeman, DrPH, RD FAND, moved to Las Vegas full-time in 2012 after a 40-year career at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she was a professor in the Human Nutrition and Food Science Department. During her career at Cal Poly, she taught Introduction to Food Science, Foodservice Systems Management, Nutrition for non-majors, as well as numerous other classes. In addition, she developed and served, for 20 years, as the Director of the post-graduate Dietetic Internship. In her spare time, Kara enjoys hiking, volunteering at Red Rock Canyon andreading.
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Public Policy Coordinator
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Charlene is a registered dietitian with an MSc in Nutrition for Global Health and a focus on epidemiology, program planning and evaluation from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She has 15 years experience focused in private practice, clinical nutrition, program management and leadership. Charlene has a keen interest in interventions that alter disease states and take into account a more holistic view of individuals and communities, and in inspiring the next generation of leaders towards whole health. She currently oversees the Southern Nevada VAs transition to a patient-centered, complementary and integrative healthcare system that is grounded in wellness and self-care programming.
Nominating Chair
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Appointed Board Members
Incoming Nominating Chair
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Annual Meeting Chair
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State Policy Representative
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As the Registered Dietitian for Three Square Food Bank, Sheena helps to ensure high quality nutrition through meal programs, nutrition education, nutrition ranking systems, nutrition policy and healthcare partnerships in the fight against hunger in Southern Nevada. Prior to joining Three Square, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas State University and commissioned into the United States Air Force (USAF) through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. She has dedicated over 14 years of military service in both the active duty and reserves and continues to serve in the USAF Reserves. She then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences and completed her Dietetic Internship with a focus in food banking and food insecurity at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas. Sheena has lived in various countries to include the Philippines, the United States, Panama, Turkey, and Japan, which sparked her enthusiasm for traveling. In addition to traveling, she enjoys hiking, trying new cuisine, and karaoke.
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Sponsorship Chair
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I received a BS in Nutrition/Dietetics from UNR as well. I am driven by my passion and a desire for knowledge in the field of Nutrition. I am goal-oriented and hoping to offer skills acquired from my program of education and study, and I am eager to learn and grow in my new career path. I offer over 17 years of experience of working in administration and bookkeeping in both private and financial institutions. I have provided comprehensive and operational support, which included working directly with clients both domestically and internationally. My prior work experience as well as my studies in Nutrition has provided me with a sense of responsibility, scientific knowledge, and a strong work ethic. I am currently working as a Research Associate in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Nevada, Reno, assisting in the “Rethink Your Drink” project at UNR with Dr. Jaime Benedict.
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Consumer Protection Coordinator
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Hi, my name is Dillon Martin and I am excited to be your President for 2020-2021. My overall goal this year to increase the influence of our organization within the community and highlight that “Dietitians Make a Difference”. I graduated from UNLV and earned my registered dietitian license in 2018. I currently work at Premise Health, an outpatient corporate health and wellness clinic servicing Caesar’s Entertainment. I also work per diem at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. When I’m not providing diabetes education or calculating tube feeds, my two daughters keep me busy at home. I enjoy exercise, particularly triathlon, running, and generally most endurance related sports.
PR/Media Chair
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Romina Ballesteros is currently a graduate student pursuing her Masters of Science in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Las Vegas, NV. She completed her Dietetic Internship through UNLV where she spent time at Spring Valley Hospital and Clark County School District Food Service Department for her rotations. Romina graduated in May 2023 with her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences from UNLV. During her undergraduate years, Romina pursued various professional and volunteer opportunities to grow within the field of nutrition and dietetics. Romina founded the Food Pantry Farmers Market, which started as an independent study through the Nutrition Sciences program to help fight food insecurity within the Las Vegas community. In recent times, Romina has also engaged in research with the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences. Romina has received multiple achievements during her academic career, her top achievements being the Outstanding Dietetic Student Award - DPD for Nevada and the Community Engagement Student Award from UNLV.
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Fundraising chair
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Anastasia is a Reno-based Registered Dietitian, outdoor enthusiast, and second-year fundraising chair on the NvAND board. These experiences have allowed her to contribute to our profession by supporting diversity, raising awareness of the field in Nevada's
schools, and fundraising for NvAND initiatives. Born in Russia,Anastasia's fondest memory is of her family's garden, where she spent most of her summer days and developed a passion for growing food and nutrition. With a third of her life spent in the United States, she holds a bachelor of science in Health & Human Sciences from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences: Multidisciplinary Health Communication Studies Concentration from Fontbonne University. Currently, she works with families and children at the Therapy Management Group and Urban Roots and adults at the Sierra Health and Wellness Center in Reno, striving to nourish lives through joyful healthy habits and favorite foods. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as snowboarding, hiking, and gardening.
schools, and fundraising for NvAND initiatives. Born in Russia,Anastasia's fondest memory is of her family's garden, where she spent most of her summer days and developed a passion for growing food and nutrition. With a third of her life spent in the United States, she holds a bachelor of science in Health & Human Sciences from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences: Multidisciplinary Health Communication Studies Concentration from Fontbonne University. Currently, she works with families and children at the Therapy Management Group and Urban Roots and adults at the Sierra Health and Wellness Center in Reno, striving to nourish lives through joyful healthy habits and favorite foods. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as snowboarding, hiking, and gardening.
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Regulatory Specialist
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Maddy’s love for food started on her family’s farm in Deerfield, Wisconsin. Her childhood consisted of sports, horseback riding, and selling every vegetable imaginable at local farmers markets. With the guidance of her mother Amy, also a registered dietitian, Maddy chose to study at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It was here that she met her Vegas-born husband. Maddy is currently the Director of Dietetics at Horizon Specialty Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She serves as a preceptor to University of Nevada, Las Vegas dietetic interns and she is passionate about helping future dietitians find purpose in our field. In 2018 she started her own practice, Desert Dietitians. She hopes her future involves growing her business and empowering those with chronic diseases to improve their health while enhancing their relationship with food. Maddy enjoys hiking, cooking, and dancing with her two feisty daughters and her patient husband, bless his soul.
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Newsletter Editor
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My name is Nancy Zheng and I moved to Las Vegas from Northern California almost 3 years ago. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Clinical Nutrition and DPD at the University of California, Davis and I completed my Masters of Science in Nutrition Science and my Dietetic Internship at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am currently working at Desert Springs Hospital, Mountain View Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic and have been enjoying the diversity of different work settings. I am a motivated and hardworking individual who believes in trying her best no matter the task. In my free time you can find me climbing in the mountains, attempting handstands at a yoga studio, or eating out at a local restaurant.
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Diversity Liaison
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Enrique is currently a graduate student at UNLV where his focus is on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the dietetics profession. He advocates for both potential interns of color and Whites alike for a fair opportunity to earn a DI and has worked with AND IDEA for the recruitment of students of color in efforts to diversify our field in the future. Currently, he assists the UNLV DI cohorts addressing and educating the interns via DEI efforts. He facilitates and has developed cultural sensitivity content and instruction for the DIs to combat white supremacy within dietetics. He meets individually with dietetics interns to educate and discuss topics related to cultural competency. One of his goals is to be present and assist during DI interviews for different programs to ensure every potential intern is given a fair opportunity, especially those who experienced unfair disadvantages throughout their lives.
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State Awards Chair
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Dr. Kruskall received her Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from Columbia University, her PhD in Nutrition from Penn State University, and is a Fellow of both the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). In addition, she is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and holds a certification in Adult Weight Management, Level 2, from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. She is an Associate Professor at UNLV and is the Founding Director of the UNLV Nutrition Center, Founding Director of the Dietetic Internship and creator and Graduate Coordinator of the M.S. in Nutrition Sciences Programs. Dr. Kruskall created the existing Nutrition Sciences educational programs at UNLV and made it her mission over the last 20+ years to be the driving force that makes UNLV Nutrition Sciences the primary source of newly credentialed nutrition and dietetic professionals in southern Nevada
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Social Media Chair
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Hi, I'm Tara Laguerta, MS, RDN, LD! As a dietitian with over 7 years of experience, I specialize in helping people with prediabetes achieve sustainable weight loss through mindful eating and joyful movement. When I’m not in the gym or supporting my clients, you’ll find me chasing after my wild 6-year-old, hiking the beautiful trails of Nevada, designing interactive coloring books or whipping up delicious recipes in the kitchen. I'm also passionate about keeping the dietetics field exciting, which is why I'm always pushing myself to grow, learn, and support my community. Let's connect!
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"Vilasi" Vilasavathi Venkatachalam, MSc., MS, RDN
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Vilasavathi Venkatachalam is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDR 2001) with an abiding interest and deep respect for culinary traditions, both old and evolving, around the world. She believes food to be a memory keeper and foodways often "Memoirs of Cultures". They tell us stories of how people lived and live, what was and is available to them, healing traditions, and culinary practices. She studies dietary patterns, culinary traditions, and ethnobotany and how they influence risk, resilience, and well-being.Her practice is virtualand global. She is a specialized generalist for unusual cases, menus based on cultural, personal and therapeutic needs. Most come to her for Cancer, Cardiovascular, Kidney and Digestive Issues related interventions, and the way she integrates culinary traditions around the world into their menus.She is currently the Continuing Education Chair of NvAND, Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Member Services Chair for IAAND, The International Affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.And most proudly licensed as a Dietitian in the Silver State. Living in Las Vegas surrounded by the mountains and stunning sunrises and sunsets counts among the highlights of her life.
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Administrator
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Lauri Egan, Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer, has been helping people develop a healthy way of life that they love for over ten years. She uses her experience in nutrition, fitness, yoga, and life to help others identify their roadblocks to Loving Life Healthy. After building her own website for Egan Wellness, she started to become more involved with the web design for other health organizations. She found an interest in the organization and internet presence of groups promoting health. She dubs herself a connoisseur of great sunrises, dark chocolate and sidewalk chalk art. When not on the computer, she can be found strumming a guitar, creating impromptu workouts with her kids and, of course, cooking in the kitchen.