NvAND Board 

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Voting Members

President
Madeline Belaustegui, RDN, LD​
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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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President-Elect
Kara Freeman, DrPH, RDN, FAND
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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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Past President
Dillon Martin, RDN, LD
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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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Treasurer 
Lisa Weigle, MS, RD, LD
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My name is Lisa Weigle and I am a community health dietitian with a focus on managing chronic medical conditions.  I received my master’s degree from the University of Washington Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics in 2016.  My dietetics career has centered on caring for patients in clinics that often serve those with greater barriers to achieving optimal health.  I currently work for Premise Health in Stateline, NV providing nutrition services for casino employees.  I love working with individuals who speak Spanish and enjoy providing nutrition education in class settings.  Outside of work you can find me recreating in the mountains around Lake Tahoe, working in my yard, cooking, and sharing time with my family.  I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a board member of the NvAND.

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Secretary 
Terina Terlizzi, MS, RDN, LD
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After attending a magnet high school and completing a degree in Information Technology, I attended UNLV and obtained a Bachelors in Healthcare Informatics in 2013. After graduating, I was employed by a healthcare information technology company and was a client services coordinator and lead website designer. I was also a board member for the Healthcare Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS). During this time, I discovered my passion for nutrition and fitness. In 2019, I completed my dietetic internship and a Masters in Nutrition from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. After passing my RD exam, I relocated to Las Vegas to pursue a clinical career. In my free time, I love hanging out with my dog, leading children's worship at church, and exercising.

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House of Delegates/ Reimbursement Representative
Mandi Waiters
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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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Dawn Matusz, NDTR
Public Policy Coordinator
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I am a part time instructor at UNLV, and have taught Nutrition for non-majors as well as food & nutrition policy for Nutrition majors. I live for those lightbulb moments in a student's educational journey when they suddenly understand a concept that had seemed so foreign to them before. It's incredibly rewarding to see interest in food and nutrition policy bloom once they understand the way our governments work to create and implement policy. I am also the Program Assistant for the UNLV Dietetic Internship, and really enjoy being part of growing and improving our program. I have two cats with crazy personalities, and they keep me laughing even on the toughest of days. Warning - I laugh a LOT, and sometimes inappropriately. 

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Nominating Chair 
​Sarah Heindl, RD, LD​
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I grew up in Hawaii and moved to Reno where I earned my Bachelors of Science in Dietetics at the University of Nevada, Reno. Shortly after graduating, I completed my dietetic internship in Las Vegas. I have been a dietitian since 2015. I currently work as a clinical dietitian at Desert Springs Hospital and University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. My goal for office is to influence involvement of dietitians and aspiring dietitians in the Las Vegas community. ​

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Non-Voting Members

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Incoming Nominating Chair
Jolyn Wirshing
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​Jolyn Wirshing, MPH, RDN, LD is the Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics and also a Lecturer for the Department of Nutrition at the University of Nevada (UNR).  Prior to teaching, she worked as a Dietitian in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, an outpatient weight loss center, nutrition research, pediatric clinics, home health, and long term care facilities.  Throughout her career she has had the experience of providing nutrition lectures to an array of populations.  However, at UNR she has been able to develop her joy of teaching.   

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Annual Meeting Chair
Anita Renwick, RD
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As a new dietitian and a new ‘local’ to Las Vegas, Anita is very excited to be the Annual Meeting Chair for the NvAND. Anita grew up in the Bay Area, and discovered her passion for clinical nutrition while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada, Reno.  During her time there, she served as the Internship Chair for the Student Nutrition Association, and also served as the clarinet section leader in the UNR marching band. Her dietetic internship unexpectedly sent her to Las Vegas, where she now happily calls home. She is currently an inpatient clinical dietitian at Spring Valley Hospital where she assesses NICU, ICU and med/surg patients, in addition to having the pleasure of precepting UNLV dietetic interns during their clinical rotation. She also works per diem at her alma mater (internship) location, University Medical Center. Anita enjoys running, visiting Lake Tahoe,  frequenting local coffee shops, and playing clarinet with the UNLV community band.

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State Policy Representative
Sheena Skelton, RDN, LD
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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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Public Policy Assistant
Deborah Joakimson, MS, NDTR
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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
Dillon Martin, RDN, LD
​​contact

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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Fundraising Chair
McKenzie Mayor, RDN, LD
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McKenzie is a Las Vegas born and raised Registered Dietitian, who graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences. As an active member in the community, she is among the first to complete the UNLV Dietetic Internship with an emphasis on Food Banking/Food Insecurity. She is best known for her passion for food, which has elevated through her traveling experiences around the world. Her goal is to inspire others to expand their culinary/cultural knowledge and discover ways to appreciate nutritious foods through interactive education. She is pursuing this dream through the launch of her new business, Mobile Nutrition Kitchen, which will allow her to teach cooking classes at the convenience of her clients’ location. She hopes to collaborate with local dietitians of various specialties to promote medical nutrition therapy through conjoint food services. In her spare time, she enjoys working as a Catering Chef for Live Nation Events, roller skating, diving into art projects, exploring new restaurants, and creating new recipes. As the NvAND Fundraising Chair for the upcoming year, she strives to enhance member support and growth of the organization through meaningful and enlightening (FUN)draising events/activities. ​

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State Media Representative/PR Chair
Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LND
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​Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics and National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Roxana was the one of the first supermarket dietitians hired by Giant Food in Washington DC in 2015 where she worked for almost 5 years. She was provided individual consultations, community presentations, store tours and served as their company spokesperson. She appeared regularly on local media channels in both Baltimore and Washington DC and was recognized in The Washingtonian Magazine’s Best of Washington edition in 2017. She also served as the Sports Performance Dietitian for Georgetown University Athletic Department for over 5 years. In 2019, Roxana moved to Las Vegas and started her own virtual private practice and enjoys helping athletes and clients with eating disorders. In her spare time, Roxana enjoys running, international travel, and is passionate about cooking and baking.  

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Regulatory Specialist
Jake Yarberry​, RDN
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My name is Jake Yarberry and I am one of the Nutrition Manager's for the Dairy Council of Nevada. I have been a board member for the NvAND since 2016 and was previously a voting board member for the Southern Nevada Dietetic Association and for the Ryan White Part A Planning Council. I have finished my coursework and I am now working on my prospectus for my Masters in Public Health with an emphasis on Social and Behavioral health at UNLV. I am currently a community preceptor with UNLV and I am part of UNLV's internship committee. I am also, extremely fortunate to have an amazing wife, and two little boys that keep me busy doing dishes and picking up broken items every minute that I am at home. I am very passionate about our profession and about helping others reach their potential. Please, feel free to email me any questions...... if you don't get a response please continue to email me because sometimes I do get a little distracted.

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Newsletter Editor
Reilly McKinnis
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Hi! My name is Reilly McKinnis. I graduated from Texas Tech University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics. I then moved to Illinois and completed my internship at Illinois State University where I also obtained a Master of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. I moved to Las Vegas in 2018 with my husband who is now enrolled at UNLV. I am currently working as a long-term care RD at a skilled nursing and rehab center. I enjoy reading and working on various craft projects. I am excited to spend the next two years as your Newsletter Editor. My Master’s degree had a concentration of Leadership and Project Management and I am very excited to have a new project to be involved with. 

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Diversity Liaison
Martha Triay
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I have a lot of passion for diversifying our career because as a Mexican-American I can say that there are not enough people that look like me in the field of dietetics. I hope to possibly change that during my term. I hope to take all the "talk of diversity" and actually make a change. I want to do this by getting our career known to high school students of all backgrounds and from all over Nevada. We have to show our support to our community so that our community can show support to us.  Born in Cancun and raised in Las Vegas, I am excited to be the new Diversity Liaison representing Nevada. I just finished my combined masters and clerkship program with Rutgers University. Prior to that I graduated from University of Nevada, Reno in Nutrition. Currently studying for my RD exam. My nutritional interests are pediatrics, renal and eating disorders. I just accepted my first pediatric dietitian job two months ago. When I am not teaching nutrition I am scrapbooking or enjoying nature by running or hiking.

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State Awards Chair 
Laura Kruskall, PhD, RDN, CSSD, LD, FACSM, FAND
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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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Candace Haworth, RDN, LD
Continuing Education Chair
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Candace Haworth RDN, LD has lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for 21 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In June 2019, she graduated from the Dietetic Internship program with Nutrition Ink. On May 27th, she received her RDN credentials. Currently Candace works for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, but she is looking forward to advancing her knowledge. A passion for learning, she would like to further her skills and get a masters degree and become certified to work with disordered eating habits. Last of all, she is the proud owner of a cat.

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Administrator
Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT
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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.