NvAND Board 

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Voting Members

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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President-Elect
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 there 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. She serves as the Reimbursement Representative for the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and she is a member of a state obesity care advocacy initiative, the STAR Program. 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.

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Past President
​Samantha M. Coogan, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, FAND
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Sam earned her B.S. in Nutrition Sciences from UNLV in December 2011, then went on to earn her M.S. in Exercise Physiology in December 2013. She then passed the RD Exam in May of 2014. As DPND Director at UNLV, Sam is responsible for upholding and maintaining accreditation standards for the Nutrition Sciences DPND undergraduate degree program. She also teaches Sports Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Community Nutrition, Food & Ethnic Issues, and Introduction to Human Nutrition at UNLV. She passed the national board exam for Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics in February 2018, after extensive work with the UNLV football team for two seasons in which she was their sole, team dietitian. Sam also earned the distinguished honor of Academy Fellow, along with Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year at the NvAND Annual Meeting in 2019. Sam loves strength training, metal music, comedy (especially Tom Segura) and is covered in tattoos.

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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
Mickey  Mazurowski, RDN, LD, LPTA, CLT
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Mickey ( Michelle) Mazurowski is co-owner of The Food Connection as well is the owner of Integrated Health and Wellness Center- a physical therapy clinic which is all located in Las Vegas. Mickey specializes in food sensitivities and all auto-immune responses. Combining physical therapy and nutrition throughout her career has helped many people gain functional improvements. Mickey enjoys traveling , running and hanging out at home with her fur babies.

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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 
Sierra Kirby, MPH, RD
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Sierra grew up in Minnesota and is a new resident of Las Vegas. She earned her B.S. in Dietetics with a minor in Global Health from UW-Madison in 2016 and completed a coordinated Master of Public Health and dietetic internship from UMN-Twin Cities in 2018. As a Program Officer at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in Clark County, Sierra is responsible for supervising and implementing school wellness programs at Title 1 elementary schools. In her free time, Sierra loves to read, cook, hike and camp. Visiting every national park is at the top of her bucket list.

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Non-Voting Members

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Incoming Nominating Chair
Samantha Farrar
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My name is Samantha Farr. I was born and raised in New Jersey where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Dietetics and started my career as a Registered Dietitian. I have been a practicing dietitian for over 6 years and earned my CSO certification in 2017 when working for MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Hospital in NJ. Since moving to Las Vegas, I have continued my clinical career as an inpatient dietitian where my passion remains oncology nutrition. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends outdoors. I love to vacation anywhere there is a beach. Lastly, I have an extremely spoiled black lab fur baby named Riley who brings nothing but sunshine to my life.
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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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Licensure Liaison/Consumer Protection Coordinator (PPC)
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 currently the Director of the Dietetic Internship & Nutrition Center at UNLV. Her areas of expertise are sports nutrition, weight management, and medical nutrition therapy. Her research interests include the effects of nutrition or exercise intervention on body composition and energy metabolism. In addition to her duties at the university, Dr. Kruskall is a member of the Editorial Board for ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, is a Certified ACSM Health/Fitness Specialist, and is a nutrition consultant for Canyon Ranch Spaclub and Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.

State Policy Representative
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.

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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Sponsorship Chair
Brianna Davis, Dietetic Intern
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Hi Everyone! My name is Brianna, and I am excited to get the ball rolling as the new sponsorship chair of NvAND.  I recently completed my undergraduate studies in Nutrition Sciences at UNLV, and plan to start my dietetic internship.  My goals for office as sponsorship chair are to connect with companies with like-minded values, and to foster relationships with brands to create a successful annual conference.  In my spare time, I enjoy baking, watching crime shows, and annoying my dog.

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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
Alexandra Lopez, RD
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My name is Alexandra Lopez. I graduated from UNLV and am excited to be more involved in NvAND as Fundraising Chair! I have experience working in the food industry, community, and clinical settings. My long-term goal is to open my own restaurant. I enjoy traveling, yoga, barre, and taking pictures of my food.

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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
Sora Julie Lee, RDN, LD
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Hi! My name is Sora. I’m honored to be your new Diversity Liaison for next two years. I graduated from UNLV and worked with University of Cooperative Extension as Healthy Kids Festival coordinator. I currently work at Veterans Affairs Hospital in inpatient/outpatient setting. Fun fact about me: English is my third language which I’m most fluent in. Third language is the charm! I hope to serve our community with lots of opportunity for diversity!

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State Awards Chair 
Barbara Scott, RD, LD, MPH
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Barbara lives in Washoe Valley, a rural area just outside of Reno where she enjoys horseback riding, hiking and gardening. She also loves going to Hawaii as often as she can. Barb works in pediatrics, is faculty emerita from the UNR School of Medicine, and she is a member of the Washoe County Food Policy Council.

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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.