AND-STL Executive Board

Learn more about your 2023-2024 Executive Board as well as what each position does in AND-STL!

We are always looking for members interested in leadership! Please consider nominating yourself for an executive board position for the next election.

  • Shailee is a dietitian nutritionist with a 25-year career spanning across the Indian subcontinent and the USA. She holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Delhi and has worked alongside renowned nutritionist Dr. C. Gopalan at the Nutrition Foundation of India. In the USA, Shailee furthered her education with verification from Fontbonne University, a Dietetic Internship, and a Master's degree in Allied Health from Barnes Jewish College.

    Currently, Shailee serves as a Clinical Dietitian at SSM Health Care in St. Louis and adjunct faculty at Logan University. Previously, she held positions at BJC Healthcare as a Clinical Dietitian and as an adjunct instructor at Fontbonne University and the University of Missouri.

    Shailee is on various advisory boards, including the Master's program on Nutrition and Human Program at Logan University and the Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and Life Science programs. With a strong research background, Shailee has made notable contributions to the field, participating in numerous conferences and seminars globally. Her work has been published internationally and nationally, earning her recognition and awards. In addition to her professional commitments, Shailee actively engages with the community, supporting and organizing health events, fairs, and capacity-building projects for the Indian community. She has held leadership positions as Past President of the India Association of St. Louis and Executive Board member of Center of Indian Cultural Education-Bal Vihar, among other St. Louis organizations.

    Shailee's goals include

    -Working closely with the AND-STL team to achieve their objectives for 2023-24,

    -Fostering improved engagement and participation among local dietitians,

    -Promoting diversity and supporting members and students, and

    -Striving for increased visibility of dietitians in St. Louis and its surrounding areas.

  • President

    The President will serve for one year. The President shall:

    a. Act as chief executive officer of the Academy of St. Louis and Chair of the Executive Board.

    b. Preside at all membership, Executive Committee, and Executive Board Meetings.

    c. Appoint the chairman and approve committee members of any additional special committees, subject to the approval of the Executive Board, except as herein provided, or by vote of the Executive Board otherwise specifically provided.

    d. Invite college faculty and internship directors to send a student and an intern representative, respectively, to serve as ex-officio members of the Executive Board.

    e. Appoint, except as specified in Article VI- Executive Board, Section. 10- Vacancies, a qualified member to fill in for the unexpired term, any and all vacancies ,or replace persons unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the appointment arising in any committee.

    f. Be a member ex-officio of all committees.

    g. Schedule all board and member meetings throughout the year. Solidify speakers to ensure adequate education and continuing education to members.

    h. Represent the Academy of St. Louis at professional and committee activities as necessary.

    i. Complete monthly reports of the Academy of St. Louis’s activities and submit them to the Missouri Academy for use in their newsletter.

    j. Attend Missouri Academy board meetings to represent the district.

    k. See that all orders and resolutions of the Executive Board are carried into effect.

    l. Have the general powers of supervision and active management usually vested in that office.

    m. Plan, in conjunction with the Committee Chairs, the regular meetings of the membership and make such arrangements as are necessary for carrying out these meetings.

  • Marielle is a clinical dietitian at Missouri Baptist, where she enjoys working on the Advanced Cardiac Care floor. In her 7 years as a dietitian, she spent a great deal of time working at Mercy as well and seeing the differences between hospital systems has created a passion and desire for opening up networks of communication for the dietitians of St Louis to learn from each other and improve their own workplaces. 

    Marielle graduated from Fontbonne University and completed her internship at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. 

    In her free time, Marielle enjoys painting, weightlifting, dancing, and working on home improvement projects. 

    Goals:

    1. Expand the reach of STL-AND, bringing in fresh faces for leadership positions and accolades. 

    2. Create communication and discussion between the dietitians of St Louis to share ideas and strategies. 

    3. Leverage the power of AND-STL to help create change and advocate for fair wages in our profession.  

  • President-Elect

    The President-Elect shall serve for one year and shall automatically become President the following year. The President-Elect shall:

    a. Become acquainted with all the duties performed by the President and other officers.

    b. Oversee all programs of the organization.

    c. Send to the Missouri Academy President in August a copy of the goal and objectives, and names and business affiliations of the Executive Board members of the Academy of St. Louis, for the President’s term as President.

    d. Perform the functions of the office of the President in the absence of the President.

    e. Succeed to the office of President should the office become vacant and serve as President until the end of the second term after said vacancy occurs.

    f. Perform other duties as may be designed by the Executive Board.

  • Mariah is the team lead dietitian at New Leaf Nutrition. She works one-on-one with clients where she sees a wide range of clients including weight management, chronic disease management, PCOS, and those wanting to heal their relationship with food.

    Mariah graduated from Fontbonne University in 2021 after completing her BS in Dietetics and her Dietetic Internship and MA in Health Advancement and Promotion.

    Goals:

    Create a yearly budget that helps empower AND-STL to attract new RDs and students to join, as well as positively impact the community.

    Network and engage more with RDs in the STL area.

  • The Treasurer shall serve two years. The Treasurer shall:

    a. Collect and receive all dues and other monies paid to or belonging to the Academy of St Louis; deposit these monies in the name and to the credit of the Academy of St. Louis in such depositories as shall be designated by the Executive Board, such funds to be drawn by check, card, or electronic option, signed in the name of the Academy of St. Louis by the Treasurer.

    b. Be responsible for keeping full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Academy of St. Louis.

    c. Be responsible for rendering financial reports to members of the Executive Board and to the membership.

    d. Submit in writing an annual financial statement to each member, upon request.

    e. Have all powers and functions usually vested in the office of Treasurer.

    f. The Treasurer’s records shall be submitted for professional audit at the close of his/her term of office and shall be part of the permanent financial records.

    g. Maintain incorporation tax status by submitting necessary documentation annually.

    h. Maintain and submit quarterly and annual financial records to MOAND.

    i. Initiate bank transfer with the President, President Elect, and past Treasurer, to transfer ownership of the bank account at start of term.

  • Nicole is a dietitian at Fulton State Hospital, a forensic psychiatric long-term care facility run by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. During her two years there, she has gained practical experience in a large number of health conditions and lifestyles relating to a population with a variety of mental health conditions, medications, and developmental disabilities. Future career ambitions include running cooking classes for people with medically-necessary dietary restrictions and completing her CSOWM certification.

    As a non-traditional student, Nicole completed a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cordon Bleu in 2011 and a BA in Global Health from Arizona State University in 2016 before completing her dietetics coursework with University of Northern Colorado in 2019 and distance dietetic internship with Nutrition Ink in 2021.

    When not at FSH, Nicole works once a week as a Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens, works on her multiple novel projects, and enjoys spending time with her family and dogs.

    Goals:

    Become more involved in AND-STL to become a greater part of the dietitian community in STL.

    Become a mentor for students and interns entering the field from non-traditional backgrounds

  • The Corresponding Secretary shall serve for two years. The Corresponding Secretary shall:

    a. Maintain records of member names, contacts and pertinent professional information as needed.

    b. Issue the call for all meetings of the Academy of St. Louis, as directed by the President, at least ten days before the meeting date.

    c. In coordination with the Nominating Committee, provide instructions, biographical information on candidates and official ballot to each voting member of the Academy of St. Louis. Once results of the election are received, shall promptly notify the membership of results.

    d. Issue dues announcements to the membership and to all Academy members residing in the geographic area served by the Academy of St Louis.

    e. Verify Academy membership of prospective members.

    f. Send out electronic messages to membership and manage Email communications.

    g. Have any and all powers and duties usually vested in a Corresponding Secretary.

    h. Arrange to welcome members at regular meetings and make it possible for new members and visitors to be introduced. Connect members with appropriate board members if unable to answer proposed questions.

    i. Create and distribute continuing education forms to the membership. Maintain records of attendance for 7 years following the activity.

    j. Collect annual dues from members at meetings.

  • Selena is an outpatient dietitian with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) serving Veterans to best support their nutrition needs in a variety of areas including, but not limited to: diabetes, obesity, and malnutrition. New to the dietetics field, Selena completed her undergraduate degree at Fontbonne in 2019 and finished her internship with the VA in 2020.

    Selena holds a passion for helping to address food insecurity with previous volunteer opportunities with area food outreach organizations.

    As a second career professional and non-traditional student, Selena also holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and has 15 years experience working in social services, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.

    When not at work, Selena enjoys spending time with her husband and three year old daughter.

    Goals:

    Connect with nutrition professionals to build upon resources and skills to strengthen the profession.

    Network with area dietitians and interns in the St. Louis area.

  • Recording Secretary

    The Recording Secretary shall serve for two years. The Recording Secretary shall:

    a. Be responsible for taking minutes at each meeting and having the minutes for all proceedings of the Executive Committee and Board meetings recorded in a document to be kept for that purpose; be responsible for making minutes available to the appropriate group.

    b. Assist in filing reports of the Officers and Chairs as needed.

    c. Have any and all powers and duties usually vested in a Recording Secretary.

    d. Email out to board members at least one week prior to the board meeting to collect all agenda items.

    e. Within two business days after meetings, the Recording Secretary shall send out the minutes to all board members.

  • This position is available! Email us at sldapresident@gmail.com for more information.

  • Nominating Committee

    The Committee shall consist of four Active or Retired members of the Academy of St. Louis. Two members will be elected annually and serve a two year term. During the second term, members shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Committee.

    The Nominating Committee shall:

    a. Designate at least two Active or Retired members as candidates for the office of President-Elect annually; two Active or Retired members as candidates for the offices of Recording Secretary and Treasurer in years alternate to the Corresponding Secretary; four Active or Retired members annually as candidates for the Nominating Committee.

    b. A request for nominations for the Missouri Academy Awards will be made at the November business meeting of the membership. A report of the nominations shall be submitted to the Executive Board, and filed, at least two weeks prior to the Missouri Academy’s submission deadline. A biographical sketch for each candidate shall accompany the report of nominations.

    c. Submit the names and biographical sketches of the nominees for Outstanding Dietitian, Recognized Young Dietitian, Emerging Dietetic Leader, Outstanding Dietetic Technician, and Lifetime Achievement of the Association to the Missouri Academy Awards and Scholarship Chair.

  • Nominating Committee

    The Committee shall consist of four Active or Retired members of the Academy of St. Louis. Two members will be elected annually and serve a two year term. During the second term, members shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Committee.

    The Nominating Committee shall:

    a. Designate at least two Active or Retired members as candidates for the office of President-Elect annually; two Active or Retired members as candidates for the offices of Recording Secretary and Treasurer in years alternate to the Corresponding Secretary; four Active or Retired members annually as candidates for the Nominating Committee.

    b. A request for nominations for the Missouri Academy Awards will be made at the November business meeting of the membership. A report of the nominations shall be submitted to the Executive Board, and filed, at least two weeks prior to the Missouri Academy’s submission deadline. A biographical sketch for each candidate shall accompany the report of nominations.

    c. Submit the names and biographical sketches of the nominees for Outstanding Dietitian, Recognized Young Dietitian, Emerging Dietetic Leader, Outstanding Dietetic Technician, and Lifetime Achievement of the Association to the Missouri Academy Awards and Scholarship Chair.

  • Nominating Committee

    The Committee shall consist of four Active or Retired members of the Academy of St. Louis. Two members will be elected annually and serve a two year term. During the second term, members shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Committee.

    The Nominating Committee shall:

    a. Designate at least two Active or Retired members as candidates for the office of President-Elect annually; two Active or Retired members as candidates for the offices of Recording Secretary and Treasurer in years alternate to the Corresponding Secretary; four Active or Retired members annually as candidates for the Nominating Committee.

    b. A request for nominations for the Missouri Academy Awards will be made at the November business meeting of the membership. A report of the nominations shall be submitted to the Executive Board, and filed, at least two weeks prior to the Missouri Academy’s submission deadline. A biographical sketch for each candidate shall accompany the report of nominations.

    c. Submit the names and biographical sketches of the nominees for Outstanding Dietitian, Recognized Young Dietitian, Emerging Dietetic Leader, Outstanding Dietetic Technician, and Lifetime Achievement of the Association to the Missouri Academy Awards and Scholarship Chair.

  • Jenny has been a dietitian for eight years. She did her undergraduate and graduate/internship through Fontbonne University. She briefly worked for WIC after obtaining her RD, and has been working at the St. Louis Area Foodbank for the past six years leading their nutrition programs and working to improve nutrition security throughout their Missouri and Illinois service territory. Jenny is passionate about nutrition and wellness education and believes in using an “all food fits” approach when helping people make behavior and lifestyle changes. She has also been a preceptor for dietetic interns for the last 5 years and really enjoys working with and being a mentor for students in this field.

    Goals:

    Networking with other dietitians in the STL area

    Connecting members with resources, continuing to support the future of dietetics

  • Nominating Committee

    The Committee shall consist of four Active or Retired members of the Academy of St. Louis. Two members will be elected annually and serve a two year term. During the second term, members shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Committee.

    The Nominating Committee shall:

    a. Designate at least two Active or Retired members as candidates for the office of President-Elect annually; two Active or Retired members as candidates for the offices of Recording Secretary and Treasurer in years alternate to the Corresponding Secretary; four Active or Retired members annually as candidates for the Nominating Committee.

    b. A request for nominations for the Missouri Academy Awards will be made at the November business meeting of the membership. A report of the nominations shall be submitted to the Executive Board, and filed, at least two weeks prior to the Missouri Academy’s submission deadline. A biographical sketch for each candidate shall accompany the report of nominations.

    c. Submit the names and biographical sketches of the nominees for Outstanding Dietitian, Recognized Young Dietitian, Emerging Dietetic Leader, Outstanding Dietetic Technician, and Lifetime Achievement of the Association to the Missouri Academy Awards and Scholarship Chair.

Appointed Positions

  • Dena has been a dietitian since 2011 and has experience working in management, wellness, and higher education, currently serving as the director of the coordinated program in nutrition and dietetics (CP) at Fontbonne University. Dena earned a B.S. in dietetics from Fontbonne University; completed her dietetic internship and master’s degree in food and nutrition at Bowling Green State University; and earned her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University.

    Dena is deeply invested in the future of the dietetics profession and finds it incredibly meaningful to remain in touch with graduates and add them to her professional network. She enjoys connecting people with one another and with resources that will help them succeed. In addition to her full-time work in higher education, Dena is a certified yoga and fitness instructor and teaches classes at multiple gyms and studios throughout the week. Dena has consistently served on the St. Louis District board in both voting and non-voting committee positions since 2012. In her current position as Career Guidance Chair, she hopes to:

    1. Assist members with locating work and volunteer opportunities that align with their career interests and goals

    2. Connect members with resources (including other members, in a mentoring capacity) that enhance their current career, and help them attain a future path

  • Plan and coordinate all Career Guidance activities, subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

  • Kerri graduated from Fontbonne University in 2021 with her Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Master’s of Arts in Health Advancement and Promotion. Her nutrition passions include a non-diet/intuitive eating approach, health at every size messaging, oncology, enteral nutrition, and patient centered care. Kerri currently works at Siteman Cancer Center as an outpatient dietitian specializing in head and neck, lung, prostate, sarcomas, and melanoma cancers. Kerri recently accepted a position with Alsana Eating Disorders where she is eager to serve as an integral part of the care team and advocate for quality patient care.

    Goals:

    Communicate changes in legislation related to general nutrition, dietetic licensure, and nutrition related patient care.

    Engage with the dietetic community in STL and Midwest Region.

  • Inform the membership of any legislative statements, policies, and positions of concern to members of the Academy by submitting to the Corresponding Secretary through the proper form to be sent out in the next e-blast. Solicit individual member response when requested by the Legislative Network Coordinator or the Missouri Academy’s Public Policy Coordinator. Encourage individual response. Direct application and selection process annually for Public Policy Workshop, if able to offer scholarship(s) to attend.

  • Plan all NNM activities subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

  • Rachael is a clinical dietitian with 9 years of experience working in a variety of clinical roles. She earned a master's degree in dietetics from Eastern Illinois University. Rachael completed undergraduate research focusing on the importance of family mealtime.

    Currently, Rachael is the lead dietitian at SSM Health St. Joseph-St. Charles and serves on various committees helping to reduce readmission rates and improve surgical outcomes. She enjoys mentoring and precepting interns, as well as new grads.

    When she’s not working, you can find Rachael spending time with her husband and dog either in the garden or on a hike.

    Goals:

    Encourage networking and collaboration amongst St. Louis area dietitians.

    Increase awareness for dietitian services.

    Advocate for the dietetics profession.

  • Plan all website, social media and publicity activities subject to the approval of the Executive Board; direct coordination of newsletter. Manage the website. Coordinate inputs, updates, and changes to the website. Communicate with the MOAND chair to ensure AND-STL’s membership form is updated annually on the website.

  • Valerie is a clinical dietitian at Christian Hospital NE where she has worked for the past 8 years. Over the past 6 years her concentration has been in critical illness/TPN.

    She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UMKC (2005) and a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from SLU (2010). In 2011, Valerie completed her dietetic internship at SLU with emphasis in Community Nutrition.

    Since becoming a registered dietitian, Valerie has served various positions on the board of AND St. Louis:

    2014-2015: Nominating co-chair and National Nutrition Month Co-chair where she and the previous President, Kristin Neusel, worked with a great committee organizing the initial 6K Fundraiser at Creve Coeur Park and created a float for Cottleville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

    2015-2016: Hospitality

    2021-2022: Hospitality

    2022-2023: Hospitality

    In her free time, Valerie enjoys traveling with her husband and friends and has a goal to visit all 50 states and 7 continents.

    Goals:

    Increase AND St. Louis membership to encourage intercommunication among local RDs.

    Use our voice as an organization to shine a light on the importance of dietetics in disease prevention and health maintenance.

  • Email monthly presenters with requests to complete the Speaker Form. Once the Speaker Form is completed, submit requests and costs for CEU approval. Once CEU credit is approved, complete CEU certificate and email to the Corresponding Secretary for distribution. Complete the Reimbursement form and send it to the Treasurer.

  • Mary Beth recently retired from a full-time faculty position at Fontbonne University. With 42 years’ experience, she has had positions as a clinical dietitian, district support dietitian, and food service director in both healthcare and corporate services. An interest in employee development led her to return to school to earn her master’s in education and subsequently positions as an adjunct faculty member in a dietetic technician program and assistant professor in a DPD program. Mary Beth’s emphasis has been dietetics management, the art of accomplishing goals through teams and people. She earned her BS in Dietetics from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her MEd in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

    At Fontbonne, Mary Beth taught a variety of courses including principles of nutrition, cultural foods, food science, quantity food production, food systems and dietetics management, food service sanitation and safety, and the senior capstone course. She has a special interest in mentoring and working with diverse student populations to increase the diversity of the profession.

    She loves to cook and explore food, culture, and cuisine, but her favorite thing to do is spend time with her grandchildren camping, visiting St. Louis area attractions and exploring the library.

    Goals:

    To work closely with the president-elect to assure a smooth transition for the next operating year.

    Increase the number of members in STL-AND with an emphasis on practitioners with less than 10 years’ experience.

    Explore ways to support diverse students in our local universities and internships.

    Assess / determine the pros and cons of remaining a district vs. becoming part of the Northeast Region.

  • Support the President and President-Elect in transitioning roles.