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Meet Our Board of Directors 2022 - 2023

Thank you to our board of directors for their commitment to CNYAND and the community!

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President:  Emily Tills, MS, RD, CDN

Emily is a graduate of Marywood University's Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics and graduated in 2018. She has her Master's Degree in Applied Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition from Concordia University from Chicago. She owns her own 1:1 Nutrition coaching and counseling business, Nourished with Emily, where she works with women to build healthy lifestyle habits and for weight loss for clients around the US.  She enjoys hanging out with family, traveling, and playing with her dog, Mr. Magoo.

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President Elect & Website Liaison: Laura Brown, MS, RD, CDN

Laura works as the Nutrition Services Coordinator at the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services. She completed her DI and M.S. in Nutrition Science at Syracuse University. Laura previously held the position of Treasurer and Nominating Committee co-chair for CNYAND. She previously had a career in accounting with a B.S. and M.S. in accounting from Syracuse University.

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Immediate Past President: Greg Belzak

Greg received his bachelor's degree in Nutrition from Syracuse University. He also completed his dietetic internship there as well. Greg is currently working as a registered dietitian in long-term care. In past years he has been involved with CNYAND as a Social Media Co-Chair, and Public Relations Chair.

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Secretary: Amanda Woolnough, MA

Amanda is currently working as a clinical dietitian at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY. She received her master's degree from Syracuse University in Nutrition Science and Dietetics in 2020 and completed her DI at Syracuse in 2021. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her goldendoodles outdoors.

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Treasurer: Rebecca Knafelc, MS, RD, CDN

Rebecca earned her BS in Dietetics from SUNY Oneonta and MS in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University. She has spent the majority of her career working in Long Term Care and Community Nutrition. She is currently a Nutrition Services Administrator 2 for the NYS Office of Mental Health at Hutchings Psychiatric Center. Rebecca has held many previous positions with CNYAND, including Secretary and Professional Issues Chair. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, including many furry ones, and golfing. 

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Nominating Committee Co-Chair & Reimbursement Chair: Heather Hudson, MA, RD, CDN

Heather earned her Masters in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University and has spent her career in community nutrition. She is the Project Director for the Senior Nutrition Program at the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services. Heather has participated in local, state, and national workgroups focused on initiatives that improve access and availability of nutritious food to low-income and vulnerable populations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.

National Nutrition Month Co-Chair: Erica Perusse

Erica is working towards her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics on the DPD track and minoring in Gerontology at Kansas State University.  She enjoys spending time with her family, taking photos, and is a firm believer in experiencing new opportunities through volunteering.

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Nominating Committee & National Nutrition Month Co-Chair: Emily Januseski, MPH, RD, CDN, CSO

Emily obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Syracuse University, & also completed her Dietetic Internship there. She went on to earn her Master of Public Health from SUNY Upstate. She has experience in both long term and acute care. She was named the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year in 2019. She is currently employed at Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York. She enjoys being involved with CNYAND. She is recently married, loves cats, traveling, Netflix, and music.

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Professional Development Co-Chair: Nikki Beckwith, MA, RD, CDN

Nikki completed her bachelor's degree in dietetics at Buffalo State College and her master’s degree in nutrition science at Syracuse University. She has worked in acute care, long term care, food service management, and clinical nutrition management. She currently serves as the Dietetic Internship Director at Syracuse University.  Nikki is a returning member to the board of CNYAND. In her free time, Nikki enjoys cooking and traveling with her family.

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Professional Development Co-Chair: Jackie Misch, MA, RD

Jackie earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Niagara University before making the decision to study nutrition. She worked in banking while taking classes after work and on weekends and was accepted into Syracuse University's Nutrition Science program to earn her Master's Degree. She is now loving working long term care at The Commons on St Anthony in Auburn. This is Jackie's first year as an active member of the CNYAND. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and running with her husband and pup Loki. 

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Public Policy Chair: Rebecca Garofano

Rebecca is a dietetic intern at Syracuse University, where she recently completed her Master of Science in Nutrition Science. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Community Development and a professional background working in environmental health and agriculture community development. Her thesis work focused on integrated measures for agroecology and human nutrition, and she is an active member of the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group’s Public Policy Committee.

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Public Relations & Social Media Chair: Olivia Mancabelli

Olivia is currently a dietetic intern at Syracuse University, having recently earned her Masters in Nutrition Science on the DPD track from here as well. She earned her Bachelor's degree in psychology and human development from SUNY Geneseo. Olivia currently works with NYSAND as a social media representative. For the CNYAND, she was previously a student representative and is in her second year as social media chair and public relations.

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Membership Chair: Chelsea Brazee, RDN

Chelsea has her Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Buffalo State College and competed her dietetic internship there as well. She is currently working both in long term care at Finger Lakes Center for the Living and outpatient diabetic counseling at Auburn Regional Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology. 

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Student Representative: Stephanie Hua

Stephanie is a second-year undergraduate student at Syracuse University’s Nutrition program with a major in Nutrition and minor in Psychology. She grew up in China and went to high school in Portland, Oregon. She is a student member of DPG20 Oncology Nutrition and plan to be a clinical dietitian in the future. During her free time, she loves hiking and reading. 

Student Representative: Alyssa Quinn

Alyssa is currently an undergraduate student at Syracuse University in the Nutrition program with a Food Studies minor. She grew up locally here in CNY and plans to continue her track to become an RDN. Alyssa currently works as a Student Representative for CNYAND.

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