Meet Our Board of Directors 2021 - 2022
Thank you to our board of directors for their commitment to CNYAND and the community!
President: Gregory 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.
President Elect: 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.
Immediate Past President: Emily Kratz, 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 engaged, loves cats, traveling, Netflix, and music.
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.
Treasurer: Laura Brown, RD, CDN
Laura works as a Dietitian at Hutchings Psychiatric Center with Child and Adolescent Services. She completed her DI and M.S. in Nutrition Science at Syracuse University. Laura currently serves as the Treasurer and previously held the position of 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.
Nominating Committee Chair: Kathryn Szklany, MA, RDN, CDN
Kathryn has been a RD for nearly 10 years and she currently works with Oswego Dining. She is a certified Master Trainer with MenuTrinfo, training all staff on food allergies and food safety. Prior to working at SUNY Oswego, she worked as an inpatient dietitian at St. Joseph’s Hospital Heath for 4 years and obtained her CNSC. She spent a year at the University Pittsburgh Medical Center working as a dietitian/specialist in the outpatient clinics. Kathryn has held many positions within CNYAND including president from 2015 - 2016. In 2013, she was awarded the NYS Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with her family.
National Nutrition Month Co Chair: Maria Winkworth, RD
Maria obtained a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and completed a Dietetic Internship at Syracuse University. She is an Outpatient Registered Dietitian at the Joslin Diabetes Center. In her free time, Maria enjoys cooking, dancing, and playing with her dog, Bambi.
National Nutrition Month Co Chair: Caroline Check, RD
Caroline completed both her dietetic internship and Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University. She now works as a Clinical Nutrition Manager for Sodexo at The Centers at St. Camillus. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and indoor cycling.
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. This is her first time serving on the board of CNYAND. In her free time, Nikki enjoys cooking and traveling with her family.
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.
Public Policy 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 Nutrition Services Coordinator 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.
Public Relations & Social Media Chair: Olivia Mancabelli
Olivia is a second year graduate student at Syracuse University earning her Masters in Nutrition Science & Dietetics on the DPD track. She earned her Bachelor's degree in psychology and human development, with focus on childhood and adolescent growth, from SUNY Geneseo. She also works part time at the Breast Care Center and OB/GYN at the Upstate University Hospital Community Campus. Olivia was previously student rep for the CNYAND.
Website Liaison: Jackie Hanks, RDN, CDN, CDES
Jackie works as an outpatient dietitian at the Syracuse VA Medical Center with primary care and the Endocrine department. She has served on the board for the past 3 years on the nominating committee. Her passions include fitness and cooking. She also enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Ramsi.
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.
Student Representative: 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.
Student Representative: Sasha Pourpezeshk
Sasha earned her Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Syracuse University and is currently completing her dietetic internship at SU! She was born and raised in Syracuse and is looking forward to serving her community as a future RD. In her spare time, Sasha enjoys being in nature, going on adventures, and spending time with family.