Officers/Leadership

Lorena Drago, MS, RDN, CDN, LD, CDCES

Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, is a registered dietitian, speaker, author, consultant and certified diabetes care and educator specialist. Lorena specializes in the multicultural aspects of diabetes self-management education and is an expert in developing culturally and ethnically oriented nutrition and diabetes education materials. She founded, Hispanic Foodways which received the New York City Small Business Award in 2006. She developed the Nutriportion™ Measuring Cups that has the calorie and carbohydrate amounts of common foods embossed on each cup and the Nutriportion™ Hispanic Food Cards that have pictures and nutrition composition of common Hispanic foods.

Lorena served on the American Association of Diabetes Educators board of directors from 2006-2010, Chair for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition. She was Past President of the Metropolitan New York Association of Diabetes Educators in 2004. Lorena won the Diabetic Living People’s Choice Award in 2012, the Latinos & Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition Trinko Award in 2016, and the Diabetes Educator of the Year in 2022.

She is the author of the book Beyond Rice and Beans: The Caribbean Guide to Eating Well with Diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association. She is a contributing author and co-editor of the book Cultural Food Practices published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the 15-Minute Consultation: Tips, Tools, and Activities to Make your Nutrition Counseling More Effective both published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She serves on the editorial board of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (ADCES) in Practice. Lorena is Chair-elect of the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Lorena graduated cum laude from Hunter College of the City University of New York with a Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition and received her bachelor’s degree from Queens College.

Kathy Warwick RDN, LDN, CDCES

Kathy Warwick is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 40 years of experience in several areas of dietetics practice. She is owner of Professional Nutrition Consultants, LLC in Madison, Mississippi where she provides diabetes education and support, long term care consultation, hospice consultation, wellness program services, media communications and medical-legal consultation.

Kathy speaks regularly to community and professional groups. She has authored several articles and presented multiple national webinars. Kathy has served as the Editor of Cutting Edge Nutrition and Diabetes Care, Print Communications Chair and Professional Development Chair for the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group. She is a Past-President of the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In her spare time, Kathy enjoys her grand babies, gardening, caring for her chickens, yoga, and a weekly art class.

Anna Parker, DCN, MS, RD, CDCES, FAND

Anna Parker DCN, MS, RD, CDCES, CCRC, FAND is a research dietitian with Anaheim Clinical Trials in Anaheim, California. She is team leader for all clinical trials for patients with diabetes, prediabetes and obesity. She is passionate about diabetes and devoted to diabetes research to help patients improve their diabetes control and live a better quality of life. Anna is a graduate of Rutgers University where she received her Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition.

During her graduate studies, she obtained grant funding from the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group (DDPG) Karen Goldstein Memorial Grant for Diabetes Medical Nutrition Therapy to pursue a randomized clinical research trial to investigate the effect of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) compared with usual care on fasting plasma glucose values, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum lipid levels, and Diabetes Risk Score, from baseline to the end of a 12-week intervention in adults with overweight or obesity and prediabetes. Seventy-six subjects participated and the results were published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has also published in the area of Evidence Based Practice in Dietetics.

Dr. Parker is also currently Adjunct Assistant Professor at Rutgers University in the clinical nutrition department. She has taught classes in preventive nutrition, advanced clinical nutrition, pharmacology, vitamin and mineral metabolism and human metabolism. She is dedicated to being a mentor for students and has also published articles with her graduate students. Dr. Parker promotes research and encourages her students to use evidence analysis.

Dr. Parker has served as Professional Development Chair for DDPG for the past three years. She has also served as research chair for DDPG before that. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; DDPG; Dominican University Alumni Association; and ACRP.

She has received various honors and awards as the: Diabetes DPG Publication Award, Huddleson Award, California Dietetic Association Excellence in Research Award, and the Pharma Times award for Beardsworth Citation for Patient Focus. Dr. Parker has also served as a National Study Coordinator for Novo Nordisk contributing to the area of clinical research trials.

Clarissa Rivera, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, BC-ADM

Clarissa Rivera MS, RDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, holds her Master of Science Degree in Nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and is Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM). She is grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Secretary for the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group (DPG). She works at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System as the Facility Program Coordinator (MOVE! Program) and serves on her health system’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Committee. She also serves on the Weight Management DPG Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Committee, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) BC-ADM Credentialing Oversight Committee, and the Diabetes DPG Technology and Innovations Committee. She started the ADCES South Central Texas Local Networking Group, and previously served on the ADCES Texas Coordinating Board, and the Member Affiliate Council. She has held various positions in diabetes care as a diabetes educator dietitian, a clinical specialist and trainer for continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens, and as a national American Diabetes Association (ADA) Co-Quality Coordinator, and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) subject matter expert. She is a graduate of the 2022 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership Institute. She enjoys gardening, reading books, and spending time with her family.

Jason Roberts, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Jason Roberts, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND is an outpatient dietitian with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he is honored to help Veterans achieve their nutrition and health goals.

An active leader in the nutrition community, Jason served as president of the Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2018-2019 and held the role of Nutrition Services Payment Specialist for the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group (DDPG) from 2020 to 2022. He is currently serving as Treasurer for FY25 and FY26. Jason’s journey in professional leadership began as a student representative for the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), now ACEND.

Among his recognitions, Jason received the 2014 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award and the 2012 Recent Graduate Achievement Award from the University of Cincinnati. These early accolades reflect his ongoing dedication to the profession, which continues to drive his work with Veterans and in the broader nutrition community.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys outdoor activities like running, biking, and hiking, and cherishes time spent with loved ones.

Wendy Castle, MPH, RD, LD, CDCES

Wendy Castle is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian, as well as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, with over fifteen years of experience in the health and wellness field. She is deeply passionate about nutrition and dedicated to helping others discover their own path to lasting wellness.

Wendy is the founder of One Bite Nutrition Consulting, a private practice specializing in diabetes education and management, weight loss, food sensitivities and allergies, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, heart health, and more. Her philosophy centers on meeting clients where they are, helping them set realistic goals, and guiding them toward their personal vision of success.

A bit of background…
Originally from a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, Wendy earned her bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed her dietetic internship with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and later obtained a Master of Public Health from Missouri State University.  In addition to her professional work, Wendy is an active volunteer with the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group, and the Westside Soccer Association, reflecting her commitment to both her profession and her community.

Carrie S. Swift, MS, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES

Carrie S. Swift, MS, RDN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and is Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. Carrie has worked in multiple healthcare settings and roles in her career. Since 2010, she has been a diabetes educator at Kadlec Medical Center. Carrie earned her BS and MS degrees in Nutrition through Washington State University. She has been actively involved in the diabetes community as a volunteer with the American Diabetes Association, Certification Board of Diabetes Care and Education, and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Over the years, Carrie has held many leadership positions for the DDPG. She was honored to serve as Chair in 2007 and to be recognized with the group's Distinguished Service Award in 2008 and Diabetes Educator of the Year in 2013. In her free time, Carrie enjoys reading, playing tennis, and Pickleball. She lives in Richland, WA with her husband Neil and their two dogs.

Vita Tambone, MPH, RDN, CDN, CDCES

Vita Tambone is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. She currently works as an outpatient diabetes educator for Mount Sinai Health System and provides nutrition counseling in a private practice. 

Vita became an active member and volunteer early in her dietetics career. She served as the Awards Chair from 2017-2019, then as the Secretary from 2022-2024. She's excited to serve DDPG again as the organization's Membership Chair.

In her free time, Vita enjoys running, reading, theater, and playing with her dog, Bailey.

Gretchen Benson, RDN, CDCES 

Gretchen Benson, RDN, CDCES serves as Program Director for the Women’s & Cardiovascular Health Science Centers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. She oversees the Centers’ operational strategies, including portfolio management for sponsored and investigator-initiated research studies, professional education, and community outreach. As a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, her research interests include nutrition access, women’s health and improving quality of care among various populations. She currently serves on the MN Department of Health Statewide Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Committee and the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions Planning Committee.

Jenifer Williams, RD, LDN, CDCES 

Jenifer Williams is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has worked in multiple settings in her career, including acute care, ambulatory care, and long term care facilities. She currently works at Cone Health based out of Greensboro, NC as an inpatient dietitian and focuses on patients with heart failure and with lower extremity wounds/ amputations. Jenifer has a passion for working with patients in medically underserved populations.

Jenifer received her undergraduate degree from University of Connecticut and completed her dietetic internship at East Carolina University. Prior to her involvement in the Diabetes DPG, she served as the social media chair for her local chapter of the NC Dietetic Association. Jenifer has served the Diabetes DPG on the social media committee and as social media chair. She also serves on the credentials committee for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education. 

In her spare time, Jenifer enjoys being outdoors, tending to her garden and animals, reading, thrifting unique treasures, and playing competitive pinball.

Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND 

Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND, is a nationally recognized and award-winning Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, global media spokesperson, and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes.

As CEO of a thriving nutrition and wellness coaching business, Vandana has presented at national and international conferences, corporate wellness programs, and academic institutions. She is widely sought after for her ability to translate evidence-based science into practical, real-world strategies that are culturally inclusive, accessible, and sustainable.

Drawing from her Indian American heritage, Vandana brings a distinctive perspective to plant-based eating, diabetes management, and lifestyle medicine. She inspires individuals and healthcare professionals alike to embrace joyful, flavorful, and realistic approaches to long-term health and well-being.

In her free time, Vandana enjoys long walks with her dog, Shadow, sharing delicious food and wine with family and friends, traveling, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro, MS RD LDN CDCES

Jasmine is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist residing in Raleigh, North Carolina.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Dietetics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Master’s in Nutrition Education from Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago. Her interest in nutrition blossomed from health problems dominating her and her family's lives but could have been corrected through preventive diet measures. She co-founded EatWell Exchange Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the primary goal of bridging the gap in health outcomes by guiding communities in making positive life-long changes while respectfully maintaining their culture.

As a media dietitian, she has been featured on many local and national media outlets such as Today's Dietitian, WFLA Tampa, Philadelphia 17, CBS 17 Raleigh Durham, NBC Miami, Real Simple, Self, Essence Magazine, and many more TV stations and publications. 

Amanda Kirpitch, MA RDN CDCES CDN 

Please check back later for bio.

Candice Tufano, RD, LD

Candice is proud to provide free and equitable healthcare to our nation’s heroes at The Department of Veterans Affairs in Central Kentucky. She currently serves as the Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL) for DDPG. She earned her dietetics degree from the University of Kentucky and completed her dietetic internship in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to discovering dietetics, Candice earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Morehead State University double majoring in Government and Journalism. Her professional interests include early diabetes interventions, gestational diabetes, and health disparities in Appalachia. In her free time, she enjoys vegetable gardening and swooning over her rescue dog, Clementine.

Rachel Stahl Salzman, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN

Rachel Stahl Salzman, MS, RDN, CDN, CDCES is a Lecturer in Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Rachel is passionate about empowering people with diabetes to develop sustainable lifestyle changes and leverage diabetes technology and digital health to improve their health and quality of life. In addition to her clinical role, she serves as the Endocrine preceptor for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Dietetic Internship Program, contributes to interdisciplinary education, and leads quality improvement studies to advance diabetes care.

Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, completed her Dietetic Internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and received her Master’s of Science Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University.

Rachel is actively involved in leading professional societies. In addition to her new role as Nutrition Services Payment Specialist for the DDPG, she serves as President of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) Metropolitan New York Chapter. She has held leadership positions within the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NYSAND) including Public Relations Coordinator, and with the DDPG, she served as Awards Chair and Diabetes Technology Chair. Rachel frequently presents at regional and national conferences and publishes on topics related to nutrition, diabetes management, and digital health. Her dedication and leadership have earned her numerous honors, including the Rising Star Award from ADCES in 2022 and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year from NYSAND in 2016.

Laura Russell, MA, RDN, LD, CDCES

Laura Russell is an RDN, CDCES and is the program coordinator at Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis. She has been an educator for over ten years and worked in various settings including research, inpatient care, telemedicine and out-patient clinics. Her expertise includes pregnancy and technology related to diabetes care. Laura enjoys teaching patients new skills and enjoys empowering them with the tools they need to reach their health goals. She is a contracted insulin pump trainer with all major pump companies. She has volunteered with Diabetes DPG for 8 years in various roles. She represented the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at a consensus conference on continuous glucose monitoring for American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists in Washington, DC. She also co-authored an article in OTCE entitled “Insulin Management and Advancing Practice of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in Diabetes Care” in 2018. Laura enjoys trying new foods, cooking, gardening, attending sporting events and being outdoors with her husband and three young children.

Heather McGovern, RD

Heather McGovern is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist working in the clinical field for the past 5 years. She initially began her professional career working in long-term care before venturing into acute-care. She remains working in acute care at Anaheim Regional Medical Center, but now as a Clinical Nutrition Manager where she enjoys leading her team to success. Her role involves numerous responsibilities that intersect between clinical and food service management, but her passion resides within diabetes education. She is actively seeking her credential as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and aiming to bring outpatient education to her acute clinical hospital.

Heather obtained her degree from the Pennsylvania State University, but the start of her dietetic journey began many years prior when diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of fourteen. Working with diabetes educators sparked her interest with nutrition and resulted in pursuing a career in dietetics. After graduating from her Bachelors, her internship carried her over to the west coast at California State University, Long Beach. She has resided in California ever since and made it her home.

Heather resides in California with her significant other and two puppies, Charlie and Pearl. She enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and exploring new restaurants with friends.

Marni Shoemaker, PhD, RD, LN, CSCS, USAW-1

Marni Shoemaker is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health and Human Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and a Registered Dietitian. Her research involves both nutrition and exercise physiology by focusing on how nutrition and exercise impact skeletal muscle health across the lifespan to improve performance and health outcomes. She specifically aims to utilize nutrition and exercise for healthy aging, using physiological and translational approaches to mitigate risk for chronic disease. Marni teaches two courses at SDSU, including Nutrition for Human Performance and Nutrition Assessment. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and certified as a USA-weightlifting coach, aiming to bring both nutritional and exercise instruction together in both research and practice.

Jasmin grew up in the Philippines. She received her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from University of Santo Thomas, Philippines. She had the opportunity to practice as a Clinical Dietitian at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center before moving to Minnesota. Her experience helped her better relate and adapt to multicultural differences. 

Jasmin has a son and daughter with her husband Tony. She enjoys cooking, reading, outdoor activities and traveling.

Sarah Hormachea, MS, RD, CDCES, BC-ADM

Sarah is deeply passionate about diabetes care and education, known for her practical approach to translating and communicating complex health information. She enjoys exploring the “how” and “why” behind clinical decisions just as much as the “what.” Helping clients achieve their goals is what drives her—she truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

By day, she is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES), and board-certified in advanced diabetes management (BC-ADM). With over a decade of experience across clinical trials, community and primary care, and specialty endocrinology, her career has been both diverse and rewarding. Her expertise spans grant writing, program management, remote patient monitoring, and insulin pump training—each day bringing new opportunities to make a meaningful impact. She is especially passionate about helping clients optimize their use of diabetes technology.

By night, she advocates for the diabetes care and education profession. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) and was honored as Colorado’s 2022 Diabetes Educator of the Year.

Alefiya H. Faizullabhoy, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN 

Please check back later for bio.

Cassie Verdi, MPH, RD

cverdi@eatright.org

Cassie is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition communications, public health programming, health professional education, and culinary nutrition. In her current role, she works closely with DDPG’s leadership team to build relationships with industry collaborators, and to secure sponsorships that support the practice of DDPG’s membership.

Her previous work experience includes several years at FoodMinds, a division of Padilla, where she managed and implemented nutrition communication programs for food and beverage clients. Prior to working at Padilla, she was the Associate Director of Nutrition at the American Diabetes Association. She is the co-author of two books published by the American Diabetes Association: 21 Things you Need to Know About Diabetes and Nutrition and The Diabetes Superfoods Cookbook and Meal Planner. She is currently working on her third book. 

Cassie completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Miami University, and she completed her Dietetic Internship and Master of Public Health degree at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Outside of her work in nutrition, Cassie is busy at home with her three little girls. When she has the time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, trying new restaurants, long-distance running, cycling, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Martha Huizar, MS, RDN

mhuizar@eatright.org

Martha began her career at the Academy in 2021 as a Dietetic Practice Group Manager. She enjoys supporting colleagues in leadership roles, helping them give back to and advance the nutrition profession.

Previously, she served as a Health and Nutrition Coordinator, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Lactation Counselor for a Head Start grantee. Martha has also been a part-time instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago for over five years. In addition, she is the owner of a small-batch coffee roasting company.

Martha holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences, a minor in Chemistry, and a Certificate in College Teaching from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

In her free time, Martha enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and volunteering in her community. She currently serves as President-Elect of a local Rotary Club, President of a nonprofit dedicated to the well-being of agricultural workers, and as a board member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

She lives in Yuma, Arizona—known as the sunniest place on earth—with her husband, daughter, dog, and chickens.