Gay Anderson, SNS
Gay Anderson (SNS) is Coordinator for the Sioux Falls School District Child Nutrition department completing her first year after serving in the same role for the Brandon Valley School District for over eighteen years. Anderson has been an active member of the School Nutrition Association not only in her home state of South Dakota but also on the SNA National Board of Directors in various roles for eight years in which the last two were served as President.
Cindy Allen Belcher, MEd, RD,
LDN, SNS
After graduating from college with a double major in education and marketing, and a minor in nutrition, Cindy Allen Belcher (MEd, RD, LDN, SNS) taught school before being recruited by an electric utility company where she worked as a Commercial Food Service Specialist. During this time Cindy worked with customers in the education and healthcare fields presenting seminars, training classes, and cooking demonstrations. After several years, she became the marketing manager for an equipment company where she again had the opportunity to work with school foodservice professionals and ultimately inspired her to change course. After working in school foodservice for ten years. In 2008 Cindy started her own consulting company, and today she continues to train food service professionals, conduct administrative reviews, develop and marketing computer programs for CNP, and offer one-on-one assistance to school nutrition programs. She now resides in Pike Road, Alabama with her husband and their two “fur-babies”, RT Tugger and Rocky.
Vickey Coffey
Vickie Coffey is the Nutrition Services/Healthy Schools Director at RBB Edgewood Schools in Ellettsville. Besides Nutrition Services Director, she wears many hats for RBB including the Healthy Schools Chair, United Way Campaign and Allocations Facilitator, Survey and Focus Group Chair for the school district’s Marketing Team. She’s a certified ServSafe Instructor and Proctor and has received the Franklin Leading Light Award for RBB Healthy Schools Culture. Feeding kids healthy filling foods from the food truck in her community makes her happy. In her free time, she spoils her husband with home cooked meals, spoils the fur babies, Jaggie the dog and Reggie the cat, with anything they want and is anxiously awaiting grandchildren. She is a retired ZUMBA instructor, but still likes to attend class to shake off some stress.
Annette Hendrickx Derouin,
MPH, RD, SNS
Annette Hendrickx Derouin (MPH, RD, SNS) is the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Willmar, New London-Spicer, Montevideo and Community Christian Schools in Minnesota. She has worked in School Nutrition for over 26 years. The districts she works with offer the School Breakfast, School Lunch, After School Snack, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable, Child Care and At-Risk Evening Meals and Summer Food Service, as well as the USDA Commodity Foods Programs to the fullest extent possible. She is a Registered Dietitian receiving her Undergraduate Degree in Dietetics from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in Health and Nutrition Administration from the University of Minnesota. Annette is the 2020 School Nutrition Association Minnesota, Midwest Region and National Director of the Year. She is a former State President for the Minnesota School Nutrition Association. Annette holds the School Nutrition Specialist credentials and has served on several state and national committees for the School Nutrition Association. She is a ServSafe Food Safety Instructor for the National Restaurant Association and is a Trainer/Consultant for the Institute of Child Nutrition and other Minnesota Child Nutrition Programs. Annette’s favorite School Lunch growing up was Hamburger Gravy over Mashed Potatoes. She is married and has two adult children.
Stefanie Giannini, MA, SNS
Stefanie Giannini (MA, SNS) is a school nutrition professional, speaker, and educator with a fierce passion for personal, leadership, and organizational development. She holds a bachelor’s in Food & Nutrition Management from Arizona State University and a master’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning from George Washington University. She is currently the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Marquardt School District 15 and is on the Illinois School Nutrition Association's Executive Board. Stefanie is on a mission to inspire and cultivate every individual's identity and development as a leader.
Lynelle Johnson
Lynelle has been the Food Service Director for Williston Basin School District #7 for the past 17 years and previously was the director in Jamestown, North Dakota for six years. She oversees 12 schools with an enrollment of 5000 students. Lynelle is past President of the North Dakota School Nutrition Association (NDSNA), past NDSNA Legislative Chair and also serves as a Director on the School Nutrition Association Board of Directors.
Keba Laird, MBA, RDN, SNS,
ACSM EP-C
Keba Laird (MBA, RDN, SNS, ACSM EP-C) has 22 years of experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist. She has worked in the areas of food service management, medical nutrition therapy, corporate worksite wellness, group fitness, health coaching, and school nutrition. Keba serves as Child Nutrition Supervisor II for Clinton Public School District where she supervises and trains staff in food service operations, coordinates district health council initiatives, provides nutrition education and wellness programs, serves as dietetic internship preceptor, and devises menus compliant with federal meal standards. Keba was recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award, awarded by the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and served in the following leadership roles in SNA, Mississippi School Nutrition Association (MSNA) and Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MS-AND): SNA: Program Advisor, School Nutrition Industry Conference, 2023; District Director/Southeast Region, Professional Development Committee, 2021-2023; SNF Scholarship Selection Committee Member, 2021-2023. MSNA: President Elect, 2021-2022; Vice President, 2020-2021; Public Policy & Legislative Regional Representative, 2019-current; Secretary, 2018-2020; School Nutrition Foundation State Ambassador, 2016-2018. MS-AND: President, 2004-2005; President-Elect, 2003-2004.
Ashley K. Powell, Ph.D, RDN
, SNS
Ashley K. Powell (Ph.D, RDN, SNS) is a registered and licensed dietitian and currently serves as the Child Nutrition Director for Auburn City Schools. She holds a B.S. in Dietetics and a M.Ed. in Health Promotion from Auburn University. She completed her Ed.S. from the University of Georgia and her PhD from Auburn University in Adult Education. Dr. Powell holds her School Nutrition Specialist credential from the School Nutrition Association. In her current position, Dr. Powell is responsible for the overall foodservice operations of the school district while following all of the federal, state and local nutrition and food safety guidelines. In previous positions, Ashley has served as a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, School Nutrition Coordinator, as well as a Renal Dietitian. Dr. Powell has served as the Alabama School Nutrition Association President, President-elect, and Vice-president. She has also served on the ASNA nominating and scholarship committee. She is the past chair for the SNA Professional Development committee and current SNA board member. Ashley and her husband reside in Auburn and have three children.
Rodney Taylor
Rodney Taylor’s leadership journey spans 30 years in education beginning in 1991 as the Food Services Director for San Mateo Union High School District/ Compton Unified School District, while most recently retiring as Food and Nutrition Services Director, for the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, the 10th largest school in the United States. Mr. Taylor takes a vision and makes it reality through sound strategy development. He inspires innovative ideas and concepts and provides avenues to ensure change is managed effectively. He is an inspirational leader who tells stories that inspire action while at the same time ensures that stakeholders remain engaged in the process and are well-supported when change impacts their daily lives. He believes open and honest communication is essential to maintaining support for the strategy. As a seasoned consultant, Rodney has provided organizations in the public and private sectors with practical strategies that enable change management as an enterprise business capability. Respected as a credible voice in decision making, strategic thinking, innovation, and establishing governance boundaries. Rodney has served on numerous boards such as the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, the University of California (UC) President’s Advisory Commission for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Network for a Healthy California’s Executive Committee. Rodney holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Donna Whitted, SNS
Donna J Whitted (SNS) has 35 years of experience in management and training of K-12 school nutrition programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer and Family Sciences with a Psychology Minor from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Donna retired in February, 2021 from the Nutrition Service’s (NS) Trainer position with Shelby County Schools in Memphis, TN. Shelby County Schools is a Major City District and their NS Department has more than twelve hundred (1200) employees. Donna was responsible for facilitating and implementing training programs for all of their NS employees. Donna was one of the first employees with Shelby County School’s NS Department to receive the School Nutrition Specialist certification. Donna is also a ServSafe Certified Proctor/Instructor, HACCP Certified Manager, and has a SNA Level 3 Certification. Donna also is a consultant trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.
Beth Mincemoyer Egan, MEd,
RDN, SNS
Beth Mincemoyer Egan (MEd, RDN, SNS) is Associate Teaching Professor, Emerita, School of Hospitality Management at Penn State University. She earned bachelor’s degrees from Penn State in education and management dietetics and a master’s degree in adult and extension education. Beth completed her dietetic internship in the Milwaukee Public Schools Food Services Division, became a Registered Dietitian, and has been working with school nutrition programs ever since. She was a district director in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and a school foodservice consultant for the State of Wisconsin. She is a past president of SNA of Wisconsin and has served on numerous boards and committees at the state and national levels of SNA. In 2018 Beth received the Silver Friend of Child Nutrition FAME award. She was awarded the Penn State University School of Hospitality Management Bill Kidd teaching excellence award in 2019. Beth currently serves as a trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.
Jessica Gould, RD, SNS
Jessica Gould (RD, SNS) has been the Director of Nutrition and Warehouse with Littleton Public Schools for over 7 year. Littleton Public Schools has an enrollment of 14,500 and serves roughly 7,500 students daily. She has extensive experience in School Nutrition with emphasis on advocacy, menu planning/purchasing, commodity utilization, and financial accountability. Jessica is a registered dietitian, school nutrition specialist, past president for the Colorado School Nutrition Association and currently serves as the chair of the Public Policy & Legislation committee for the School Nutrition Association.
Jocelyn Karbo, MBA, RDN, SNS
Jocelyn Karbo (MBA, RDN, SNS) is a lifetime Child Nutrition enthusiast. She has spent her entire career working to provide healthy school meals for many children and now provides training for school nutrition program administrators. She is an active Registered Dietitian, currently serving as the Chair of the School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with over 800 school nutrition dietitian members across the country. Her role as an NSLP Content Specialist through a contract with the Texas Department of Agriculture provides child nutrition training support for the state. Jocelyn has relied on her Master’s of Business Administration and undergraduate nutrition degrees to lead her way through her career and values her certifications as a School Nutrition Specialist, through SNA as well as being a certified instructor and proctor for ServSafe. She enjoys crocheting in her spare time and spending time outdoors with her family.
Marilyn B. Moody, MS, SNS
Marilyn Moody (MS, SNS) served the state of North Carolina as a vocational teacher, a clinical nutritionist, and a school nutrition administrator. She retired with over 32 years of state service. She spent the last 10 years of her career as director of Child Nutrition Services for Wake County Public School System, the largest school district in North Carolina. As evidenced by the USDA Best Practice Award, the HealthierUS School Challenge Bronze and Silver Awards, and the Thelma Flanagan Gold Award, Marilyn has led with merit in all aspects of nutrition programs from food production and service to storage, sanitation, and safety. Marilyn holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from East Carolina University. She is a certified School Nutrition Specialist, has served in leadership roles for the School Nutrition Association including Southeast Regional Director, and has been a contributing author to the SNA state and national magazines. Marilyn is a consultant trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition.
JoAnne Robinette, SNS
JoAnne Robinett, SNS, holds a master’s degree in administration and is SNA credentialed as a School Nutrition Specialist. An in-demand presenter, she frequently keynotes district trainings, and state and national conferences. JoAnne has been quoted in USA Today, Parenting Magazine, and The Boston Globe. Her articles have been featured in many state association publications and in School Nutrition, SNA’s flagship publication. After 35+ years she is still actively involved, currently serving as the chair of the Board of Directors for the School Nutrition Foundation. She is the administrator for the Facebook group “School Nutrition Professionals” with over 8,000 members. About 15 years ago she started her own business, America’s Meal, to deliver training and inspiration to schools, associations, and businesses in this field. She has found success in this “encore” career - accepting about 50 training, speaking or consulting assignments annually since retiring as the Director of School Nutrition at Beavercreek Schools in Ohio in 2010. JoAnne lives in Jamestown, Ohio. She loves to travel. She winters on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida and travels abroad when she can. She is always happy share her humor, enthusiasm and passion with others in the great field of school nutrition.
Carolyn Thomas, SNS
Carolyn Thomas (SNS) is the Child Nutrition Consultant for the Macomb ISD in Michigan, working with 31 local school districts in Macomb and St. Clair counties providing support, assistance, training, leadership development, and guidance for their School Nutrition departments. She also coordinates the School Nutrition programs for the ISD's 8 special needs schools. Carolyn holds an MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy, and also holds her School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential through SNA, and her Child Nutrition Director (CND) credential through the Michigan School Business Officials. She is an instructor in the School Nutrition Association of Michigan Professional Development Training Program and the SNAM Leadership Academy and is the past President for the School Nutrition Association of Michigan.
Dan Ellnor
Dan is a dynamic leader, speaker, and innovator with over 20 years of leadership experience. He is an Eagle Scout and community volunteer. He is passionate about reacquainting people to their food. He has served at multiple State and National levels within the School Nutrition Association, Most recently as Co-chair for the School Nutrition Industry Conference 2020. As Assistant Director in Jefferson County Public Schools he has taken the lead in bringing more clean, local, sustainable foods to the district. He serves on a number of national boards including Kansas State University Center for Food Safety in Child Nutrition and International Food Manufacturers Assoc. K-12 Advisory Board.
Laura Bullene Jacobo, SNS
Since her first attempt at making cheese soufflé at six years old, Laura Jacobo (SNS) has always had a love of cooking and for the science of how things work in the kitchen. She began her career in food service and hospitality working in her family's restaurant, both in the front and back of the house. Her family left the restaurant business to build and open a winery. From planting the vines, to working in the tasting room, to developing the menu for wine maker dinners, she was involved in all aspects of the business. She has taught classes in Culinary Arts, Baking and Nutrition at a community college for over 25 years. Laura was previously the Director of Nutrition Services for over 23 years at a school district in California. She is a graduate of the School for American Chefs and has completed continuing education courses at Johnson and Wales. Laura is a member of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Healthy Kids Collaborative as well as a graduate of the Class of 2020 of the prestigious Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program (CEIP) at the Culinary Institute of America. Italy is her favorite travel spot for many reasons, the food and wine and beautiful countryside being paramount.
Janice L. King, MEd, RDN, SNS
Janice King (MEd, RDN, SNS) has over forty years of experience in food and nutrition management in K-12, colleges and universities, medical centers and in private practice nutrition consulting. She holds a BS degree in Nutrition from Purdue University, is a Registered Dietitian and has a MEd in Nutrition Education. Janice is highly involved in nutrition and food associations, with SNA as a local and State President, and at the National level. She is a trainer for the ICN and is a member of the Culinary Institute of America's Healthy Kids Collaborative and is working group co-chair for the Food and Nutrition Quality team advancing menu and recipe development with plant based and culturally inspired food work for K-12. Janice is also on the Chef Ann Foundation Advisory Board for the development and expansion of scratch cooking in schools. She has two grown children and lives with her husband in Central MA.
Nancy Ann Padrone, MA,
RDN, CDN, SNS
Nancy Ann Padrone (MA, RDN, CDN, SNS) is currently the Director of Food and Nutrition for the Babylon School District, Long Island, NY. As a registered dietitian and child nutrition advocate, she has over 20 years’ experience in improving nutrition for children while operating School Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Programs. Having administered the service over millions of meals, Nancy has championed Breakfast in the Classroom programs, assisted in FUTP 60, Farm to School initiatives and introduced many new nutrition initiatives in child nutrition programs. As a consultant trainer for the Institute of Child Nutrition and a Master Instructor for NYS CNP, she delivers the message of the importance of great nutrition for great success. She has a BS degree from Syracuse University and a MA degree from NYU. Nancy also holds a Professional Diploma in School Business Administration from LIU. Her passion for nutrition, cooking, food safety and health is evident in her accomplishments.
Kathy Talley
Kathy Talley is a proud West Virginia educator with a Master's degree in Vocational Home Economics. She has taught for 20 years in public schools and 20 years as the Nutrition Education and Training Coordinator of our West Virginia Department of Education. Kathy continues her teaching career as an adjunct faculty for several state universities, and enjoys working with the school nutrition personnel that are such a vital part of the school day, as well as going into the classroom and giving children the opportunity to learn about healthy eating through fun activities. Kathy is a Master Gardener and has worked in her home county in the elementary school Garden Based Learning program, introducing children to growing their food and then eating it in various recipes they help prepare. Kathy has one daughter, a son-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren. Her hobbies include gardening, weaving, and quilting.
Tarrah Westercamp, MS, RD
, SNS
Tarrah Westercamp (MS, RD, SNS) is the Owner of Westercamp Consulting, LLC, providing exceptional service for school districts and other organizations working within Child Nutrition Programs at the state and local level. Tarrah is a Registered Dietitian with over nine years of experience in Child Nutrition Programs encompassing USDA regulations, meal pattern requirements, school food service operations, obtaining stakeholder buy-in, and innovative implementation strategies to increase meal access to students. Tarrah holds a master’s degree in Food and Nutrition from Ball State University and School Nutrition Specialist credential from School Nutrition Association (SNA). Tarrah is passionate about school nutrition. Tarrah serves as the Public Policy Coordinator for Indiana’s AND affiliate and is an active member of the School Nutrition Services (SNS) Dietetic Practice Group (DPG). In her free time, Tarrah enjoys spending time with her husband, John, traveling, cooking, and sipping hazelnut iced coffee.
Sandra Voss, RD, SNS
Sandy Voss (RD, SNS) has lead school nutrition programs along with school nutrition professionals for over 15 years. She is a Registered Dietitian, School Nutrition Specialist, and a Certified School Business Official. She is a passionate leader and trainer who takes pride in supporting those around her through effective communication, collaboration, and innovation. Sandy is currently the Director of Food & Nutrition Services for Arlington Heights School District 25, a K-8 school district in in Arlington Heights, IL. She is a past-president of the Illinois School Nutrition Association & has sat on several School Nutrition Association committees throughout her career thus far. Sandy continues to take what she has learned as a school nutrition leader and pay it forward by growing and mentoring other school nutrition leaders in the field.
