President Elect

Place of employment & position title: Outpatient Registered Dietitian at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

City: Little Rock

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition from University of Alabama (2018), Dietetic Internship from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (2019), and Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (2022)

Past offices held (if any): Director of Marketing and Communications (2023-Present)

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

I am excited to run for President-Elect for the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics because I am deeply committed to advancing our profession and strengthening the connections within our state’s dietetic community. Over the past six years as an RDN, I’ve learned how much our work is strengthened when we support one another, share ideas, and stay connected. I genuinely enjoy building relationships with fellow dietitians across Arkansas, and I’ve found so much purpose in being part of conversations that help move our profession forward. I am passionate about creating spaces where dietitians feel informed, supported, and empowered to grow in their careers.

I believe my strong communication skills and enthusiasm for connecting with fellow dietitians make me a great fit for this leadership role. Whether engaging with colleagues across Arkansas or building bridges with professionals beyond our state, I strive to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage involvement, and help elevate the visibility and value of our profession. As President-Elect, I would work to support our members, strengthen organizational initiatives, and contribute fresh, collaborative energy to the Academy’s mission.

Secretary/Treasurer Elect

Place of employment & position title: Registered Dietitian at Arkansas Children's

City: Little Rock

Education: Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Dietetic Internship from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Hospitality from the University of Arkansas

Past offices held (if any): Nominating Committee, AND Member Services Advisor

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

As a dedicated dietitian and active member of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, I’m eager to serve as Secretary/Treasurer to help strengthen the communication, transparency, and financial stewardship of our organization. I take pride in being organized, detail-oriented, and dependable—qualities essential for maintaining accurate records and responsible budgeting.
I’m passionate about advancing ArAND’s mission to promote nutrition and well-being across Arkansas, and I value the opportunity to collaborate with fellow members and leaders to support our shared goals. Serving in this role would allow me to give back to the Academy while helping ensure its continued success and growth.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title: Consulting Dietitian for Berry Street and the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center

City: Bee Branch

Education: BS, MS and Dietetic Internship from the University of Central Arkansas

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

I would like to win the position in order to be more involved in my profession at a local level.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Director of Nutrition and Wellness, Chartwells Higher Education at the University of Arkansas

City: Fayetteville

Education:

I completed both my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Science in Nutrition at the University of Central Arkansas. 

Past offices held (if any):

Nominating Committee 2023-2024

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

I would be honored to serve on the nominating committee. My previous experience on the board, combined with a strong commitment to collaboration within our profession and my role as a dietitian at a large university, has prepared me to contribute effectively in this position. Additionally, I am passionate about expanding engagement among dietitians at the state level, particularly in the northwest region of our state.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Registered Dietitian at Arkansas Children’s Hospital

City: Little Rock

Education: Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Ouachita Baptist University

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

To begin, I recognize what an honor it is to be nominated to hold a position on the committee for the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As a new dietitian, I am incredibly grateful for the chance to contribute and grow within a profession I care so deeply about. I am an Arkansas native and have always called it home, so I am excited to be able to give back to a state that has given so much to me.  I chose this field in hopes of collaborating with others, advocating for evidence-based practice, and to play a part in helping people create a healthier future for themselves, even if it is just a small part.  I made the decision to become a dietitian at the age of 17, and I am so thankful each day that I get to wake up and step into this role. Helping others has always been at the forefront of my actions, because you never know who may need you most in that moment. I strongly believe in the mission dietitians and the Academy are pursuing and the significant impact they are making not only in Arkansas, but around the world.  

I am learning new concepts and skills every day, and I hope to continue to learn from other dietitians, members, the board of directors, and health care professionals as I continue in this journey. I am looking forward to serving, learning, and growing in meaningful ways alongside individuals who are committed to advancing the future of our field. Thank your time and  for considering me for this position, I would be honored to serve in this role.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Registered Dietitian, Baptist Health Little Rock

City: Conway

Education:

Completed Bachelor's degree in Nutrition at UCA in 2021 and completed Master of Science/Dietetic Internship at UCA in 2022.

Past offices held (if any):

I have yet to hold office as a RD. As a student, I served as a Public Relations Chair for UCA's Dietetic Intern Association 2021-2022. I regularly co-organized and shared recent internship developments on social media.

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

I am excited to potentially support Arkansas RDs and continue to invest in our development as a profession.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital – Director of Nutrition Services and South-Central Regional Nutrition Advisory Board Representative

City: Fayetteville

Education:

Ouachita Baptist University (2019) – undergrad with a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics / Cox Medical College (2021) – M.S. in Nutrition Diagnostics and dietetic internship

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

Personal Message: I want to be a part of ArA.N.D. so that I can be a resource and advocate for the next generation of RDs in Arkansas.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Nestle Health Science, Specialty Sales Executive

City: Fayetteville

Education:

Univ of Arkansas BS in Nutrition and Dietetics. Ouachita Baptist University: MS in Nutrition 

Personal message/why you would like to win the position:

I would love to be part of this organization and contribute to the growth and success of dietitians in Arkansas.