After a childhood of Florida produce and sunshine, Katherine received her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and her Masters of Public Health in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina.  She currently serves as the Nutritionist for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, a food rescue organization serving seven counties in central North Carolina.  Katherine has worked most recently to develop the Food Shuttle's newest initiative, Hands On Health, focusing on improving the health of our low income community members throughout the triangle through nutrition, cooking, gardening, and physical activity programs.  Primarily on bringing Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline program to the triangle area.

 As the new Hunger Chair for RDDA, Katherine plans to help increase member awareness of and involvement with local anti-hunger organizations, initiatives, and proposed solutions to hunger and malnutrition.  

 If you can't find her experimenting in the kitchen or tending to her backyard garden, Katherine is probably out running, tasting wine, or traveling with her husband. 

Jessica received her BS from North Carolina State University and her MPH from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She relocated to New York City to complete her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, The University Hospitals of Cornell and Columbia. For the past three years she has worked on a multi-faceted national research study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during which her passion for conducting public health research has increased tremendously. The HEALTHY Study has aimed to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and overweight in middle school aged children. Jessica has also earned her Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management and her Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. Her interests include running, yoga, frequent travel abroad, making jewelry and vegetable gardening. She also spends a lot of time on home remodeling projects with her husband Dave. Additional community service involvement includes Girls on the Run and SuNica. She is very excited about serving RDDA members in the upcoming year.

Ashley is a graduate of NC State University with a BS degree in Biology with Nutrition Concentration. She completed her dietetic internship through Meredith College. Ashley currently works as a clinical dietitian for Cape Fear Valley Hospital in the Long Tern Acute Care facility. This is Ashley’s first year serving on the RDDA board.

A California native, CeCe’s 25+ year professional career path began upon completing her dietetic internship at Duke University and Masters of Science degree in Nutrition and Biochemistry from Texas Woman’s University however, after several years practicing in nutrition and dietetics in such roles as Director of Nutritional Services and as an Assistant Professor of Nutrition, she took the road less traveled and moved into senior-level marketing positions, focused on recognizing critical business needs, developing and executing targeted strategies, driving advertising and promotional programs, and mobilizing and inspiring strong teams to achieve organizational objectives for a multitude of distinguished national organizations. Throughout her career, CeCe has remained involved in her state and district associations and looks forward to her new role as Marketing and PR Chairperson. CeCe is an avid gardener and wine enthusiast, who loves to entertain. Her community service includes the Interfaith Food Shuttle, StepUP Ministry, and the Raleigh Flower Shuttle.

MeBette earned a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University in Food and Nutrition in 2001. She completed a dietetic internship combined program with a Master's in Family and Consumer Science at Appalachian State University in 2004.  In Raleigh, she has been employed by The Wake County WIC Program and Dorothea Dix Hospital, where she is currently a clinical dietitian.  MeBette has completed the Adult Weight Management Certificate Program through the ADA and the Commission on Dietetic Registration.  As part of a team, she received an RDDA Innovative Practice Award in 2008 for promotion of National Nutrition Month.

MeBette is interested in the dietitian's role in legislative affairs and promoting fun physical activity for all ages.  She is active with volunteer programs in the Triangle.  MeBette enjoys community service and is looking to increase awareness of the need for dietetics volunteerism in her role as the 2008-2009 Nutrition Events Chair.

Brooke graduated with her MS in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida. She works as a Communications Specialist for the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch of the NC Division of Public Health. Outside of work, Brooke is involved in her field as newsletter editor for the North Carolina Dietetic Association and has served on the Raleigh District Dietetic Association Less Fork, More Foot 5K Committee. Brooke enjoys learning new skills and recently completed a ‘Spanish Immersion’ cooking class to brush up on her food and Spanish language skills. In her free time Brooke enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, swimming and the occasional trail run.

Julie graduated with her MS in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She currently works as a Worksite Wellness Specialist for the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch of the NC Division of Public Health.
Outside of the workplace, Julie takes an active role in her field, as a member of the American Dietetic Association, the Secretary for the North Carolina Dietetic Association, and the 5K Coordinator for the Raleigh District Dietetic Association. She was also awarded a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management in 2007. Julie is a fan of continuing education, and is now pursuing further education in the culinary field to broaden her nutrition knowledge.
Julie enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Paul, and their families, as well as running, swimming, cycling, cooking, baking, and dining out.
 

Jad graduated in August 2008 with a Masters in Public health (MPH) with concentration in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also continuing his education by pursuing a MSW with concentration in psychotherapy at NC State this fall 2009 to broaden his already existing knowledge of counseling and behavioral issues. Jad currently works as a WIC nutritionist at Wake County Human Services. In 2009, he served as the National Nutrition Month food drive collector coordinator where over 3,000 food items were collected and donated to local food banks. He is passionate about community nutrition programs as well as medical nutrition therapy with its prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Jad enjoys several hobbies that include biking, painting, playing tennis, writing and watching movies.

Lindsay received her BSPH in Nutrition from UNC-Chapel Hill and her MS in Nutrition from and Internship at UNC-Greensboro. She has served in the past as president-elect and membership chair for RDDA. She currently works as a School Nutrition Associate at NCSU on the STEPS to Health SNAP-Ed grant. She has her Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. Lindsay currently volunteers at a free medical clinic in Durham, serving homeless and drug rehab patients. She is an avid Tarheel fan since she was born and bred in NC.

Ashley is the Corporate and Community Services Manager for Rex Wellness Centers. She leads the development and growth of community and corporate health promotions programs including nutrition, prevention and lifestyle enrichment programs. Ashley is a 1996 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and later returned for a second degree in nutrition/dietetics at Meredith College. She has been with Rex Wellness Centers for 5 years, since she began her career as a dietitian. Last year, Ashley was awarded the NCDA Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year award. This is her fourth year on the RDDA board, previously serving as secretary. Ashley spends most of her free time cooking, reading and spending time with her new husband, twin step-daughters and crazy dog.

Rebecca is a graduate of Meredith College with a Master of Science in Nutrition. She also holds a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Western Carolina University. She currently works as a dietitian at The Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management, and as a WIC program nutritionist for Wake Co. DHS. This is Rebecca’s first year serving with the RDDA board. She will be serving as the Marketing Apprentice.

Barbara Ann is the RDDA Public Policy Chair. She received her M.S. and completed her dietetic internship from The Ohio State University. She also has an MS in religious studies from a Seminary, an MPH from UNC-CH; and a PhD from Walden University in Health Services with an emphasis on social change.
Her career experience has been in public health and clinical/community nutrition or private practice. Her interests include a veggie garden with her husband Carl, and community service through several organizations.

Erin graduated from North Carolina State University in 2003 with a BS in Food Science and a BS in Biochemistry. She completed her Masters in Nutrition at the University of North Carolina in 2006. She has 3 years of clinical experience and is currently employed at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, covering the ICU and Medical/Oncology floors. This is her first year serving on the RDDA board. By helping to create the Fayetteville extension, she hopes to promote networking among dietitians in the Fayetteville area. Her hobbies include running, reading, being a great Army wife, and spending time with her dog (Elvis) and cat (Zelda).

Phyllis manages a research study called HEALTHY, A Middle School Program for Prevention of Diabetes at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining the HEALTHY study, Phyllis worked for Wake County Human Services in several positions as a Health Promotion Coordinator, WIC nutritionist and a school nutritionist. Phyllis has also worked in long term care facilities as a nutrition consultant, a nutrition care representative for Sandoz nutrition and as a clinical dietitian in North and South Carolina. Phyllis received a B.S. degree in nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a M.S. degree in nutrition from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She is an active member of the American Dietetic Association, the North Carolina Dietetic Association (serves on the marketing committee) and the Raleigh District Dietetic Association (President-Elect). She is also a member of the Weight Management and Nutrition Entrepreneur ADA Practice Groups. Phyllis has also actively served on RDDA’s LFMF 5K race as sponsorship chair and Kid’s race chair.

Rene’ Korpolinski, is a program consultant working at the State Department of Health and Human Services, Nutrition Services Branch.  Rene’ completed her MBA in May 2006 and takes a special interest in non-profit business planning, strategy, and marketing.  She became a Registered Dietitian in 1994, with primary interest in Nutrition Support Medical Nutrition Therapy.  Rene’ has a range of career experiences – professional association education program coordination, market research, and project management.  Her current professional focus is fine tuning her project management skill set, nutrition informatics background, and professional leadership interests. Rene’ serves the dietetic community by serving RDDA and NCDA Boards and providing ADA with position paper reviews as requested.  Rene’ currently resides in Raleigh with her husband Jim, six year old daughter Kierra, and their dog Cubby.

Jamie graduated from West Chester University with a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics. After moving to North Carolina to be closer to her husband, Jamie worked in research and private practice. She then completed her internship at Meredith College in 2007. She is currently a consultant dietitian in long term care. Jamie has also served on the Board as Membership Chair, Hunger Committee Chair and President-Elect. Jamie enjoys going to the movies, cooking, traveling and spending time with her husband and dog.

Amanda received a B.A in Marketing from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA and a M. S. in Human Nutrition from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Amanda currently works as a Nutritionist for the Wake County WIC program. This past March she successfully served as chair of National Nutrition Month helping to promote health and wellness to fellow wake county employees. Outside of work, Amanda is also active in her profession serving on the RDDA board as activities assistant and the NCDA board as webmaster. Amanda recently completed the ADA’s Certificate in Adult Weight Management. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys traveling, playing golf, watching movies, and hanging out with family and friends.

Dedicated to nutrition and healthy lifestyle education and promotion, Natalie Taft, currently serves as a Senior Health Educator for the Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education, a statewide, non-profit health education center in Raleigh, NC.  She combines her knowledge of nutrition, curriculum development experience, and creativity to teach and inspire kids and adults alike.

Natalie studied Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University before attending Meredith College to become certified as a registered dietitian. She has worked in various areas of community nutrition, including promotion, research and education.   

Along with her love of teaching, Natalie is an avid boater and can oftentimes be found out on the water spending time with family and friends.

Natalie is optimistic that, with support and teamwork, we will succeed in achieving more healthy lifestyles in our youth by fostering behavior changes.

Nealie Tebb graduated with a BA in Education from Saint Louis University, and is currently working toward her MS in Nutrition at Meredith College.  Ms. Tebb is the graduate program manager and admissions counselor for the Meredith department of nutrition.  Her research interests are in sports nutrition, and health & wellness programs.

Jessica is a Food Service Director and has worked for Aramark Healthcare for 3 1/2 years. She currently runs the Nutrition Department for Duke Raleigh Hospital. Jessica previously was the Food Service Director for Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, GA. Prior to food service, she was a Clinical Dietitian for 5 years with the Carroll County Health Department in Carrollton, GA. Jessica completed her internship with the Georgia Division of Public Health and graduated from The University of Georgia with a Dietetics degree. Jessica currently resides in Raleigh, NC and has a new addition to her family, a rescue dog named Disco. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

This position is open for 2010.