Greater Seattle Dietetic Association’s 2023-2024 Executive Board
President
Grace Ling
I am a clinical dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. I grew up in Vancouver, BC, Canada, spent the past 10 years on the east coast and in the midwest, and am happy to now call beautiful Seattle my home. I completed my bachelor’s degree in anthropology at McGill University in Montreal, then later moved to Boston to complete my DPD certificate at Simmons University and my MS/DI at Tufts University. I currently work in the outpatient setting at Swedish First Hill – Diabetes Education Center. I embrace a weight-neutral, HAES-aligned approach and am working towards certification as an Intuitive Eating Counselor. In my free time, I can be found trail running, camping and hiking with my husband and our standard poodle Mochi, reading/listening to true crime books and podcasts, or knitting/sewing.
President Elect
Melissa Prest
Melissa Prest completed her doctorate in clinical nutrition from Rutgers University and her master’s degree in clinical nutrition from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Her research has focused on quality of life and medical nutrition therapy in persons living with chronic kidney disease or CKD. For the past twelve years, Dr. Prest has provided medical nutrition therapy to patients with CKD in a variety of settings and is the owner of a private practice and health coaching firm, Kidney Nutrition Specialists. Dr. Prest has held many volunteer leadership roles with local, state, and national dietetic groups. She is also a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Besides being able to form a relationship with your client or patient, what I most enjoy about working with a person living with chronic conditions is seeing the impact of making healthy behavior changes on his/her quality of life.”
Marketing and Communications Chair
Jeani Hunt-Gibbon
Jeani Hunt, MS, RD, CD works with women to take control of PCOS, infertility and endometriosis at VeggieLush Nutrition. She loves working with women who struggle with symptoms and are looking for an evidence-based approach to treatment. Jeani also works part-time with genetically female teens with mental health and substance use disorders at Newport Healthcare, providing nutrition counseling. In addition, Jeani is a dietitian for Kiira Health, a virtual women’s health clinic. She holds a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Washington and an undergraduate degree in English from UC Berkeley. Jeani has done extensive research and continuing education on women’s health issues such as PCOS, endometriosis and fertility and also serves as the Publications Editor for the Women’s Health Dietetic Practice Group.
Marketing and Communications Chair
Lindsey Davis
Lindsey Davis, MS recently graduated from Bastyr University’s MSN/DPD program. As a former Legislative chair, she kept the GSDA community abreast on policy affecting the Dietetic profession. This year, as Marketing and Communications chair she continues to serve the community by co-managing the GSDA social media accounts, promotional emails, and the bimonthly newsletter. Lindsey is passionate about Functional Medicine, holistic well-being, and the role nutrition plays in cognition and behavioral health. As a trained plant-based chef she loves creating new recipes and inspiring people to play in the kitchen.
Marketing and Communications Chair
Julie Harvey
I’m honored to be an MSN/DPD Graduate representing GSDA for Marketing. As a recent grad from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, I have learned how important Nutrition health literacy is for many communities. I have lived in the Seattle area for the majority of my life and have raised 5 children. I have a BSN/Culinary Arts degree from Bastyr University and topped that off with the graduate MSN/DPD program in 2022. Before I finished my master’s in nutrition and dietetics, I worked at Bastyr as a therapeutic chef; catering for every event and all students and faculty for almost a year. I have owned and operated many restaurants, starting at age 22, and have most recently owned and operated a Gluten Free bakery. I specialize in alternative grain cooking and I currently have my own business teaching cooking classes and offering personal therapeutic chef services in the Greater Seattle area. I am an avid gardener and inventor. I have several ideas in my head that just need an outlet. I think marketing may just give me that extra push to pursue my dreams as an entrepreneur in the food marketing industry. I look forward to practicing my skills and moving GSDA forward with its Missions and Goals and supporting dietitians in Washington State and beyond.
Marketing and Communications Chair
Rosie Marsters
Bio coming soon
Membership and Directory Chair
Katie McConaughy
I am a graduate student at the University of Washington obtaining my master’s in Public Health and Nutrition through the coordinated dietetics program. I grew up in Cincinnati, and spent 10 years living in Boston before moving to Seattle in 2020. My previous career in accounting led me to the world of healthcare innovation, and together with my personal health experience led me to decide to return to school to become a Registered Dietitian. I am excited to be in the midst of this change and on a path towards a career in public health and nutrition. My biggest interests are in the use of nutritional public policy to decrease chronic disease and dietary intervention as a tool for improving digestive health. I’m also interested in intuitive eating and food systems. When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time outside with my doggo and husband in the mountains or riding my bike.
Membership and Directory Chair
Aria Wexler
Bio coming soon
Legislative Chair
Stephanie Turner
I am a graduate student in the Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences program at the University of Washington. I am excited to be a part of the legislative committee. As someone who is often uncomfortable with the immense burden placed on those with limited resources to consistently eat a varied, nutrient-dense diet, I hope to always advocate for change that will make the nutrient-dense choice the most accessible choice for all. I moved to Seattle by way of San Francisco, California. I spent the last 10 years there; rollerblading around Golden Gate Park, tracking down the best vegan ramen, dancing in local music venues, crafting my non-profit fundraising skills, and talking myself into making the scary leap back to school. Despite the hesitation, I am thrilled to finally make my dream of becoming a registered dietitian a reality! When I am not studying, you can find me on my bike struggling up these never-ending Seattle hills, pleading with my plants to grow at my local P-Patch, or swimming in the Sound.
Legislative Chair
Linsay Showalter
I am a Seattle-based pediatric dietitian currently working at Seattle Children’s Hospital. With my previous culinary experience, I strive to share the knowledge and joy of food with children and families. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science at Colorado State University, I jumped at the chance to return to my home state to complete my dietetic internship at Bastyr University. Through my education, I discovered my desire to work with children and teens, highlighting intuitive eating techniques, implementing a HAES approach, and promoting positive mealtime behaviors. As a queer clinician, my mission is to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ youth by advocating for high-quality, trauma-informed, compassionate care. I’m excited to be joining the GSDA board as a member of the Legislative Committee and I’m looking forward to working with and learning from my fellow RDNs!
Treasurer
Celia Berk
Bio coming soon
Treasurer Elect
Kaitlin Sandberg
I am an outpatient oncology dietitian working at UW Medical Center – Montlake, where I support patients navigating cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. I recently graduated from UW’s Masters in Nutrition and Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Prior to graduate school, I spent 10 years working in marketing and product development primarily for food and beverage companies. The desire to work in an evidence-based setting where I could provide direct patient care is what prompted me to make a career switch. I am passionate about weight-inclusive care, debunking nutrition myths, and providing practical, individualized recommendations. In my free time, I love to explore my local parks, invent new snack combinations, and spend time with my family outdoors!
Website Chair
Jenn Dearden
Jenn is a registered dietitian with a background in professional cooking. Prior to becoming a dietitian, she attended a farm-to-table cooking school in Ireland and spent the next eight years working in kitchens from New York to the San Francisco Bay Area. Losing her father to cancer inspired Jenn to pursue graduate education at the University of Washington, where she recently earned her Master of Science and completed clinical dietetic training. She is passionate about empowering people through cooking and nutrition and currently works as a content writer and editor for Fred Hutch’s Cook For Your Life. She is also a recent first-time mom.
Website Chair
Bridgette Blakey
Bridgette is a 2nd year student in the MSN/DPD program at Bastyr University, and is honored to be representing the GSDA for Media. Her mission is to bring balance and wellness into the lives of others through tuning into the innate wisdom of the body and consumption of whole foods. Her fascination with using food as medicine began as a teenager when she starting experimenting with whole food cleanses, eating organic, cooking at home, and using local ingredients. She went on to study nutrition at Bastyr and obtained a BSN in 2007. Since then, she has completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training, and became a health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington with her three children and husband.
University of Washington Student Representative
Jocelyn Naide
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Washington obtaining a Master’s of Science degree through the Graduate Coordinated Dietetics program. I grew up in Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia where I obtained Bachelors’ degrees in Advertising and Psychology. After graduation, I worked in Atlanta for several years before embarking on the prerequisite courses needed to return to school and become a Registered Dietitian. I always loved learning about nutrition and wanted a fulfilling career where I could help others improve their health. I moved to Seattle in September 2022 for UW’s graduate program and have been loving the PNW so far! In my free time, I love to hike, photograph nature, bake, and spend time with my boyfriend and our cat, Meeko. I’m looking forward to serving as the UW student representative this year to bring together nutrition students and professionals in the area.
Bastyr University Student Representative
Aubrey Knickerbocker
I am a graduate student at Bastyr University, obtaining my master’s in Nutrition to become a Registered Dietitian. I spent most of my life in North Carolina, attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I studied Geography and Geology. I spent several years after college in Nashville, Tennessee before I moved to Washington in 2019. I’m excited to be the Bastyr student representative to help bring together the Nutrition community after a tough past few years. I am especially interested in getting new dietetics students interested in GSDA where they can feel supported and understood. When I am not doing school work, I am rollerblading, listening to true crime podcasts, and rocking out at karaoke!
Bastyr University Student Representative
Katrina Schoettler
Bio Text
Seattle Pacific University Student Representative
Rebecca Griest
Rebecca Griest is currently a Master’s of Nutrition/Didactic Program in Dietetics student at Bastyr University. She is excited to work with GSDA and learn from its community. She appreciates the connection between food, environmental care, community, and individual wellness which makes her excited to practice as a registered dietitian. Nutritionally, she is interested in functional nutrition, oncology, nutrition’s impact on the environment, and on behavioral & mental health. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Swarthmore College and has experience working as an early childhood educator. When she is not in studying, she likes to explore art museums, spend time in faith communities, outside in nature, and with her family and partner.
Secretary
Audrey Hummel
Bio coming soon
Nominating Committee Chair
Ginger Hultin
I’m a Seattle-based RD and owner of the virtual private practice, Champagne Nutrition. My specialties include vegetarian and plant-based diets, integrative oncology nutrition, ketogenic diets, and nutrigenomics. I also serve as adjunct clinical faculty at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. This year, I was honored to author the Oncology chapter in the new Krause textbook (ed 15). I love dietetics and believe in building up the profession through giving back. I’m entering my 2nd term as a Spokesperson for the Academy and I’m Chair-Elect for the Member and Student Advisory Committee in the Academy. I’m a past Chair of the Chicago Academy as well as Vegetarian Nutrition DPG.
Nominating Committee Chair
Tina Guadan Fogall
Tina Guadan Fogall has been a food enthusiast since childhood. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition in 2011 and began work as a therapeutic chef, working with clients challenged with food sensitivities, healing from illness, or undergoing treatment for cancer. She also led chronic disease prevention programs at the YMCA. Her curiosity about food and nutrition got the best of her during the pandemic when she decided to pursue a graduate degree and credentials as an RDN, graduating from Bastyr University in 2023. Tina is now serving her second year on the Nominating Committee and completing her dietetic internship at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, where she is building the foundation for a future in clinical nutrition.
Continuing Education Chair
Mira Onishchenko
Bio coming soon
Continuing Education Chair
Robin Holliday
I am undertaking a dietetic internship with Bastyr University starting in the fall of 2023. I grew up in Oswego, NY, and received my undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport, with a specialization in Athletic Training. This was when my passion for understanding the intricacies of the human body and its relationship with nutrition began to blossom. Before pursuing this as a career, I spent 17 years at Starbucks Coffee Company working in retail and supply chain. My professional interests now revolve around utilizing integrative and functional nutrition to empower individuals struggling with digestive disorders and chronic diseases. In my free time, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors, immersing myself in the rejuvenating embrace of nature. Additionally, I possess an insatiable fascination with cookbooks, which fuels my desire to experiment and create delicious, nourishing meals. As a Continuing Education Co-Chair, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the GSDA community by enhancing their knowledge and skills in their respective areas of focus or interests.
Diversity Chair
Erin Cazel
Radical hospitality is my life passion. I love gathering community around food and deeply enjoy the mutual elevation that comes from sharing food and conversation. Social justice work has been woven throughout my professional and personal life, from teaching in underserved communities in Chicago, to mentoring teens in cafe and life skills in South Seattle, to supporting refugee families as they resettle in the US. The “why” behind my involvement has always been the value that I see in each human and the passion to see each individual not just get by, but thrive. I believe it takes passionate and active work to amplify voices that have been marginalized so that we can hold space for each other and learn together. I’m thrilled to collaborate as a GSDA Diversity Co-Chair in this pursuit, and look forward to supporting the dietetics profession in initiatives of social justice and equity. I am a current student in the MSN DPD program at Bastyr.
Diversity Chair
Kana Ogaki
I am a graduate student at the University of Washington pursuing MPH in Nutritional Sciences through the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics. I grew up in Osaka, Japan and moved to Seattle in 2014. Before getting into the graduate program, I was working as a teacher and volunteering as a nutrition educator in low-income settings in the South Seattle area. My personal experience of being a mother in a different country from where I grew up along with work/volunteer experience above made me realize that there is a big gap between parents’ hope for providing healthful foods/ environment for their children and resources accessible and available for parents who have a limited time and budget. My biggest interest and my future scope is to build a regional food system where all the people regardless of race, sex, gender, and age are accessible to sustainable, locally-grown, nutritious foods and to decrease health inequity among disadvantaged populations including people of color, immigrants, and refugees. When I am not studying, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and walking/biking with my children.
GSDA Executive Board Job Descriptions
GSDA Executive Board Job Descriptions