Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Elections

VOTE HERE Starting 12:01 AM on February 15, 2023 through 11:59 PM on March 8, 2023

Check List

  • One vote per KSAND member (only first vote counts)
  • Academy ID# entered correctly on ballot (needs to be accurate for vote to count)

Questions can be emailed to director@eatrightks.org

CANDIDATES                   

President-Elect Option(s)


Melaney Coco, RD, LD

Goals and Vision for KSAND

Increase communication/collaboration among members (outside of list Serv).
Increase membership by increasing value to members.
Increase visibility of KSAND to non RDs with an end goal of improving the health of Kansans.

Previous Positions Held

KSAND National Nutrition Month Chair 2016-2018

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, KSAND, KNC

CPI Chair-Elect Option(s)


Becky Parshall, RD LD

Previous Positions Held

  • KSAND Bylaws Chair, 2022-2023
  • KSAND Executive Director, 8/2019 – 8/2022

Other Relevant Experience

As the KSAND Executive Director, I assisted with planning and implementing three Annual Conferences, as well as multiple CEU opportunities. This included one in-person Annual Conference, which was changed less than a month prior to the scheduled date to a virtual-only conference. As a paralegal, I coordinated all aspects of several very large trials, working with many different parties to ensure that all aspects of the trial went smoothly. These two positions have taught me the value of early planning, organization, and thinking through any potential glitches, as well as the ability to quickly react to any disruptions in plans.

Goals and Vision for KSAND

My goals for KSAND are focused on three main areas:

1. Provide networking opportunities for all dietitians within Kansas, including both KSAND members and non-members.

2. Provide relevant, interesting CEUs that help inform, educate, and expand dietitians’ knowledge base and practice competency.

3. Outreach to non-member RDs to encourage involvement in KSAND-sponsored activities on issues that affect all dietitians within the state.

I feel that focusing on these three areas will allow KSAND to effectively help Kansas RDs work together on common goals, and address issues we are all facing.

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Delegate to the Academy HOD Option(s)


Erin Laurie, MS, RDN, LD

Previous Positions Held

  • United Way of Franklin County Board member (Current Board Chair)
  • Leadership Franklin County Trustee
  • Leadership Franklin County Secretary / Treasurer
  • Leadership Franklin County Graduate
  • KSAND Foundation (Chair, 3 years)
  • KSAND President
  • KSAND CPI Chair
  • KSAND Advocacy Team member (multiple years)
  • KSAND Membership Chair
  • KSAND Nominating Committee

Goals and Vision for KSAND

My vision for KSAND as an organization is to be the voice in Kansas for optimal health and well-being through the power of nutrition for all Kansans. In order do this KSAND needs to advocate for its members through public policy, best practices, networking opportunities, and professional development. Licensure is an up-in-coming issue in Kansas. KSAND is working and needs to continue to work to educate members and policy makers of the value of maintaining licensure of Dietitians in Kansas. My hope and vision are that more members through KSANDs advocacy efforts will feel empowered to become involved in licensure work and all aspects of the KSAND organization. KSAND can then be a strong, vibrant organization.

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, KSAND, American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Awards and Honors

Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year

Other Relevant Experience

Nominating Committee Option(s)

Chelsea Reinberg, MPH, RD

Previous Positions Held

  • DCMAND Board Member and Student Representative
  • University of Alabama Student Dietetic Association Mentorship Coordinator

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Goals and Vision for KSAND

I look forward to the opportunity to support the advancement of food and nutrition in the state of Kansas through KSAND mission and the outstanding network of dietetic professionals. Food systems and nutrition are an integral part to healthy communities, and I hope to support that through KSAND.

Other Relevant Experience

I have had the pleasure of working both internationally and domestically in public health, food and nutrition. Throughout my career I have worked with and interacted with variety of boards discussing policies, program implementation, and outcomes which will fit well with the position I am applying to and the KSAND board in general.

Jeannine Goetz, PhD, RD, LD

Previous Positions Held

• Secretary, KSAND (2019-2021), (2021-2023)
• Nominating Committee Chair, KSAND (2018-2019)
• Nominating Committee Chair-Elect, KSAND (2017-2018)
• Awards and Scholarship Chair, KDA (2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012 (co-chair), 2012-2013, 2013-2014)
• Annual Conference Planning Committee, KDA (2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011)
• Council on Professional Issues Chair, KDA (2008-2009)
• Council on Professional Issues Chair-Elect, KDA (2007-2008)
• Membership Chair, Kansas City Dietetic Association (2008-2009)
• Membership Co-Chair, Kansas City Dietetic Association (2007-2008)
• Awards and Honors Committee Member, Kansas City Dietetic Association (2007-2008)
• Awards and Honors Chair, Kansas City Dietetic Association (2006-2007)
• Awards and Honors Co-Chair, Kansas City Dietetic Association (2005-2006)

Goals and Vision for KSAND

I am excited to hopefully continue my involvement with the Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics by encouraging more members to be actively involved in carrying out the mission and vision of our organization and to serve in leadership roles.

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP), Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group

Awards and Honors

Distinguished Dietitian of the Year, Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2019; Stata Norton Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Kansas Medical Center, 2014; Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY), Kansas Dietetic Association, 2009; Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY), Kansas City Dietetic Association, 2008

Other Relevant Experience

Deb Canter, PhD, RD, LD, FAND

Previous Positions Held

  • Kansas Delegate to the American Dietetic Association House of Delegates, 1992-1999.
  • Member, Council on Education of the American Dietetic Association,1986-88.
  • Chair, Council on Education,1987-88.
  • Member, Commission on Dietetic Registration, 1989-1992.
  • Chair, Commission on Dietetic Registration, 1990-1992.
  • Member, American Dietetic Association Board of Directors,1987-88; 1990-92.
  • Kansas Dietetic Association President,1991-92.

Awards and Honors

50th Lenna Frances Cooper Memorial Lecturer. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2012; 26th Karen L. Wright Memorial Lecturer, Alabama Dietetic Association, 2008; Medallion Award, American Dietetic Association, 2002. Distinguished Dietitian of the Year, Kansas Dietetic Association, 1993.

Goals and Vision for KSAND

KSAND is only as strong as the dietetics professionals who comprise its membership. We stand at a crossroads right now as our society struggles with the after-effects of the pandemic, our stressed economy, and a healthcare system pushed to the brink. Membership in the Academy, and thus in KSAND, has declined and often dietetics professionals question the value of membership, especially in our current economy. As a professional organization, we must listen ever more closely to the voice of dietetics professionals in Kansas to understand their concerns, their needs, and their professional aspirations. My vision for KSAND is one of a listening, learning, agile organization that hears and responds to its membership, provides high quality and pertinent continuing education opportunities, and clarifies/elevates the role of the registered dietitian nutritionist and the nutrition and dietetics technician, registered.

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, School Nutrition Association

Other Relevant Experience

Member nominating committee of the American Dietetic Association, 2001-2004.
Chair, nominating committee of the American Dietetic Association, 2003-2004.

Secretary Option(s)

Claire Walsh, MS, RDN, LD

Previous Positions Held

  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member, 2009-Present
  • Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member, 2013-Present
  • Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Public Policy Team 2013-2015
  • Community Health Assessment Volunteer for Johnson County, 2018
  • California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member, 2015-2018
  • Bay Area Dietetics Association Member, 2015-2017
  • Kansas City Dietetic Association Member, 2013-2015
  • Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Member, 2013-Present
  • Alameda County Community Food Bank Volunteer, 2015
  • Convoy of Hope Committee Member and Volunteer for Kansas City Dietetic Association, 2013-2015

Goals and Vision for KSAND

I hope to serve KSAND members and board with organized, timely communication to further the mission of the organization supporting RDNS and NDTRs accelerating improvements in state-wide health and well-being through food and nutrition.

Professional Memberships

AND, Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Women’s Health Nutrition Practice Group, Behavioral Health Nutrition Practice Group

Awards and Honors

Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Nominee, Kansas City Dietetic Association, 2015; Night on the Town Award, Cerner Health Connections Corporation, 2014; Rowena H Sherrill Leadership and Service Award, University of Kansas Medical Center, 2012; Human Ecology Study Abroad Scholarship, Kansas State University, 2008; Modern Languages Departmental Scholarship, Kansas State University, 2008; LeaderShape Scholarship, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 2007

VOTE NOW!