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 Roberta Anding, MS, RD/LD, CSSD, CDE
Chair / Director of Professional Development & Events
Roberta has been a dietitian since the 1980s and a sports dietitian for the past 25 years. Currently, she holds two positions at Baylor College of Medicine—Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Associate Course Director for the Clinical Application of Basic Science Course—Nutrition. She also teaches an introductory nutrition course at Rice University and is the sports dietitian for the Rice University Owls.
Past positions include the Director of Sports and Adolescent Nutrition at Texas Children’s Hospital, and sports dietitian for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, and Houston Ballet. She believes that the great thing about being a sports dietitian is that as the profession evolves, so can you!
As a mom, she is very proud of her three children, and her daughter Dr. Katie McInnis is a sports dietitian based in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Christine Karpinski is an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian and is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the department of Nutrition at West Chester University. Chris earned her BS at West Chester University in exercise science and played field hockey and lacrosse. She earned her Master’s degree from Immaculata University and her PhD from Rutgers University with her doctoral research project involving the athletes at WCU. In addition to her teaching and Chair responsibilities, she provides nutrition education and services to the athletes at WCU and mentors undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in sports nutrition and is a preceptor for Dietetic Interns wishing to do a sports nutrition rotation. Chris served on the Executive Committee of SCAN as the Director of Sports Performance from June 2013-May 2016. She is a member of ACSM, PINES, and CPSDA. She has presented many times to many different groups on the topic of providing collegiate sports nutrition services on a budget, advocating for the critical need of sports dietitians in all college programs. She is the editor-in-chief for “Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals”, 6th edition, published in September 2017. Chris enjoys working out, hiking, playing golf, gardening, and watching almost any sport. She was the 2018 Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN) Achievement Award recipient.
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 Melinda Valliant, PHD, RD/LD
Treasurer
Melinda received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, a Master of Science in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science from The University of Mississippi (UM), better known as “Ole Miss”. She has worked as a clinical dietitian, chief clinical dietitian, fitness center director, sports dietitian and currently as Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management and as Director of the Center for Health and Sports Performance at UM. In these roles, she provides administrative oversight of the department, teaches graduate sports nutrition courses, and oversees student research projects.
She and her husband, Stephen, have three children—Marty who is also an alumnus of Ole Miss and 15-year-old twins, Wells and Rebeka. As a family they enjoy traveling, outdoor activities and attending sporting events.
Dr. Christine Karpinski is an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian and is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the department of Nutrition at West Chester University. Chris earned her BS at West Chester University in exercise science and played field hockey and lacrosse. She earned her Master’s degree from Immaculata University and her PhD from Rutgers University with her doctoral research project involving the athletes at WCU. In addition to her teaching and Chair responsibilities, she provides nutrition education and services to the athletes at WCU and mentors undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in sports nutrition and is a preceptor for Dietetic Interns wishing to do a sports nutrition rotation. Chris served on the Executive Committee of SCAN as the Director of Sports Performance from June 2013-May 2016. She is a member of ACSM, PINES, and CPSDA. She has presented many times to many different groups on the topic of providing collegiate sports nutrition services on a budget, advocating for the critical need of sports dietitians in all college programs. She is the editor-in-chief for “Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals”, 6th edition, published in September 2017. Chris enjoys working out, hiking, playing golf, gardening, and watching almost any sport. She was the 2018 Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN) Achievement Award recipient.
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 Caroline Mandel, MS, RD, CSSD
Secretary
Caroline has been a registered dietitian for 29 years and is in her 22nd year as Director of Performance Nutrition at the University of Michigan Athletic Department, providing medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education and fueling programs to over 900 division-I varsity student-athletes competing on 29 teams, and overseeing a staff of four performance dietitians. She lectures on a variety of performance nutrition topics, both locally and nationally, and previously worked as a Nutrition Specialist in Preventive Cardiology.
Caroline earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Massachusetts, then completed dual Masters of Science degrees in Kinesiology and Human Nutrition from the University of Michigan. She was elected as secretary to the SCAN Executive Committee and now serves on the newly formed SHPN dietetic practice group’s executive committee.
She is a former collegiate swimmer but loves to explore other types of exercise. She and her husband, Scott, live in Ann Arbor and are proud parents of their adult daughters, Hailey and Leah.
Dr. Christine Karpinski is an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian and is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the department of Nutrition at West Chester University. Chris earned her BS at West Chester University in exercise science and played field hockey and lacrosse. She earned her Master’s degree from Immaculata University and her PhD from Rutgers University with her doctoral research project involving the athletes at WCU. In addition to her teaching and Chair responsibilities, she provides nutrition education and services to the athletes at WCU and mentors undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in sports nutrition and is a preceptor for Dietetic Interns wishing to do a sports nutrition rotation. Chris served on the Executive Committee of SCAN as the Director of Sports Performance from June 2013-May 2016. She is a member of ACSM, PINES, and CPSDA. She has presented many times to many different groups on the topic of providing collegiate sports nutrition services on a budget, advocating for the critical need of sports dietitians in all college programs. She is the editor-in-chief for “Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals”, 6th edition, published in September 2017. Chris enjoys working out, hiking, playing golf, gardening, and watching almost any sport. She was the 2018 Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN) Achievement Award recipient.
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 Jessica Garay, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS, FAND
Policy & Advocacy Liaison (PAL)
Jessica is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at Syracuse University. Her main research interests include women’s health and sports nutrition, with current projects on diet and physical activity behaviors among pregnant women and the relationship between energy availability and dietary quality among female collegiate athletes. Jessica also has a sports nutrition-focused private practice, Major League Wellness. Jessica is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and currently serves on the Academy’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee. She previously held the role of Public Policy Coordinator for the NYS Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jessica recently completed a Science Policy Fellowship through the American Society of Nutrition.
Jessica is a mom to 2 boys and a girl. She is a former fitness instructor and currently enjoys weight training, hiking, running, yoga, and tennis.
Dr. Christine Karpinski is an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian and is currently an Associate Professor and Chair of the department of Nutrition at West Chester University. Chris earned her BS at West Chester University in exercise science and played field hockey and lacrosse. She earned her Master’s degree from Immaculata University and her PhD from Rutgers University with her doctoral research project involving the athletes at WCU. In addition to her teaching and Chair responsibilities, she provides nutrition education and services to the athletes at WCU and mentors undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in sports nutrition and is a preceptor for Dietetic Interns wishing to do a sports nutrition rotation. Chris served on the Executive Committee of SCAN as the Director of Sports Performance from June 2013-May 2016. She is a member of ACSM, PINES, and CPSDA. She has presented many times to many different groups on the topic of providing collegiate sports nutrition services on a budget, advocating for the critical need of sports dietitians in all college programs. She is the editor-in-chief for “Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals”, 6th edition, published in September 2017. Chris enjoys working out, hiking, playing golf, gardening, and watching almost any sport. She was the 2018 Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Dietetic Practice Group (SCAN) Achievement Award recipient.
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 Melissa Gerharter MS, RD, CSSD
Content Expert Committee Director
Melissa is a certified specialist in sports dietetics, certified personal trainer and wellness coach. She actively participates in road races and has completed several marathons and triathlons. As Chief Operating Officer at The United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Melissa utilizes her expertise and personal experiences to help athletes, students, and consumers discover how dairy can play an important role in their active lives. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Eastern Michigan University and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health.
Melissa resides in Dexter, Michigan and tries to keep up with her 3 active children.
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 Jennifer Burris PhD, RDN, CNSC, CDCES, CSSD
Research Committee Director
Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian and part-time faculty in Nutrition at California State University Channel Islands (Calabasas, CA), New York University (New York, NY), and Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA). Jennifer’s research focuses on the integrated role of nutrition, physical activity, and chronic skin disease, particularly acne, to promote patient wellness. She has a passion for nutrition and is currently a Sports Nutrition Consultant for the Ventura County Fire department (Ventura County, CA), targeting the unique nutrition needs of first responders. Jennifer also has extensive experience as a clinical dietitian, previously focusing on acute care at the University of California, Irvine, long-term care for Dietitians of Orange County (California), and pediatric patient care within the Metabolic Disorders and Genetic Inborn Errors of Metabolism at Children’s Hospital Orange County, (California).
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 Kelly Pritchett, PhD, RD, CSSD
Social Media Coordinator
Kelly is an Associate Professor in Nutrition and Exercise Science at Central Washington University. As a board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, she has consulted with both elite and collegiate athletes as well as with active individuals. While in college, she competed on the swimming and diving team at the University of Alabama. She served as a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 6 years. Pritchett is an active member of the American College of Sports Medicine. She has authored research articles for scientific journals and presented at regional and national conferences. Her current research interests include sports nutrition for para-athletes, vitamin D and the athlete, and energy availability in athletes.
In her spare time, she enjoys running and spending time with her three active boys.
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 Anthony Paradis, MA, MS, RDN, CSSD, CSCS, USAPL
Volunteer Engagement Director
Anthony joined the South Carolina Athletics staff in September 2021 as the department’s first director of Olympic sports nutrition. After eight years in private practice and five seasons at Tennessee Tech, Paradis will guide the nutritional education and development of the approximately 570 Gamecocks competing in Olympic sports.
Paradis is a registered dietitian nutritionist and licensed dietitian (2011), certified specialist in sports dietetics (SCAN, 2016) and certified strength and conditioning specialist (NSCA, 2016). He is a past president of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and a current member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Collegiate Professional and Sports Dietitians.
As an athlete, Paradis has consistently pushed himself to record-setting heights as both the Tennessee (2017) and Texas (2015) state record holder in powerlifting with Natural Athlete Strength Association. He also completed a solo 500-mile consecutive hike on the Colorado Trail in 2015, which was the foundation for his first master’s thesis, and competed on American Ninja Warrior in 2012.
Following his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech in 2008, Paradis earned a master’s in nutrition sciences from Texas Woman’s University in 2016 and a master’s in education from Tennessee Tech in 2020.
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 Michelle Moreau
Student Engagement Representative
Michelle is currently working toward her master's degree in Human Nutrition and will be graduating in May 2023. She received her bachelor's degree in Human Development from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, subsequently working in local policy and research before embracing her passion for nutrition and going back to school. Currently she is a fueling station manager with the University of Texas at Austin football program and a group fitness instructor at Texas State University. She will begin her dietetic internship with Texas State University in August 2022 and will complete the internship in May 2023. She aspires to work in collegiate football afterward as an RD, ultimately working toward earning her CSSD.
In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors in the beautiful Hill Country, volunteering at the local animal shelter, and spending time with her family.
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 Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN
Director of Development
Leslie is a registered dietitian, board certified specialist in sports dietetics, nationally and internationally recognized speaker and is the owner of Active Eating Advice- be fit, fed, fearless- a nutrition consulting company and co-founder of Performance365- a sports nutrition consulting company. She is currently the sports nutrition consultant for the 2020 Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Leslie was the director of sports nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine for 16 years. She has authored numerous chapters for sports medicine and sports nutrition manuals. Performance 365 provided the sports nutrition services for the inaugural season of the XFL and also the new FCF league.
Leslie was a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for 8 years and she does the annual media training for the new spokespeople. She has done countless media interviews for national and international television and radio programs as well as print and online publications. She is a consultant to industry and a spokesperson for industry partners.
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 Heather Hedrick Fink, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, CLT
2022 Keynote Sessions Committee Member
Heather Hedrick Fink, owner of Nutrition and Wellness Solutions, LLC, is a Registered Dietitian and Board Certified as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics as well as her Master of Science degree in Kinesiology at the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign. Heather is also certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Certified Exercise Physiologist. Heather has been providing nutrition, fitness and wellness programming to individuals, corporations and athletic teams for more than 20 years.
Heather’s interests and extensive experience are in the areas of wellness, disease prevention, weight management, food sensitivities, exercise programming, vegetarian nutrition, and sports nutrition, ranging from the recreational to the ultra-endurance athlete. Her sports nutrition practice includes acting as the sports dietitian for the IUPUI athletic department, as well as working with club teams, individual athletes, trainers and coaches to optimize their nutrition and hydration strategies. Heather works with first responders to enhance their nutrition for job performance, overall health and longevity. She has appeared on local NBC, CBS and cable television shows and news broadcasts to educate central Indiana residents on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Heather is the author of two books, the Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Half Marathon Training and Practical Applications in Sports Nutrition. Heather is also an accomplished triathlete, duathlete and marathon runner who has qualified for and competed in the Hawaii Ironman and Boston Marathon.
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 Michele Macedonio, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
2022 Keynote Sessions Committee Member
Michele Macedonio, a registered, licensed dietitian and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, is the owner of Nutrition Strategies®, LLC a nutrition consulting business providing nutrition communications, education, and counseling specializing in sports and human performance, cardiovascular health, and wellness.
Michele works with physically active people including youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Her clients have included two professional soccer teams, Xavier University Men’s Basketball team, and the University of Dayton Men’s Basketball team. She served as the Cincinnati Bengals’ team dietitian for eight years and 11 years as team dietitian with the Cincinnati Reds MLB baseball team.
Michele is a consultant and spokesperson for members of food and beverage industry, has authored nutrition articles and education materials, book chapters including the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th editions of SCAN Sports Nutrition: A Practice Manual for Professionals, and is co-author of The Athlete’s Guide to Making Weight.
Her professional volunteer and leadership positions have included Editor-in-chief of SCAN’S PULSE, SCAN Chair, Director of Sports-Dietetics USA, SHPN Keynote Sessions Committee, and CDR’s Board Certification Specialty Panel.
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 Jennifer Ketterly, RD/LDN
Founding Chair
Jennifer earned her BS in Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University and her MS in Clinical Nutrition/Sports Nutrition while at the University of Kentucky. She is currently the Associate Director of Sports Performance at the Duke Sports Science Institute and a faculty member in Duke’s Department of Orthopedics. She also serves as the sports dietitian for the Charlotte Hornets and North Carolina Central University Athletics. Much of her early career was spent working as a sports dietitian in sports and athletic medicine throughout various division-1 institutions. She served as the Chair of the SCAN DPG from 2018 to 2021 and has now taken over this role for the new SHPN DPG.
She likes to spend her free time hiking with her family on the weekends and working on new SHPN initiatives. She has a strong, funny, willful 4-year old that is full of energy and two very fluffy, gorgeous Persian cats that get way more sleep than she does these days!
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