2025-2026 BOD Ballot Preview

President Elect

Place of employment & position title: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Assistant Professor

City: Little Rock

Education:

Master of Science, Clinical Nutrition - University of Central Arkansas

Dietetic Internship - Southeast Missouri State University

Bachelor of Science, Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics - University of Central Arkansas

Past offices held (if any): ArAND: Nominating Committee, Chair; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Lifelong Learning Committee

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

I am excited for the opportunity to run for the position of president-elect. Volunteering with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has provided me with the chance to be inspired by leaders in our professional community. As president-elect of ArAND, I hope to motivate more Arkansans to get involved, so we can solve problems together and work to move our profession forward.

Secretary/Treasurer Elect

Place of employment & position title: Outpatient RD at Arkansas Heart Hospital Cardiac Rehab

City: Little Rock

Education: Bachelor at Harding University, Dietetic Internship 2018-2019 UAMS/CAVHS, & Masters in Health Promotion from UCA

Past offices held (if any): Social media coordinator & co-chair AME Planning Committee

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

Being a part of the ArAND Board for the past two years has been a true blessing, both personally and professionally. I believe this opportunity has truly enriched my career, allowing me to actively contribute to meaningful ArAND events, connect and network with fellow RDs, build genuine mentorship relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical work the ArAND BOD does—such as collaborating with state representatives to pass legislation that benefits dietitians. It would be an honor to continue on the BOD and serve as Secretary next year, where I can assist with file keeping, planning, and helping to elevate the BOD's impact for all RDs across Arkansas.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title: Baptist Health NLR, clinical RD

City: Greenbrier

Education: MS in dietetics and internship from UAMS

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

I would love the opportunity to serve and represent the nutrition community.

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Arkansas Children's Hospital: Dietetic Intern Coordinator/Registered Dietitian III

City: Little Rock

Education:

MS, BS at University of Central Arkansas; Dietetic Internship at Louisiana Tech University  

Past offices held (if any):

2016-2017   President of the Central Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,
2015-2016   President Elect of the Central Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
2011-2013   Webmaster
2008-2011   Editor and Assistant Editor of the Newsletter

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

I am honored to be nominated to serve on the committee for the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As a pediatric dietitian with 21 years of experience and a dedicated intern coordinator I am excited about advancing the profession and making a positive impact on our communities. I believe strongly in the power of our profession's impact and would like to contribute more to our profession. I have been fortunate to be a part of mentoring and supporting the next generation of dietitians. This has helped me develop an understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face as a profession. I believe serving on this committee will allow me to further contribute to growing, advocating, and supporting the leadership of dietitians across our state. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with fellow professionals and advance the work of the Arkansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.     

Nominating Committee

Place of employment & position title:

Arkansas Children's Hospital, Registered Dietitian 1

City: Little Rock

Education: Masters of Science in Nutrition 

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

I am a lifelong student and wish to learn all that I can to improve the lives of the communities that I am involved with and beyond. Learning and growing as a dietitian is crucial to improving myself and feel that I could do that as part of the nominating committee.