Neal D. Fortin, J.D.
"We Are What We Eat: Food Additive Regulation" Neal Fortin is the Director of the Institute for Food Laws & Regulations at Michigan State University and a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Mr. Fortin teaches the courses United States Food Law, International Food Law, Codex Alimentarius, and Regulatory Leadership in Food Law. He is the author of Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy, and Practice and Advanced Introduction to International Food Law.
Allison Yoder, MA, RDN, LD
"Empowering RDNs: Unlocking the Potential of Food as Medicine" Allison is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and leader in the food retail industry, with over 20 years specializing in business development and health and wellbeing strategy. Currently, Allison is a Nutrition Program Development Manager for Kroger Health. In her previous role, Allison led a fellowship program through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation where she conducted research on Food as Medicine and developed resources and continuing education opportunities to support registered dietitians working in food retail settings.
Colleen Dawkins, FNP-C, RDN, CSOWM
"Incretin-Based Medications and Nutrition Counseling" Colleen Dawkins is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, registered dietitian nutritionist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. She runs a telemedicine private practice for patients in Washington and Montana at Big Sky Medical Wellness and is pursuing a PhD in Nursing Leadership.
Joyce Faraj-Ardura PhD, MS, RDN, LDN
"UNSTUCK: How to Help Clients Break Through Behavior Change Barriers" Dr. Joyce Faraj-Ardura, PhD, RD, is a dietitian, educator, and founder of the Nutrition Counseling Academy and Joyceful Nutrition. She specializes in behavior change psychology, motivational interviewing, and sustainable nutrition. Passionate about empowering dietitians and clients, she creates transformative programs that bridge science, psychology, and practical strategies for lasting health changes.
Amy Cochran, RDN, MPH
"Trauma Informed Strategies for Registered Dietitians and other Nutrition Professionals" Amy Cochran is a Project Coordinator at Leah's Pantry, a California non-profit that builds and implements community nutrition and food security programs. Amy is also a registered dietitian and holds a Master of Public Health from California State University, San Marcos.
Carrie Richerson, MS
“Trauma-Informed Strategies for Registered Dietitians and Other Nutrition Professionals” Carrie Richerson is the Director of Training for Leah’s Pantry. Based in San Diego, Carrie holds a Masters degree in Nutrition Education from American University. Carrie works with SNAP-Ed and other nonprofit and food security partners throughout the United States to build capacity around trauma-informed nutrition security.
Jennifer Weissman, MS, MPH, RD
"Trauma Informed Strategies for Registered Dietitians and other Nutrition Professionals" Jennifer Weissman is a Registered Dietitian and Program Specialist with Leah's Pantry where she develops and designs curricula and training materials for a variety of audiences and settings. She has worked for over two decades in nutrition education, health education, program management, and evaluation in nonprofit, government, and research settings. Jennifer received her Master's in Nutrition from Georgia State University, her Master of Public Health from UCLA, and her Bachelor of Arts in Physiology from UC Berkeley.
