Presenter Bios
Patty Amidon

Patty has been at Cornell Cooperative Extension: Allegany since 2019. She is a member of the DEI Cornell Cooperative Extension CORE team as well as a member of three DEI subcommittees.
As a consultant, Patty is a Suicide Prevention trainer/facilitator for both the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills) and SafeTalk trainings. She also teaches First Aid/CPR/AED for local businesses and individuals. She is a Reiki Master where she operates a business as both a practitioner and teacher. She is the President of the Arkport Public Library and is currently a Trustee for the Village of Arkport, where she is serving for her third time over the span of twenty years. She is a former certified personal trainer where she was owner/operator of a wellness facility as well as a former Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor.
Patty loves to spend her time in the outdoors hiking with her labs or standing in the stream with her fly rod.
Steven Alihonou

Steven is a community health nutritionist who has been working at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County since 2017, and most recently as the Data and Evaluation Coordinator. He has a BA in International Affairs (Diplomacy), a tropical agricultural engineering degree with a focus on Nutrition and Food Systems and a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition. Systems thinking and holistic approaches to life in general and health in particular have always motivated his aspirations and endeavors.
He shares a passion for learning about different cultures and their cuisines, data, football/soccer, and cycling.
Deanna Belleny Lewis

Deanna Belleny Lewis is a Weight-Inclusive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Public Health practitioner currently living in Oakland, California. She is a public health consultant at JSI where she provides training and technical assistance related to PSE changes and weight-inclusive public health. She is also the co-founder of Diversify Dietetics, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the racial and ethnic diversity in the field of nutrition by empowering nutrition leaders of color. Deanna is passionate about creating system-level changes that positively impact health and advance equity especially for Black and Brown communities. In her free time, she practices yoga, explores the local farmer’s market, and never turns down a good brunch.
Erica Dahl

Erica has a BS in Nutrition Science from Russell Sage College and an MPH from Southern New Hampshire University. She has worked with schools across the Hudson Valley for six years, leading workshops on movement in the classroom. As an avid runner, she is passionate about teaching families how to transform their physical and mental health by finding joy in living active lives.
Judy Ensslin

Judy Ensslin is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with a diverse background in nutrition leadership and education. Judy obtained her BS degree in Dietetics from the University of Delaware, an MS Degree in Health Administration from St. Joseph’s University, and a certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Drexel University. She dedicated twenty years to healthcare nutrition management, has taught nutrition at various colleges and universities, and has owned a nutrition consulting business. For the past 14 years, Judy has worked with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly Program, initially as the Program Manager, and promoted to Program Director in 2016. She currently serves on the Executive committee of the PA SNAP-Ed Director’s Group. In her free time, Judy enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with her family, friends and two dogs, Charlie and Tucker.
Carolina Espinosa

Carolina is also a Registered Dietitian. As a Program Director for BronxWorks, she focuses on leading a team of Nutrition Educators to develop community partnerships and implement nutrition education programs to increase access to healthy food resources in the Bronx community with various partners. Before becoming Program Director for SNAP-Ed, from 2016 on, she spent 3 years implementing and expanding the BronxWorks-led Healthy Livable Mott Haven initiative and securing external partners. She also organized outreach events and helped coordinate implementation of the national diabetes prevention program (NDPP). Carolina then spent a year as the Nutritionist with the Positive Living Department, providing nutrition and health consultation to clients living with HIV/AIDS, before returning to the Community Health Programs as the Program Director of SNAP-Ed at BronxWorks. Carolina earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University in 2010 and then completed her dietetic internship at James J. Peters VA Hospital, becoming a Registered Dietitian in 2015.
Joshua C. Felver

Dr. Felver is an Extension Associate in the Yang Tan Institute and a Visiting Scholar in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research at Cornell University. He is a licensed psychologist with specialist board certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology. He took his Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Oregon, and completed a pre-doctoral internship in pediatric psychology at Harvard Medical School and a postdoctoral fellowship in child clinical psychology at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. His programmatic research involves developing, implementing, and exploring biomechanisms of mindfulness-based programs in school and community settings to address health disparities in diverse and at-risk populations. He has written 36 peer-reviewed publications, is the co-author of the book “Mindfulness in the Classroom” (New Harbinger Publications), and is an associate editor for the journal Mindfulness.
Marlo Fox

Marlo has dedicated her life’s work to the alleviation of poverty through practices that value relationships and promote lasting change. She co-founded Think Tank, Inc. in 2006, with the purpose of building awareness and facilitating collaboration among organizations seeking ways to promote more thriving communities. For twenty years she has served in various leadership capacities in the nonprofit sector, including working with diverse teams to develop and implement strategies and approaches aimed at fostering economic opportunity and leadership potential present among under-resourced communities. One of Marlo’s greatest assets is her ability to develop strategic partnerships and align teams around a shared vision and goals. She works to cultivate a collaborative culture at Think Tank, and has been privileged to work with several national networks to expand relational approaches to poverty alleviation. Marlo has a BA in Social Work from Anderson University and a Masters of Nonprofit Management- Certification in Capacity Building from Regis University. She has helped spearhead the development of various curriculum, technology & resources for churches, organizations & community groups that want to become more effective at fighting poverty. Her dream is to help shift the way we tackle poverty in America through approaches that honor, trust and partner with people with lived experience to lead change in their communities. Marlo and her husband of 20 years reside in Springfield, Ohio with their two daughters.
Heather E. Gavras

Heather currently serves as the National Program Lead for Nutrition and Well-being at the American Heart Association. She is responsible for working with multiple functions, engaging national strategic alliances and supporting the association’s field staff to improve nutrition security and workforce well-being.
Throughout her 30-year career with the American Heart Association, she has held a range of positions building on her experience in public health, nutrition education and community engagement. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Consumer Health Sciences from Miami University of Ohio and dietetic internship at Hines VA Medical Center, she began her career as a clinical dietitian at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. She also holds a Master of Public Health with a focus on health promotion and is a member of the American Public Health Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Shana Green

Shana Green is the Senior Director of Educational Partnerships & Master Trainer for the CATCH Global Foundation. She is passionate about elevating the physical & emotional health of all students and teachers. Shana joined the CATCH team after years of teaching and coaching in Texas public schools. During that time, Shana led the CATCH program at her campus and witnessed firsthand the impact that health can have on student success. Shana still lives in Texas with her husband and two active boys, who keep her very busy!
Rose Golden

Rose Golden is the Deputy Director of the Division of Local Program Operations at NYSOFA. In her current role she is responsible for the oversight of multiple programs such as the Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Senior Community Employment Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Foster Grandparents, Nutrition for the Elderly Program, NYSOFA Disaster Preparedness and Planning activities, and the Data and Reporting unit.
Prior to joining NYSOFA, she was president of Golden Lane Associates, Inc. which provided gerontological consulting services, including strategic planning, program development, team building, and staff training to organizations serving older adults and caregivers. Rose brings 30 years of experience in health and human services including serving as Commissioner of the Albany County Department for Aging.
She has a B.S. in Recreation Education with a minor in Gerontology from SUNY Cortland and Master of Social Work from Syracuse University where she received a certificate in Gerontology from the All Gerontology Center.
Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes, Program Manager, SNAP Nutrition Education and Outreach, NYS OTDA
Ora Kemp

Ora is a passionate foodie and PhD bound nerdette blending science and life through social application. She strives to educate others and learn together how to live healthier and happier every day. Her passion for food has carried through her personal and professional careers, including owning a restaurant, conducting research, collaboration with non-profits, and educating her community on preventative health. She received her 200-hour and 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher Certification at JaiPure Yoga in Montclair, NJ under the guidance of Loryn Riggiola and Marcie Wallace. She has continued to teach with Manhattan Exercise Company in addition to offering workshops and sessions for mind and body. She earned her Bachelors in Science with a degree in Nutrition and Food Science in addition to her Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education. As the Director of Nutrition at NY Common Pantry, Ora is passionately involved in nutrition education and policy, systems, and environmental changes to improve health outcomes in her community.
Tara Kenyon

Tara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Psychology from Binghamton University, and her Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist and a Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist with New York State. Prior to working at CCE Broome she lived and traveled extensively around the world, and loves learning about different cultures and cuisines.
Melissa Matsumura

Melissa Matsumura is a licensed Registered Dietitian in Pennsylvania. Melissa obtained her BS degree in Biology from Eastern New Mexico University (Portales, NM), and an MS Degree in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science from Marywood University (Scranton, PA). She has worked for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed program for almost 9 years serving as Program Assistant/Nutrition Educator, Project Coordinator II, Program Manager and currently, Assistant Director. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys powerlifting, exploring new restaurants, spending time with her boyfriend and rescue pittie, Bella, and creating her private practice focused on sports performance.
Lisa Neff

Lisa Neff is the Senior Community Impact Director for the Eastern States region of the American Heart Association leading a staff team and supporting Community Impact projects across New York State. Lisa began working with the American Heart Association in 2014 as the Community Impact Director for Connecticut before returning home to the Western New York region in 2019. Her work centers on leading local policy, systems, and environmental changes with a focus on improving nutritional security. Lisa lives with her family in Williamsville, NY. She is an active AmeriCorps Alum and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Food Policy Council of Buffalo and Erie County.
Jenna Ricker

Jenna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations from Susquehanna University. She joined the SNAP-Ed NY Hudson Valley Team last June and was previously the Communications Coordinator for CCE Orange County. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.
Shayna Russo

Shayna Russo is currently SNAP-Ed’s Project Manager for the Hudson Valley Region and Coordinator for SNAP-Ed’s Statewide Technical Assistance (TA) Project . She is driven to create ‘change’ that supports healthy lifestyles, while simultaneously utilizing knowledge, skills, and abilities relative to health, education, nutrition, fitness, collaboration, and teamwork. With degrees in Health Promotion Management and Exercise Science, she has worked as a Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Swim Instructor, Public Health Educator and Regional Coordinator. For over 20 years Shayna has used her facilitation and communication skills to promote an all-inclusive, high-performing culture where groups embrace and leverage each other’s talents to achieve full potential. Over the past 12 years, through grant funded roles with Cornell Cooperative Extension, much of her efforts has been focused on the health and wellness of low-income communities in the Hudson Valley. Shayna and her husband live in Dutchess County with their two kids and two dogs (Brownie and Cupcake). You will often find her around town on some early morning runs, drinking some hot tea and bringing her kids to soccer and gymnastics practice.
Amanda Ryder

Amanda Ryder is a seasoned public health professional with 15 years of experience providing capacity building and technical assistance to support development, implementation and evaluation of community-based health initiatives. Amanda’s interests and expertise are in chronic disease prevention and health promotion, particularly policy and place-based initiatives that address the social determinants of health and promote equity. Over the course of her career, she has become increasingly skilled at working with multi-sectoral state agencies and local agencies and community stakeholders to promote healthy communities. Amanda received her master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health and is a certified Wellness Coach and Dare to Lead™ certified. Amanda lives outside Boston with her husband Josh, daughter Maisie, son Max, and dog Marvin.
Angela Odoms-Young

Angela Odoms-Young, PhD (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor and Director of the Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Program (FNEC) and New York State Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). In 2021 she joined the Cornell faculty after spending 13 years at University of Illinois at Chicago in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition. Dr. Odoms-Young’s research explores the social and structural determinants of dietary behaviors and related health outcomes in low-income populations and black, Indigenous and people of color. Her work also centers on developing culturally responsive programs and policies that promote health equity, food justice, and community resilience.
Noelle Veilleux

Noelle Veilleux Markham, RDN serves as the Population Health Dietitian at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Noelle has 9 years of experience as an RDN and has spent the entirety of her career in public health nutrition with a focus on nutrition messaging and policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.
Stephanie Zahares

Stephanie is a Senior Nutrition Program Coordinator and Curricula Lead for Maine SNAP-Ed through the University of New England. Stephanie is from Old Orchard Beach, Maine and attended Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and master’s in Nutrition and Health Promotion. She enjoys being in nature, hiking, cooking, reading, photography, and spending time with her loved ones and two cats.
Sara Servadio

Sara Servadio MA, joined the Putnam County Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau as the Deputy Commissioner in 2022. Prior to joining the Putnam County departments, Sara worked for the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health for 15 years. A primary focus of Sara’s work has been with individuals with serious mental health concerns and their families that are involved in the justice system. Sara’s responsibilities included the oversight of Assisted Outpatient Treatment, the New York State SAFE Act and acted to insure that people whose behaviors may be considered high risk, had access to the appropriate services to support their recovery. Sara is a certified Police Mental Health and Crisis Intervention Team Trainer through New York State Office of Mental Health. Recently becoming certified to deliver Youth Mental Health First Aid, trainings will begin with local school district staff. She is the local liaison for the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in the Hudson Valley Region. She has presented both locally and nationally on the use of court ordered outpatient treatment and the use of alternatives to incarceration for people with co-occurring disorders.
Adrienne Markworth

Adrienne Markworth is the Executive Director of Leah’s Pantry, a California-based thought leader on trauma-informed nutrition security. Leah’s Pantry leads the national movement to catalyze resilience and build protective factors through community nutrition and food security initiatives. Adrienne brings a strategic and strengths-based perspective to program design, delivery, and training.
Monica Bhagwan
Monica is a trainer, community educator, and program manager at Leah’s Pantry. She introduced the concept of applying a trauma-informed lens to food and nutrition programs to Leah’s Pantry and co-leads many of their projects and initiatives. Based in San Francisco, she has a Masters Degree in Food Studies from New York University and has been a professional cook
Elias Todd

Elias Todd, SNAP-Ed Digital Education Coordinator