About Us > State Coordinators

VN DPG's State Coordinators

The VN DPG State Coordinators are your local link to the national group.
Interested in becoming more active on a local level? VN DPG's State Coordinator Chair.

Coordinator Chair

Interest in health and well-being has been a lifelong passion. Beginning in adolescence, I loved to create delicious meals for my family and friends, and also practice yoga. This led to an interest in learning how diet/lifestyle might affect intellectual growth; the result was a graduate degree in Food Science and Nutrition. I have worked as a Clinical Dietitian, Director of Nutrition Services, Research Dietitian and had a multifaceted private practice. Currently I work with cancer patients and volunteer with Roots of Change to effect our national food policies.

The Alabama State Coordinator Position is open!

The Alaska State Coordinator Position is open!

Arizona

The Arkansas State Coordinator Position is open!

California

California (Southern)

I was introduced to ethical veganism as a teenager and chose to pursue nutrition as a career to explore the health benefits of vegetarian diets. I completed my public health masters degree and took the RD exam in 2003. Currently I work in South Central Los Angeles doing nutrition education with kids and teaching part-time at a community college. Additionally I work with vegan athletes and myself take part in ultra-endurance cycling and triathlon events around the world.

Colorado

The Delaware State Coordinator Position is open!

Florida

Practicing a strict vegetarian diet for ten years, my husband, sister, brother-in-law, and 18-month old nephew share this practice with me. Aging and culinary arts are my areas of expertise which led to my writing of the new ADA position paper on food and nutrition programs for aging adults. As adjunct professor at Johnson and Whales University I teach both culinary and dietetics courses. It surprises me that the culinary students are often more aware of vegetarian diets than the dietetics students. In my private practice I focus on eating for good health by assisting clients with the selection, design, and preparation of vegetarian and vegan meals.

The Georgia State Coordinator Position is open!

The Hawaii State Coordinator Position is open!

Idaho

Illinois

The Indiana State Coordinator Position is open!

The Iowa State Coordinator Position is open!

The Kansas State Coordinator Position is open!

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

When I witnessed the amazing world under water while SCUBA diving, I became passionate about protecting animal life and started my journey toward veganism. Ten years ago I left teaching to become a pediatric dietitian, where I still see myself as a teacher, but with different students and subject matter. I am excited to offer patients and families struggling with health issues the strategic option of a plant-based diet. I enjoy working with adolescents who want to explore vegetarianism. In my down time, I volunteer for Compassionate Action for Animals and am mom to 4 spoiled cats!

Mississippi

I first considered vegetarian nutrition during my internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. With a family history of cardiovascular disease, living in the state with the most obesity, and working as a renal dietitian I knew the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. My current work for QSource allows me to educate providers and beneficiaries about prevention of chronic kidney disease. I am a serious fitness enthusiast, a certified personal trainer, and run half marathons. Being vegan makes me feel better than ever.

Missouri

Laura was introduced to ethical vegetarianism in high school and became dedicated to strict veganism in college for the betterment of animal, ethical, environmental, and physical health. A 4-year vegan, her passions lie in both nutrition and cooking, her work includes clinical dietitian and running a vegan supper club. She volunteers with the Kansas City Food Circle, promoting local foods, and is an instructor for vegan cooking and baking classes at a local Whole Foods Market.

The Montana State Coordinator Position is open!

The Nebraska State Coordinator Position is open!

The Nevada State Coordinator Position is open!

New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)

I was raised in India with a traditional vegetarian family and my first experience with food involved health and medicine. For most of my adult life, I have helped my family, patients, and other health professionals incorporate the health benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. I teach nutrition through vegetarian cooking in a variety of venues including television and feel that sharing my knowledge through a combination of education and practice works best. I also partner with individuals who desire the science of nutrition translated into a healthy vegetarian lifestyle. With current research connecting the effect of what we eat on how we feel, I believe that food preparation is the one place where I can reflect daily on that fundamental relationship.

The New Jersey State Coordinator Position is open!

The New Mexico State Coordinator Position is open!

New York

Being born in Indian to a vegetarian Jain family there was no other option, vegetarianism is engraved in me. In my private practice I use complementary therapies and principles of functional medicine as I work with all age groups. In 2008, I was honored to receive from my peers the VN DPG Cyndi Reeser Outstanding State Coordinator of the Year award. My philosophy is to respect individual beliefs, and share vegetarianism globally with people who are open minded, receptive, and ready to listen.

North Carolina

The North Dakota State Coordinator Position is open!

Ohio

The Oklahoma State Coordinator Position is open!

The Oregon State Coordinator Position is open!

The Pennsylvania State Coordinator Position is open!

The Rhode Island State Coordinator Position is open!

The South Carolina State Coordinator Position is open!

The South Dakota State Coordinator Position is open!

Tennessee

Texas

My passion for nutrition began when I took a college nutrition class. I have worked as a Clinical Dietitian, Director of Nutrition Services, and for several years as Mom. When my youngest left for college I decided to back to sharing my passion working for vegetarian nutrition. I teach community vegetarian cooking classes, volunteer with the local food bank, and work as Web Editor for the VN DPG website.

The Utah State Coordinator Position is open!

The Virginia State Coordinator Position is open!

The Washington State Coordinator Position is open!

The West Virginia State Coordinator Position is open!

The Wisconsin State Coordinator Position is open!

Wyoming

I gave up meat immediately after my first anatomy lab. That choice influences my support of the health and environmental benefits of living vegetarian, including my time as VN DPG Chair. Currently I serve as assistant professor at the University of Wyoming doing research on how nutrition influences the health and performance of active individuals at all stages of the lifecycle and at all levels of performance. My book Vegetarian Sports Nutrition: Food Choices and Eating Plans for Fitness and Performance reflects a portion of my research and clinical work as a sports dietitian. I am an avid trail runner who also enjoys Irish dance, kayaking and running after my three vegetarian children.