Alexa Hockemeyer received her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from Indiana University, along with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. She has experience as a line cook for several restaurants. She has been HACCP and SQF trained in Food Safety for Manufacturing and has developed and implemented a Repack and Distribution Food Safety System for Rubicon Foods, a manufacturer of purée products. She is currently the Manager of Training and Culinary Support at Rubicon Foods. Her goal is to create recipes/techniques and marketing support items that help healthcare customers implement a successful purée program.

Alison Manger-Weikel, Registered Dietitian, provides oversight of the Clinical Nutrition, Quality and Regulatory Compliance program for the division of Food and Nutrition Services, Riverside Health System in Newport News, VA. She has developed a Quality Management Plan for the division to address Food Safety and Sanitation as well as preparation and compliance to State, Federal and Regulatory Compliance agencies. She holds a B.S in Dietetics from the University of Maryland at College Park, and an MHA from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD.

Toni is a Senior Level Food & Nutrition Services Director with an expertise in professional development, a passion for food, and a heart for healthcare. Her present role as the System Food & Nutrition Service Director for Riverside Health System (RHS) in Newport News, Virginia expands across 15 sites, including acute and lifelong health. She was recently reappointed to participate in the Premier GPO Food Service Council Committee. In 2018, Toni received the Illuminating Excellence Award in recognition of foodservice operational excellence.

Barbara spent 7 years as the MDS/OASIS Automation Education Coordinator/Trainer for the State of Iowa/Iowa Foundation for Medical Care. Previously, she was employed in Long Term Care facilities for 10+years and has her degrees as a Certified Dietary Manager, Resident Assessment Coordinator Certified, and QAPI Certified Professional. Additionally, for the past 2 years, she’s been ANFP’s (Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals) Education & Regulatory Outreach Consultant. Barbara recently started her own business, Aging Rules LLC Consulting. Her dream job combines her passion for food and her understanding of what makes “quality over quantity!”

As a professional chef with well over 30 years of experience in the hospitality market, Darin is transforming the industry with his passion for food and dining.  His passion is to continue disrupting the Healthcare and Senior Living Industry making every aspect a great dining experience.  Darin graduated from South Seattle Community College with a Culinary Degree and at Ashford University for a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management.

Following four years of active duty in the United States Coast Guard, Frank spent 32 years in Law Enforcement.  Frank retired from the Portland Oregon Police Bureau as a Captain after rising through the ranks to executive command level. Frank’s three decades in policing combined vast operational experience as a trainer, curriculum writer, frontline supervisor, project manager, and organizational leader. For over 25 years he participated with numerous community-based non-profits focusing on relationship building with the youth and families of Portland Oregon.

With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality field, Jay has held various leadership, operational and functional roles in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Asia and South America. His resume includes the implementation of operational processes and systems, strategy development and implementation, supply chain management, labor relations and change management. He has worked in management and administration of food service in contract services, restaurants, retail, hotels, and senior living for companies including Aramark and Holiday Retirement. Jay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University.

Lauren Kendzierski has spent their career digesting the world and its many cultures through food and nutrition. After 20 years in international fine dining, as a chef, waiter, bartender, & restaurateur, Chef Lauren now runs a sustainable farm in Western Massachusetts, while working as a chef instructor and college professor at both Clark University and Holyoke Community College. Chef Lauren has degrees from the International Culinary Center, UMass Amherst, and Clark University.

Mary Rybicki is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with diverse clinical and management experience in post-acute care settings. She is Editor-in-chief of the NCM Diet Manual and has incorporated the IDDSI texture modified diets. Mary has worked within multiple healthcare settings for quality improvement processes of texture modified foods and with the transition to IDDSI. She has an MS in Dietetics from MGH Institute of Health Professions and a MMHS from Brandeis University. She has held multiple leadership positions with the national DHCC DPG and remains active at the state level.

Nancy is the East Region Dietitian with Lyons Magnus.  As a Registered Dietitian for over 30 years, Nancy has worked in clinical, management, sales, and consulting positions throughout her career.  She is a versatile, results-oriented professional and a proven leader with expertise as a presenter and trainer. Nancy has a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, coupling her nutrition background with exercise physiology, promoting overall health and wellness.

In her career as a Registered Dietitian, Sarah has worked in various positions within the long term care setting. As a Nutrition Services Coordinator she managed daily food service operations as well as the clinical nutrition needs of residents. In her role as Performance Outcome Coordinator Sarah focused on budget and operational management within dietary departments. She graduated with a B.S. in Food Science & Nutrition, from Middle Tennessee State University, and received her M.S. in Food Science & Nutrition from Northern Illinois University. Sarah’s thesis research focused on pureed meals, and how an enhanced plate presentation could have a positive impact on meal intake in the long term care setting. Sarah currently resides in Wisconsin with her husband and dog, Miles, and enjoys long runs, traveling, and all things wine.

Suzanne Quiring is a Registered Dietitian both in Canada and USA. She is a member of Dietitians of Canada, Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), and Dietetics in Health Care Communities (DHCC). She is a Certified Dietary Manager with ANFP, and active member of CSNM. Suzanne has been published in 10 peer publications and been a speaker at National conferences including 2018 ANFP Regional conferences, 2018 Dietitians of Canada National conference, 2016 DHCC National conference, Pioneer Network, Eden Alternative International conference, and numerous health care conferences. She was awarded the Marie Taylor Award for Excellence in Long Term Care by Dietitians of Canada in 2015, and ANFP National Dining Distinction Award winner for 2020.