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Board of Directors 2022

Hillary Hart, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
President

Amber Smith, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Immediate Past President

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Alexis Sloma, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
President-Elect

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I currently work in Medical Affairs for Nutricia North America and previously worked as a neonatal ICU dietitian at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago for five years. I am originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, completed my BS at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and then moved to Chicago to complete my MS/DI program at Rush. I am also a current student in the PhD – Health Sciences program at Rush. In my free time I love to cook and explore new delicious restaurants downtown. I am a terrible baker and much prefer salty foods! I also love spending time near the lake, trying new work outs and spending time with family and friends.

I am originally from California, I received my B.S from CSU Chico and completed my Masters/Dietetic Internship at Rush University Medical center in Chicago where I now work as a Clinical Dietitian in the adult surgical ICU. I'm also a member of our adult nutrition support team and am passionate about all things nutrition support related! In my free time I enjoy cooking, running, dabbling in the Chicago food scene, spending time outdoors and traveling.

Alex is a pediatric clinical dietitian at Rush University Medical Center and Rush University Children’s Hospital. She completed her B.S. in dietetics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master’s degree and internship at Rush University Medical Center. Her primary interests are in pediatric and neonatal critical care, ketogenic diet with epilepsy, and malnutrition research. Since entering the dietetics field, Alex has loved working with children and their families to make nutrition fun and applicable to their daily lifestyles. Additionally, she enjoys precepting masters student in their pediatric rotation. In her free-time, Alex is likely checking out new restaurants, attending hot yoga classes, or cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers with friends and family!

Jessica Moehling, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Program Co-Chair

Danielle Hom, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC 

Program Co-Chair

Elizabeth Klein, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC Secretary

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I am a Registered Dietitian at The University of Chicago Medicine. I work primarily in the cardiac ICU as well as on some cardiac step-down/general medicine floors. I also teach nutrition classes to cardiac rehab patients on the outpatient side. I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from of Rush University Medical Center, where I also completed my Dietetic Internship. I have a love for food and am constantly trying new recipes, especially delicious baked goods.

I am currently an inpatient dietitian in the MICU at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I am originally from Boston, MA and completed my B.S. at Boston University. I moved to Chicago 6 years ago for the coordinated MS/DI program at Rush University Medical Center. In my free time I love going to new coffee shops and restaurants, cooking, traveling, and exercising!

Claire Ziegler, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Communications Co-Chair

Morgan Nienow, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Membership

Natalie Ratz, MS, RDN, CSP, CNSC, LDN

Treasurer 

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I am an inpatient clinical dietitian at Rush University Medical Center working primarily in the PICU and general pediatric floors, also working in the NICU for weekends and holidays. I have covered every unit at Rush and used to manage adult TPN patients. I am from Michigan and completed my B.S. at Michigan State University and my Masters/Dietetic Internship at Rush University of Medical Center. I can’t count how many years that I have been in CASPEN (25?). I am a mom to 17 yo twin boys. Besides trying help my kids head to college, I enjoy yoga, cooking and traveling.

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Born and raised near Milwaukee, WI, I completed by Bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I moved to Chicago to complete my Master's degree and Dietetic Internship at Rush University Medical Center, where I now work as a clinical dietitian in the neuroscience ICU and on the neuroscience step-down unit. I am also a member of our adult nutrition support team and enjoy working with dietetic interns. In my free time, I enjoy reading, zumba, downhill skiing, and trying new ice cream flavors. 

I am an inpatient clinical dietitian at Rush University Medical Center. I work on our pediatric nutrition support team, working primarily in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I received my B.S. from Miami University and completed my MS/DI at Rush University Medical Center. In my free time, I love being with my family, trying new Chicago restaurants, and working out (on the Peloton- of course!). 

Kait Eisenberg, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Communications Co-Chair

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Kait is a clinical dietitian at Rush University Medical Center. She works on the adult nutrition support team, who oversees those admitted to intensive care units and those receiving parenteral nutrition. She is passionate about nutrition support, particularly in GI/surgical patients and values life-long learning! Completing her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics at Bradley University in Peoria, IL and her dietetic internship at UChicago Ingalls Memorial in Harvey, IL, she was able to stay in the Chicagoland area where she grew up. She obtained my Master of Science in Dietetics through the University of Rhode Island shortly after starting my career as a clinical dietitian. In her free time, she enjoys reading, days on the lake, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Directors at Large 2022

Mary Russell, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND
Director at Large, Education 

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I am a lecturer of nutrition at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. My very fulfilling career has included: medical science liaison at Baxter Healthcare, director of the department of clinical nutrition at the University of Chicago Medical Center, director of nutrition services at Duke University Hospital, member of the Duke adult nutrition support team and the trauma/surgery/GI team, clinical dietitian, and medical technologist.

I have had the privilege of serving CASPEN as a Director at large for several years. I’ve been ASPEN member for over 30 years, and served ASPEN on the Board of Directors and as a member or chair of a number of committees. Currently I am chair of the International Clinical Ethics section.

I am a past president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a newly elected member of the Academy’s Nominating Committee, and have been a volunteer with the Academy at the national, DNS DPG, NC state and district, and IL state and district levels.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Marquette University, a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and completed a dietetic internship at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics.

Sarah Peterson, PhD, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Director at Large, Advocacy

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I am excited to serve as a Director at Large for CASPEN! I have been a CASPEN member for the past 10 years and have loved the opportunity to network with nutrition support clinicians in the Chicagoland area. Volunteering for an organization like CASPEN is great way to become connected. Currently, I am an assistant professor and program director for the Department of Clinical Nutrition. In this role, I have the opportunity to teach dietetic interns & students enrolled in our MS degree program and conduct research.

Other Directors at Large:

Clinical Practice: Christina Bourikas, PharmD, BCNSP

Research: Timothy Sentongo, MD

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