
AZAND Scholarships and Awards
Help us honor 2023 Academy members: Submit award nominations!
It is time to nominate and honor our Outstanding Dietetics Students, our Recognized Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, our Recognized Young Dietitians, our Outstanding Dietitian of the Year and our Emerging Dietetic Leader from Arizona. These affiliate honors are recognized nationally, including certificates and a complimentary AZAND 2023 meeting.
Please refer to the criteria and provide all information for each award by the deadline.
The deadline for nominations has been extended to March 24, 2023! Click the button below to nominate someone for an AZAND Award today!
The deadline has closed for the AZAND scholarships available in the name of Susan Grogan and Morissa White Miller. Contributions are available online for anyone able to contribute, which allows the scholarship allowance to increase above the minimum amount.
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship
CRITERIA AND RESTRICTIONS FOR USE OF THE GROGAN FUND:
The fund was established to honor Susan Grogan, MA, RD who founded the successful long-term care nutrition consulting business “Focus on Nutrition”. She is also being honored for her leadership in developing a comprehensive dietetics internship program that trained registered dietitians who work in many areas across the country. On April 30th, 2002, the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly AZADA) lost a treasured member and supporter of the dietetics profession.
- The Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a dietetic intern who is currently enrolled in an Arizona-based non-community-emphasis dietetic internship.
- The recipient must be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Application for the scholarship must be submitted by March 31st to the Awards Committee of AZAND and must include:
- 1 – 2 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Statement of his/her worthiness of the recognition
- The Scholarship/Award will not be less than $250
- The recipient will be recognized at the AZAND Annual Meeting.
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship
The fund was established to honor Morissa White Miller, MPH, RD, Chief Nutritionist at the Arizona Department of Health from 1976 to 1980 and Chief Nutritionist for Yavapai County Community Health Services from 1980 to 2001, and to offer a funding source to a dietetic intern to develop Public Health/Community nutrition skills so as to provide quality nutrition services to the population. The Scholarship/Award is limited to dietetic interns who are presently enrolled in community nutrition/public health emphasis dietetic internship programs in Arizona.
- The Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a dietetic intern who is currently enrolled in a community nutrition/public health emphasis dietetic internship program in the state of Arizona.
- The recipient must be a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Application for the Scholarship/Award must be summited by March 31st to the Awards Committee of AZAND and must include:
- Application for the scholarship must be submitted by March 31st to the Awards Committee of AZAND and must include:
- 1 – 2 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Statement of his/her worthiness of the recognition
- The Scholarship/Award will not be less than $250
- The recipient will be recognized at the AZAND Annual Meeting.
Awards Given Yearly:
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year
Emerging Dietetic Leader
Recognized Young Dietitian
Recognized Nutrition and Dietetic Technician
Outstanding Dietetic Students
Scholarships Awarded Yearly:
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship
Morissa White Miller Scholarship
2023 Winners
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Jessica Lehmann
Central District Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year:
Erika Barrera
Southwest District Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year:
Marlena Castro
Outstanding Dietetic Student Awards:
Jaclyn Rybin; Maricopa County Department of Public Health Dietetic Internship
ShiAnne Kattner; University of Arizona DPD Program, Tucson
Cassondra Teigen; Central Arizona College – Nutrition and Dietetic Tech AAS
Congratulations to our 2023 AZAND Scholarship Recipients!
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship recipient:
Lily McNair
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship recipient:
Jaclyn Rybin
2022 Winners
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Angela Gomez, RDN, SNS
Emerging Dietetic Leader Award:
Tara Lovinger, MS, RD
Southern District Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year:
Kelli Richardson, RDN
Southwest District Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year:
Morgan Robbins, RDN
Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician of the Year:
Ashlee Sneddon, DTR
Outstanding Dietetic Student Award – Didactic Program in Dietetics:
Lilly McNair, U of A Yuma
Outstanding Dietetic Student Award – Dietetic Technician Program:
Tisha Castillo, MCHWC, Central AZ College
Outstanding Dietetic Student Award – Dietetic Internship Program:
Megan Lynn, Dietetic intern at U of A FEM program
Congratulations to our 2022 AZAND Scholarship Recipients!
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship recipient:
Barbara Ann Heerkens
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship recipient:
Mary Ahern
2021 Winners
Southern District Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year:
Carmen A. Young, MFN, RDN, CSSD
Outstanding Contributions to Goals of AZAND Award:
Michelle Berman, MS, RDN, CDE, FAND
Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician of the Year:
Christopher Mills, MPH, DTR, CSCS
Outstanding Dietetic Student Award – Didactic Program in Dietetics:
Yvette Robles
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Christine Carlson, MS, RD, CDCES, FAND
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship recipient:
Samantha Toffoli
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship recipient:
Gabrielle Delio
2020 Winners
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Susan Lombardi, MS, RD, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Sodexo at Yuma Regional Medical Center
Yuma, AZ
Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year (RYDY):
Erika Barrera, RDN
Central AZ District
The Nutrition Professionals
Mesa, AZ
Martha Huizar, MS, RDN, CLC, CCHC
Southern AZ District
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
University of Illinois at Chicago
Tucson, AZ
Jacquelin Loizzo, RD
Southwest AZ District
Clinical Dietitian
Sodexo at Yuma Regional Medical Center
Yuma, AZ
Outstanding Dietetic Student – Internship:
Lisa Diefenderfer, DTR
Arizona State University/Veterans Affairs Dietetic Internship
Outstanding Dietetic Student – DPD:
Adena Osuna
Arizona State University
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship:
Hannah Chandler
Carondelet Health Network Dietetic Internship
Tucson, AZ
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship:
Karla Ortiz, MS, DTR
Maricopa County Department of Public Health Dietetic Internship
Phoenix, AZ
2019 Winners
50 Year Member:
Carolyn O. Cox
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Ronnie Mullins, MS, RDN, CSCS
Assistant Professor of Practice
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
S-AZAND President 2019-2020
State Policy Representative Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year (RYDY):
Michele Sidorenkov,RDN
Central AZ District
Self-employed
Champagne & Paper Planes (Food and Travel Blog)
Scottsdale, AZ
Eliza Short, RD
Southern AZ District
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician of the Year:
Tiffany Ellegard, NDTR
DTR with Nutrition Alliance
Phoenix, AZ
Outstanding Dietetic Student – Internship:
Anne L. Geissinger, MPH
Maricopa Country Department of Public Helath Internship
Outstanding Dietetic Student – DPD:
William Bresette
Arizona State University
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship:
Emily Danca
Banner University Medical Center internship
Tucson, AZ
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship:
Jacqueline Badine
Maricopa County Department of Public Health Dietetic Internship
Phoenix, AZ
2018 Winners
50 Year Member:
Nancy L. Meister, MPH, RDN
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Susan Gaumont, MS, RDN
Nutrition Faculty, Dietetic Technology Consortium Program Director
Chandler Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
Emerging Dietetic Leader:
Stephanie Paver, RD, CSO, CNSC
Integrative/Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; Owner/Private Practice; Adjunct Instructor at Glendale Community College; Preceptor; C-AZAND President 2017 – 2018
Scottsdale, AZ
Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year (RYDY):
Taylor Janulewicz, RDN
Central AZ District
Clinical Dietitian
Mountan Vista Medical Center
Mesa, AZ
Ashlee Linares-Gaffer, MS, RDN
Southern AZ District
Assistant Professor of Practice & ISPP Dietetic Internship Coordinator, University of Arizona
S-AZAND President 2018 – 2019
Tucson, AZ
Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician of the Year:
Dana Gardiner, LMT, NDTR
Owner, My Healing Place
Glendale, AZ
Outstanding Dietetic Student – Internship:
Loretta Knoche
University of Arizona
Outstanding Dietetic Student – DPD:
Clinton Stevens
Arizona State University
Susan Grogan Memorial Scholarship:
Kelsi Carla Wildermuth
Arizona State University
Morissa White Miller Memorial Scholarship:
Stephanie Bradshaw
University of Arizona ISPP Dietetic Internship
2017 Winners
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (ODY)
Beth Dorsey. Beth is the Food and Nutrition Services Director at Tucson Medical Center. With a Master’s in Business Administration, she earned her current position with only 3 years in practice. A few years ago, Tucson Medical Center underwent a re-organization and remodeling of the Food Services Department. Beth, along with her team, led these changes with great success. In 2016, Beth because the Southern Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President. She the incoming President – Elect.
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY)
Central District
Sarah Martinelli. Sarah is a Nutrition Lecturer at Arizona State University. She is also the current membership co-chair of the Central Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has dedication and passion for the field of nutrition as shown by her innovative ideas and willingness to help. At ASU, she serves as a mentor for honor students and is the faculty advisor for Spoon University, a student-run publication about all things foods.
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY)
Southern District
Alicia Arino. Alicia is a Registered Dietitian at Tucson Medical Center. She has served on the board of the Southern Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the Membership Committee Chair for several years. Alicia demonstrated clinical excellence in several areas, including as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and as a Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG). She has served as a clinical nutrition preceptor for the Carondelet Health Network dietetic internship for over 4 years. Her colleagues hold her in high regards and have nominated her for several awards in recognition to her outstanding work mentoring interns and for her compassionate work with patients and their families.
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY)
Southwest District
Jason Pawloski. Jason is a Registered Dietitian at Yuma Regional Medical Center, located in Yuma, AZ. Jason is the current President – Elect in the Southwest Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. He has participated in numerous community service projects representing the RD community, as well as having a very active role in the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Outstanding Dietetic Student Awards (ODSA)
Madison Egan. Madison is a Student at the University of Arizona. Her academic record is exceptional with a 4.0 GPA while double majoring in Nutritional Sciences and Molecular & Cellular Biology. She has sought a variety of experiences to complement her academic success, including developing videos, educational materials and recipes for the UA Diabetes Prevention Program and the University of Arizona Nutrition Network. She is also actively involved in breast cancer and child diabetes prevention research for which she has done poster presentations at conferences. In case this wasn’t enough, Madison has been working under a RD to strengthen her skill set in nutrition assessment and charting. In addition, she has received many awards for her volunteerism and commitment to leadership and community service.
Emerging Dietetic Leader (EDL)
Kayle Skorupski. Kayle is a Nutrition Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona where she teaches and mentors undergraduate dietetic students as well as interns. She has demonstrated a commitment to the Dietetics Profession and has taken on leadership and mentoring roles throughout her eight-year careers as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She has been active in local and state dietetic associations including, Membership Chair and Nominating Committee Member for the Southern Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has also served as Chair and Chair-elect of the Council on Professional Issues for the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Currently, Kayle is part of several committees at the University of Arizona. She is also pursuing a Doctorate of Science with a concentration in Health Promotion and Wellness through Rocky Mountain University. Kayle is obviously dedicated to life-long learning and excellence in her profession. She is truly a role model for other RDNs.
Recognized Nutrition and Dietetics Technician of the Year (RNDTY)
Ruth Halter. Ruth is the Patient Services Manager at Tucson Medical Centers. Ruth has a passion for promotion of health to Southern Arizona. She provides education at multiple community sponsored events, including Stroke Check and Fabulous Over 50. She also works closely with volunteers, students and interns, and provides them with meaningful activities to encourage growth and development in their nutrition careers. She has also served in the Southern Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Ruth serves as a role model to current and future dietetic professionals and this is an opportunity to recognize her for her dedication to the profession.
Outstanding Contributions to Goals of the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Alana Mozar. Alana is the Health and Nutrition Services Director at Child-Parent Centers, Inc., a Head Start Grantee in Southern Arizona. Alana has genuine interest and compassion for the wellbeing of people.She has demonstrated commitment and passion for Arizona children, adults and families by leading advances in the Head Start meal and snack program and professional development for cooks, case managers and nutritionists. Alana started her nutrition journey in the 70s and has not stopped since then. Throughout the years, Alana has helped many students succeed in their nutrition careers by teaching in several colleges and universities in Utah and Michigan. She has also worked with the Women Infant and Children Program (WIC), county health departments, school foodservice programs, and eating disorder and cancer research organizations. She is deserving of the Outstanding Contributions to the Goals of AZAND award.
Outstanding Contributions to Goals of the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Judy Rich. Judy is the President and CEO of Tucson Medical Center. Judy has assisted the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and all RDNs in Arizona to increase the ability to practice closer to the top of their scope. Judy has done this by supporting RDNs to ultimately have the ability to care for their patients by ordering diets. Judy’s ability to gather support through her network at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association initiated the journey to ultimately pass SB1327. Judy is dedicated to improving the health of Arizona through her work with the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2016 Winners
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Michelle Berman, MS, RDN
Owner of The Nutrition Professionals
Phoenix, AZ
Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year:
Patricia J. Johnson, MS, RD, SNS
Director of Nutrition Services with Dairy Council of Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year (RYDY):
Elizabeth L. Graham, RD
Southern AZ District
Clinical Dietitian
Banner University Medical Center – Tucson
Tucson, AZ
Allyson Hamacher, MS, RD, CNSC
Central AZ District
Clinical Nutrition Manager
Chandler Regional Medical Center
Chandler, AZ
Outstanding Dietetics Student – Internship
Rachel Shorthouse, MPH
Dietetic Internship
Banner University Medical Center – Tucson
Outstanding Dietetics Student – DPD
Anna Gianpetro
Arizona State University
2015 Winners
50 Year Members:
Linda Kautz Osterkamp
Louise Leahy Janet Steven
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year:
Mike Welsch, MS, RD
Northern Arizona Hospital
Prescott, AZ
Emerging Dietetic Leader:
Shannon Smith, PhD, RD
Glendale Community College
Phoenix, Arizona
Recognized Young Dietitians of the Year (RYDY):
Meghann Myatt, RD
Central AZ District
Clinical Dietitian
Banner Healthcare
April Waters, RD
Southern AZ District
Recognized Diet Technician, Registered of the Year:
Jen Amato, DTR
Banner Healthcare
Outstanding Dietetics Student Awards:
Rachel Cassinat, MS, RD
Dietetic Internship
Arizona State University – MS Program
Sarah Alsing
DPD Program
University of Arizona