Shirley Strembel, MS, RD

A second generation native Phoenician, Shirley attended the University of Arizona where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degree in dietetics and completed a dietetic internship at Tucson Medical Center. She has 30 years of professional experience which began in clinical dietetics and expanded to public health nutrition. Currently Shirley is the Community Nutrition Programs Manager for the Office of Nutrition Services and also serves as program director for Maricopa County's full time Accredited Dietetic Internship program with community emphasis. Passionate about nutrition and wellness, and fueled by a love for delicious food, Shirley sharpens her culinary skills in the kitchen, preparing healthy meals for friends, staff and family. To keep both sides of the energy equation in balance, she dances to the Latin rhythm of Zumba and devotes herself to step and cardio-kickboxing classes at the YMCA.

• Bachelors of Science in Food and Human Nutrition
• Masters of Science in Dietetics
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Certificate in Accelerated Leadership Development Program, Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business
• Outstanding Dietitian of the Year 2003, Arizona Dietetic Association
• Completed CDR Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association
• Certified Zumba Fitness Instructor

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Christine Hicks, RD

Christine obtained her Bachelors of Science degree from Northern Arizona University and completed her dietetic internship with Focus on Nutrition Consulting Group. She is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor with expertise in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. Christine has over 15 years of dietetic experience in both the public and private sector and has been a Maricopa County Dietitian since March of 2000. Christine has provided nutrition education to several thousand Maricopa County residents through community based education programs and health fairs. She is an innovative educator who has received local recognition for her work with the 5 a Day for Better Health Program. She is passionate about promoting and improving the health and well-being of Maricopa County residents and pets. Christine organizes "Creature Comfort Collections" of towels, sheet and blankets within the Department of Public Health to benefit homeless pets at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

• Bachelors of Science in Food and Nutrition Science
• Registered Dietitian (RD), Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Certified Lactation Counselor, Center for Breastfeeding
• Completed CDR Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association
• Certified in Basic Tobacco Intervention Skills, Maricopa County Tobacco Use Prevention Program
• First Aid and CPR Certified, American Heart Association

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Wendy Alfonso, RD

Wendy Alfonso is originally from North Little Rock, Arkansas but has lived in Arizona since 2005. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nutrition with an Emphasis in Dietetics from Arizona State University. Wendy completed her dietetic internship through Maricopa County. In her current position through the Office of Nutrition and Physical Activity, she teaches interactive nutrition education lessons at various school districts throughout Maricopa County. Wendy feels privileged to be able to share the importance of nutrition and physical activity with every child she can in order to help empower each and every one of them to value their health! In her free time, Wendy loves cooking, trying new restaurants throughout the valley, traveling, hiking, doing yoga, reading, and spending lots of time with friends and family.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Arizona State University
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Connie Ballard, RD, SNS

Connie Ballard holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition from Arizona State University, completed a dietetic internship at Paradise Valley Unified School District and is a registered dietitian (RD). Nutrition education in the classroom and health promotion through community events are among her favorite work activities. Her position as a community dietitian with Maricopa County allows her to practice one of her passions - communicating nutrition messages to promote healthy lifestyle choices in the community setting. Prior to working for the county, Connie worked for a child nutrition consulting firm. As director of nutrition services her primary role was to oversee compliance reviews of schools participating in the National School Lunch Program for various state agencies across the country. She also participated in the management and development of a USDA approved on-line menu planning program for schools. These experiences and her prior roles in business have provided a unique perspective into the workings of the school nutrition and foodservice environment.

When Connie is not working she is spending time with her most precious gifts, her family. She also values time spent with friends, travel, the great outdoors, reading, and researching the topics of nutritional genomics and integrative and functional medicine via dietetics.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Arizona State University
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association
• School Nutrition Specialist, School Nutrition Association
• Completed CDR Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Completed CDR Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Sally Bordeaux, RD

Sally T. Bordeaux has worked as a registered dietitian with Maricopa County for the past 5 years. She holds 2 degrees; one in nutrition from Arizona State University and the other degree is in Elementary Education. She is able to teach in Arizona but chose to go back to school and combine her two interests teaching and nutrition. Sally teaches nutrition in English and Spanish to all age groups. Sally likes to find fun and interesting ways to make her classes or presentations more interesting and interactive. Sally has previously worked at Saint Vincent de Paul as a nutritionist and Banner Good Sam as a diet tech but her true interest is in public health.

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association
• Elementary Education Certificate K-8, Arizona Department of Education
• Completed CDR Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Michelle Gambucci, CLE

Michelle, a California native was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She attended California State University, Sacramento where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. During her undergraduate years, she worked with the California Department of Education, National School Lunch Program as well as the Health Center on campus. Upon graduation, she accepted a position with the American Red Cross Women, Infants, and Children Program in San Diego. While in San Diego, Michelle completed her dietetic internship with the San Diego WIC Dietetic Internship. Michelle is thrilled to continue working in the community and excited to be a part of the dynamic team of Registered Dietitians at the Office of Nutrition and Physical Activity. Michelle is very passionate about cooking, sports, and traveling. She loves to entertain with family and friends and enjoys hiking, riding her beach cruiser, and attending sporting events.

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, California State University, Sacramento
• Certified Lactation Educator, University of California, San Diego
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Cara Glenn, RD

Cara grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated with her degree in Dietetics from Missouri State University. Upon graduation, she completed her dietetic internship through the University of Houston. She is a Registered Dietitian as well as a Certified Breastfeeding Educator. Cara previously lived in Wichita, Kansas where she spent time working with the WIC program. After time in Kansas, Cara and her husband packed up and moved to the Valley. She is excited to be back in the public health sector and looks forward to working at Maricopa County and with its residents! She enjoys providing nutrition education to those around her. On a person level, Cara enjoys spending time with her husband and their “special needs” puppy, cooking, and shopping.

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Missouri State University
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association
• Certified Breastfeeding Educator, Lactation Consultant Services

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Linda Harris

Linda Harris was born in Arizona, raised on a small farm in Glendale. Previously, Linda worked as a Nutrition Program Assistant and Training Assistant for the WIC Program. During the past nine years, Linda has provided nutrition and breastfeeding education to Maricopa County families and assisted in establishing the WIC Travel Team. Linda has a fun and lively way of presenting nutrition classes, trainings, and outreach presentations. She enjoys teaching and helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle, especially making a difference in people’s lives. Linda has also worked for Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles as a Customer Service Supervisor and Trainer. She is fluent in three languages; English, Spanish and Sign Language. She loves interacting with people and has been interviewed by several Spanish speaking television and radio stations.

Linda spends her spare time with her friends and family, especially her youngest grandson, Gavin. She loves shopping, reading, attending craft sales, movies, and baking - especially baking during the holidays. She likes to collect and decorate her home with cows!

• Associate Degree in Public Administration
• Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
• Certification in Management
• Graduate of the Plaza Three Modeling School
• Awarded the "Valor Award" for Saving a Human Life in 1999

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Daniel Headley

Daniel is a native Arizonan, growing up on a small five-acre hobby farm in South Chandler with all the farm animals you can think of. Daniel now lives with his family in Mesa. He graduated from Grand Canyon University with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Finance. This is his first position in service to the government; prior to it, he worked in corporate finance and analytics. Daniel is excited and is enjoying his new position as the Grant Accountant very much!

Daniel has been married for three years and has two beautiful daughters, Sophia and Emma. In his spare time, his family enjoys being outdoors – hiking and biking – and trying new restaurants. Daniel and his wife are amateur ‘Do It Yourselfers’ at home, so frequently find themselves at Home Depot working on something new! In the future they would love to travel to Europe - mainly Spain and Italy!

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Brandon Hernandez

Brandon received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Arizona in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics with a double major in Nutrition (Dietetics). Originally only a Biochemistry student, Brandon was fascinated with how the body worked and decided to add Nutrition as a second major. Since graduating, Brandon has worked in the field of community nutrition at the city level and now at the county level. His passion is educating the public in fun and impactful ways to prevent now so common diseases.

In his free time, Brandon is very active through rock climbing and competitive sports such as flag football and tennis. Brandon runs in as many 5k obstacle courses, 5k mud runs, and urban scavenger hunts as he can. He also enjoys trying restaurant held food challenges such as eating an extremely spicy food within a certain time limit.

• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Nutrition, University of Arizona

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Karen Maroni, RD

Karen is originally from Arizona, but decided to experience different parts of the country during her education. She attended the University of Wyoming and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Upon finishing her degree, she moved to Philadelphia, PA to complete a dietetic internship with ARAMARK. After living through several cold winters in both states, she decided to move back to the Valley of the Sun in 2011 to work for Maricopa County Public Health as a Registered Dietitian. She loves sharing her passion for healthy foods with families and children. Karen is currently a Community Dietitian for SNAP Education and is working with schools to create an environment that promotes nutrition and physical activity. She is looking forward to seeing the growth and development of school cultures that embrace good nutrition and a healthy body as integral components to learning. In her personal time, Karen enjoys singing in a Tempe community choir, walking or running outside on canal trails, traveling, and spending time with her family.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wyoming
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Kristi Mollner, RD

Kristi spent most of her life growing up in Omaha, Nebraska. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered for the UNL Athletic Department, having the pleasure to work alongside many extraordinary athletes, assisting them with pre- and post-workout nutritional needs. She later traveled the country to complete her dietetic internship- gaining experience in both San Antonio, Texas and Chicago, Illinois.

After completing her internship and while still in the traveling mode, Kristi decided she wanted to live in a warmer climate and moved to Phoenix. Today she is ecstatic about being part of the Office of Nutrition and Physical Activity where she gets to share her passion for wellness and nutrition with a vast population across The Valley. She enjoys having the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. She also loves to learn and is currently working on a Master of Science in Nutrition from Arizona State University.

Kristi is very passionate about sports and music. She will forever be a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Chicago Cubs, and live music. She has two things she wants to see before she leaves this earth: the Cubs as World Series Champions and Led Zeppelin reunited on tour - she says she’s not holding her breath though.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Lexie-Faye Reed, MPH

Lexie was born and raised in the greater Phoenix area. She has spent the last six years in Tucson, Arizona where she received both her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics and Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Arizona. She is definitely a die-hard Wildcat for life. A career path in nutrition was ideal for Lexie because it is the best way to combine her love for food and passion to work as a public health professional. Her current position consists of delivering nutrition education presentations at WIC clinics and DES offices throughout Maricopa County. In the near future, she plans to complete a dietetic internship to become a Registered Dietitian. Her focus will be community nutrition as to have a greater focus on public health and prevention. Lexie wants to see everyone living a happy and healthy lifestyle. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends. She is most likely to be found reading a book, roller or ice skating, at the movies, or enjoying a great restaurant.

• Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona
• Master of Public Health in Family and Child Health, University of Arizona
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Laura Weber, MSEd, RD

Laura became a Registered Dietitian in 2002. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Laura moved to Arizona in 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Fontbonne University in St. Louis and went on to complete her Dietetic Internship at Saint Louis University. While working as a Research Dietitian at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, she earned her Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. As a part time job and hobby, Laura was a Rhythmic Gymnast and Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnastic Coach before moving to Arizona.

In Arizona, she began working for the Participant Centered Services Program at Maricopa County WIC. While working for WIC, she became a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and is currently pursuing her International Board Certified Lactation Consultant credential. Laura’s current position at the county is the WIC Dietetic Internship Coordinator. Passionate about profession of dietetics, she is excited to be able to work closely with future dietitians and the preceptors who support them. Laura also enjoys camping, backpacking, hiking, biking, and ice hockey. But she really loves traveling, movies, and all of her family in St. Louis & Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Simi Valley & Escondido, California; Seattle, Washington; and Denver, Colorado.

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
• Master of Science in Education in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, Central Arizona College

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Tina Wegner, RD

Tina Wegner is a Registered Dietitian with 20 years of experience in public health nutrition. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio after receiving an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition from Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA. Tina completed her dietetic internship as a part of the Coordinated Program at Youngstown State University. Tina is very excited to champion healthy behavior changes in her current position of Community Dietitian Supervisor. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Tina has been in Arizona since 1992. In their spare time, Tina and her husband enjoy outdoor activities like traveling, golf, and camping. Tina also volunteers at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter training new volunteers, educating the public on responsible pet ownership, and helping homeless animals find permanent homes.

• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Associate of Applied Science: Nutrition, Community College of Allegheny County
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Youngstown State University
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Andrea Zechmann, RD, IBCLC

Andrea obtained her Bachelors of Science degree from University of Idaho and completed her dietetic internship as part of the coordinated program in dietetics at the University of Idaho. She is a Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Andrea has over 15 years of dietetic experience in the public sector and has been with Maricopa County since 1996. Her passion is helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle and enjoys every opportunity to make a difference in people’s life on a daily bases. Andrea has provided nutrition and breastfeeding education to several thousand Maricopa County residents during the past 15 years with the county.

In her free time, Andrea loves cooking, working out, traveling, and spending lots of time with friends and family. Her weekends are filled with playing tennis with her husband or cheering on her son and daughter at the soccer field.

• Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Science
• Registered Dietitian (RD), Commission on Dietetic Registration
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

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