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
• Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, American Dietetic Association
• 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
• Certified in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• 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
• Certified in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, American Dietetic Association
• Certified in Adult Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, American Dietetic Association

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Sally Bordeaux, RD

Sally is originally from New Jersey but has resided in Phoenix since for over 30 years. She has degrees in Elementary Education and Nutrition. Sally has been with Maricopa County Office of Nutrition Services for over a year. Her job includes teaching Spanish and English nutrition classes. She also works in the classroom to help children understand the importance of good healthy eating habits. Sally is also an animal lover. She owns 3 cats and makes it her mission to help feral and unwanted cats get neutered and find new homes. Sally also enjoys dancing and listening to her favorite music to relax.

• 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

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Kristi Mollner, RD

Kristi was born and raised 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 working alongside many extraordinary athletes, such as Ndamukong Suh. She later traveled the country to complete her dietetic internship- gaining experience in both San Antonio, Texas and Chicago, Illinois.

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 Services in Maricopa County where she gets to share her passion for wellness and nutrition with a vast population across the valley. Kristi currently serves as a dietitian for the Arizona Nutrition Network teaching classes for the Laveen School District. She enjoys having the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. Furthermore, she is looking forward to continuing her education and will soon be starting a Master’s degree program at Arizona State University.

Kristi is very passionate about sports and music. She will forever be a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Chicago Cubs. 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’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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Christian Payán, MBA, RD

Christian Payán was originally born in Puebla, Mexico, but was raised in Arizona. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition with an emphasis in Dietetics from Arizona State University. Christian completed his dietetic internship through Yavapai County Community Health Services and had the opportunity to live and work with the Diné on the reservation for one month. His work with Maricopa County Office of Nutrition Services includes teaching nutrition-related subjects to children in grades K-8 for the Madison and Osborn School Districts and teaching to other community organizations. His passion for teaching and helping people of all ages the importance of health and having a better quality of life goes beyond his profession. In his spare time, he loves listening to and writing music, participating in most outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, practicing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and most importantly, spending time with his wife.

• Master's in Business Administration, University of Phoenix
• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Arizona State University
• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration
• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association
• First Aid and CPR Certified, American Heart Association
• Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, American Dietetic Association

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Trudes Rodriguez, MBA, RD

With 11 years of experience in dietetics, Ms. Rodriguez has earned a reputation as a career field leader in AZ. She has worked in several challenging positions to include providing telephonic nutrition counseling, corporate wellness services, food service management, and academic instruction. As a Dietetic Internship Coordinator with the Maricopa County Office of Nutrition Services, Ms. Rodriguez is spearheading the expansion of the dietetic internship program for Arizona WIC employees while serving as a liaison to the Spanish speaking community. She is also professionally trained in media relations and starred in the Healthy Lifestyle television series as the "Shopping Coach."

In an effort to further strengthen her leadership skills Ms. Rodriguez earned a Master of Business Administration degree through Western International University. Her personal mission statement of living with a spirit of balance, courage, freedom and optimism is achieved by giving 100% in her career while spending free time with her family, friends, 3 Renaissance Bulldogs, and traveling.

• Master of Business Administration, Western International University, Phoenix, AZ

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

• Registered Dietitian, Commission on Dietetic Registration

• (Graduate) Arizona Department of Health Services Accelerated Leadership Academy, Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business

• Media Boot Camp Training, American Dietetic Association

• Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, Central Arizona College

• Certified Eating Coach, Eating Coach, Inc.

• Basic Tobacco Skills Intervention Certification, Maricopa County Tobacco Use Prevention Program

• Certified in Adult Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, American Dietetic Association

• ServSafe Certified, National Restaurant Association

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Olivia Wolsiffer, RD

Olivia Wolsiffer was raised in Arizona where she received her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition with an Emphasis in Dietetics from Arizona State University. Olivia completed her dietetic internship through Yavapai County Community Health Services. Her work with Maricopa County Office of Nutrition Services includes teaching nutrition-related subjects to children in grades K-8. Recently Olivia has taken an interest in phytochemical research. In addition, she enjoys teaching people of all ages the importance of quality living through a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Olivia loves music, shopping, hiking South Mountain in the cooler months, and spending 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
• Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management, Commission on Dietetic Registration, American Dietetic Association

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