College of Education and Health Services

Ms. Traci Beierwaltes, M.S., R.D., C.S.G., L.D.N.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Ms. Traci Beierwaltes joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2012. She is employed as the Director of Nutrition Services at Glenview Terrace in Glenview, IL. In addition to her full time job, she also works with the River Trails Park District as their community dietitian. She formerly worked as a full time instructor at Benedictine University at Mesa, Asst Director of Dining Services at the Lieberman Center and as a Clinical Dietitian at Manor Care and Scott Nolan Hospital. Ms. Beierwaltes earned her Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness degree from Benedictine University.

Dr. Sheila Campbell, Ph.D., RD

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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DR CAMPBELL is a registered dietitian.  She earned her PhD from the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH and her Master of Science degree in human nutrition and clinical dietetics from the University of Alabama in Birmingham where she also completed a dietetic internship.  Dr. Campbell has practiced in the field of clinical nutrition and allied health for 30 years.  Her professional experience includes 17 years with Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories Medical Affairs in medical communications, clinical research, training, and medical education.  She is adept at conducting research, analyzing and interpreting data, and conveying scientific information in meaningful ways
DR CAMPBELL is owner and "Food Docent" of A La Carte Food Tours.  
In 2003 she retired from the Medical Affairs Department of Abbott Nutrition in 2003 where she had served as Manager of Medical Communications. From 2003 to 2011, she was a partner with Healthcare Creative, a full service advertising agency.
She holds many leadership positions within the Academy of Nutrition including collaboration on 3 evidence analysis workgroups and invited participation in the 2008 Leadership Conference. She has authored more more than 70 publications on scientific, clinical and medical topics including functional foods and ingredients, pediatric and adult clinical nutrition, obesity, diabetes, GI disease, critical care, and more.  She has presented papers, prepared teaching materials and articles, and authored other peer-reviewed publications.  She is a sought after speaker and trainer.  She has presented nearly 60 domestic and international workshops and lectures on a wide variety of health-related topics.

Ms. Maureen Casten

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Ms. Lou Ann Chvatal, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Lou Ann Chvatal has been an adjunct instructor at Benedictine for more than 15 years.  Passionate about integrating mind, body and spirit when it comes to health, her teaching style embraces hands-on learning that is application based.  Her professional background unites both nutrition and exercise, as implemented through her efforts as a dietitian and exercise trainer/physiologist.  Favorite venues for teaching include an audience that is eager to move, change, and adopt healthy habits.  Her greatest (and most challenging) accomplishments lie with the raising of her four children- works in progress that are the evidence of what she values most.

Ms. Jan Dowell, M.S., M.H.S., R.D., C.S.S.D.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Mrs. Jan Dowell joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2008. She is the owner of Dowell Nutrition Communications, LLC, providing sports nutrition services to teams and athletes, as well as continuing education programs for professional organizations. As a Certified Intrinsic Health Coach (CIC) she works as a Wellness Dietitian and Lifestyle Health Coach for several hospitals in the Chicago area. Jan earned a Masters in Health Education from Governors State University and a Masters in Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics from Rosalind Franklin University/The Chicago Medical School. She is an active marathon runner and Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, complimenting her Board Certification as a Specialist in Sport Dietetics (CSSD). Jan was awarded as an Outstanding Dietetic Educator, Midwest region, by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2013. 

Ms. Lynn Dugan, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Mr. David Grotto

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Dr. Deepa Handu, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N.

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Phone: 630-829-6528

Dr. Handu joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2012. She was hired by Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital as the Dietetic Internship Director in 2011. Prior to that Dr. Handu was a full-time Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at Benedictine University for five years, and Assistant Clinical Professor at Loyola University for one year. Dr. Handu earned her Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from Michigan State University, and a Master of Science in Nutrition from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India. She completed the Advanced Specialty Training Certificate in Adolescent Weight Management (by CDR). Her work has been published in refereed journals and Dr. Handu has delivered numerous professional presentations at the local, state, and national level.

Ms. Michel Harris, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E.

Instructor

Nutrition

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Ms. Michel Harris joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2008. She is an Inpatient Registry Dietitian for Swedish Covenant Hospital. Past positions include employment as an Outpatient Diabetes Educator, Inpatient Clinical Dietitian, Consultant Dietitian, and Director of Dining Services. Both of her degrees, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, were completed at Benedictine University. Ms. Harris is Certified as a Diabetes Educator and has a private practice in eating disorders at The Awakening Center.

Ms. Christine Hartney, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Ms. Christine Hartney joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2015. She is the Clinical Nutrition Manager and Dietetic Internship Coordinator at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Ms. Hartney currently serves on the Executive Board for the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is also a Program Reviewer. Ms. Hartney was awarded Outstanding Dietetics Educator, Midwest Region, from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2008. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetic Internship at Rush University.

 

Ms. Amy Kelly, MS, RD, LDN

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Mrs. Amy Kelly joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2015.  She teaches a variety of nutrition and wellness courses online at several colleges and universities.  Mrs. Kelly earned her Master of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences in conjunction with completing her dietetic internship program at Illinois State University.  She received her undergraduate degree in Dietetics from Bradley University.

Ms. Kelly Knopf, MS, RDN, LDN

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Ms. Kelly Knopf joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2015. She is currently employed by Performance Food Group – Fox River Foods in Montgomery, IL as a Dietitian, Specialist. Previously, she was the Dietary Manager and Clinical Dietitian at Alden Estates of Shorewood in Shorewood, IL. She is also the owner of Kelly's Nutritious Table, LLC providing nutrition counseling to individuals. Ms. Knopf earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness degrees from Benedictine University. She has served on the West Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics board for 3 years as Legislative and Public Policy Chair and for 1 year as Membership Co-Chair.

Ms. Amie Luna, M.S.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Amie Luna is a trained chef with a degree from Washburne Culinary School in Chicago. Her career in nutrition began as a line cook in multiple fine dining establishments and major hotels around Chicago. Eventually Amie earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and master's degree in Exercise Physiology from Benedictine University. She joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct in 2014. She also teaches in the Exercise Science Undergraduate and Clinical Exercise Physiology Graduate programs at Benedictine. Amie works with private clients to help them reach their fitness goals and experience optimal health. Her practice includes developing individualized exercise/healthy lifestyle programs and cooking and delivering healthy meals catering to personal preferences.

Ms. Sarah McNicholas Blackburn, M.S., R.D., L.D.N

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Ms. Sarah McNicholas joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2012. She currently works for Morrison Management Specialists as a Regional Dietitian/Support Service Director, as well as the Regional Diversity Action Council Chair for Morrison Management Specialists. Ms. McNicholas earned her Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Wellness from Benedictine University.

Ms. Annie Murphy, MPH, RDN, LDN

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Annie Murphy joined the Benedictine University faculty in 2014 as an adjunct instructor.  Recently, she worked for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the Governance and Practice Team and the Research Team.  Ms. Murphy earned her Master of Public Health degree from Benedictine University.

Ms. Christine Palumbo, M.B.A., R.D., L.D.N., FAND

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Christine Palumbo is a registered dietitian nutritionist in Naperville. Her monthly Good Sense Eating columns run in Chicago Parent, Manhattan Family, Brooklyn Family, Long Island Family, Queens Family, Bronx Family and Staten Island Family. She is also a contributing editor for the Environmental Nutrition newsletter. Between 2001 and 2008, her popular Food News column appeared in Allure magazine.


Christine has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC News NewsOne, Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends, CNN Financial Network's The Flipside, and LiveWellHD Network, as well as many local TV and radio stations. In 1982, she debated the famous Dr. Robert Atkins on Chicago area television. WGN-AM's Dean Richards frequently asks her to be a guest on his Food Time program.

Media such as Yahoo! Health, Eat This, Not That!, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, Prevention, Health, O The Oprah Winfrey Magazine, Redbook, Women's Health, Woman's Day, Shape, WebMD, Fitness,  Oxygen, Natural Health, Woman's World, Investor's Business Daily, Chicago Tribune and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have featured her nutritional expertise, as well as ParentDish.com and Examiner.com.

In addition to her work with the media, Christine is a sought-after speaker on a variety of health-related topics. In her private practice, she provided practical advice on weight management, family nutrition, heart disease prevention, and general lifestyle improvement. For over 20 years, she has been an adjunct faculty member of Benedictine University.

Christine also analyzes recipes for nutrient values, develops nutrition education materials, exhibits at professional meetings, and works on special projects for an interesting client mix of food companies. She began her career counseling cardiovascular and diabetic patients at the University of Chicago Medical Center and Mt. Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis.

Christine served on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Board of Directors as a Director-at-Large from 2006-2009, and participated in their House of Delegates and on many committees, including the Nominating, Honors, Member Value and Association Positions Committee.

Awards include the Bronze medal in the Parenting Media Association Design & Editorial competition for two of her Chicago Parent columns in 2014. Others include Outstanding Dietetic Educator (2011), Outstanding Dietitian (2002) and Recognized Young Dietitian (1982) by the Illinois Dietetic Association and Outstanding Nutrition Entrepreneur (2007) by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In 2013, she was recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A graduate of St. Catherine University in St. Paul – where she received the 2012 Alumnae Award – Christine also holds a master's degree in business administration (marketing) from DePaul University. 

Dr. Teresa Pangan, Ph.D., R.D.N.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Teresa Pangan, PhD, RDN has launched ventures all throughout her career combining her passion for uncovering the brilliance in people and knack for business skills.  She is a top authority in web design and managing an online business for the nutrition industry.  For twelve years she owned a website design and development firm called Webnoxious where she delivered outstanding results for over 150 sites and then sold it.   

Now she focuses her energy on helping heart-led businesses grow their business and bring more value in the marketplace through an attraction, branded approach through her businesses Teresa Pangan Brand Consulting and Social Media More with Less.   

Teresa's writing contributions include contributing chapters on doing business online for the books Entrepreneurial Nutritionist, Competitive Edge, and Making Nutrition Your Business: Private Practice and Beyond.  

Teresa loves inspiring students at Benedictine University in Illinois and Mansfield University in Pennsylvania for their masters level programs that offer concentrations in nutrition entrepreneurship.

She received her doctoral degree in nutrition with an emphasis in institutional management and a minor in business from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. She completed two Bachelor of Science degrees from Iowa State University. Additionally, she has completed certification programs in personal branding and career coaching.

Teresa loves to champion other heart-led professionals in their careers and businesses helping them become visible so they can make a difference in others' lives.

She can be found midday at Starbucks sipping a mocha to center herself and write in her gratitude journal.  She enjoys unwinding with a glass of red wine while trying out a new recipe usually with red pepper, raspberries or basil in it.  Teresa's biggest joy and most challenging role is mom to four wonderful children.  

WEBSITES:
www.socialmediamorewithless.com  
www.teresapangan.com

Ms. Monica Pawasarat, MS, RDN, LDN

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Mrs. Monica Pawasarat joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2012. She works as a Supplemental Clinical Dietitian at Gottleib Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park. Mrs. Pawasarat earned her Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Wellness from Benedictine University and her undergraduate degree in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin.

Ms. Linda Roberts, MS, RD, LDN

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Ms. Linda Roberts joined the nutrition department as an adjunct instructor in 2016. She is president of Linda Roberts & Associates a nutrition and food service consulting firm, celebrating 20 years of providing dietitian services to long-term care communities in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. She is also an IDPH Food Service Sanitation instructor and ServSafe Certified Sanitation Instructor.

Ms. Roberts is an active volunteer having served in the following positions for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Chair of Dietetics in Health Care Communities 2008-09, Liaison to the Pioneer Network 2010 – 2016, Food and Dining Clinical Task Force member developing The New Dining Practice Standards 2010 – 2011, and Dietitians in Business and Communications Treasurer 2014 – 2016. Currently Ms. Roberts is Chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Board, State of Illinois, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation 2009 – present.

Ms. Roberts has authored or contributed to a number of professional publications, presented numerous (50+) professional continuing education programs throughout the country, and organized professional seminars. She was awarded the Illinois Association of Nutrition and Food Professional's Vendor of the Year 2010.

Ms. Roberts graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and a Master of Science degree in Human Nutrition.

Dr. Laurie Schubert, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Dr. Schubert joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2010. She is owner and President of Nutrition HeartBeat, a sports nutrition private practice, as well as the sports dietitian and editor for Experience Triathlon. Dr. Schubert earned a degree in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College in PA, a doctorate in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI, completed DPD requirements at Benedictine University and interned at Loyola University Chicago.  Most recently, Dr. Schubert became a certified Health and Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches.  She serves as Treasurer for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is President of the Board of Directors of the Atkore Family Foundation. 

Ms. Jodie Shield, M.Ed., R.D., L.D.N.

Adjunct Faculty

Nutrition

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Mrs. Jodie Shield joined the Nutrition Department as an adjunct instructor in 2013. She is currently President of Healthy Eating For Families, Inc., a nutrition communications company, Editor-In-Chief of the blog Healthy Eating For Families, and creator of the Time To Eat Healthy iTunes recipe app. Mrs. Shield received her Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois. She has been a consultant in the field of nutrition for more than three decades and is a former national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Mrs. Shield has taught Nutrition and Dietetics at both Rush University and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is the author of two consumer nutrition books, three professional books, and more than 300 articles for consumer magazines, newspapers, and professional journals. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Dietitian of the year by both the Illinois Dietetic Association and the Chicago Dietetic Association. 

Ms. Anna Shlachter, MS, RDN, LDN

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Anna Shlachter, MS, RDN, LDN
Anna joined as an Adjunct Instructor in 2015. She is currently the Director of Education at the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals. In addition she previously worked at Egg Nutrition Center on the Nutrition Communications, Education and Research side, as well as Sr. Dietitian and Nutrition Education Coordinator at WIC. Anna is a current Delegate of Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as a past President. She has spent much time volunteering at the local state and national levels in the dietetics professions and has been awarded the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year (2012) and the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (2009). She enjoys mentoring, precepting and teaching future Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and other health professionals. In addition, she is passionate about policy and advocacy and regularly visits with legislators and home and DC. Anna obtained a Master of Science in Family and Consumers Sciences from Illinois State University.

Ms. Liset Vasquez, Ph.D., RD, LD, CHES

Adjunct Instructor

Nutrition

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Dr. Liset Vasquez is a Registered, Licensed Dietitian and a Certified Health Education Specialist. Dr. Vasquez has worked more than 19 years successfully developing and implementing health education programs and spear-heading initiatives to combat childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. She has worked in various setting such as the Social & Health Research Center- Bienestar/Neema Program, the San Antonio Independent School District-Child Nutrition Program and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation- Healthy Schools Program. She has also served in numerous leadership roles within her community.