Meet the 2024 - 2025 Administrative Council
DIANA MESA, RDN, LDN, CDCES
President
Diana Mesa, founder of En La Mesa Nutrition, is a bilingual Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist providing culturally inclusive care, content, and consulting in Miami, Florida. Diana offers nutrition therapy to people from diverse backgrounds with diabetes, PCOS, disordered eating, and more. She is a weight-inclusive dietitian and uses a non-diet approach to help clients connect with their intuitive eaters and apply mindfulness to their relationship with food and body while enjoying their cultural foods. In her consulting work, Diana contributes to the service design, development, execution, and management of in-person and digital chronic disease management and coaching programs from a nutrition and health equity lens. She creates content and facilitates training for health professionals on nutrition, diabetes, person-centered care, and culturally responsive nutrition. Diana is also a sought-after subject matter expert featured in media outlets such as Telemundo, Today's Dietitian, and Women's Health, to name a few.
NADINE MIKATI, PhD, RDN, LDN
President-Elect
Nadine Mikati, PhD, RDN, LDN is a dedicated nutritional professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field holding a Ph.D. degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Florida International University. Dr. Mikati also earned an M.S. degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and has been a Registered Dietitian since 2008. With a solid foundation in both academic achievement and practical experience, Dr. Mikati has made significant contributions to various academic institutions and healthcare settings throughout her career. As an accomplished educator, she has served in diverse roles where she has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of nutrition professionals. Currently, she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and DPD Program Director in FIU’s Department of Dietetics and Nutrition.
GABRIELA ELIA
Treasurer
Gabriela Elia is currently pursuing a career as a registered dietitian at Florida International University (FIU). Originally from Brazil, Gabriela moved to the United States when she was 18 years old to study English and seek new experiences.
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Gabriela's ultimate goal is to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition and education. She is a firm believer in the power of food to heal and nourish the body and mind.
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In her free time, Gabriela enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes, as well as staying active through physical activities. With her knowledge and passion, Gabriela is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of those she encounters.
HELENA ANTANAITIS
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Treasurer Elect
Helena P. Antanaitis, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, moved to South Florida to further her education at 17 years old. From a young age, Helena excelled academically and developed a passion for fitness and weightlifting, which led her to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry. She spent four years improving her communication and customer service skills as a Fort Lauderdale Airport agent. Helena furthered her commitment to health by earning certifications in personal training and nutrition counseling. In her free time she enjoys working out, cooking healthy meals and spending time with loved ones.
SOFIA ARRAUT, BS
Social Media Chair
Sofia Arraut - Sofia is currently pursuing her master's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University. With a background in clinical research, particularly focusing on HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, she has conducted her own research project exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on obesity and food security. Alongside her academic pursuits, Sofia serves as a Nutrition Educator at WIC and contributes to the social media team at PrimeTime Barbell, a local powerlifting gym. As a national competitive powerlifter with an impressive collegiate state squat record of 363lbs, Sofia brings her passion for fitness and nutrition to her work. Previously, she has collaborated with SFAND as their Communications Chair and now looks forward to expanding her skills in social media management within the board.
TANIA RIVERA, PhD, MS, RD, LDN
Secretary
Dr. Tania Rivera joined the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in 2007. She is the director of the coordinated program and an assistant clinical professor.
Dr. Rivera teaches courses in medical nutrition therapy and clinical nutrition drawing from her experience as a dietitian at Baptist Hospital prior to joining the Florida International University family.
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She has been awarded Outstanding Dietetic Educator of the Year from the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition and Greater Miami Dietitian from the Miami Dietetic Association.
NATALIE CASTRO, RDN
Legislation and Advocacy Chair
Natalie Castro is a registered dietitian with over 20 years of experience using food as medicine in the healthcare and childcare sector. She is dedicated to creating food environments that promote healthy eating habits and provide nutrition security to all. In her current role as the Internship Director for the Memorial Healthcare Dietetic Internship Program, Natalie is committed to growing the profession of nutrition and dietetics with strong and skillful dietitians.
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As the Public Policy Coordinator for the Florida Dietetic Association and the Legislative and Advocacy Chair for the South Florida Dietetic Association, Natalie is determined to work with government and administration to change and support nutrition practices and laws that influence nutrition equality.
Ms. Castro earned a Bachelors of Science in nutrition and dietetics from Florida International University and a Masters of Science in nutrition and exercise science with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy, from State University of New York at Buffalo. She is certified in adult weight management by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She specializes her private practice, Nutritiously You! to working with patients with digestive disorders, such as Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Celiac Disease, and food allergies. She runs a gluten free support group, Gluten Free South Florida, a branch of the Gluten Intolerance Group for individuals and families managing and living with Celiac Disease.
GABRIELLA REINGEVURTS
Membership Chair
Gabriella is passionate about community health through nutrition and wellness education. She is originally from Brazil and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Florida International University. After working in real estate development in Miami, she decided to pursue her interest in food and nutrition. Gabriella first established her own specialty dessert catering business and later relocated to New York to work for a Michelin-starred chef. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in dietetics and nutrition at FIU and is excited to serve on the SFAND Board as Membership Chair.
PRIYA KRISHNAKUMAR, PhD, RDN, LDN
Community Action Chair
Priya Krishnakumar, PhD, RDN, LDN is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at Nova Southeastern University who is very passionate about nutrition in the community and working with children and families. With a decade of experience in the field, Priya has made contributions in areas of clinical work, community service and teaching. She has developed, implemented, and evaluated nutrition-based programs in the community and has worked with non-profit organizations to facilitate various nutrition education programs. She believes in the saying, “it is health that is real wealth” and is a proponent of providing the tools needed for individuals to invest in good nutrition and building up a health-conscious community.
SU-NUI ESCOBAR, DCN, RDN, FAND
Newsletter Chair
Dr. Su-Nui Escobar is a doctor in clinical nutrition, registered dietitian-nutritionist, menopause expert, and spokesperson for over 15 years. Su-Nui is a former Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson and former SFAND president.
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Su-Nui is a blogger who specializes in menopause and weight loss. With her blog attracting over 40,000 monthly visitors, she is a trusted source of information in this domain.
Slava Kharitonenkov, MS, RDN, CEDS
Website Chair
Slava Kharitonenkov is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in eating disorder care. He has worked at various treatment centers while also developing his private practice and volunteering for The Alliance for Eating Disorders nonprofit providing free support groups.
Slava has honed his specialty to focus on advocacy for men suffering from eating disorders, aiming to reduce the shame and stigma around seeking care