Meet the 2026 - 2027 Administrative Council
Tania Rivera, PhD, RDN, LDN
President
Dr. Tania Rivera is an associate clinical professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition. Her areas of expertise are medical nutrition therapy and clinical nutrition drawing from her experience working in the clinical setting prior to joining FIU. She is the faculty advisor for the Student Dietetic Association, an active club that spreads the message of healthy nutrition across the campus and our neighboring communities. In addition, she serves the university as the Chair of the Undergraduate Council of the Faculty Senate. She is active in her professional organizations, having served as President of the Miami Dietetic Association and is currently on the Executive Board of the South Florida Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition and the Florida Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition.
She has won State of Florida’s Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year and Greater Miami Dietitian of the Year. Most recently, she was nominated by her students and earned the national title from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Educator of the Year. Finally, the highest honor in her profession was awarded to her in 2021 as she became a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Alyssa Fernandes, MS, RDN, LDN
President-Elect
Alyssa Fernandes, MS, RDN, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian with over 10 years of experience across academia, public health, sports dietetics, and corporate wellness. She currently serves as Clinical Coordinator of the Dietetic Internship Program at Florida International University, where she oversees supervised practice training and is dedicated to supporting the development of future dietitians. Alyssa also serves as the consulting dietitian for the Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, ensuring dietary services meet the diverse medical and cultural needs of the inmate population.
Alyssa is the founder of Savor Dietetics, a consulting-based nutrition company where she offers group education sessions, collaborates on community initiatives, and participates in panel discussions and speaking engagements. She is also currently co-developing a cookbook that highlights balanced, approachable recipes, with an emphasis on intention and sustainability over diet culture.
She is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and professional development, with a passion for advancing the field of nutrition through evidence-based practice and meaningful community impact.
Kaylen Clark, MS, RDN, LDN
Treasurer
Kaylen Clark, MS, RDN, LDN, is a resilient and driven nutrition professional with experience in nutrition education/counseling, food service management, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition. She earned both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University while competing as a student-athlete on the university’s Track and Field team. Kaylen has served in various leadership roles, including Senior Public Health Nutritionist for Florida Department of Health, where she demonstrated a strong ability to lead teams, proctor dietetic interns, manage fast-paced environments, and effectively communicate with diverse populations. She is passionate about promoting wellness through nutrition education, community outreach, and public health initiatives.
Priscilla Llanes, BS
Treasurer-Elect
Priscilla Llanes holds a BS in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University
and is a last year graduate Master’s student on the didactic path to becoming a
Registered Dietitian. Born in Miami, Priscilla knew from a young age that food wasn’t
just for survival but also function. Her passion is making optimal nutrition accessible to
all, particularly to those who seek reliable, evidence-based information about nutrition.
She has experience serving the Latino community in a healthcare setting, community
program planning and coordination, delivering nutrition education, and creating nutrition
education material for Baptist Hospital.
Cassie Evans, RDN, BS, MS
Nominations Chair
Cassie Evans is a Registered Dietitian with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Nutrition from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Human and Health Performance at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Her research centers on sports nutrition, ergogenic aids, and body composition, with a focus on optimizing performance and health in athletic populations.
Sam Jackson, MS
Membership Chair
Sam brings a powerful blend of fitness and nutrition expertise to the role. With a master’s degree in exercise physiology and nutrition, she has spent her career helping people improve their lives through movement, strength, and sustainable nutrition habits. She teaches for Echelon as a lead virtual fitness instructor, creating and delivering engaging, evidence-based workouts to a global audience. Sam is currently pursuing her path to becoming a registered dietitian, with a special interest in working with athletes and individuals managing autoimmune disorders. As Membership Chair, she is excited to contribute her energy, creativity, and communication skills to help grow and engage the SFAND community. She’s passionate about building strong connections, creating opportunities for collaboration, and making all members feel welcomed and supported. Sam looks forward to connecting with more dietitians and being an active part of the organization.
Patti Castillo, MS
Communications Chair
Patti recently earned her Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University and is eagerly beginning the next step in her professional journey through the Dietetic Internship program. She takes a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the connection between nutrition, lifestyle, genetics, and physical health. Her interests include functional nutrition, women’s health, and chronic disease prevention and management. As communications chair, she will manage SFAND's newsletters, website and internal communications, as well as collaborate with the Social Media Chair to keep all of SFAND’s members up to date on events. Outside of work, she enjoys strength training, yoga, trying new recipes, and home decorating. Patti is excited to engage with the dietetics community and support SFAND’s mission through informative and engaging connections.
Natalie Castro, RDN, MS
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.
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.
Zendy Matta Massaad, BS
Secretary
Hi everyone! I’m Zendy, the Secretary for this term at SFAND.
I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Nutrition Science with a concentration in Sports Nutrition at Florida International University (FIU) as I work toward becoming a Registered Dietitian. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and have developed a strong interest in both clinical and community nutrition.
I’ve recently begun gaining experience in clinical research, where I assist with patient assessments and data collection. I’m passionate about nutrition education and enjoy helping others build a healthier relationship with food and performance.
My main interests include sports nutrition, gut health, and chronic disease prevention, and I’m committed to continuing to develop my expertise while applying what I learn in real-world settings.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy staying active, creating health content, exploring new wellness spots, and spending time at the beach. I’m excited to be part of SFAND this year and look forward to connecting with you all!
Pia Henfridsson, PhD, RDN
Program Chair
Dr. Pia Henfridsson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dietetics & Nutrition at Florida International University. Her work focuses on the nutritional and metabolic outcomes of bariatric surgery, body composition, energy expenditure, and adolescent obesity.
In recent years, her research has expanded to the intersection of artificial intelligence, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity, exploring how digital tools can support personalized nutrition and improve chronic disease management.
Dr. Henfridsson teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in advanced nutrition and research methodology and is passionate about helping students build confidence in interpreting and applying nutrition science. She earned her PhD in Clinical Nutrition from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and has over a decade of clinical experience as a Registered Dietitian in specialized care settings.
She is excited to serve as Program Chair for the South Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and looks forward to supporting engaging and meaningful programming for the community.
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Sarah Bigman, BS,MS
Social Media Chair
I’m Sarah, your Social Media Chair. I recently earned my Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics and am currently continuing my journey through a DI. I’m passionate about expanding my skills, promoting clear, effective communication, and sharing evidence-based knowledge in a way that’s exciting and accessible. I’m thrilled to bring fresh updates, resources, and wellness inspiration to our community—and even more excited to become a Registered Dietitian! Outside of nutrition, I love traveling, creating recipes, trying new things, staying adventurous, and getting in a good workout.
Valeria Betancourt, BS
Social Media Chair
Hi, I’m Valeria Betancourt, a graduate student in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University. I enjoy creating engaging nutrition content that makes evidence-based information feel simple and approachable. Through my work in both clinical and community settings, I’ve developed a strong interest in family and pediatric nutrition. I hope to become a Registered Dietitian and support others in creating positive and lasting relationships with food.
Javiera Navarro, BS
Website Chair
Javiera Navarro earned a bachelor’s in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University (FIU). She is currently pursuing a master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition at FIU as she works toward becoming a Registered Dietitian. She has experience in community nutrition and program coordination, including leading grocery store tours through FIU’s Student Dietetic Association and developing nutrition materials for Baptist Hospital. She served as program coordinator for Literary Bites, providing nutrition education and cooking demonstrations to promote health and wellness for local Miami communities. Javiera currently serves as a nutrition educator for WIC and looks forward to supporting SFAND’s mission and engaging with the dietetic community.