2025 - 2026 BOARD | eatright-southfl

Meet the 2025 - 2026 Administrative Council

Nadine Mikati, PhD, RDN, LDN

President

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.

Tania Rivera, PhD, RDN, LDN

President-Elect

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.

Andrea Aranda, BS,MS

Treasurer

Andrea currently serves as a dedicated nutrition educator at WIC, where her passion for community health and preventive care drives her work. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from Florida International University (FIU). During her academic journey, Andrea developed a robust background in clinical research, focusing on critical areas such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and liver disease.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring new restaurants, watching films, reading, and playing volleyball.

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.

Amanda Peraza, BS, MS

Secretary

Amanda is originally from Venezuela and spent many years in Puerto Rico. I’m currently a grad student at FIU pursuing my master’s in sports nutrition to become a Registered Dietitian. I’m passionate about renal, Gl, diabetes, and sports nutrition, still figuring out my focus! Excited to be part of SFAND this year and looking forward to connecting with you all!

Brynn McKinney, MS, RDN, LDN

Program Chair

Brynn McKinney is a newly credentialed clinical dietitian at Memorial Hospital Pembroke. She takes an evidence-based approach to nutrition and is passionate about both clinical care and fitness. Brynn earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Dietetics & Food and Nutrition Science from Florida State University and a master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University. She also works as a floor coach at a women’s strength training gym. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and playing tennis.

KERRY MCCARTHY, MS, RD, LDN, CEDS-C

Fundraising Chair

Kerry McCarthy is a dietitian and founder of Namaste Nourished, a dietitian group practice specializing in eating disorders. She is also a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Consultant, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. Her interest and experience with yoga philosophy and mindfulness allow for unique crossover with her work as a dietitian. In addition to working with her private clients, Kerry frequently collaborates with other health professionals and universities to educate on the importance of collaborative care in the treatment of eating disorders. Outside of work, Kerry enjoys cooking up something delicious and being outdoors on the water with her husband, two daughters and dog, Lyla.

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.