ABOUT US
As the nutrition experts, dietitians educate their patients, clients, and students on the relation of nutrition with disease, metabolism, intuitive eating, weight management, food preparation, and more. GAND works to enrich the minds our of members by providing education opportunities from leaders of their field, fellowship with other nutrition professionals, and exposure to the newest nutrition products and services.
ANNOUCEMENT:
GAND and FCAND have merged to become the...
North Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NFAND)!
We are excited to share news of a merger with the First Coast (FCAND) and Suncoast Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics! All of our district’s counties will be merging with FCAND, besides Levy and Marion, who will be merging with Suncoast. GAND and FCAND will be forming the
*NEW* North Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NFAND).
The merger will provide exciting opportunities for our GAND members, such as enhanced opportunities for both virtual and live CEUs, a larger pool of members to run for leadership positions, and live events in different parts of a larger district to network and connect with fellow RDs and RD2BEs.
Starting June 2023, GAND members will renew local district membership with NFAND or Suncoast, depending on which county you reside in. We look forward to new and exciting changes ahead!
OUR MISSION
Advocate for the dietetic profession and serve the North Central Florida community by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.
OUR VISION
Optimize the North Central Florida community’s health through food and nutrition.
OUR VALUES
Evidence-Based Practice
Integrity
Diversity
Community Service
Caring and Open-Mindedness
Advocacy
BENEFITS TO OUR MEMBERS
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Connect to your passion for dietetics, food and nutrition.
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Enhance your practice through knowledge learned from continuing education presentations and discussions with other members.
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Fulfill continuing education requirements for credential renewal.
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Develop your leadership skills.
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Give back to the profession through the mentorship of students and fellow practitioners.
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Build your network - receive support, fellowship, and encouragement from other GAND members.
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Help grow and guide the profession through advocacy and community engagement.
GAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-2023
PRESIDENT
JAMIE ZELDMAN,MS,RDN
Jamie is a current graduate student and Graduate Research Assistant pursuing her doctoral degree in the College of Health and Human Performance, Department of Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida. Already a double Gator, Jamie completed her dual B.S. degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition and Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and M.S. and Dietetic Internship from UF. Upon completion of the MS-DI program, Jamie became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and began working as a Research Coordinator for the Nutrition Education and Behavioral Science (NEBS) Lab at UF. Jamie is also currently on a leadership position for the AND Nutrition Education for the Public DPG. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, going to the beach, hiking, and cuddling with her cat named Clover.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
CURRENTLY SEEKING
We are currently seeking a registered dietitian within the North Central Florida community to fill this open committee position. For more information and to express interest, please contact Beth Gankofskie at info@eatrightgainesville.org.
PAST PRESIDENT
KOHRINE HAZIM,MS,RDN,LDN
Kohrine received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Florida State University in Business Management and Entrepreneurship before working in the business world for several years. Returning to school to realize her passion for food and nutrition, she earned a B.S. degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida, specializing in dietetics. Continuing on, she also completed the Master of Science – Dietetic Internship (MS-DI) program at the University of Florida. Following graduation, she worked as a clinical dietitian at UF Health/Shands. She is currently the DPD and MS-DI Program Coordinator for the UF Dietetics Programs. In her free time, she loves cooking, baking, gardening, and spending time biking, kayaking, and Onewheeling with her family.
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TREASURER
LAURA ACOSTA,DCN,RDN,LDN
Laura is a Lecturer in Dietetics at the University of Florida, where she teaches several clinical nutrition courses. She holds BS and MS degrees in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida, and has been a Registered Dietitian for 14 years. She also recently earned a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) degree from Rutgers University. Outside of work, Laura enjoys Pilates, spinning, shopping, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
SECRETARY
SARA BEASLEY, MS, RDN, LDN
Sara graduated with her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dietetics from Florida State University, and her Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition - Dietetic Internship (MS-DI) at the University of Florida. She currently works as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at UF Health - Shands, providing medical nutrition therapy in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. In her spare time, Sara enjoys yoga, spending time on the water, and being a dog mom.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE, CHAIR
BETH GANKOFSKIE,PHD,RD
Beth is the DPD Director, as well as a Lecturer in Dietetics, at the University of Florida. She obtained her B.S. in Dietetics and Food Systems Management from California State University at Long Beach, her M.S. in Nutrition Education and Counseling at the University of Saint Joseph, and her PhD in Hospitality Management at Iowa State University.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
SUSANNAH FOLSOM, MS, RDN,LDN
Susannah completed her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Dietetics at Florida State University, and her Master of Science (M.S.) in Food Science and Human Nutrition with Dietetic Internship at the University of Florida. She is currently a Registered Dietitian at UF Health Shands, providing medical nutrition therapy on the hematology/oncology units. In her spare time, Susannah enjoys PureBarre workouts, cooking, reading, and being involved in her church community.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
CURRENTLY SEEKING
We are currently seeking a registered dietitian within the North Central Florida community to fill this open committee position. For more information and to express interest, please contact Beth Gankofskie at info@eatrightgainesville.org.