Michigan Academy
2025-2026 Board of Directors Candidates
When you are ready to vote, log in to the Member Area.
Polls are open from February 1 to February 15, 2025
President-Elect
Michelle Gilleran, PhD, MS, RDN

My experience includes nutrition research, higher-level education and curriculum development, clinical and community dietetics, and team leadership and management. As the current Public Policy Director for MiAND, my recent endeavors have focused on public policy and RD licensure here in Michigan. Parallel to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, I am passionate about ensuring the community has access to safe and affordable food. With my work on the MiAND Food Security Task Force and as your next president, my efforts will be focused on improving health and building a more food-secure Michigan.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- MiAND: Public Policy Director; Food Security Task Force; Licensure Task Force
Cassie Whiddon, MS, RDN

I have extensive leadership skills in my job as a dietitian and as a volunteer. I’ve managed clinical, foodservice, and corporate wellness for over 14 years. As a volunteer in the CNM DPG, I grew their social media presence, added Instagram to their portfolio, and mentored the communications chair that followed me. I spent 3 years in the Academy House of Delegates as the MiAND delegate so I have a strong understanding of the workings of the Academy. Because of these things, I am well equipped to lead MiAND, advocate for our members, and drive programs and services that benefit members and the public.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- CNM DPG: Social Media Manager; Communications Chair
- Academy House of Delegates for MiAND
- MiAND Awards Co-chair
Secretary Treasurer-Elect
Alexandra Thompson, RDN

Organization and accountability are values I practice every day. I seek the position of Secretary-Treasurer-elect to serve the MiAND community with dedicated commitment and focus toward achieving our goals. Serving on the board would be an honor, and I will contribute responsible budgeting and collaboration to carry out our mission.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- CNM DPG: MI Reimbursement Representative
- Weight Management DPG: Reimbursement Representative
Membership Director-Elect
Laura Ritacco, RDN

I have experience implementing and managing strategies to increase access to nutritious foods for Michiganders through data collection, analysis, and collaboration. My strong interpersonal skills allow me to build trust with a diverse range of audiences through active listening, empathy, and translating information. I am highly motivated and passionate about delivering high-quality care, including customer service interactions. My experience and success in leading recruitment efforts as part of the MiAND Food Security Task Force in 2024 will serve me well as I work to recruit new members for MiAND as Membership-Director-elect. I am passionate about advancing the field of dietetics through MiAND to help build strong and resilient Michigan communities.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- MiAND Food Security Task Force
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN

I am an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the medical and nutrition sectors. As the team leader for 15 medical reviewers, I excelled in motivating and guiding them to deliver accurate information. My role as director of multiple nutrition programs has strengthened my strategic vision and ability to implement innovative solutions. Additionally, as the owner of my own business, I foster a culture of growth and resilience. Passionate about empowering others, I am committed to achieving organizational goals while helping team members reach their full potential.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine DPG member
- Sports Nutrition DPG member.
Public Policy Director-Elect
Holly Kellner Greuling, RDN

Over the last 35 years of being a dietitian, I have worked in multiple dietetic professions including Government (federal, and state), Administrative (State and Psychiatric), Retail (back of the house safety and sanitation), Military (Army), and Long-Term Care. Our profession has expanded over my career, and with insurance reimbursement capitation, disease prevention has (finally) become monetized. The future of our profession is expanding, and RDNs must be proactive instead of reactive. To ensure we are ahead of this trend, RDNs must understand the market, and preemptively respond to insurer’s pain points.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- Healthy Aging DPG officer
Meghan Wilkinson, MS, RDN, CNSC

I would be honored to serve as the Public Policy Director-elect for MiAND. My leadership skills and effective communication abilities are key strengths that I would bring to this role. Advocating for our professional community is crucial, and I am committed to advancing our collective interests and enhancing our impact in the field.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- MiAND: Membership Director
- MNDI: Board of Trustees
Professional Development Director-Elect
Elissa Bluth, MS, RD, CDN, IBCLC, HHC

Teachers know that listening to people’s stories is always a good way to make connections and accomplish things while learning something yourself. This was a lesson taught to me while teaching cooking at a middle school and a WIC center in a Metro area. I believe that even though we, at our core, are an evidence-based practice, our instruments for evidence are always evolving. We can leave space to respect people’s stories, experiences, culture, and wisdom from the past while also being excited about emerging new technologies and medicine for the future.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine DPG
Andrea Woolley, MA, RDN

I have attention to detail and creativity with new ideas to benefit planning practices and generate excitement in the team I work with. I enjoy project management and recognize the benefits of delegating tasks to those with the appropriate skills to get the work done efficiently. I will also seek and utilize feedback to improve processed and the customer experience.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- MiAND Annual Conference Planning Committee
Nominating Committee Member
Julie Carrigan, MS, RD

My role at Henry Ford Health involves interviewing and selecting the right talent for our healthcare system. Additionally, I have over 30 years in the healthcare arena with a large professional network. These two attributes make me uniquely positioned to help MiAND find the right leaders to keep our organization strong well into the future. Thank you for your consideration.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- MiAND Nominating Committee (previous position)
- Presented at several Academy national meetings
Quanta Duncan, RD

My strengths and skills for this position come from years of precepting prospective individuals eager to take on the challenge of learning a specialty area of dietetics; renal/dialysis. During this time, I was on the planning committee of the board for the Council on Renal Nutrition of Michigan (now the Council on Renal Nutrition) through the National Kidney Foundation. I assisted with recommending speakers for biannual meetings (spring and fall).
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- NOBIDAN: Served as a mentor
Nick Pomante, MS, RD

I’m organized and personable, qualities that will serve me well in attracting viable candidates to MiAND. I also have experience working with and identifying RD’s in particular practice areas to fulfill student placements. I can translate these skills to finding viable candidates for board positions within MiAND.
Dietetic Association Activities/Positions Held:
- MiAND: Secretary-Treasurer