Meet The Team
Jennifer J. Quinlan, PhD
Jennifer Quinlan, PhD, is the Principal Investigator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
Quinlan is a professor in the Deptartment of Nutrition Sciences at Drexel University. She earned her BS and MS in Food Science from Rutgers University and her PhD in Food Science from North Carolina State University. She has been on faculty at Drexel University since 2003 and her U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded research program has conducted interdisciplinary “community to bench” research that identified food safety risks for low income and minority populations at both the consumer and retail levels. Her group's research has resulted in consumer food safety education materials, which have had national and international impact. In addition to her role as PI for Drexel Eat Right Philly Nutrition Education Program (DRX ERP) funded by the USDA, she also serves as a Co-Lead for the Faculty Development Core on Drexel’s NIH FIRST grant.
Quinlan currently serves on the editorial boards of Food Protection Trends and the Journal of Food Protection and serves on the board of directors for the Partnership for Food Safety Education. She served two terms on USDA’s National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria for Foods and is a former Fulbright Scholar to Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary. She has been a member of the International Association for Food Protection for over 25 years where she has served on and chaired multiple committees.
Judy Ensslin, MS, RDN, LDN
Judy Enslinn is the director for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
She has been with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program since 2008 as the program manager and, since 2016, the program director. Judy obtained her BS degree in Dietetics from the University of Delaware, an MS Degree in Health Administration from St. Joseph’s University and a certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Drexel University. Prior to joining Drexel, she dedicated over twenty years to health care nutrition management, taught at various colleges and universities and owned a nutrition consulting business. She currently serves on the executive committee of the PA SNAP-Ed Director’s Group. Judy enjoys cooking, gardening, exercising, golf, traveling and spending time with her family. Her favorite fruits and vegetables include pineapple, berries, squash and spinach.
Melissa Matsumura, MS, RD, LDN
Melissa Matsumura is the assistant director for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
She is a licensed registered dietitian in Pennsylvania. Melissa obtained her BS degree in Biology from Eastern New Mexico University (Portales, NM) and an MS Degree in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science from Marywood University (Scranton, PA). She has worked for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed program for nine years previously serving as program assistant/nutrition educator, project coordinator II and program manager. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys powerlifting, exploring new restaurants and spending time developing her private practice focused on sports performance. Some of Melissa’s favorite fruits and vegetables are green chiles, blueberries, mangoes and mushrooms.
Kusuma Schofield, MSEd, MPH
Kusuma Schofield is the administrative coordinator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
She holds an MS in Higher Education, an MS in Public Health and is a PhD candidate in Nutrition Sciences with Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. She has worked for the Eat Right Philly program for 16.5 years and serves to provide administrative support as well as evaluation and assessment projects for the program. Schofield assists in submitting reports, conference presentations and publication opportunities for the grant. In her spare time, Kusuma enjoys working out, cooking and doing things she has never done before. Some of her favorite fruits and veggies are spinach, fennel, pineapple and grapes.
Johanna Monson Geerts
Johanna Monson Geerts is an administrative assistant with Drexel University’s PA SNAP Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
Originally from Minnesota, Johanna graduated from Earlham College with a BA in Art and concentration in Photography. Before working for Drexel, Johanna was a high school paraprofessional and an editor for a literary magazine. She also spent a year as an AmeriCorps member serving with Montana No Kid Hungry.
In her free time, Johanna enjoys all types of art, reading, cooking, spending time outside and caring for her houseplants. Johanna likes nearly every fruit and vegetable she’s tried, but her favorites are apples, kale, tomatoes and avocados.
Jim DiDomenico, MS
Jim DiDomenico is a program manager with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.
He graduated from the University of Delaware with an MS in Human Nutrition and the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Chemistry.
In his free time, Jim enjoys cycling, lifting weights, Philadelphia sports and urbanist advocacy. His favorite fruits are mangoes and watermelon, and his favorite vegetables are squash and broccoli rabe.
- Joseph H. Brown Academics Plus
- Feltonville School of Arts & Sciences
- Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School
- The U School: Innovation Lab
Kristin Prendergast, MS
Kristin Prendergast is a program manager with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.
She graduated from Logan University with an MS in Nutrition and Human Performance and Rowan University with a BS in Health and Exercise Science.
In her free time, she enjoys blogging about nutrition, finding new trails to run, spending time with family, reading and traveling.
Kristin loves teaching about nutrition and wellness! She says that being able to empower others to make healthy changes in their lives is the most rewarding part of her career.
- Building 21
- George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science
- Science Leadership Academy
- Laura W. Waring School
Danielle Juritsch
Danielle is a project coordinator II with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.
She graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in Human Nutrition and Foods and a minor in Food Science and Technology. In college, Danielle served as a student wellness ambassador, where she promoted and facilitated wellness programs throughout campus. After graduating, she worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA nutrition educator at a food pantry in Omaha, Nebraska. She has also coaches competitive gymnastics at a local YMCA.
Danielle enjoys weightlifting, fostering animals, hiking, fall weather and babysitting her nieces and nephew. Some of her favorite fruits and vegetables are blueberries, red peppers, raspberries and Brussels sprouts.
- Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Services
- Dornsife Center
- Lincoln High School
- Spring Garden School
- Martha Washington Academics Plus
Avery Schaeffer
Avery Schaeffer is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.
She graduated from West Chester University with a BS in Lifestyle Nutrition, which combines nutrition with business, management and exercise science.
While in college, Avery worked at a rehabilitation hospital in the dietary office. She worked with people from all backgrounds, and this experience strengthened her passion for empowering others to live a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.
Avery enjoys trying new things, whether that’s creating a new recipe in the kitchen, trying a new restaurant or exploring a new place, she is always ready for an adventure. Some of her favorite fruits and vegetables are raspberries, mushrooms, avocadoes and blueberries. She can’t choose one but a few of her favorite cuisines are Thai, Italian, Mexican and Japanese.
- Roberto Clemente Middle School
- George Washington High School
- Kearny, General Philip School
- Kensington Health Sciences Academy
- Lankenau High School
- Stetson, John B Middle School
- Swenson Technical High School
- The LINC
Caroline Harrington
Caroline Harrington is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
She graduated from University of Delaware with a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed an MS in Health Promotion.
In her free time, she enjoys being outside, playing pickleball and baking. Caroline also likes to explore local farmers markets on the weekend. Some of her favorite fruits and vegetables include broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries and pineapple.
- Belmont Elementary Charter School
- Murrell Dobbins CTE High School
- Horace Furness High School
- Julia R. Masterman High School
- General George A. McCall School
- Phillip Randolph Skill Center High School
- Roxborough High School
- Science Leadership Academy Middle School
Elizabeth Knight
Elizabeth Knight is a nutrition coordinator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly Program.
Liz recently graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s in Public Health. While in college, she worked as a peer mentor for high school students taking dual enrollment courses as well as an assistant teacher for middle school students during a six-week summer enrichment program. She also founded the chapter of Project Heal at Temple University working to raise money and awareness for eating disorders and eating disorder treatment. These experiences have allowed her to become passionate about nutrition and education.
During her free time, Liz likes to practice art such as jewelry making and photography. Her favorite fruits and vegetables are pineapples, mangos, blueberries, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
- Hill-Freedman World Academy
- Martin Luther King High School Promise Academy
- KIPP North Philadelphia Academy
- KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy
- Jules E. Mastbaum High School
- Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School
- Philadelphia High School for Girls
- Widener Memorial School
Erik Ildefonzo
Erik Ildefonzo is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, he came to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University where he graduated with a BS in Culinary Arts & Science and a minor in nutrition. Erik has previously worked as a kitchen assistant, recipe developer and culinary educator in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.
During his free time, Erik enjoys developing recipes, walking/hiking in Fairmount Park and exploring the city. His favorite fruits and vegetables are blood oranges, pomegranates, strawberries, poblano peppers, Brussels sprouts and leeks.
He is excited to promote healthy eating through cooking and showcase the many wonderful resources available in the city.
- Benjamin Franklin High School
- Castor Gardens Middle School
- Thomas A. Edison High School
- Samuel S. Fels High School
- Edwin Forrest School
- Grover Washington Middle School
- WB Saul High School
- Samuel Powel School
Joshua McIntyre
Joshua McIntyre is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.
Originally from Arkansas, he graduated from Henderson State University with a BS in Dietetics and has previously worked as a teacher and educator in Baltimore and Philadelphia schools.
During his free time, Joshua enjoys reading, playing chess in Clark Park and trying out new dishes and recipes. His favorite fruits and vegetables are broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, apples, bananas and berries.
Joshua is excited to promote healthy eating, hydration and physical activity in Philadelphia schools, as well as supporting food access at food pantries and distributions at his sites.
- Franklin Learning Center
- Samuel Gompers Elementary School
- Mantua Haverford Community Center
- Parkway Northwest High School
- Roosevelt Elementary School
- South Philadelphia High School
- Vaux High School: A Big Picture School
- General Louis Wagner Middle School
Michaela Frazier
Michaela Frazier is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.
She graduated from West Chester University with a BS in Nutrition Science and a MS in Community Nutrition, which afforded her the opportunity to combine her passion for food and helping people.
Michaela enjoys cooking and creating new recipes. Some of her favorite fruits and vegetables are mangoes and cabbage.
- AMY 5 @ James Martin
- Bodine High School for International Affairs
- Constitution High School
- Alain Locke School
- Morton McMichael School
- Northeast High School
- Penn Treaty School
- The Northeast Community Propel Academy
Vanessa R. Altidor
Vanessa Altidor is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.
She graduated from Temple University with a BS in Public Health and completed her MBA at Drexel University.
She previously held a similar position at Health Promotion Council, which fortified her experience in educating children, adults, seniors, persons in transitional housing, persons experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations about nutrition and healthy lifestyles. She enjoys making nutrition and health information simple, relatable and relevant to her participants. She is excited about getting involved with gardening programs at her schools.
In her free time, Vanessa loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking and anything dealing with creative arts. She is also passionate about learning. Her favorite fruits are watermelon, red grapes and mangos. She also loves mushrooms, tomatoes, soft shell crabs and maiis moulin, a traditional Haitian dish.
- Kensington High School
- William C. Longstreth Elementary School
- Motivation High School
- Overbrook Education Center
- Overbook High School
- Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School
- Science Leadership Academy at Beeber
- Tilden Middle School