Jennifer Nasser, PhD

Jennifer Nasser, PhD, RD, LDN, is the Principal Investigator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.

Nasser is an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at Drexel University where she teaches macronutrient metabolism and research methods courses and directs the PhD program in nutrition sciences. She earned her BA from Elmira College in Biology/Chemistry and Music, with a New York State secondary education certification. She completed a MS in Biochemistry from Lehigh University and a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition from Rutgers University. Her postdoctoral training in obesity research and addiction psychiatry was completed at Columbia University. Her laboratory focuses on the brain’s response to food and nutrients using non-invasive techniques such as fNIRS and ERG. Nasser also conducts community-based translational research involving the effectiveness of home delivery of medically prescribed meals in promoting health outcomes and the application of nutrition-related health indices to improving soup kitchen provisions of food for the homeless. Nasser is currently an associate editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience and Current Nutrition Reports. She served as chair of the Obesity Research Interest Section of the American Society for Nutrition, chair of the Publication Board for the Journal of Obesity and is currently a National Spokesperson for The Obesity Society and a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) committee for the American Society for Nutrition.

Judy Ensslin, MS, RDN, LDN

Judy Ensslin 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

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

Hannah Joy

Hannah is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program. She graduated from Boston University with a BS in Biology and Florida International University with an MS in Dietetics and Nutrition.

While in school, Hannah was a teaching assistant at an afterschool tutoring center. After graduating, Hannah worked as a medical assistant and found a passion in helping people learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. Coming from a family that loves to cook, Hannah enjoys using nutrition to connect with others and learn about new cultures.

Hannah enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, going antique shopping and traveling to new places. Some of her favorite fruits and vegetables are grapefruit, carrots, raspberries, and green beans.

• KIPP North Philadelphia Academy
• KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy
• Mastbaum High School
• Overbrook Educational Center
• Overbook High School
• Philadelphia High School for GIRLS
• Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School
• Tilden Middle School

Alec Cruz

Alec Cruz is a nutrition coordinator with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program.

He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a BS in Health and Exercise Science. Alec previously served as an AmeriCorps member in Trenton, focusing on nutrition education and outreach. This included helping run a summer camp aimed at sparking children's interest about nutrition and the environment.

During his free time, Alec enjoys rock climbing, playing disc golf with friends and spending time in nature. His favorite fruits and vegetables are peaches, mangos, brussels sprouts and mushrooms.

• Philadelphia Charter School for Arts and Sciences at H.R. Edmunds
• Frankford HS
• Hancock Demonstration School
• Warren G. Harding MS
• General Harry Labrum MS
• Parkway Center City Middle College
• Tacony Academy Charter High School
• Tacony Academy Charter 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