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.

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.

Danielle Juritsch

Danielle Juritsch 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 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.

Avery Schaeffer

Avery Schaeffer is a project coordinator II with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program. She graduated from West Chester University with a BS in Lifestyle Nutrition and is currently pursuing an MBA with Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business.

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 being active, creating art, cooking and traveling. Some of her favorite fruits and vegetables are raspberries, mangoes and asparagus. She can’t choose one but a few of her favorite cuisines are Thai, Italian, Mexican and Japanese.

Dan Teano

Dan Teano is a project coordinator II with Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/ Eat Right Philly program.

After attending Drexel University for two years, he graduated from Washington College with a BA in Environmental Studies and a minor in Economics. In college, Dan served as a residential assistant and as an editor for the Lifestyle section in the college newspaper, which shared tips on fashion, fitness, nutrition and relationships.

Dan is also a basketball coach and trainer. In the summer, he coaches a Filipino-American AAU team in Cherry Hill, NJ. In his free time, Dan enjoys going to farmer’s markets, making playlists and discovering the best bites in Philadelphia. His favorite fruits are mangoes, avocados and watermelon, and his favorite vegetables are snow pea leaves and purple sweet potatoes.

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.

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.

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.

Hannah Joy

Hannah Joy 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.

Mia Lopez

Mia Lopez is a nutrition coordinator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-Ed/Eat Right Philly program. Mia graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with a BPS in Applied Food Studies and an AOS in Baking and Pastry Arts.

In college, Mia worked as a research assistant in the anthropology department. She was also a pastry line cook at a Michelin starred restaurant in Spain, created content on the university social media team and worked with local food pantries and farms on improving food access in her community. She is passionate about social change in the food system and how food intersects with culture.

During her free time, Mia enjoys baking, expanding her vinyl record collection, traveling, thrift shopping and singing. Mia’s favorite fruits and vegetables are honeydew melon, strawberries, eggplant and arugula.

Kevin Montanez

Kevin Montanez is a nutrition coordinator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-ED/Eat Right Philly program. Kevin graduated from The Culinary Institute of America with a BPS in Applied Food Studies with a concentration in Farm-to-Table Dining and an AOS in Culinary Arts.

In college, Kevin worked directly with assisting food banks and farms in completing their daily schedules. His senior thesis centered around developing college curriculum to implement at The Culinary Institute of America to push for the creation of a sustainable restaurant industry. Kevin is passionate about food sovereignty and food policy.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys cooking and developing recipes, finding new music and taking care of his plants. Some of his favorite fruits and vegetables are oranges, peppers, mangos and cucumbers.

Jesper Rosen

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

Raised in rural Vermont, they graduated from Swarthmore College with a BS in Environmental Studies concentrated in Environmental Justice. They have previously worked on several urban farms in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, and most recently spent a year as a garden and nutrition educator in West Philadelphia.

During their free time, Jesper enjoys playing guitar, cooking with friends and finding creative outlets through various artistic mediums. Their favorite fruits and vegetables are broccoli, corn and cherries. They also love to grow heirloom tomatoes.

Sarah White

Sarah White is a nutrition coordinator for Drexel University’s PA SNAP-ED/Eat Right Philly program. She recently graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Nutritional Sciences in Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health. Sarah is excited to get started with the program and inspire students to learn about healthy habits.

Outside of work she enjoys weight lifting, cooking and baking healthy recipes and hiking. She loves all fruits and vegetables but her favorites are peaches, mangoes and mushrooms.