"In light of the obesity and diabetes epidemics, efforts to promote healthy lifestyles are critically needed. Building a strong future starts today."
–
Cindy Wolff, CNAP Director
CNAP Staff
Faculty Collaborators
The Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion (CNAP) provides a resource for CSUC faculty collaboration. Click here for more information on faculty collaboration with CNAP.
Student and Part-Time Staff
View Student and Part-Time Staff here.
Professional Staff
CNAP employs 22 professional staff members hired through the CSU Chico Research Foundation (CNAP Staff Organizational Chart).
Cindy Wolff, MPA, PhD, RD
Director
(530) 898-5288 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
cwolff@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 101A
Chico, CA 95929
View Cindy's resume.
Dr. Cindy Wolff has been a professor in the Nutrition and Food Sciences Department at CSU, Chico since 1987. She has received numerous awards including the CSUC Outstanding Project Directors Award, the Professional Achievement Honors Award, the California Dietetic Association's Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award, and the American Dietetic Association's New Researcher Award. She and her family are fifth generation farmers in Butte and Glenn Counties.Dr. Wolff directs the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion at CSUC as well as the OPT for Fit Kids Overweight Prevention & Treatment Program and the Sierra Cascade Nutrition and Activity Consortium. OPT was selected by the American Association of Colleges and Universities and the Center for Disease Control for presentation on Capital Hill in Washington, DC in 2004 as a model service learning program. The Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion was selected as an Honorable Mention Awardee for the 2007 Campus-Community Partnerships in Health Award sponsored by this national organization.
Stephanie Bianco-Simeral, MS, RD
Assistant Director
(530) 898-4022 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
sbianco-simeral@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 101B
Chico, CA 95929
Stephanie Bianco-Simeral is a registered dietitian and assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences. Her area of expertise is in nutrition management and food safety. Prior to her academic career, Stephanie worked in the food-service industry for over 11 years. Her resume includes positions such as gardé manger, line cook, catering supervisor, café manager, and restaurant manager. Stephanie received her BS in dietetics from UC Davis and her MS in nutrition from Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. Her research focused on cholesterol and its affects on cardiovascular disease. She completed a dietetic internship through Texas A&M and became a registered dietitian in 2001. In addition to her food-service management experiences, Stephanie worked as a nutrition assistant for a local school district in Texas, as a dietitian for the Women, Children, and Infants Program in Sacramento, and as a clinical nutrition manager in Fairfield, CA. Currently, her research interests include nutrition marketing in local high schools and nutrition product development. She has co-authored HACCP Fundamentals, a food safety text and certificate program for agricultural, school, and manufacturing industries. Some of Stephanie's teaching endeavors include creating a private practice for registered dietitians and more "Chico on $10 A Day" events! Stephanie is a wife and mother of two young boys (really three, if you count her husband) and loves to hike and bake biscotti.
Keiko Goto, PhD
Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation
(530) 898-4022 Office
(530) 345-0668 Fax
kgoto@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 101B
Chico, CA 95929
Keiko Goto is originally from Japan. She was born in Gunma prefecture, which is famous for hot springs and tough women. She holds a B.S. in food science and technology from Kyoto University, an M.S. in nutrition from UC Davis, and a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences from Cornell University. As a nutritionist, Keiko has worked in various countries such as Guatemala, Indonesia, Jamaica, the Philippines, and Tanzania, and has developed a deep appreciation of diversity in people and food. Keiko’s current research interests include food and culture, local food systems, sensory evaluation of food, international nutrition, and the application of community-based participatory research methods in food and nutrition. She enjoys traveling, playing the piano, pairing wine with foods, and playing with her daughter Erika.
Kristin Gruneisen, MS, RD
Coordinator of Programatic Activites
Orland Joint Unified School District
Willows Unified School District
Program Manager
OPT for Fit Kids
1311-B Mangrove Avenue
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 898-6476 Office
kgruneisen@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201A
Chico, CA 95929
Kristin Gruneisen MS, RD is a nutrition education specialist and has been with the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion at CSU Chico for five years. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate work from California State University, Chico. Before working for the Center, she worked as a clinical dietitian at Enloe hospital. Knowing that she wanted to become involved in education, she became involved with the OPT for Fit Kids program and the Sierra Cascade Nutrition and Activity Consortium. Her experience with CNAP has been working directly with families, providers and staff to promote healthy eating and physical activity patterns. Part of her current work involves assisting with a collaborative effort to enhance nutrition and physical activity services for 0-5 children and families in Butte County which she finds very exciting.
Michele Buran, MA
Physical Activity Specialist III
(530) 898-4318 Office
(530) 345-0668 Fax
mburan@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201A
Chico, CA 95929
Michele Buran is the Physical Activity Specialist for OPT for Fit Kids, the Network for a Healthy California- Sierra Cascade Region and the Sierra Cascade Nutrition & Activity Consortium (SCNAC). She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Physical Education from California State University, Chico and has over 6 years of experience in the field of physical activity promotion and obesity prevention for 0-5 children and their families. Michele has played an integral part in the development, implementation, and evaluation of OPT for Fit Kids’ 0-5 LEAP (Lifelong, Eating, and Activity Patterns) materials including; LEAP for Preschoolers, LEAP into Action!, and LEAP for Child Care Providers. She is currently developing a collaborative to enhance nutrition and physical activity services for 0-5 children in Butte County.
Jim Coyle
Program Analyst II
(530) 898-5315 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
jcoyle@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 101
Chico, CA 95929
Jim graduated from U.C. Berkeley, with a BA in Social Welfare. He was a Board Member of the San Francisco Vegetarian Society back in the late 80's and early 90's. Jim worked at Portland State University in Oregon for three years in the office of Academic Affairs before moving to Chico in 2000 where he began working at the CSU, Chico Research Foundation. Joined the CNAP administrative office in 2006. He enjoys nature, gardening, reading and sports.
Kelly Doty
Health Education Specialist II
Native American Partner
Boys and Girls Club
Program Manager
(530) 898-3571 Office
kdoty@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201
Chico, CA 95929
Kelly Doty graduated from CSU, Chico with her B.A. in Liberal Studies and a minor in Child Development. After graduating, she coordinated youth activities with a local Native American tribe for two years. Before coming to CNAP, she was the Education Specialist at Four Winds School for 4 years. “I love being apart of another culture, it really opens my eyes and heart to a different world”. Kelly is currently earning her M.A. in Education: Early Childhood Development at the University of Phoenix. Kelly believes that parents are the first and best teachers for children.
Jenni Dye, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist III
Oroville City Elementary School District
Program Manager
(530) 898-3572 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
jkdye@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201C
Chico, CA 95929
Jenni Dye MS, RD has been a Nutrition Education Specialist with the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion at CSU Chico for approximately two years. She has a vested interest in working with the North State community because she was born and raised there. Jenni earned her Masters of Science Degree in Nutritional Science with an option in Nutrition Education from California State University, Chico in 2005. She currently works with Oroville City Elementary School District to provide them with resources and materials for nutrition education. Her role as the Harvest of the Month Production Lead includes organizing production staff, supervising the production, and assisting in the planning process. Her other tasks include facilitating the SCNAC staff meetings and the School Team meetings, assisting with the supervision of CSUC students, collaborating with other nutrition agencies, and participating in various committees.
Ashleigh Eastman, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist II
Corning Union Elementary School District
Orland Unified School District
Program Manager
(530) 898-5675 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
aneastman@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201F
Chico, CA 95929
Ashleigh Eastman is a registered dietitian and Nutrition Education Specialist with the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion. After working with the Center as a student, Ashleigh recently returned as a full time staff member. She has also worked as a WIC nutritionist and a nutrition instructor at a local community college. Ashleigh earned her Masters’ Degree in Nutritional Science with an option in Nutrition Education from California State University, Chico. Ashleigh currently works with Orland Unified School District and Corning Union Elementary School District to provide them with resources and materials for nutrition education and physical activity promotion.
Mary Godinez, MS
Health Education Specialist III
Biggs Unified School District
Gridley Unified School District
Hamilton City Unified Elementary School District
Butte County Office of Education
Program Manager
(530) 898-3573 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
mcgodinez@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201E
Chico, CA 95929
Mary Carmen Godinez-Hill has lived in Chico for 19 years. Mary is the Program Manager for the Butte County Office of Education and the Biggs, Gridley, and Hamilton City school districts. She earned her AA degree at Butte College in Social and Behavioral Sciences; Her B.S. at CSU, Chico in Political Science-Public Law; and her M.S. Degree at the University of LaVerne in Educational Counseling. Mary has 4 years experience as a Health Education Specialist and plays an integral part in delivering bilingual nutrition information to parents in low income communities. Her past experiences in intercollegiate sports have also been instrumental in physical activity and healthy living promotion. Family and Friends are very important to Mary and are at the core of her motivation. She is the mother of a vivacious 9 year old and widow of beloved teacher and coach, Bob Hill. She understands that healthy choices must begin at home and hopes to deliver the message and the resources to low income families.
Amy Gonzales, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist II
Paradise Unified School District
Palermo Union School District
Program Manager
(530) 898-4291 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
akgonzales@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201E
Chico, CA 95929
Amy Gonzales, MS, is a Nutrition Education Specialist, with the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion. After working with the Center as a student, Amy recently returned as a full time staff member. Amy completed her dietetic internship, graduate and undergraduate work at California State University, Chico. Amy works with Palermo and Paradise School Districts to provide them with resources and materials for nutrition education and physical activity promotion. Amy has been working with schools, families, administrators, and other health professionals to promote healthy lifestyles for four years. She has also worked as a clinical dietitian and food production supervisor at Oroville Hospital.
Karen Goodwin, MS
Nutrition Education Specialist III
OPT for Healthy Living
(530) 898-5678 Office
(530) 345-0668 Fax
kgoodwin@csuchico.edu
1311 Mangrove Suite B
Chico, CA 95926
Her love of food, and the need to balance that out with an active lifestyle, has been a guiding force in Karen’s life. Graduating from Johnston College in Redlands, CA and moving by bicycle to Chico in 1980, she started Today’s Tamales two years later. This launched a 23 year career in the vegetarian food manufacturing business, including a restaurant, Café Sandino, for 10 years. Karen has traveled extensively in Mexico, Central and South America—wherever Spanish is spoken—and has made numerous bicycle trips throughout the US. In 1992, she completed her MS in Nutrition Science with an emphasis in nutrition education. Currently, she is promoting healthy eating and physical activity through direct services and classes at OPT for Fit Kids and oversees the 1010 Cleveland House, a CNAP outreach center to the Chapman community which incorporates cooking demos, nutrition through English as a Second Language classes, and family nutrition and activity sessions. She is also a certified cycling instructor for the League of American Bicyclists and teaches classes in safe cycling.
Michelle Harris, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist III (Siskiyou County)
Scott Valley Unified School District
Siskiyou First 5
Program Manager
(530) 340-3227 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
mlharris@csuchico.edu
Siskiyou County
Michelle Harris is a registered dietitian and a nutrition education specialist with the SCNAC program. She completed her undergraduate and Master’s Degree from CSU, Chico. Michelle is currently partnering with Scott Valley Unified School District, First 5 Siskiyou, and the Siskiyou County Family/Community Resource Centers by providing them nutrition education and nutrition and physical activity materials to promote healthy eating, increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity. Her previous experience includes working as a clinical dietitian and WIC Nutritionist. Michelle enjoys raising her family and working in beautiful rural Siskiyou County and feels very fortunate to be able to give back to the community where she grew up in.
Carol Lams, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist III
Chico Unified School District
Program Manager
(530) 891-3576 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
cwelty@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201
Chico, CA 95929
Carol started working for the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion in 2002. After completing her graduate work at CSU, Chico she was thrilled to find a career in Chico doing what she loves – encouraging families to make healthy choices. Her Smart Bodies ~ Smart Minds program developed for Chico Unified School District includes providing trainings and nutrition resources for Nurses, Health Specialists, Libraries, Nutrition Services, and Teachers. Some of the unique activities include creating a school “nutrition” mural that promotes local farming and family activity; a Nutrition Book Bag that uses multicultural stories to educate families about gardening, good nutrition and being active; and, the facilitation of both a school and community garden. Prior to her employment with CNAP, she was a coordinator of the Children’s Power-Play! Campaign, she chaired community coalitions, and she counseled Diabetic/Cardiac patients at Enloe Outpatient Hospital.
Jennifer Murphy, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist II
Corning Union Elementary School District
Red Bluff Elementary School District
MNT Coordinator for OPT for Healthy Living
Program Manager
(530) 898-3211 Office
jemurphy@csuchico.edu
Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Education Specialist, providing nutrition education and physical activity resources. She is also the Coordinator of the MNT (Medical Nutrition Therapy) program at OPT for Healthy Living. Her experience with CNAP started 10 years ago as a student where she completed her graduate research. She also enjoys working as a renal dietitian at the Colusa Indian Community Health Clinic.
Amie Riesen, CHES
Contract Specialist/ Health Education Specialist III
Red Bluff Union High School District
Internship Coordinator
Student Staff/ Intern Training Coordinator
Program Manager
(530) 898-3571 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
ariesen@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201F
Chico, CA 95929
Amie Riesen, CHES has been a Health Education Specialist II with the Center for Nutrition and Activity Promotion at CSU Chico for two years. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from California State University, Chico in 2005. Amie currently works with Corning Union Elementary & Red Bluff High School Districts to provide them with resources and materials for nutrition education. She is currently collaborating with the Corning Rotary Club to expand services in the area. As intern and training coordinator, Amie supervises all application procedures, interviews, trainings, and placement for incoming CSUC interns throughout the year. Her roles in Harvest of the Month Program include connecting with local farmers, purchasing produce and assisting in the planning process. Her other administrative positions include MAA Coordinator and website design supervisor.
Jenny Sharkey, MA
CalFresh Outreach Director
Program Manager(530) 898-3211 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
jsharkey@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201C
Chico, CA 95929
Jenny Sharkey is the CalFresh Outreach Director providing support to 11 subcontractors in 12 northern counties including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Siskiyou, and Yuba counties. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development from CSUC. Jenny brings many years of experience working with non-profits and public entities in developing family and community programs and resources.
Gina Sims, MA
Health Education Specialist III
Chico Country Day
Glenn County Office of Education
Red Bluff Elementary School District
Program Manager
(530) 898-3574 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
gmsims@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201B
Chico, CA 95929
Before working for Butte and Glenn Counties, Gina Sims was the coordinator for the Network for a Healthy California—Sierra Cascade Region Children's Power Play! Campaign for seven years. She is passionate about building a greater connection between children, teachers, local farmers, and the community to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables and daily physical activity for better health. Gina is a graduate of CSU Chico and earned her Masters in Elementary Education and K-8 Teaching Credential from Seattle University.
Sheila St. Cin
Health Education Specialist I
Oroville City Elementary School District
Program Manager
(530) 898-6752 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
sstcin@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201
Chico, CA 95929
Sheila started working at the CNAP after running her own small farm growing heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs for three years. With a background as a former NCAA Division 1 athlete, and a career in recreation management, the former YMCA Director is thrilled to combine her interest in physical activity and nutrition with her work at the Center. Sheila coordinates the purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables for the programs at CNAP and SCNAC, as well as the Farmer of the Month educational newsletter. She has also been part of a video team that has produced two Farmer focused videos to connect children to where their food comes from. She is passionate about supporting local food systems and building a greater connection between children, teachers, local farmers, and the community to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables and daily physical activity for better health. Sheila is a graduate of UCLA.
Melissa Stearns, MS
Health Education Specialist I
Oroville Union High School District
Thermalito Union School District
Program Manager
(530) 898-5675 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
mstearns@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201F
Chico, CA 95929
Melissa Stearns earned her BS in Health Science and MS in Health and Physical Education at Chico State. Her career as a Health Education Specialist began in 1992 at the Pacific Wellness Institute where she provided nutrition, fitness, and conflict management programs for K-8 students, wellness programs for adults, and various trainings for teachers and staff. She has taught health and fitness classes at local sports clubs, Butte College, and Chico State. Melissa managed and directed races for the Chico Running Club, supervised an alcohol-reduction grant at Chico State, provided drug and alcohol counseling at Oroville high schools, coordinated a health and safety grant in Palermo, and most recently facilitated youth development and tobacco education programs in many Butte County school districts. She is an accomplished runner, having raced in numerous 5k, 10k, and half-marathons, and recently completed her first marathon in preparation for a challenging multi day stage trail run in Colorado. Melissa also cycles and has completed several 100-mile rides and two triathlons. She loves to travel, hike, camp, and cook. Melissa understands and models the importance of eating healthfully and being active and loves being in her role at CNAP. Her passion is to make a difference by motivating and encouraging others to live a healthy lifestyle.
Susan Van Horn, MA
Administrative Assistant
(530) 898-5358 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
smvanhorn@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 101
Chico, CA 95929
Susan Van Horn has been the Administrative Assistant for SCNAC and CNAP since the summer of 2004. She has a MA in Art (Printmaking) and she has been interested in nutrition (in a non-professional way) since becoming a vegetarian as junior in high school. She enjoys physical activity, especially in the forms of walking, bicycling and dancing.
Marsha Vernoga, MS, RD
Nutrition Education Specialist II
Colusa Unified School District
Los Molinos Unified School District
Marysville Joint Unified School District
Modoc County
Program Manager
(530) 898-6752 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
mvernoga@mail.csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 201
Chico, CA 95929
Marsha Vernoga, MS, RD, is grateful to be in a field she absolutely loves! As a Registered Dietitian, she has worked in clinical hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient counseling clinics, and senior nutrition sites. Presently, Marsha is a Nutrition Education Specialist for SCNAC and implements nutrition activities in Marysville, Colusa, and Los Molinos schools. She is also part of the Worksite Wellness team and presents various wellness topics to community businesses. Outside of her work with SCNAC, she is a food safety consultant for Head Start preschool sites in Tehama County and the Community Action Agency of Butte County. Her passion is teaching populations of all ages about health, nutrition, and the importance of physical activity. She promotes eating a whole food, plant-based diet from local food sources and wishes to inspire others to eat more fruits and vegetables! Marsha spends her free time taking long walks with her husband, cooking, reading, and practicing yoga.
Kathy Watje
CNAP Office Assistant
(530) 898-5358 Office
(530) 898-5382 Fax
kwatje@csuchico.edu
25 Main St., Suite 101
Chico, CA 95929
Kathy Watje began working for the CNAP program in the summer of 2009 as an Administrative Assistant. She entered Chico State University as a re-entry student and graduated with a BA in Multi-Cultural & Gender Studies with a Women's Studies Option. She has worked in education for over 30 years in a variety of positions. Kathy enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, and taking care of her small walnut orchard.