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 Staff

View Student Staff and Interns here.

Professional Staff

CNAP employs 17 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 Nutrition Education Specialist III (530) 898-5323 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax sbianco-simeral@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 101 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.
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 (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 I Native American Partner Program Manager (530) 898-6752 office 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 II . 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.
Amie Riesen, CHES Contract Specialist/ Health Education Specialist II Red Bluff High School District Program Manager MAA Coordinator Internship Coordinator Student Staff/ Intern Training Coordinator (530) 898-3571 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax aeisenhut@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 201F Chico, CA 95929		Amie Eisenhut, 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.
Mary Godinez-Hill, MS Health Education Specialist II Biggs, Gridley, Hamilton City School Districts Program Manager Butte Co. Office of Ed. Program Manager (530) 898-3573 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax mcgodinez@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 201C 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.
Karen Goodwin, MS Nutrition Education Specialist II OPT for Fit Kids (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.
Kristin Gruneisen, MS, RD Nutrition Education Specialist III OPT for Fit Kids 1311-B Mangrove Avenue Chico, CA 95926 (530) 898-6476  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.
Michelle Harris, MS, RD Nutrition Education Specialist III (Siskiyou County) (530) 340-3227 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax mlharris@csuchico.edu Siskiyou County
Amy Cahill, MS, RD Nutrition Education Specialist II Paradise Unified School District . Palermo Union School District (530) 898-5323 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax akcahill@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 201E Chico, CA 95929		Amy Cahill, 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.
Bow Lee , MPH Health Education Specialist Thermalito Union School District Oroville Union High School District (530) 898-5675 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax blee@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 201 Chico, CA 95929		“Have a beautiful day because you are a beautiful person,” is one of Bow Lee’s favorite sentences.  Bow is the second-generation of a Hmong Refugee family from SE Asia. She has been living in Chico, CA since she was 5-years-old.  She received her B.S. Degree in at CSU, Chico and her M.P.H at CSU, Long Beach.  Bow’s mission statement is, "The Earth is my canvas. I am a paint brush. And I’m painting love to the world." Some of her passion includes advocating for a universal health system in U.S., alleviation of health disparities, protecting Mother Nature, and to improve the health of the community.  Her hobbies include volunteering, photography, poetry, dancing, advocating for others, and hiking through Bidwell Park.  If Bow can leave one message behind for others to follow it would be, “Your body is your temple, so honor it, love it, and respect it.”
Wendy Oji Kaplan, MPH Health Education Specialist II Corning Union Elementary School District Program Manager (530) 898-4509 Office (530) 345-0668 Fax wkaplan@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 201B Chico, CA 95929		Wendy Oji Kaplan is the program manager for the SCNAC Native American partners.  She has been working as a health educator since she graduated in 1997 from the Health and Community Services Department at Chico State.  In 2004, she earned a Masters of Public Health degree from San Jose State.  Wendy has worked in a variety of capacities including tobacco education for a homeless youth project, HIV test counseling for county public health departments, teaching teen pregnancy prevention in Bay Area high schools, and directing community services for a rural Indian Tribe.  For the past two years she has promoted nutrition and physical activity to Native American adults and children in tribal, clinical, and school settings.  She is currently interested in working with tribes using the California Foodway Model developed by Native American dietitian, Kibbi Conti and the California Rural Indian Health Board.
Susan Patricio, MS, RN Assistant Director (530) 898-4022 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax spatricio@csuchico.edu 25 Main St., Suite 101B Chico, CA 95929		Susan Patricio joined the CNAP team in December 2008 as the Assistant Director. She brings with her a wide range of experiences in the areas of Public Health Nursing, School Nursing and Counseling, Nursing Management, Health and Parent Education, and community development for system changes to promote healthy living. Graduating in 1973 from the University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Nursing, Susan eventually moved to Northern California where she has worked directly in schools and public health programs in Shasta, Siskiyou and Butte Counties. She received her M.S in School Counseling from the University of La Verne in 1990, specializing in early intervention elementary school counseling programs. Her passion for delivering quality programs to individuals and families who need support to prevent or reverse the effects of inadequate nutrition and physical activity has drawn her to CNAP. She looks forward to using her vast experience and supervisory skills, to guide CNAP program staff in continuing to meet the needs of program eligible North State residents.
Gina Sims, MA Butte and Glenn County Offices of Education Tehama County Department of Education SERRF After School Program 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.
Susan Van Horn, MA Administrative Assistant (530) 898-5358 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax smtucker@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.
Kathy Watje Office Assistant (530) 898-5358 Office (530) 898-5382 Fax 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 year in a variety of positions. Kathy enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, and taking care of her small walnut orchard.
Carol Welty, MS, RD Nutrition Education Specialist III . Chico Unified School District Program Manager (530) 891-5957 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.