Sarah Achelpohl

Born and raised in Arlington, TN, Sarah received her honors undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Food Science and minor in Health and Human Performance from Middle Tennessee State University and throughout the course of her education decided to pursue nutrition and fitness counseling. She conducted research while at MTSU on motivators of exercise implementation, and from that grew an interest in the environmental factors that influence dietary and exercise behaviors. Sarah has a passion for traveling and has been to Australia, France, Canada, Mexico and Alaska. She has played piano for 14 years and also enjoys running, tasting new foods, and spending time with her family and friends.

Marissa Adams

Marissa was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She received her Bachelor's in Dietetics from the University of Memphis in May 2010. Her major was originally nursing, but after taking many nutrition classes she decided she wanted to focus on nutrition and changed her major to Dietetics. Her GA is at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She has always loved working with children and hopes to work in clinical pediatrics one day.

Aiysha Ahmed

Aiysha Ahmed was born and raised in Fremont, California located in Northern California. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, and completed her major in Clinical Nutrition. After her positive experiences working as a Student Assistant for the California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division, and interning for the Health and Promotion department on the UC Davis campus, she was determined to pursue a career in Dietetics. After completing the program Aiysha is interested in working as a Sports Nutritionist or a Dietitian in a geriatrics facility. She would also like to become involved in nutrition research. Aiysha enjoys playing tennis, eating Thai food and traveling.

Valerie Carpenter

Valerie was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a die-hard Oklahoma State Fan, although she has created a blue spot on her orange heart for Memphis! Valerie graduated from Oklahoma State University and is a member of the Phi Mu sorority. She loves being outside, whether it be horseback riding, camping, or backpacking. She has spent the past year working at the Veterans Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and it was one of the best experiences of her life. Valerie chose Memphis because she participated in the Switzerland study abroad program through Memphis in the summer of 2009, and had an absolute blast! Valerie would love to return to the VA hospital in Muskogee upon graduating from Memphis.

Jamee Covington

As a Memphis local, Jamee received her undergraduate degree from the University of Memphis with the support of her husband. Throughout her life food had always been a comfort, which piqued her interest in how it affects the mind and body. And lead to her path of nutrition. She has had many opportunities in several fields within nutrition including food service, community nutrition, and recently a GA in nutrition research. Once she completes the internship program she would like to remain in the research field. It has been an exciting and fulfilling experience.

Cathy Draper

Originally from Upstate New York, Cathy has now lived in Memphis for over 25 years. Married, with five mostly-grown sons, Cathy and her husband have owned and operated a full-service catering company for over 20 years. Returning to school later in life has given her a unique perspective on food and nutrition, combining her many years of experience in the food service industry with life experiences and insight gained through undergraduate studies in dietetics at the University of Memphis. Although undecided as to where she'll ultimately end up, her immediate goal is to become a Registered Dietitian. Cathy is very much interested in nutrition education, wellness, research, and writing, and looks forward with an open mind to the opportunities afforded by the clinical nutrition program.

Lindsey French

Lindsey French is a native Memphian and is happy to be returning home. She completed her undergraduate degree in Nutrition at UT Knoxville in May of 2010, and received a minor in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism. While in Knoxville, she participated in a sorority, interned with Knox Parks and Rec developing an after school nutrition program for underprivileged children, worked at Curves, and made many close friends. Lindsey enjoys being active, running, traveling, meeting new people, and anything concerning nutrition and fitness. She loves children and is very excited to gain experience in clinical pediatrics.

Heather Johnson

Heather was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. While in Oxford, Heather was very active in her sorority, by serving as an officer for 2 years. She also taught Zumba at several different fitness facilities around town and loved competing in intramurals on campus. She also served as the Vice President of the Student Dietetic Association. She has always had a passion for being active and healthy and loves encouraging others to live a healthy lifestyle.

Casey Katz

Casey grew up in Bartlett, TN, and moved to the Nashville area to complete her undergraduate degree in Dietetics in August of 2010. Her interest in nutrition sparked from competing in a single event, the half marathon. From here, she has continued to explore the many topics of nutrition as well as several other endurance events and marathons. She enjoys running, biking, reading, baking, hiking, climbing, caving and just about anything outside and challenging. Upon completion of the program, she wishes to gain experience working in a clinical setting. Particular areas of nutrition interest include pediatrics, sports nutrition, weight management and eating disorders. After gaining experience through practice, she would also like earn her doctorate and teach undergraduate nutrition classes.

Whitney Maxey

Whitney was born and raised in Austin, TX. After graduating high school she accepted a basketball scholarship to play for the University of TN at Martin and received her bachelor's in Family Consumer Science with a concentration in Nutrition/Dietetics. Whitney enjoys working with athletes but her passion lies in helping those affected with HIV/AIDS and working with those who are underprivileged. Whitney hopes to be a HIV Dietitian and work with athletes who have eating disorders.

Teresa Shurley

Originally from Lonoke, AR, Teresa spent several years in Los Angeles, CA working in the music industry. She returned to Arkansas to complete her undergraduate degree in Dietetics at Harding University. Growing up in a family of cooks, her love of food, nutrition and wellness was developed especially when her own weight became an issue. Teresa's interests include critical illness, weight management, and pediatrics.

Bethany Stokes

Bethany grew up north of Atlanta, Georgia. She first became interested in nutrition while taking undergraduate courses at the University of Georgia. After receiving her B.S. in Dietetics from UGA, she worked as a Nutritionist for the WIC Program. Her passion for pediatric nutrition developed as she worked with children daily and learned more about their specific needs. During her graduate assistantship at the Boling Center, her interest for pediatrics expanded as she has had the opportunity to work with children with inborn errors of metabolism. Besides nutrition, her interests include cheering on the Georgia Bulldawgs, traveling with friends and family, and reading. Upon graduation, Bethany plans to continue her career in clinical pediatrics.