Staff 

Renee Winter-Bertsch MS, RD, LDN, CDE

Senior Director of Clinical Nutrition Services for the Geisinger Health System and Director of the Dietetic Internship

Renee oversees and is responsible for the administrative operation and clinical quality of the department and internship. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator and provides Diabetes Self-Management Training and Medical Nutrition Therapy for patients at one of the Geisinger Community Practice sites. She received her BS degree from State University of New York at Oneonta and Masters of Science and route to registration from Marywood University. Renee has over 26 years experience as a Clinical Dietitian primarily focusing in the last 16 years in clinical management. Her experiences prior to this included both acute clinical nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy in the outpatient areas with a focus on diabetes. Renee has worked in various hospital systems in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. She has been active in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Diabetes Educators Association serving on local boards for both organizations in the past. Renee is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Clinical Nutrition Manager, Diabetes Care and Education and Pediatric Nutrition Practice Groups. 

Geisinger Medical Center Nutrition Staff

Lori kowalski, ms, rd, ldn, cncs

Clinical nutrition manager - Central and western regions

As Clinical Nutrition Manager for Geisinger Health Systems - Central and Western Regions, Lori oversees the clinical dietetic staff both in the acute care hospital and in the outpatient clinics in these regions. Lori received her BS in Family Resources with an emphasis in nutrition and her route to registration through a coordinated undergraduate program at West Virginia University. She received her MS in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh. Lori has greater than 30 years of experience primarily focusing in pediatric and critical care nutrition. She has practiced in many other areas of clinical nutrition including pediatric small bowel and multi-visceral transplant, neonatology, adult burn care, and diabetes therapy in various hospital systems in Centeral and Western Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Lori was also an assistant medical editor for 3 years for the Max Planck Institue in Munich, Germany. She is a certified nutrition support clinician and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as various Dietetic practice groups within the Association.

Sharon Madalis, MS, RD, LDN, CDE
Coordinator, Dietetic Internship and Coordinator, Clinical Nutrition Services

As Coordinator for the Internship, Sharon is responsible for daily operations. She also coordinates Outpatient Nutrition Services in the Central Region. In addition, Sharon provides patient care at several Danville campus clinics and the Healthy Beginnings program in Obstetrics. Sharon received her BS in Medical Dietetics from Penn State University and completed a 3-Year Approved Professional Practice Program at Geisinger Medical Center as her route to registration. She has an MS in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University. Sharon is a Certified Diabetes Educator and has an Adult Weight Management Certificate of Training from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Sharon's past job experiences with Geisinger include Diet Technician, Administrative Dietitian for Patient Food Service and Interventionist for the Teen Obesity Healthy Changes research program. Sharon has presented numerous posters at the Society of Nutrition Education and American Dietetic Association annual meetings and is currently a Program Reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education. She is editor of the Geisinger Health System "Nutrition News and Views" newsletter. Sharon recently co-authored a book entitled, "Truck Drivers: Stop Your Job From Killing You! The Dietitians' Guide to Smart Eating and Healthy Living for Truckers." 

SUSAN WHITMIRE, RD, LDN, CNSC, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Sue is responsible for the nutritional management of patients in the adult intensive care unit and the Home Tube Feeding Clinic. She is a member of the Nutrition Support Team. Sue has BS degrees in Medical Dietetics and Science from Penn State University. She completed a dietetic internship at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Sue is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician. She has authored chapters for Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy; Contemporary Nutrition Support Practice; and The Science and Practice of Nutrition Support (ASPEN's Core Curriculum). She has also published manuscripts in Support Line and Nutrition in Clinical Practice.  Sue has spoken at the local, state, and national levels on acid-base balance, fluid and electrolytes and the Nutrition Care Process. Sue is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Dietitians in Nutrition Support DPG.

ELLEN HOOVER, RD, LDN, CNSC, CLINICAL DIETITIAN 

Ellen provides nutritional care in the adult intensive care unit as well as for Select Specialty Hospital located on the GMC campus. She is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician.  She sits on the system-wide Pressure Ulcer committee. Ellen has an Associates Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management and certification in Computer Programming from Bucks County Community College. She completed her BS in Dietetics at Drexel University and graduated from GMC’s Dietetic Internship. Ellen has worked as the Food Service Director/Clinical Dietitian for Sunbury Community Hospital as well as Renal Dietitian for Susquehanna Health System and Long-Term Care Dietitian for Sodexho Senior Services and Nottingham Village in Northumberland. Ellen is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics including several Dietetic Practice Groups, and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). 

JOAN SAVAGE, RD, LDN, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Joan Savage, RD, LDN, CDM provides nutrition care for patients on Cardiology and medical/surgical floors.  She teaches outpatient cardiac nutrition classes for patients who have had coronary bypass surgery.  She also attends to the nutritional needs of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients throughout the hospital. Joan’s education includes a BS in Dietetics and route to registration through Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Food Service Management from Mansfield University.  She has also been certified in Serv Safe since 2005 and has been a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) since 2002.  Joan has been employed in health care for the past 20 years in acute care and long-term care facilities.  In these areas she has worked in clinical and managerial capacities.  Joan is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Health Care Communities Dietetics Practice group, and the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals.     

Lauren Crouse, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Lauren provides nutrition care and education to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who are admitted to the hospital.  She also works with outpatients in the Preventative Cardiology Clinic, primarily working with lipid disorders. Previously Lauren provided inpatient nutrition care for patients admitted to the Hospital for Advanced Medicine and Special Care unit. Lauren holds a BS degree in Nutrition from West Chester University. She completed her dietetic internship at Geisinger Medical Center. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group.

PATTI CHULOCK, RD, LDN, CDE, CLINICAL DIETITIAN SPECIALIST

Patti provides pediatric patient care for outpatients with obesity, failure to thrive, eating disorders, food allergies, and diabetes. She participates in Geisinger’s Neurology Group for Ketogenic Diets, Pediatric Obesity Clinic, Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, and is on the Pediatric Diabetes team. Patti has a BS degree in Medical Dietetics from Penn State University.  She completed a 3-year Approved Professional Practice Program at Geisinger Medical Center as her route to registration. She has over 25 years experiences as a clinical dietitian at Geisinger, focusing the last 20 years on pediatric nutrition. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator and has a Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management Certificate of Training from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the pediatric and diabetes dietetic practice groups.

DENISE HACKMAN, MBA, RD, LDN, CNSC, COORDINATOR CLINICAL NUTRITION-PEDIATRICS

Denise is the Coordinator of Clinical Nutrition services for Pediatrics including inpatient and outpatient services. She is also responsible for the nutritional management of patients in the neonatal intensive care unit and follow-up clinic. She has a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Albright College and completed an internship at Indiana University Medical Center. She completed her MBA through Penn State. Denise also completed a pediatric nutrition fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician. Denise has extensive pediatric intensive care experiences from positions held at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Lehigh Valley Hospital, and the WIC program. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 

CARYN KOVACH, MS, RD, LDN, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Caryn provides nutrition care for inpatients in the Children's Hospital, including the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She also participates in Feeding Team Clinic and outpatient services. Caryn has a BS degree in Nutrition and Food from Kent State University. She completed a coordinated dietetic internship/MS in Nutrition program at Case Western Reserve University and Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Caryn is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

VONDA HETHERINGTON, RD, LDN, CDE, Coordinator, Clinical Nutrition - Renal

Vonda is the coordinator of clinical nutrition services for renal outpatients. As such, she oversees clinical dietitians in the renal area and is responsible for the care of hemodialysis outpatients at Geisinger’s Justin Drive unit and two off-site (DaVita) dialysis units. She teaches the Dialysis Options class and sees patients in the pre-dialysis clinic. Vonda has a B.S. in Nutrition from Albright College and completed her dietetic internship at Geisinger Medical Center. She is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Vonda has over 15 years experience as a clinical dietitian in both outpatient and acute care, having worked in several settings in Ohio in the areas of eating disorders, WIC, Nephrology, diabetes, and clinical management. Vonda is a past recipient of the American Dietetic Association’s Outstanding Student and registered Young Dietitian of the Year awards. She has held various positions including President of the Northwest Ohio Dietetic Association. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Diabetes Care and Education and Renal Dietitians practice groups.

SARA GANDHI, RD, CSO, LDN, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Sara provides nutritional care for oncology inpatients and outpatients including those undergoing bone marrow transplant. In addition, she provides medical nutrition therapy for Health South Rehabilitation Hospital. Sara has a BS degree in Foods and Nutrition and a Master of Science degree both from Maharaja Sayajirav University in India. She completed a dietetic traineeship at Geisinger Medical Center as her route to registration. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Sara is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Oncology practice group and is an active member of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Centers Program and Bone Marrow Transplant Team.

KATHY BOUDEMAN, RD, LDN, CDE, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Kathy counsels patients primarily in the outpatient setting where she practices in the dual role of a registered dietitian and a Certified Diabetes Educator.  She provides both Medical Nutrition Therapy and Diabetes Self-Management Training.  Kathy counsels patients in the following clinics:  Endocrinology, General Internal Medicine and High Risk Obstetrics and the Geisinger Health System Frackville Clinic.  Kathy received a BS degree in Dietetics and Nutrition Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She completed a 3-year Approved Professional Practice Program at Geisinger Medical Center as her route to registration.  Since becoming a registered dietitian, Kathy has practiced 25-plus years at Geisinger Medical Center.  Her primary specialty area has always been educating patients with diabetes to help them better understand and manage their disease.  She served as a volunteer reviewer for the ADA of applications submitted for Diabetes Patient Education program recognition. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group, and the American Diabetes Association. 

KAREN BIRD, RD, LDN, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Karen provides nutrition counseling for Family Practice patients at Knapper Clinic and at two Geisinger Health System Clinics in Berwick and Bloomsburg. She is also a member of the Geisinger Center for Nutrition and Weight Management team in the GI/Nutrition Clinic and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) team in the Neurology clinic. Karen has a BS in Foods and Nutrition from College Misericordia. She completed a 3-Year Approved Professional Practice Program at Geisinger Medical Center as her route to registration. Karen has an Adult Weight Management Certificate of Training from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group.

Kira Bowman, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Kira provides outpatient nutrition counseling at the main hospital and at several outlying Geisinger Health System Clinics, including Lewisburg, Milton, and Montoursville.  She also provides nutritional care for prenatal, chronic kidney disease, and hemodialysis patients. Kira obtained a BS Degree in dietetics with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Kira is a graduate of the Geisinger Medical Center Dietetic Internship Program. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Weight Management, Renal, and Diabetes Care & Education Dietetic Practice Groups.

MARIANNE WILLIAMS, MS, RD, LDN, CLINCIAL DIETITIAN

Marianne serves as the dietitian for the Kidney, Pancreas and Liver Transplant teams and for patients on peritoneal and hemodialysis. She holds a BS in Home Economics and BS in Foods and Nutrition from Misericordia University and received her MS in Food and Nutrition and route to registration from Marywood University. Her prior work experience includes Clinical Nutrition Manager with Sodexo Marriott Health Care Services in California and Diabetes Educator with Susquehanna Health System. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with an Adult Weight Management Certificate of Training and she belongs to the Renal Dietitians Practice Group.

KELLY FUGOK, RD, LDN, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Kelly is responsible for the nutritional management of pediatric inpatients and outpatients including coverage of pediatric nephrology, Feeding Team, food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis clinic.  Kelly has a BS in Nutrition from Penn State University and was a member of the first dietetic internship class at Geisinger Medical Center.  Kelly has pediatric nutrition experience from positions held at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and DuPont Hospital for Kids. Kelly is certified in Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.  She also completed the Neonatal Nutrition Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina and served as a Breastfeeding Counselor for Nursing Mothers Alliance in West Chester, PA. Kelly is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as the Renal Diettiians and Pediatric Nutrition Practice Groups.

Sarah Dayton, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian,

Sarah provides nutrition care for inpatients admitted to intensive and special care units.  Her education credentials include a Culinary Certificate and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics/Nutrition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She completed her dietetic internship at Geisinger Medical Center in 2011.  Sarah is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Women’s Health Practice Group. 

autumn Delmonico, rd, LDN, clinical dietitian

Autumn provides nutrition care for inpatients admitted to the Hospital for Advanced Medicine as well as patients on a GI/Surgical floor. She also teaches cardiac nutrition classes for patients who have undergone coronary bypass surgery. Autumn holds a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Mansfield University. She completed her dietetic internship through Marywood University. Autumn was previously employed at UHS Wilson Medical Center, Johnson City, NY as a Clinical Dietitian. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Julia Grocki, MA, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Julia provides nutrition care for inpatients admitted to medical/surgical and special care units. She holds a BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Scranton and a MA degree in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. She completed her dietetic coursework and supervised practice at Marywood University and is currently working towards an MS in Nutrition. Julia has taught at Marywood University in the Science and Nutrition Departments.  She is a motivational speaker and has given presentations on emotional eating since 2008.  She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Northeast Pennsylvania Dietetic Association.

Jennifer Mchenry, RD, ldn, clinical dietitian

Jennifer provides nutrition care for inpatients admitted to the telemetry and special care units. She also teaches cardiac nutrition classes for patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Jennifer holds Associate of Applied Science degrees in Culinary Arts Technology and Dietary Management Technology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences - Applied Science option from The Pennsylvania State University. She is a graduate of the Sodexo New Jersey/Philadelphia Dietetic Internship. Prior to joining Geisinger, Jennifer worked for Sodexo as a Clinical Nutrition Manager. Jennifer is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Clinical Nutrition Management Dietetic Practice Group, the Pennsylvania Dietetic Association, and the Central Pennsylvania Dietetic Association.

Allison lamma, rd, ldn, clinical dietitian

Allison provides nutrition care for inpatients admitted to medical/surgical and special care units. She also teaches cardiac nutrition classes for patients who have undergone coronary bypass surgery. She holds a BS degree in Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Deleware. She completed her Dietetic Internship through the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. Allison is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Coryn Kalwanaski, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Coryn provides nutrition care for inpatients on Medical/Surgical units as well as the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit. She also teaches cardiac nutrition classes for patients who have had cardiac surgery. Coryn holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Seton Hill University where she also completed the Coordinated Program in Nutrition/Dietetics.

GEISINGER WYOMING VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER NUTRITION STAFF

KRIS DANILOVITZ, RD, LDN, CNSC, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Kris is responsible for acute hospitalized patient care and is a Nutrition Support Certified Clinician, participating on the Nutrition Support Team. She also covers the Progressive Care Unit (Critical Care Step Down) and one of the medical/surgical units. Her past experience with Geisinger includes outpatient nutrition counseling. Kris graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS Degree in Nutrition and a Minor in Exercise and Sport Science. She completed her internship at Marywood University where she also completed some post-graduate coursework. Kris is a member of the Dietitians in Nutrition Support Practice Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a member of the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).

Jennifer Powers, RD, LDN, CDE, Clinical Dietitian

Jennifer provides outpatient nutrition counseling at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and at other Geisinger Health System community practice sites in the northeastern region. She has a special interest in diabetes and is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). She graduated from Penn State University with a BS Degree in Applied Nutrition and completed her dietetic internship at Geisinger Medical Center. Her past experience includes acute and long term care as well as food service management. She has a Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management Certificate of Training from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Jennifer is a member of the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Kim Segiel, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Kim provides Medical Nutrition Therapy to outpatients at various Geisinger Health System community practice sites. She is a guest lecturer for Wilkes University Pharmacy School and has a special interest in caring for people with diabetes. Kim earned her BS degree in Nutrition from the Pennsylvania State University and completed her dietetic internship at Marywood University. She is a member of the Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Grace Zeleznock, RD, LDN, CDE, Clinical Dietitian

Grace provides Medical Nutrition Therapy at various Geisinger Health System community practice sites for adult and pediatric patients. She is also an Adult Diabetes educator as part of the American Diabetes Association recognized program with the Geisinger Health System. Grace is a Certified Diabetes Educator and has an Adult Weight Management Certificate of Training from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University and completed her dietetic internship at Ingall's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Grace is a past recipient of the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award. Grace has been a board member of the Northeast Association of Diabetes Educators (NEADE), is a current member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and is a member of the Diabetes Care and Education and Pediatric Nutrition Practice Groups through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Elizabeth MCDONALD, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Elizabeth is responsible for inpatient care at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, specifically covering medical/surgical, oncology, cardiac and pediatric units. She participates on the hospital Ethics committee and is a member of the Nutrition Support team. She has a special interest in healthy eating habits among children and adolescents. Elizabeth completed her Coordinated Undergraduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at Marywood University and is presently working on a graduate degree.

Arlene Kratz, RD, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Arlene is responsible for providing nutrition care for patients admitted to the medical/surgical units at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and to the Rehabilitation unit on the Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre campus. She is also a member of the Nutrition Support team. Arlene has a special interest in Geriatric Nutrition and has an Adult Weight Management Certificate of Training from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She received her BS degree in Foods and Nutrition from College Misericordia and completed a one year dietetic traineeship with the Saga Corp as her route to registration. Arlene is a member of the Healthy Aging Practice Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

CYNTHIA STEMRICH, RD, LDN, CLINCIAL DIETITIAN

Cindy is responsible for inpatient care at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, covering a variety of patient care units in a float position. She has special interests in Behavioral and Pediatric Nutrition. Cindy completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Neuroscience from King’s College and then attended Marywood University where she completed the Coordinated Undergraduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is currently completing her Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics at Marywood. Cindy is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Behavioral Health, Pediatric Nutrition and Dietitians in Nutrition Support Dietetic Practice Groups.   

SAMANTHA MORO, RD, LDN, CDE, CLINICAL DIETITIAN

Samantha provides outpatient nutrition counseling at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre and at other Geisinger Health System community practice sites in the northeastern region. She has a special interest in diabetes management and is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS Degree in Nutritional Sciences with an Applied Science focus. She completed her dietetic internship through Penn State, practicing clinical inpatient and outpatient skills at Hershey Medical Center. She is a member of the Diabetes Care and Education Practice group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Carrie Edwards, MS, RD, LDN, Clinical dietitian

Carrie is responsible for acute hospitalized patient care for patients in the Progressive Care Unit (Critical Care Step Down) and one of the medical/surgical units.  She earned her BS degree in Dietetics from the Robert E. Cook Honors College of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her dietetic internship at Geisinger Medical Center.  Carrie went on to earn her MS degree in Organizational Management from Misericordia University.  Carrie has experience in acute, long term care, and outpatient clinical nutrition; community nutrition; food service management; and nutrition education.  Carrie is a member of the Dietitians in Nutrition Support Practice Group through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is currently pursuing advanced certification in nutrition support.

Michael Kantar, MS, RD, CDN, LDN, Clinical Dietitian

Michael is responsible for inpatient diabetes education as well as providing nutrition care for patients on a Medical-Surgical floor and for patients that are to receive kidney transplant(s) on an in & out-patient basis. He is curently working towards becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE).  Michael earned his BS degree in Nutrition from the Pennsylvania State University and went on to complete a combined Masters/Dietetic Internship at New York University and Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. Michael previously worked as an out-patient dietitian for Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Michael is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and belongs to the Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group.

kristin Mannix, RD, LDN, clinical dietitian

Kristen provides nutritional care for inpatients at Genisinger Wyoming Valley and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre campuses. She recently completed a year long internship at North Shore University Hospital located on Long Island. Kristen completed her undergraduate degree at Marywood University. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Kristen plans on attending gratduate school in the near future to pursue a masters in counseling.