Rayane AbuSabha

[Rayane AbuSabha.JPG]

RAYANE ABUSABHA, Ph.D., R.D, Dietetic Internship Director, received her bachelor’s degree in Food Technology and Nutrition from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and her masters and doctoral degrees in Nutrition from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. She completed her dietetics internship at Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA. Her postdoctoral work was in program evaluation and nutrition education and behavior. Before joining Russell Sage, Dr. AbuSabha was the Executive Director of the Health Research Science Board at the New York State Department of Health working in the area of breast cancer research. She also served as a Social Science Research Analyst at the Office of Analysis, Nutrition and Evaluation, Food and Nutrition Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture where she worked on evaluating the WIC and Medicaid Programs.  Finally, as a Research Associate at The Pennsylvania State University, she was involved in a variety of research projects including studying the dietary patterns of older adults, evaluating distance learning media, and applying and evaluating facilitated nutrition education in WIC clinics. Dr. AbuSabha taught nutrition at Penn State for over a decade and provided instruction using traditional and distance-learning formats.  She is widely published in the areas of nutrition education and community nutrition. She has authored articles in many journals including Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Health Education and Behavior, and Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences. She currently serves as the Chair of Area 7 Dietetics Educators for Practitioners Group.  Dr. AbuSabha has received a number of awards including the 2010 Dannon Mid-Career Leadership Award. 

Dr. AbuSabha teaches the lecture courses required for the Dietetic Internship Certificate and coordinates the DI practicum placements and assignments. In addition, she teaches Special Topics in Nutrition NTR 448, and Directed MS Thesis Research NTR 690 and 691.  abusar@sage.edu

Stephanie DiBacco

[Stephanie]STEPHANIE DIBACCO, MBA, RD, CDN., Didactic Program in dietetics Director and BS Coordinator, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Nutrition and Foods from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, and completed her dietetic internship at University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. She began her career locally at Albany Medical Center (AMC) as a Clinical Dietitian, then soon assumed the role there as the Clinical Nutrition Manager with the Aramark Healthcare Management team. In 2002, she received an award for Outstanding Clinical Leadership and innovation from Aramark Healthcare. During this time Ms. DiBacco also completed a Masters degree in Business Administration from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Still at AMC, she was then promoted to the position of General Manager of Food and Nutrition Services. Ms. DiBacco has also held positions within the Hudson Valley Dietetic Association: President, Newsletter Chair, and PR/Media Consultant. From her works with HVDA and AMC, she was recognized in 2001 as the New York State Dietetic Association Registered Young Dietitian of the Year, and then in 2007 received from the NYS Dietetic Association the Isabelle Halahan Award for outstanding leadership in Food Service Management.

Professor DiBacco teaches Nutrition and Human Disease NTR 417, Introduction to Food Science NTR 211 and Food Service System Management NTR 313, Advanced Nutrition NTR 311 and Advanced MNT NTR 525.  dibacs@sage.edu

Eileen FitzPatrick

[Nutrition Faculty]

EILEEN FITZPATRICK, MPH, RD, Nutrition Faculty, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Tufts University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Russell Sage College and completed a dietetic internship at Sage Graduate School. She received a Masters of Public Health from the School of Public Health, University at Albany and is currently completing a Doctorate in Public Health. Her previous work experience includes seven years of biochemical research at the Wadsworth Center for Labs and Research, New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). In addition, she has worked with the Division of Nutrition, NYSDOH, on participant retention in the New York State WIC program; the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, NYSDOH evaluating listeriosis in New York State; and the Obesity Prevention Program, NYSDOH, on improving breastfeeding rates in New York State.  Ms. FitzPatrick is co-author of numerous scientific publications and has presented original research at professional meetings including the New York State WIC Association, the New York State Dietetics Association and the American Public Health Association. Ms. FitzPatrick is a part time faculty in the Nutrition Science Department.  

Professor FitzPatrick teaches Nutritional Epidemiology and Advanced Food Science NTR 402/502. fitzpe@sage.edu

Sonya Irish Hauser

[Sonya]

SONYA IRISH HAUSER, PhD, Graduate Program director and Assistant Professor, MS Nutrition Science Program Director, received Bachelors degrees in Psychology (Houghton College) and Nutrition Science (Russell Sage College), a Master of Science degree in Nutrition Communication (Tufts University), and a Doctoral degree in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition (Tufts University). Her academic work includes research in the areas of childhood obesity, family and community approaches to obesity prevention, and use of multimedia and web-based technology in health promotion. Other interests include environmental approaches to health behavior change and health and social marketing. Most recently, she has focused on development, implementation and various modes of dissemination for nutrition and physical activity curricula aimed at elementary school children. She has authored numerous scientific papers and speaks regularly at academic meetings and conferences. As well, she writes and contributes to articles for popular press and consults for various public health organizations, community groups, food companies, and commodity boards on a regular and on-going basis.

Dr. Hauser teaches Principles of Nutrition SCI 120, Nutrition Communication NTR 555, Weight Management NTR 562, and Nutrition Programs and Interventions NTR 561. hauses@sage.edu

Eileen Lindemann

[eileen]

EILEEN LINDEMANN, MS, RD, CDN, Instructor, received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Skidmore College and a Master of Science in Applied Nutrition from Sage Graduate School. She has worked as a nutrition educator for Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables, a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) Nutrition Education project that provides cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops to low-income individuals in food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters. Ms. Lindemann has also contracted with the New York State Department of Health Child and Adult Care Food Program to develop nutrition and physical activity curricula for use with staff of day care centers and providers in family day care homes. Ms. Lindemann currently serves on the Member Services Committee of the Hudson Valley Dietetic Association.

Professor Lindemann teaches Nutrition Science SCI 120, Community Nutrition 325, Metabolism I NTR 403/503.  lindee@sage.edu

Dr. Nina Marinello

[Dr. Nina Marinello]

Dr. MARINELLO, PhD, Chair, Nutrition Science Department, received a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, New York.  She earned her master’s degree in Natural Sciences and a doctoral degree in Molecular Biology from Roswell Park Memorial Institute, SUNY Buffalo.  She was a research scientist in recombinant vaccine development at the Wadsworth Laboratories, New York State Department of Health.  After years in the laboratory, Dr. Marinello returned to the classroom to pursue her interest in nutrition. This led her to The Sage Colleges where she received a second bachelor’s degree in nutrition science and began her academic career in nutrition. Dr. Marinello was the first Coordinator of Sports Nutrition Education in the Department of Athletics at UAlbany, Albany, New York.  She continues to be their sports nutrition consultant and provides opportunities for nutrition students to experience Division I sports nutrition.  Dr. Marinello’s knowledge of molecular biology and nutrition enhances the department’s cutting-edge curriculum.  Her interests include nutrigenomics, weight management and sports nutrition.  She writes a bi-weekly column, The Healthy Professor, for the Albany Times Union newspaper. Her writing is infused with scientific intelligence and humor while discussing topics that range from the complexities of metabolism to choosing healthy foods. Separately, practical advice and up-to-date information about nutrition and health is posted on the newspaper’s Healthy Professor blog.

Dr. Marinello teaches Nutrition Science SCI-120-01, 120-02.  marina1@sage.edu

Keri McComb

[Keri McComb]KERI MCCOMB, MS, RD, CDN, CLC, Associate Director Dietetic Internship, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany and completed her dietetic internship and a Master of Science degree in Applied Nutrition at the Sage Graduate Schools. She has worked in public health for Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body for the UNICEF/WHO Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.  This is a national non-profit organization that works to improve maternity care practices throughout the United States.   Prior to entering dietetics she worked in management, overseeing projects and managing national accounts for internationally recognized clients, such as Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn.  In addition to directing the dietetic internship at Sage, she also works as a dietitian in private practice with a focus on maternal and child health.  She is a yoga teacher with RYT credentials and regularly teaches yoga classes.  Ms. McComb currently serves as the Chair for the Technology Committee of the Hudson Valley Dietetic Association. 

Professor McComb teaches the lecture courses required for the Distance Dietetic Internship Certificate and coordinates the DI practicum placements and assignments. mccomk@sage.edu

Ryan Mitchell

[Ryan Mitchell]Ryan Mitchell, PhD, received his Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from Pennsylvania State University and his Doctoral degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Davis.  After completing his degree, Dr. Mitchell’s career has been focused on teaching and promoting undergraduate research.  He has taught numerous science courses including Metabolism and Bioenergetics while a lecturer in the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department at UC Davis, taught various Chemistry courses in the Los Rios Community College District, and taught Nutrition at DeVry University.  Through his work as Director of the undergraduate research program in the UC Davis College of Engineering and as Coordinator of the NSF-funded California Alliance for Minority Participation, he also spent a number of years promoting the diversity of undergraduate students participating in math, science and engineering research.  Later, as the Higher Education Coordinator at the Center for Biophotonics at UC Davis, Dr. Mitchell mentored undergraduate students and facilitated their engagement in biophotonics research.   Dr. Mitchell has authored numerous papers and spoken on a wide variety topics for organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Health Information Management Association.  Equal to his passion for educating a diverse student body is Dr. Mitchell’s passion for promoting active lifestyles.  With over 20 years of experience as a USA Cycling Federation elite amateur cyclist, and years of experience mountaineering in extreme environments, Dr. Mitchell enjoys field testing the best nutritional and physiological concepts.  His research interests include the limits of human endurance and altitude, and the relationship between metabolism and sports performance.

Dr. Mitchell teaches Nutrition Science SCI 120, Foundation of Nutrition Science NTR 201, Macronutrients NTR 501/401, and Micronutrients NTR 503/403.

Michelle Morgan

Michelle Morgan, MS, RD, CDN, Dietetic Internship Coordinator received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition Science from Russell Sage College and completed her Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University. While working towards her master’s degree, Michelle concurrently completed a clinically focused dietetic internship at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Bronx VA). Prior to joining the Sage community, Michelle was working clinically at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City where she gained experience covering all clinical service areas as a staff relief dietitian. Michelle was awarded Clinical Nutrition Employee of the Year in the fall of 2012 and soon thereafter transitioned into a new position as the liver transplant service dietitian. In addition to working with the liver transplant population both inpatient and outpatient, Michelle covered a surgical step-down and outpatient hemodialysis unit. Aside from her clinical responsibilities, Michelle was a preceptor for the digestive disease rotation at NewYork-Presbyterian. Michelle also played an active role in departmental projects and committees, contributed to hospital newsletters and participated in media opportunities when available. 

Michelle will be working closely with the Dietetic Internship Director to maintain both on-site and distance tracks of the internship program. Morgam1@sage.edu

 

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS

Patty Delmonico Schardt

PATTY DELMONICO SCHARDT, MS, RD, CDN, Patty has a BSE in Health Education from SUNY at Cortland and Master’s Degree in Foods and Nutrition from Framingham State College, which was followed by a six month internship at Emerson Hospital, MA. She was a Middle School Health teacher until entering into the nutrition field following the internship. Her career has included clinical work at Lahey Clinic in Boston and Memorial Hospital in Albany. Work in  community venues include the  VNSA, Adult Day Care Programs for the elderly and disabled population, Center for Disability Services , and currently as a program provider for Eat Well Play Hard; an obesity prevention program targeted to the preschool population , providers,and families. She has been in private practice locally and is a certified Shapedown Provider; a family based obesity intervention program for adolescents and their families.

Professor Delmonico Schardt teaches Nutrition counseling Throughout the Life Cycle 407/507. PDSRD@aol.com

Denise Kolankowski

DENISE KOLANKOWSKi, MS, RD, CDN, received her associate’s degree in Dietetics from SUNY Morrisville, bachelor’s degree in Dietetics from Syracuse University successfully graduating from the coordinated undergraduate program with immediate eligibility for the RD exam, and master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Sage Graduate School, Albany, NY.  Ms. Kolankowski has worked professionally as a Registered  Dietitian  for 25 years in various positions which include: Consulting Dietitian at area long term care facilities; Public Health Nutritionist for the Albany County Department of Health; Clinical Nutrition Manager, Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, and currently as the Senior Extension Resource Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schenectady County, Schenectady, NY. Her current position at cooperative Extension includes working with Schenectady County Senior and long term Care Services as the contracted Registered dietitian providing nutrition education programming for seniors participating in the congregate and home delivered meal program; working with the Schenectady County Supplemental Food and Nutrition Education Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program  with administrative assistance;  and administration and management of a variety of grants received through the, Schenectady County Public Health Services, the New York State Department of Health and Cornell University throughout her tenure at Cooperative Extension. Ms. Kolankowski has been a consistent preceptor for the Sage Dietetic Internship program since its inception in 1990. She has also served as a preceptor for the Dietetic Internship programs at SUNY Oneonta, Utah State University, and Delaware State University. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, NYS Dietetic Association and Hudson Valley Dietetic  Association (HVDA). Positions held with HVDA include Public Relation Co-Chair and nominating committee.

Ms. KOLANKOWSKi teaches Nutrition Science 120-20. koland@sage.edu

Mo Schifley

[Mo]

MO SCHIFLEY, MBA, is a General Manager of multiple campuses for Sodexo Campus Services. After graduation from Wells College with a Bachelors of Arts  in Economics, Ms. Schifley went on to pursue Graduate Certification in Applied Human Resources and Labor Relations from The Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, followed by a Masters in Business Administration from The College of St. Rose.  Ms. Schifley currently oversees all food service operations at The Sage Colleges-Troy and Albany Campuses, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Camp Emerson in Massachusetts.  In addition, Ms. Schifley is a Sodexho District Human Resource Coordinator and Facilitator of Diversity Learning Labs for Sodexho, supporting recruiting,  training, and retention. Ms. Schifley brings over 22 years of Management, Training, and Culinary Arts experience to the classroom. 

Ms. Schifley currently teaches NTR 314 Quantity Food Production.  schifm@sage.edu