Our Dedicated Counseling Team

Shana Maleeff

Founder, MA, RD, CDN, ACE-GFI

Shana Maleeff, MA, RD, CDN, ACE-GFI, received a BS in Nutrition from Penn State University and an MA in Nutrition Education from Immaculata University in Pennsylvania. She works on Long Island coaching clients on nutrition, fitness, weight management, disease prevention, and lifestyle modification to help them actualize their best selves. She also uses a clinically proven weight loss program to help people see real results. In addition, she teaches group fitness classes like Cycling, Sculpting, Barre, and TRX at Equinox on Long Island. She was the expert nutrition columnist for military.com, an expert nutritionist for Urban Extreme- a world-renowned fitness program, and has been quoted in magazines like SELF and Cosmopolitan. She also spent time as an adjunct professor of nutrition at Philadelphia Community College.

Shana has a lifelong passion for health and wellness, and has countless success stories of health and weight transformation. She believes in moderation, enjoying life, and finding realistic and practical ways to achieve your goals.

Shana coaches in person, over the telephone, and via text and email in order to reach people all over the country as well as those with busy lives. Committed to forming relationships with clients looking to manage their weight, she is always there for guidance and to reinforce healthy lifestyle habits.

Karthika Thirugnanam

Lead Dietitian, RD, CDN​

Karthika Thirugnanam, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology & Nutrition from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in Australia and a Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics from New York University. She completed her dietetic internship through Marywood University, with a focus on Health Promotion and Wellness.

Karthika has experience helping clients manage diabetes, prediabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, PCOS, metabolic syndrome, and a wide range of nutrition-related health concerns. She is also skilled in family nutrition and supports families in navigating different food preferences, health needs, and lifestyle goals.

She has served as an outpatient oncology dietitian at NYC Health and Hospitals/King’s County system’s Cancer Center & Tucker Medical, where she gained extensive experience working with cancer patients during treatment and in prevention-focused care.

As a Singapore local from an ethnically Indian background, Karthika has trained and practiced in both the U.S. and Singapore. She thoughtfully integrates cultural, religious, and emotional considerations into her nutrition counseling.

In her leisure time, Karthika enjoys hiking, traveling, singing with her daughter, refining her husband’s recipes, and exploring new restaurants. She is also a devoted Arsenal Football Club fan and rarely misses a game.

Timea Nagy

MS, RDN, CDN

Timea Nagy is a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and New York State Certified Dietitian Nutritionist with 16 years of successful experience spanning multiple settings, including clinical dietetics, food service, long-term care, acute care, and private practice. She holds dual master’s degrees in nutrition and exercise science.

Timea has a passion for helping others and specializes in weight management, diabetes, disease prevention and wellness, cardiovascular health, and more. She also trained with Ravi Singh, an internationally recognized Kundalini yoga teacher, and completed a 200-hour Kundalini teacher training in 2020.

Her hobbies include walking and hiking outside in nature, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. She believes in a holistic approach to health, moderation, enjoying life, and finding realistic and practical ways to achieve attainable goals.

Missy Hall

MS, RD, LDN

Susan Manez

MS, RD, CDN

Amy Goldsmith

CDN, LDN

Emily Kuntz

RDN

Emma Williams

MS, RD

Megan Moran

RD, CDN, CDCES

Kelly Wade

RD, LD

Kelly Wade, RD, LD, received her BS in Nutrition from the University of Mississippi and has over 20 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. She has a passion for helping individuals live their best lives through personalized nutrition. She works closely with her clients to help them uncover their personal motivations and reasons for pursuing a healthier lifestyle.

Specializing in weight loss and diabetes management, Kelly has a proven track record of success in guiding patients toward achieving and maintaining their health goals. She has also worked closely with physicians specializing in the Bale Doneen Method and cardiovascular prevention, utilizing advanced lipid and genetic testing for comprehensive care.

Outside of her professional practice, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, cooking, tailgating with friends and SEC football.

Sara Ryba Matty

RD, CDN

Sara Ryba Matty, RD, CDN has been Registered Dietitian and New York State Certified Dietitian Nutritionist since 1996. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and immediately went on to complete her dietetic internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center in New York City. Sara began her professional career at NY-Presbyterian hospital working with patients with a wide range of medical conditions, and also spent 2 years at an in-patient eating disorders facility in Manhattan.

Sara’s passion to help others continued to grow and she started counseling privately, where she could create a stronger bond with her patients and change the way they think about food and feel about their bodies. Her extensive knowledge of nutrition science and her ability to empathize and motivate her patients sets her clients up for success. Sara’s philosophy is that ‘food is not meant to be perfect’. She makes her clients feel comfortable and meets them where they are, and understands that trust between herself and her patients is what leads to long-term lifestyle success.

As a mother of 3 “almost grown” children, Sara understands the challenges that adolescents face firsthand. She has partnered with her local school district to create a nutrition curriculum. As a former gymnast, she has a passion for sports nutrition and has created numerous sports nutrition meals plans for well-known fitness programs like P90X, George Foreman, Insanity, Asylum, and Jillian Michaels.

When not working, Sara can be found ‘bumping’ a volleyball with her 13-year-old daughter, gardening, taking her Yellow Lab “Taylor” on a hike, or practicing yoga. Sara also loves to cook and can be found at local farmers’ markets collecting ingredients to create her own recipe creations.

Joelle Porush

RD, CDN​

A graduate from Syracuse University. She obtained her degree in nutrition and dietetics and then completed her Dietetic Internship at Long Island University, Post. At LIU, Post Joelle’s concentration was in health and wellness as she has a passion for promoting health through food and nutrition. During her internship, Joelle spent hours outside of school working and training at an outpatient eating disorder treatment center, as she is very passionate about this population and the connection between mental health and food. In off time, Joelle enjoys running, the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Thomas Zachmann

RD, CDN​

Tom specializes in weight management, medical nutrition therapy and holds a specialty in adult and pediatric nutrition & diabetes. Through his work experience at LIJ medical center and Cohens Children’s hospital, Tom has had the opportunity to work with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds with complex care needs. He takes an individualized approach to helping his clients create long term sustainable results, taking into consideration their health and wellness goals, lifestyle, medical history, and personal preferences. In addition to weight management, he is also a certified diabetes education care specialist and works with clients to help improve cardiovascular health, GI disorders, sports nutrition, vegan/vegetarianism, and so much more.

Tom is knowledgeable about nutrition needs across the life cycle and is passionate about coaching his clients to achieve better health. Throughout his adolescence, Tom had struggled with his own weight and health and has experienced first-hand how food, a healthy lifestyle and exercise can have a profound influence on both physical and mental health.

Tom has conducted group lectures, food demos and nutrition workshops for adults/ children to instill healthy eating habits and positive attitudes to individuals, families, and children. He has volunteered for Cooking Up Energy, a cooking and nutrition education research project and has taught healthy eating workshops for Feeding America’s Kids Café after school program. Tom is an enthusiast for sports nutrition and fitness. He enjoys weightlifting, boxing, and loves to cook. On his free time Tom enjoys spending time outdoors at the beach or going on hikes with his family.

Dara Sandler

MA, RD, CDN

Dara Sandler is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and New York State-certified Dietitian/Nutritionist. Dara completed her Master of Science and RD at New York University and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Greater New York Dietetic Association.

Dara began her career in the corporate world, but soon discovered an untapped passion for working with people. She is constantly motivated by the opportunity to help others live healthier, longer lives. While pursuing her master’s degree, she had the unique benefit of working with a variety of patients and clients, from very young premature infants to seniors with special needs.

With a focus on private nutrition counseling in addition to clinical and corporate nutrition, Dara educates her clients on how to navigate healthy eating within the demands of a busy schedule. With over 14 years practicing nutrition, Dara has developed a range of experience, including working with young children, special needs patients, private clients, and corporate wellness lectures.

Dara believes in teaching her clients how to develop a realistic, well-balanced diet without feeling deprived. No two people are the same, and with that philosophy, Dara works hard to tailor a customized program for each client.

In her spare time, Dara loves spending time with her two kids, entertaining through cooking, and getting up before the sun rises to exercise.

Anthony Honnold

RDN, CDN

Anthony completed his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Alabama and received his supervised training from LIU Post. Anthony lives with Type 1 diabetes which provides an invaluable perspective on managing diabetes as well as other conditions that impact blood glucose and insulin levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His approach blends evidence-based nutrition with practical and empathetic guidance. Anthony understands firsthand the struggles and triumphs of living with diabetes, which enriches his ability to offer compassionate support and effective strategies for others with chronic medical conditions in achieving a healthy, balanced life.

In his role at Island Harvest, he conducted nutrition counseling to those struggling with food security. He combines his empathy and nutrition expertise to help transform the lives of those seeking to live a healthier lifestyle. His fluency in Spanish also helps him reach the Spanish-speaking community and bridge the gap in communication.

In his free time, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.

Lori D’Amato

Senior GI Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN

Lori D’Amato MS, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian with over 14 years of experience in many settings including private counseling, pediatric nutrition, weight management, corporate wellness, and medical nutrition therapy. She earned her Master of Science in nutrition with a concentration in nutrition and exercise science from Long Island University (LIU) in Brookville, and is currently teaching as an Adjunct Professor of nutrition at this institution.

Lori is a mother of two (and one fur baby). She quickly learned after having children how important it is to provide a healthy nutrition environment throughout all life cycles. With her own children being faced with food allergies, food intolerances, autoimmunity, and celiac disease, Lori understands how the need to make healthy dietary choices impacts daily life for you and your family.

She has made it her mission to help others facing these issues and more to learn how to search for the root cause of disease, work towards health through nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Lori specializes in GI disorders and gut health, optimizing immunity, reduction of anxiety/depression, allergies, cardiovascular health, and more.

Lori is also a registered yoga instructor (RYT) with 200-hour certification. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the Nutrition Entrepreneurs (NE) and Dietitians in Integrative & Functional Medicine (DIFM) dietetic practice groups, and is currently enrolled in the Institute of Functional Nutrition.

Lauren DeGaetano

RDN

Lauren DeGaetano is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). While attending the University of Scranton and majoring in Exercise Science, Lauren took a nutrition class and decided this was going to be her career. She attended New York University where she completed her Dietetic Internship and received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition.

Lauren has over thirteen years of experience as an RDN working in outpatient and ambulatory care settings, as well as multi-practice specialty groups. She has worked with many populations ranging from pediatrics to older adults. She has extensive experience working with individuals performing both individual nutrition counseling and group counseling across many areas of health and wellness, specifically specializing in weight management, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and cholesterol. Lauren also has worked as an adjunct instructor at a college in New York City where she taught a nutrition, diet and health course.

Lauren has a great passion for the field of nutrition and helping individuals lead a healthy lifestyle. She helps people learn about nutrition and healthy eating that is personalized to them and assists them in reaching their individual goals.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and three children as well as jogging, hiking, cooking for her family, and tending to her garden.

Lauren Jannarone

MS, RD, CDN

Lauren Jannarone, MS, RD, CDN, is a Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience. She earned her Master of Science in Nutrition from Lehman College. Lauren is experienced in gastrointestinal disorders and gut health, weight management, diabetes and prediabetes, cardiovascular health, functional nutrition, and so much more. Her nutrition philosophy is rooted in a holistic, personalized and integrative approach to health and wellness, with an incredible passion for empowering others to lead healthy and happy lives.

In between helping others to reach optimal health, she can be found cooking nourishing and delicious meals with family and friends, or spending time outdoors, hiking with her Doberman Pinscher.

Ashley Paleocostas

RD, CDN​

Ashley Paleocostas received a BS in Nutrition from Long Island University and went on to complete her dietetic internship there as well. She has been a Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian Nutritionist for over 15 years. She has extensive experience counseling in wellness centers, outpatient facilities and hospitals, specifically performing medical nutrition therapy through Northwell Health in Long Island, NY.

She currently counsels patients in pediatric nutrition for every age range and concern, as well as working with adult patients. Specialties for adults include gut health, fertility issues, prenatal and postpartum care, weight management, healthy lifestyle, and medical nutrition therapy for conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated blood glucose/insulin levels (prediabetes/PCOS/diabetes).

Ashley has a passion for helping clients achieve their goals in a mindful and sustainable way, whether it is for weight loss or a chronic disease. She prioritizes a deeper education of proper nutrition and fueling your body for the long run while improving your relationship with food.

In her free time, Ashley loves spending every minute with her two young children, cooking with them and attending all of their activities, and working out on her spin bike for a nice endorphin kick!

Suzanne Oppedisano

MS, RD, CDN

Suzanne has been a Registered Dietitian for 20 years. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts then went on to receive a Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Queens College.

Suzanne spent many years working in in-patient clinical nutrition, helping both critically and chronically ill patients regain their health and strength. She has also worked extensively in the health and fitness field designing fitness programs and nutrition plans to help people to achieve their fitness goals. She loves how nutrition and exercise fit together, and each can enhance the results of the other. Suzanne is enthusiastic about helping people make lifestyle changes that stick and as a busy mom of three fussy eaters she understands just how difficult that can be.

Working with Suzanne, you can expect to make small sustainable changes at your own pace. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys running, Pilates, watching old movies and spending time with her family and her adopted rescue dog.

Jessica Venhuizen (She/Her)

Eating Disorder Specialist, MS, RDN, LN

Jessica is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist who has a passion for helping individuals improve their relationship with food and their bodies. She believes true health consists of physical, mental and emotional well-being that is not dictated by diet culture or food rules. Her approach to nutritional counseling and to eating disorder treatment is centered on bringing joy back into eating and fostering a relationship with food that is non-restrictive and includes all foods.

She obtained her undergraduate degree from Montana State University in Foods and Nutrition. Years later, Jessica went back to school to follow her passion for working with individuals struggling with food and body image. She received her Master of Science in Applied Nutrition from the University of New England and completed her Dietetic Internship through Montana State University. Throughout her education and internship, her passion grew as she became more aware of the misunderstanding that surrounds eating disorders and disordered eating, as well as the health consequences of weight bias in the healthcare system.

Jessica lives in Manhattan, Montana with her husband and four kids. When she is not working she loves traveling to sunny warm beaches, eating out and enjoying the short Summer that Montana has to offer with her family.