About us

Meet the 2025-2026 Board

Jennifer Lo, MS, RDN - President
Jenny brings an extensive and varied background to her leadership role. Jenny brings a unique perspective to the field of dietetics with a healthcare background including a degree in nuclear medicine where she practiced nuclear cardiology and previously directed a cardiovascular stress lab, as well as her work as a medic. Currently, Jenny is the proud owner of a thriving private practice, where she continues to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of her clients.

Jenny's passion for the field of nutrition and dietetics is matched by her commitment to the professional community. As TAND president, she is excited to lead the organization through a year filled with diverse and enriching events aimed at fostering collaboration, education, and professional growth. Her vision for TAND includes expanding opportunities for networking, professional development, and community outreach, all while supporting and empowering dietitians across the Tidewater region and Virginia.

Jean Maxwell DSc, RDN
Jean Maxwell has been a registered dietitian for almost 20 years, with career experience in various areas including clinical, academia, and private practice. She is the owner of MaxWell Nutrition LLC and an adjunct professor at Norfolk State University, and also provides outpatient nutrition counseling for Sentara. She will earn her DSc in Integrative Healthcare and Clinical Nutrition this summer. Jean looks forward to serving TAND as future president!

Kimberley Loftis, RD - Treasurer and Membership
Kimberley grew up in Delaware where she received her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Delaware and completed her DI at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. During her undergrad, she severed as the vice-president of the Nutrition and Dietetics club. She is currently finishing up her Master's in Advance Human Nutrition at University of Alabama. After she finishes her Master's. Her goal is to obtain the Obesity and Weight Management Board Certified Specialist. Her career consists of Pediatric advance nutrition therapy, long-term care and obesity and weight management specifically for bariatric clients.

She continues to stay active in the community by serving as the treasurer for the Tidewater Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Additionally, along with nutrition, she has a love for fitness. She continues to encourage women to explore lifting weights by co-training group personal training sessions with her husband at OneLife Princess. If you don't find her reading all the nutrition facts labels at the grocery store, meal prepping, or "lifting things up and putting things down," then you will find her training her spiritual life, spending time with her 2 dogs and kitty, and salsa dancing

Kirsten Romero, MS, RD - Secretary
Kirsten is a Virginia Beach based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who believes in helping her clients achieve their health goals through a livable diet that includes great tasting, healthy foods in moderation. She currently works as a consultant dietitian with Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia where she provides nutrition education and one-on-one counseling to seniors throughout the Southside and western Tidewater area. Kirsten has worked in varied clinical settings, including pediatrics, intensive care, outpatient settings, and public health. She graduated from Virginia Tech with both her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Nutrition. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center.

Véronique Pettitt, RD - Membership Awards
Véro is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who obtained her Bachelor in Science of Nutrition from Laval University (Québec, Canada) and Master Degree in Nutrition Science (Dietetics) from Arizona State University. She is also a Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR). Véro worked as a clinical in the hospital working with patients with diabetes, gastro-intestinal issues, malnutrition, high cholesterol and cancer. She also worked specially with patients with chronic kidney diseases for the last 7 years. She has been volunteering for the Tidewater Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND) for 10 years. She is also the Region II Representative for the Council of Renal Nutrition (National Kidney Foundation), the treasurer for the Renal Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She also serves as a subject matter expert in renal nutrition for the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She speaks English and French.

She is committed to forming relationships with patients looking to improve their health, dealing with chronic diseases, and much more. Véro is here to improve their clients' quality of life, so get in touch to learn more and start building a healthier lifestyle. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 3 kids, staying active (either running, swimming, kickball, workout, skiing or yoga), cooking, shopping and working on home projects.

Jill Comess, DHSc, MS, RDN - Nominating Committee
Jill Comess, DHSc, MS, RDN is the Food Science and Nutrition Program Director at Norfolk State University (NSU), Norfolk, VA in the Department of Nursing and Allied Health, College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Her experiences and interests are in lifecycle nutrition, minority health, and obesity. She has worked as a corporate dietitian, pediatric dietitian, and for the egg industry. Currently she is a member of the NSU Center of Excellence in Minority Health Disparities, the NSU/ODU/EVMS Public Health Initiative, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the VA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Sandra Porter Leon, MS, RDN - Nominating Committee
Sandra Porter Leon is the Director of Nutrition and Wellness at The Neighborhood Harvest, a local farm-to-table company that grows a variety of greens, partners with 30+regional farms, and provides chef-prepared meals, all delivered to a customer base of about 10,000 throughout Virginia. Sandra has studied, consulted, and worked in both the clinical nutrition and research fields at Virginia Tech University, Duke University, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, and Tidewater Community College where she taught nutrition classes for over twenty years.

Shaye Arluk, MS, RDN - Nominating Committee
Shaye graduated Cornell University and the VCU School of Medicine Nutrition Internship before returning to her hometown of Virginia Beach. She has worn many hats as a dietitian over the last 25 years from running the NICU nutrition at NMCP to being an adjunct professor at ODU to being a nutritional consultant for McDonald's on the East Coast. Currently she is the Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator of the Sentara Brock Cancer Center where she promotes antioxidant rich diets and balanced lifestyle. On the side, Shaye runs the FCHS Patriettes Dance Team, her alma mater.

Dennis Bueso, RD, MA - Social Media
Dennis is a Clinical and Sports Dietitian with a passion for nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and overall health. He received his BS from Old Dominion University in 2018 and MA from Union Institute & University in 2023. Dennis began his nutrition and fitness career when he started his own Online Nutrition & Fitness Coaching business in 2023. With a client-centric approach, Dennis crafts tailored nutrition protocols, workout regimens, and comprehensive guides that empower individuals to achieve their health goals.

Beyond individual coaching, Dennis plays a fresh role on the board of the Tidewater Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the head of Social Media and Communications. Dennis spearheads creative and engaging content strategies for platforms like Instagram and Facebook, driving awareness and fostering community engagement. Whether it's through direct client interactions or broader community outreach, Dennis's commitment to elevating the field of nutrition and dietetics shines through in every initiative.

Ashley Hall, MA RDN- IDEA Committee
Ashley was born and raised in Portsmouth VA and fell in love with understanding nutrition at a young age. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from James Madison University followed by her Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling in Health & Wellness from Liberty University. She has over 14 years of diverse experience in nutrition including Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Renal Nutrition, Renal Transplant nutrition, School Nutrition and Prenatal/Postpartum nutrition. She is passionate about empowering her patients to unlock their potential and achieving meaningful results monthly. Ashley understands everyone's health journey is unique and will take time to interpret fully what your body needs to thrive. Ashley’s favorite part about being a Registered Dietitian is helping all patients incorporate their favorite foods with an “all foods fit’ model to ensure family mealtime remains enjoyable and healthful at the same time. When Ashley is not helping her patients, you can find her at the beach, walking on a nature trail, practicing yoga, baking or spending time with her family.

Michelle McErlean, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES
Michelle grew up in Virginia Beach and received her undergraduate degree in dietetics from our very own Norfolk State University. She went on to receive her graduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from James Madison University. She has worked in many different areas of nutrition, from the WIC office to retirement communities. She is currently a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital. She has previously served as a president of TAND. Michelle enjoys plant-based eating, going to the beach, reading a good book and cuddling with her puppies.