Meet the Board


The Board members for 2018-2019!

Katherine Von Rominger, RD - Co-president
Being born and raised on a fifth generation working family farm in Northern California, Katherine's interest in food and nutrition started at a young age. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley and went on to obtain a post-baccalaureate degree in dietetics from San Francisco State University, after which she completed her dietetic internship through Morrison Healthcare. Before relocating to Virginia, Katherine worked with the elderly Japanese population in downtown Los Angeles. Currently Katherine works as pediatric dietitian at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. When not working, Katherine enjoys drinking coffee with her husband Alex, lifting weights, watching improv comedy, and dancing.

Ruth Osborne, RD - Co-president
Ruth Osborne is a follower of Jesus, registered dietitian, and foodie. She’s passionate about the therapeutic power of wholesome food and nutrition on health and wellness. She graduated from Saint Louis University (MO) and completed her dietetic internship at Concordia College (MN). For 6 years, she worked as a clinical dietitian in a 1000+ bed teaching hospital in Fairfax (VA), serving in critical care, oncology, cardiac, and medical/surgical units. Over the years, she has also worked in various long-term care positions and volunteered as a nutrition instructor for middle school students. She still works in acute care, serving as a clinical dietitian at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. She relocated to Norfolk in 2018 to be married to her best friend Chris, and loves to spend time outdoors, bake for friends, read mystery novels, and is an avid Disney fan.


Melissa Carroll, RD- President-Elect
Melissa completed her dual degrees in dietetics and consumer foods at University of Georgia and her dietetic internship in Augusta Georgia. She began her career in sales with the largest food distribution company in the US and has never left that field of expertise.  Her Husband is in the Navy which has provided the opportunity to work in food sales in a variety of diverse regions.  Currently, Melissa is the Healthcare Manager at Reinhart Foodservice. She lives in Norfolk with her Husband and 2 girls. They enjoy eating out, being active, and learning to love Virginia. 



Amanda Massabki, RD - Treasurer
I am a Virginia Beach native. I graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and completed my dietetic internship with The Virginia and Maryland Departments of Health while working at WIC. Currently, I enjoy being a Clinical Dietitian at Maryview Medical Center where I am based out on the neurological, general medicine, and acute rehab units, as well as covering the other units as needed.  Along with working at WIC and Maryview, I was a Nutrition Coach at the YMCA several years ago after graduating from JMU and did some volunteering/working alongside with a Dietitian in an outpatient clinic. I've also provided nutrition education, multiple times, in a group setting. While I do eat healthy, I am not opposed to indulging every once in a while; I pretty much love all foods. I like working with other people and meeting new people, and I look forward to being more active within the TAND group.


Carmel Brown, RDN - Nominating committee
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  • Baccalaureate in Exercise-Science Food & Nutrition from Norfolk State University
  • Internship through Utah State University
  •  I'm currently the Nutrition Education Coordinator for Hampton City Schools.  
  • Married with a 10 year old boy and an almost 3 year old "big pup (she'll always be my puppy J " named Charlie (Portuguese Water Dog).
  • I'm an Army veteran and served as a food service specialist. I competed in the Armed Forces Culinary Arts Competition; placed gold during the competitionJ
  • I love gardening, cooking and running.
  • The perfect recipe to my personality: Growing up in the rice farm (passion for gardening - from Philippines) + My food service experience + being a Registered Dietitian.  
  • I am working on increasing my community service and being more involved in my community.  


Brenda Klein, RD - Secretary
Upon receiving her dietetic degree at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo and internship in Dallas, Brenda started working for ARAMARK at  three different hospitals followed by a time with Marriott Corporation in Northern California and Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. Her duties included out patient education, foodservice management, hospital staff diabetes training, in patient clinical patient care, Dialysis Center, and nutrition community out reach. Brenda chose a career in nutrition as it combines her passions for biology with cooking, and it makes a difference in people’s lives. She is married to her wonderful husband, Geoff, and they have two boys.  She took time away from her Nutrition career for a season to raise their boys, one who has special needs. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.



Kirsten Romero, MS, RD - Membership
Kirsten Romero 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 in many capacities, from conducting diabetes grocery store tours to counseling in a corporate wellness environment, and she is the nutritionist at Mind Body Works, a wellness center located in Virginia Beach.  Kirsten has worked in varied clinical settings, including pediatrics and intensive care, and in 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 - Webmaster
Véro graduated from Laval University and completed her dietetic internship in Canada. She first started working as an outpatient dietitian at different gyms. When she moved to Virginia in 2014 she started working as a clinical dietitian. She currently works as a renal dietitian at an outpatient dialysis clinic. Outside of work enjoys spending time with her family, working out, bike riding, kickball and cooking.