After getting drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2013, I wanted to use my platform to make an impact in the community. Through my nonprofit, the Blocking Out Hunger Foundation, and my partnership with Dairy MAX as a Fuel Up to Play Ambassador, I have been able to support my passion of ending childhood hunger while educating families on how to improve childhood nutrition.

When this blog was published, Kelsey had been working as a dietitian in collegiate athletics for over 3 years. In July of 2014 Kelsey began working at Auburn University as the Graduate Assistant Sports Dietitian where she also completed a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Following her time at Auburn, she joined the Texas Performance Nutrition team full-time in May of 2016. Currently Kelsey serves as an Assistant Sports Dietitian with the University of Texas athletics department.

Leslee has a background in marketing and communications that she puts to good use helping Dairy MAX's school marketing team reach teachers and school nutrition directors. She has been part of the Dairy MAX team since 2017. When she's not working, Leslee can be found spending time with her husband and their dog. Learn more about Leslee.  

Dr. Kirsten Bennett has over 30 years of experience in pediatric nutrition caring for children with complex medical issues, developmental delay and chronic disease through her clinical practice, Bennett Nutrition and Consulting and her work with the New Mexico Department of Health. Learn more about Dr. Bennett. 

When this blog was written, Rita, a native Houstonian, was the Houston Regional Dietitian for H‑E‑B. Prior to joining H‑E‑B, Rita worked for almost a decade at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, in various units such as oncology/hematology, cardiology and outpatient nutrition and diabetes education. She has also worked as a clinic manager for the UT Health Science Center at Houston WIC program.

Emily is the author of Zen and Spice, a blog dedicated to all the goodness that food can be. She loves working with like-minded food brands and organizations on recipe development, nutrition communications and more. When she isn't in her kitchen or blogging, she teaches cooking classes and spends time with her young daughter. Learn more about Emily.

Gretchen has been part of the Dairy MAX team since 2016. She has a background in public relations and marketing. When she's not working, Gretchen is usually attending her son's or nephew's baseball games. Learn more about Gretchen.

Elizabeth has been working for dairy farmers at Dairy MAX since 2017. She has a background in marketing and public relations and loves helping tell the dairy story. When she's not working, Elizabeth can be found playing with her son and making our moist banana bread recipe. Learn more about Elizabeth. 

When this blog was written, Patty Keane was principal or co-investigator for research and programs related to early childhood nutrition, mostly in rural and underserved communities throughout New Mexico. In 2017, Patty was appointed to the Institute of Child Nutrition’s Child and Adult Care Food Program National Advisory Committee. Learn more about Patty.