Quote Our Diabetes Media Spokespeople

Janice Baker, MBA, RDN, CDCES, CNSC, BC-ADM

Baker, an alumna of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, completed her post-graduate dietetic internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her master’s degree in business administration while working toward additional certifications in diabetes management and nutrition support. She began practicing in 1983 as a clinical/acute care dietitian and assistant manager of nutrition services at Palomar Hospital in Poway, California, before joining Arch Medical Group in 1994 to provide nutrition and disease management services. She has worked with Alsana, Montecatini and Mandometer Clinics for eating disorder treatment, and home health, orthopedic and other preoperative surgery education for Palomar Health in Poway and Escondido. Baker currently has her own private practice and volunteers with Taking Control of Your Diabetes and other organizations to promote diabetes prevention, education and management. Baker has also worked with public schools and universities to educate students and faculty on health and nutrition issues.

Nicole Bereolos, PhD, MPH, MSCP, CDCES, FADCES

Bereolos is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified diabetes care and education specialist with a private practice in North Texas. She works with people living with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, MS, chronic pain, obesity and more as well as conducting pre-surgical evaluations. She has been featured in Diabetes Forecast, WebMD, DocRadio, Oprah Magazine, Healthline and others. She also frequently speaks on topics related to the psychosocial aspects of chronic conditions. From 2018-2021, she served on the Board of ADCES and became a fellow of that organization in 2021. In 2023, she won the Texas DCES of the Year Award. Bereolos earned her PhD in clinical health psychology/behavioral medicine and an MPH with a focus in health behavior. In 2019, she earned a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology. She also obtained a certificate in culinary arts in 2013.

Mara Fiorio, DCN, RD, BC-ADM, CDCES

Mara Fiorio is a registered dietitian who is board certified in advanced diabetes management. She currently serves as a Senior Health Educator at Molina Healthcare. In her current role, Mara spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive diabetes program across Virginia. Notably, she led a successful pilot produce prescription program to address food insecurity, earning her a nomination for the Multiplying Good National Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee. Beyond her professional commitments, Mara actively volunteers with the Virginia Coordinating Body where she serves on the board as chair of both the state meeting and disaster preparedness committees.

Sarah Hormachea, MS, RD, CDCES, BC-ADM

Hormachea is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist living and working in beautiful Denver, Colorado. Her career spans more than 10 years in community care, specialty endocrinology, and diabetes contract and consulting. She is incredibly passionate about nutrition as a tool for disease management and prevention. Hormachea takes pride in her practical approach to communicating health topics. She loves to delve into the “why” just as much as the “what.” As a child of immigrants, she has a special interest in traditional food and foodways as a tool for health and well-being.

Alison Massey, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES

Massey is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with over fifteen years of experience providing nutrition education, counseling and health promotion programming. Massey has worked in various clinical, community, wellness and communication environments. She is a freelance writer and regular columnist for Diabetes Self-Management magazine. A trusted expert, she appears regularly in local media outlets and is frequently quoted in national and online publications. She has been a certified diabetes care and education specialist since 2011 and has received a certificate in weight management training for both adult and pediatric populations. She is the owner of Flourish Nutrition Therapy & Wellness, a private practice based in Maryland. 

Diana Mesa, RD/LDN, CDCES

Lauren Plunkett, RDN, LD, CDCES

Plunkett is the founder of LP Nutrition Consulting and a nationally recognized dietitian, speaker, and diabetes care and education specialist. Living with type 1 diabetes herself, Lauren blends clinical expertise with real-world experience to help individuals and organizations translate nutrition science into practical, sustainable action. She specializes in metabolic health, plant-based nutrition, lifestyle therapy, and the strategic use of continuous glucose monitoring to guide informed choices. An indoor cycling instructor and award-winning author of Type One Determination, Lauren is known for her empathetic, science-backed approach, she empowers individuals to build sustainable habits, connect food with well-being, and thrive beyond chronic disease.

Sara (Mandy) Reece, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES

Dr. Reece is Professor of Pharmacy Practice and serves as Dean and Chief Academic Officer for PCOM Georgia School of Pharmacy. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Mercer University, and completed a community pharmacy residency program with Mercer University and The Kroger Co.  Dr. Reece holds board certification in ambulatory care and advanced diabetes management. She also serves as adjunct faculty, ambulatory care pharmacist and diabetes specialist with Northeast Georgia Medical Center Family Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program.  She speaks nationally on diabetes and endocrine related topics. Dr. Reece has a blog, Reece’s Pieces in a Diabetes World.  

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES

Scheiner is owner and clinical director of Integrated Diabetes Services, an international practice based just outside of Philadelphia specializing in intensive insulin therapy and advanced education for children and adults. He has been a certified diabetes care and education specialist for more than 25 years and has had type 1 diabetes for 35 years. Scheiner was named 2014 Diabetes Care and Education Specialist of the Year by ADCES. He has published more than 100 articles and written six books, including “Think Like a Pancreas-A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes With Insulin.” He lectures internationally and serves as an advisor to many companies and organizations in the diabetes industry.

Terry Ann Scott, PhD

Dr. Terry Ann Scott is the CEO and Director of TAT Health Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to chronic disease prevention and weight loss through comprehensive online programs. Having a doctorate in social work with an emphasis in Public Health from the University of Southern California, Dr. Scott has over 25 years of experience as a health coach and trainer. She has worked with organizations such as the YMCA across the United States, helping individuals make sustainable lifestyle changes to improve their health. Dr. Scott is an expert in diabetes prevention and blood pressure management, leading TAT Health Solutions' programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) and the High Blood Pressure Program. 

Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND

Vandana Sheth is a nationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, with nearly three decades of experience in diabetes and cardiometabolic care. She has been in practice since 1997 and is the owner of a successful private practice in the Los Angeles area.

A trusted media spokesperson, Vandana is a 2025 recipient of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Media Excellence Award and regularly serves as a go-to expert for national, global, and local television, radio, print, and digital outlets. She is known for translating complex diabetes and nutrition science into clear, practical guidance that resonates with diverse audiences.

A sought-after speaker, Vandana has presented at local, national, and international conferences and is the author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes.

Melanie Teslik, MS, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES

Teslik has been working as a Diabetes Nurse Educator for over a dozen years at NYU Langone, Long Island. In this role, she has focused on always being the patient advocate and teacher. Her role also includes technology education and quality improvement. NYU Langone is a teaching hospital that has allowed participation in the education of future endocrinologists and research. She is a certified diabetes care and educational specialist and board certified in advanced diabetes management. Teslik has served in many volunteer positions for ADCES on local, state and national levels.

Melliza C. Young, MD, MSGH, CDCES

Young is a global public health consultant and certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) based in Guam, with more than 15 years of experience advancing health literacy, diabetes care and self-management education across the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of MY Pacific Journey, LLC, where she partners with national, regional, and community organizations to strengthen diabetes systems, workforce capacity and culturally responsive DSMES implementation.

Dr. Young currently serves as the Pacific regional subject matter expert for the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), supporting diabetes-related initiatives under CDC-funded cooperative agreements, including DSMES expansion, quality improvement, and health systems strengthening. She also consults with health plans and safety-net providers to design, evaluate, and scale DSMES programs, with demonstrated improvements in A1C outcomes. Her expertise includes diabetes education and technology, chronic disease program design, health equity, and adapting evidence-based diabetes interventions for Pacific Islander communities.