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Sessions on Oct 25, 2024

08:30 AM

Breakfast & Registration

08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
09:00 AM

Welcome Remarks

09:00 AM - 09:15 AMGranite Ballroom
    Laura Milliken
    Executive DirectorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
    Laura Milliken leads NH Hunger Solutions, a statewide advocacy non-profit organization working to end food insecurity, improve access to nutritious food, and address hunger’s root causes for all New Hampshire residents. NH Hunger Solutions works to increase participation in federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, school meals, child care and afterschool meals, and summer meals, and builds partnerships and coalitions to support our vision that hunger is eliminated in New Hampshire. Before coming to NHHS, Laura was the Director of Spark NH, the state’s early childhood advisory council for 9 years. Laura is an attorney who has spent her career advocating for social justice. Laura enjoys hiking and reading. She has two adult sons and she lives in Concord with her husband.

    Sponsors

    09:15 AM
    Keynote

    Foundations of Nutrition Equity: From Health Equity to Community-Driven Action

    09:15 AM - 10:00 AMGranite Ballroom
      Trinidad Tellez, MD
      Principal[Health] Equity Strategies, LLC
      Dr. Trinidad Tellez is a family physician, community-based health disparities researcher, educator, and public health / health policy professional with over 20 years’ experience operationalizing equity, diversity & inclusion and organizational cultural effectiveness to address health disparities, improve access and quality, and advance health and equity for all. Dr. Tellez champions authentic community engagement, collaborative partnership building, and equitable participatory processes as important mechanisms for facilitating and leading community-driven approaches to co-creating equity. She has served as NH Hunger Solutions’ equity consultant since 2022. Dr. Tellez graduated from Dartmouth Medical School, trained at the UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency in Salinas, California, and was a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Fellow in health services research and health policy at the University of California Los Angeles. She holds a certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University, is an Adjunct Instructor for the MPH Programs at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and she is Principal of [Health] Equity Strategies, LLC.
      https://healthequitystrategiesllc.com
      Ashley Wheeler, MS, CPS
      Public Health Network ManagerStrafford County Public Health Network
      Ashley Wheeler is a public health professional based in Strafford County, NH with a passion for creating stronger communities through strategic planning, capacity building & meaningful engagement. She earned both her Bachelors of Science & Masters of Health & Wellness Management from Merrimack College in 2015 & 2016, respectively. Throughout her career, Ashley has developed her skills as a facilitator, community organizer & strategic planner. As a Certified Prevention Specialist, much of her career has focused on mental health and substance use-related efforts. However, as the Manager of Strafford County Public Health Network, she leads her team & lends her public health lens to finding solutions to complex, systematic issues across many public health priorities including food security and chronic disease with Strafford County's Healthy Living Coalition, and others.
      Amy Hollar, MS, RDN
      State Specialist, Health & Well-BeingUNH Extension
      "Amy leads UNH Extension nutrition, food access and physical activity initiatives to support thriving communities across New Hampshire. She leads the UNH Nutrition Connections Program, which includes serving as the Project Director for the UNH Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Programs. Nutrition Connections team members work with communities across the state to implement direct education, PSE (policy, systems, and environmental) changes, and social marketing to promote health and well-being. Amy holds a Bachelors degree from Keene State College and a Masters degree from the University of Cincinnati. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and has previously worked for University of Maryland Extension and Ohio State University Extension."
      Chelsey Canavan, MSPH
      Manager, Center for Advancing Rural Health EquityDartmouth Health
      Chelsey Canavan, MSPH, is the Manager of the Center for Advancing Rural Health Equity at Dartmouth Health, where she builds partnerships to address health inequities across New Hampshire and Vermont. Chelsey has worked in the design and evaluation of public health programs in New England and globally for over 15 years with a focus on food and nutrition security. She is an adjunct instructor in public health at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice at the Geisel School of Medicine. She previously managed a global food systems and nutrition program in the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and was an Allan Rosenfield Global Health Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chelsey has a MSPH from UNC Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health.

      Sponsors

      10:00 AM

      Break

      10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
      10:15 AM
      Morning Breakout I

      Connecting Community Resources for Wrap-around Care Using Closed Loop Referrals

      10:15 AM - 11:15 AMGranite Ballroom
        Jessica Gorhan, MPH
        Social Impact and Development DirectorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
        Jessica serves as Social Impact & Development Director for NH Hunger Solutions and is a facilitative leader who is passionate about improving the health of all people through creating access to healthy foods. She implements the Collective Impact Model to foster collaboration between community members, organizations, institutions, businesses, and government. The collaborative efforts of her work help improve access to federal nutrition programs and other food programs for all people in New Hampshire.
        Diana Lacey
        Behavioral Health Senior Policy AnalystNH Department of Health and Human Services

        Sponsors

        Morning Breakout I

        From Farm to Table: Strengthening Local Food Systems and Reducing Waste for Nutrition Equity

        10:15 AM - 11:15 AMSalon C
          Stacey Purslow
          Program CoordinatorNH Farm to School
          Stacey Purslow is the Program Coordinator for the NH Farm to School Program. She started the position in June 2009. She holds a culinary degree, a BFA in photography from the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC, is a graduate of UNH’s Thompson School and recently completed a master’s degree in community development through the Carsey School of Public Policy, also at UNH. In her farm to school role, she develops programming, provides technical assistance to schools and farmers, builds networks, collaborates in other state and regional farm and food related projects, facilitates the NH School and Youth Garden network and works on farm to school policy.
          Kathryn Downey, A.A., B.S., M.S.
          Food Access CoordinatorNOFA-NH and Americorps VISTA
          Kathryn Downey is an AmeriCorps VISTA Member serving with NOFA-NH as the Food Access Coordinator. She has a graduate degree in Environmental Science and a background in environmental education, volunteer coordination, and climate change education. She has been part of the agricultural community since childhood through vegetable and flower agriculture. Kathryn is passionate about the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and the intersection of social and environmental justice. Kathryn enjoys spending her free time creating art, walking in nature, visiting historic sites, spending time with her cats, exploring visual media, and kayaking.
          Caitlin Wollack, M.Ed
          Strafford County 4-H Program ManagerUNH Extension: Strafford County 4-H
          Caitlin is the Program Manager for Strafford County 4-H. 4-H in a national positive youth development program provided by Land-grant Universities and Cooperative Extension. Plant a Row is a 4-H program raising awareness of food insecurity in New Hampshire. A hands-on neighbor-helping-neighbor initiative where households grow an extra row or container of produce to donate to a local food pantry or neighbor. Adults and youth are able to be engaged in their communities through gardening, raising awareness, and nutrition education.
          Justin Munroe
          Director of Community & Environmental ProjectsGrow Nashua
          Justin Munroe is a fourth generation Nashua native and volunteering throughout the community inspired him to create Grow Nashua in 2015. Seeing the ever changing needs has formed a long-term vision of building a stronger interconnected network of neighbors that can thrive as one and make decisions that equitably utilize community resources. Justin is passionate about innovating new ways of expanding the network of neighbors that Grow Nashua is reaching. He is focused on caring about his neighbors and the foundational work of trust building one person at a time. Grow Nashua is reaching neighbors by providing the education and resources families and children need to grow, prepare and consume healthy food, while simultaneously creating jobs and ecological stewardship opportunities. Justin is always willing to support new leaders with their own vision, gifts, and talents and believes that those stepping up are critical to match the speed and intensity needed to outpace the ravenous pace of greed seen in 2024. If you live in Nashua please reach out justin@grownashua.org to join Grow Nashua!
          Allison Bussiere, BSc.
          Food Systems CoordinatorGather
          Allison Bussiere is the Food Systems Coordinator at Gather, a Portsmouth-based organization committed to building food security through innovative and dignified programs. She facilitates the Seacoast Food Providers Network, an initiative focused on creating a collaborative, sustainable, and efficient charitable food system. Working with local, regional, and state partners, Allison helps shape programs that strengthen the food system by improving food delivery, increasing access to healthy foods, and addressing the root causes of hunger. With a passion for local food, gleaning, and food recovery, she also coordinates the NH Gleans Network, a statewide collaboration working to ensure that healthy, local food is not wasted but used to feed those in our communities who need it. Reach out to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing food recovery and building a more resilient and equitable access to healthy food.
          Brendan Cornwell
          New Hampshire Nutrition Incentive Network CoordinatorNH Food Bank
          Brendan Cornwell has worked at the New Hampshire Food Bank for eight years, where he coordinates the Granite State Market Match and Double Up Food Bucks programs, promoting access to healthy, local food. Prior to his role at the Food Bank, Brendan co-founded Seacoast Eat Local, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to encouraging local food consumption. A long-time advocate for sustainable food systems, he brings years of experience in community-based food initiatives and a deep commitment to supporting local agriculture.
          Derly Ramirez
          NACDD’s PHANH Hunger Solutions
          I am starting as an assistant for NH Hunger Solutions in the Greater Nashua area. Previously, I worked with them as a community consultant, where I joined the food waste project for the school district. I am excited to support initiatives that improve food access and promote healthy eating within the community.

          Sponsors

          Morning Breakout I

          Advocacy in Action: Crafting Powerful Stories for Nutrition Equity Policy

          10:15 AM - 11:15 AMPierce Room
            Megan Brabec, MPA
            NH State ManagerSave the Children Action Network
            Megan (she/her) is the New Hampshire State Manager for SCAN. Prior to joining SCAN, she coordinated student Civic & Community Engagement at UNH, organized for electoral and legislative advocacy campaigns, was the Program Director for the NH Women’s Fund, and served a term as a Town Councilor. She also served on the Board of Directors of NARAL Pro-Choice NH and The Waysmeet Center, a community center and food pantry in Durham. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs and her Master of Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire. She is passionate about empowering Granite Staters to make their voices heard on the issues that matter. Megan lives in Newmarket with her partner, her baby girl, and her cat Miley.
            Tricia Labelle
            Regional Community Engagement CoordinatorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
            Tricia is a passionate advocate against hunger and poverty in New Hampshire. As a Regional Community Engagement Coordinator with NHHS, she supports food councils in the Seacoast and Greater Derry regions. Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond business hours; she also serves on the Board of Directors at Gather, a Seacoast organization providing nutritious food to local communities. A Seacoast resident and single parent, Tricia has personal experience with food insecurity and is committed to helping others break the cycle of poverty. She earned a Bachelor's in Human Services and previously worked in food and nutrition within local school districts. In her spare time, she enjoys cheering on her son at baseball games or visiting local beaches.

            Sponsors

            11:15 AM

            Break

            11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
            11:30 AM
            Morning Breakout II

            Feed NH Kids: 2025 Legislative Session and Beyond – Advancing Nutrition Equity Policy for Child Nutrition and School Meals

            11:30 AM - 12:30 PMPierce Room
              Riona Corr
              Deputy DirectorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
              Riona Corr is the Deputy Director for NH Hunger Solutions serving to increase food access, nutrition security, and improving food security for all in New Hampshire. She specializes in Lifecycle Nutrition; including maternal, infant, and child health. Riona is passionate about nutrition and breastfeeding and has been an active breastfeeding advocate for nursing parents in NH. Riona collaborates with the community, local organizations, businesses, schools, and state and federal programs to implement sustainable models of change in her pursuit to end hunger. She works directly with Food Service Directors, School Administrators, PTO/PTA and city councils to increase participation in school and summer meal programs. Riona is passionate about child health and advocating for an aligned systemic approach regarding nutrition and access. Her current focus is on improving participation in school breakfast and technical assistance in the Healthy Free School Meals for All initiatives. Riona completed her BS in Nutrition and Dietetics at Marywood University in Pennsylvania. She resides in New Hampshire with her three children and spends her nights and weekends cheering from the sidelines and enjoys golfing in her free time!
              Laura Milliken
              Executive DirectorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
              Laura Milliken leads NH Hunger Solutions, a statewide advocacy non-profit organization working to end food insecurity, improve access to nutritious food, and address hunger’s root causes for all New Hampshire residents. NH Hunger Solutions works to increase participation in federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, school meals, child care and afterschool meals, and summer meals, and builds partnerships and coalitions to support our vision that hunger is eliminated in New Hampshire. Before coming to NHHS, Laura was the Director of Spark NH, the state’s early childhood advisory council for 9 years. Laura is an attorney who has spent her career advocating for social justice. Laura enjoys hiking and reading. She has two adult sons and she lives in Concord with her husband.

              Sponsors

              Morning Breakout II

              Integrating Medically and Culturally Tailored Meals into Pantries, Direct Services, and Local Food Systems

              11:30 AM - 12:30 PMGranite
                Taralyn Bielaski, MPH
                Senior Population Health CoordinatorDartmouth Health
                Taralyn has been working in the field of rural community health for several years. In her current role, she supports programs across the Dartmouth Health System that address the social determinants of health with a strong focus on food and nutrition access. She also serves as the Greater Sullivan County Public Health Advisory Council Lead, supporting community health improvement strategies across 15 rural towns and one city. Her work includes designing and implementing various food and nutrition access programs including shelf stable food access in over a dozen clinics; food prescription programs for pediatrics and OB/GYN populations; a mobile farm stand for a rural, critical access hospital; and an on-site produce garden providing free, fresh produce to the community, among other various programs.
                Edward Shanshala II, MSHSA, MSEd
                CEOACHS
                Ed was born in a sleepy little town named after General Joseph Warren in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania, it was a place that benefited from the post-World War II industrial boom. The collapse of the US Steel industry would come a decade later. Ed’s first recollections of healthcare were that of Penicillin and the pain inflicted by the blunt bit end of autoclaved needles, as well as from the orthopedic visits he received monthly in a cold, dark basement of a church where the physicians came to care for his feet at the “Crippled Children’s Center”. It was these experiences that began his quest to “find a better way” in all he pursued. Ed has degrees in Chemistry & Biotechnology, minor in Philosophy from RIT, an MSEd from the U of R and an MSHSA from RIT Ed’s career includes pharmacokinetic research at the URMC, Patient Centered Reengineering, at SMH in response to the BBA, FLVNS in response to Medicare reimbursement, RPCN an urban FQHC and then ACHS where since 2008 he has been CEO Today, Ed enjoys being part of a team that wrestles with the hard questions facing today’s healthcare. Realizing current healthcare demands a paradigmatic shift in how we think about individual and population-based health.
                Jessica Gorhan, MPH
                Social Impact and Development DirectorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
                Jessica serves as Social Impact & Development Director for NH Hunger Solutions and is a facilitative leader who is passionate about improving the health of all people through creating access to healthy foods. She implements the Collective Impact Model to foster collaboration between community members, organizations, institutions, businesses, and government. The collaborative efforts of her work help improve access to federal nutrition programs and other food programs for all people in New Hampshire.
                Allison Bussiere, BSc.
                Food Systems CoordinatorGather
                Allison Bussiere is the Food Systems Coordinator at Gather, a Portsmouth-based organization committed to building food security through innovative and dignified programs. She facilitates the Seacoast Food Providers Network, an initiative focused on creating a collaborative, sustainable, and efficient charitable food system. Working with local, regional, and state partners, Allison helps shape programs that strengthen the food system by improving food delivery, increasing access to healthy foods, and addressing the root causes of hunger. With a passion for local food, gleaning, and food recovery, she also coordinates the NH Gleans Network, a statewide collaboration working to ensure that healthy, local food is not wasted but used to feed those in our communities who need it. Reach out to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing food recovery and building a more resilient and equitable access to healthy food.
                Tara Westenhiser, MPH
                Food Access CoordinatorNH Division of Public Health Services
                Dedicated to enhancing food and nutrition programs in New Hampshire through strategic planning and collaboration on food access initiatives. I am focused on ensuring all residents have access to healthy, affordable foods that meet their dietary and cultural needs. This involves raising awareness about the various food and nutrition programs available to New Hampshire residents. By increasing enrollment and participation in federal nutrition programs, we aim to improve access to healthy food and reduce nutrition insecurity across the state.

                Sponsors

                Morning Breakout II

                Communication and Language Access: Ensuring Nutrition Equity for All

                11:30 AM - 12:30 PMSalon C
                  Emilia Poehlman, MSW
                  NH Disability and Health Program ManagerUNH Institute on Disability
                  Emilia joined the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (IOD) as the NH Disability and Health Program Manager in October 2021. In this role she works with community partners to implement several projects that address the health and wellbeing of adults with disabilities in NH. In 2023, her role at the IOD expanded to include leading a project that focuses on developing an inclusion plan for a community organization in Southern NH. She is excited to support organizations to create more accessible and inclusive programs through sustainable policy, systems, and an environmental changes.
                  Biram Saidybah
                  Behavioral Health Cultural and Linguistics Competence CoordinatorNH DHHS
                  Biram Saidybah is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in public health, management, and education. His academic credentials include doctoral candidacy in Mental Health, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, a BA in Education, and a BSc in Public Health. He holds certifications in teaching, recovery coaching, and mental health first aid, enabling him to address mental health and addiction challenges comprehensively. As a versatile trainer, Biram focuses on diversity, cultural competence, and bias reduction. In his role as Program Specialist, he advocates for cultural awareness in healthcare. Committed to community service and environmental stewardship, Biram embodies a dedication to positive change and inclusivity. Grounded in family values, he resides in Manchester, NH, with his wife and children.
                  Holly Rioux
                  Communication Access AdministratorNH DHHS Office of Health Equity
                  My primary duties involve overseeing the language and communication access operations at DHHS and also supporting the activities within the DHHS system of care. I can be reached for technical assistance for program development, trainings around the topics and general questions on all things language and communication access in healthcare!

                  Sponsors

                  12:30 PM

                  Lunch

                  12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
                  01:00 PM

                  NH Nutrition Equity Awards

                  01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
                  01:45 PM
                  Afternoon Breakouts

                  Regional Breakout Spaces

                  01:45 PM - 03:30 PMGranite Ballroom
                    Ashley Wheeler, MS, CPS
                    Public Health Network ManagerStrafford County Public Health Network
                    Ashley Wheeler is a public health professional based in Strafford County, NH with a passion for creating stronger communities through strategic planning, capacity building & meaningful engagement. She earned both her Bachelors of Science & Masters of Health & Wellness Management from Merrimack College in 2015 & 2016, respectively. Throughout her career, Ashley has developed her skills as a facilitator, community organizer & strategic planner. As a Certified Prevention Specialist, much of her career has focused on mental health and substance use-related efforts. However, as the Manager of Strafford County Public Health Network, she leads her team & lends her public health lens to finding solutions to complex, systematic issues across many public health priorities including food security and chronic disease with Strafford County's Healthy Living Coalition, and others.
                    Tricia Labelle
                    Regional Community Engagement CoordinatorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
                    Tricia is a passionate advocate against hunger and poverty in New Hampshire. As a Regional Community Engagement Coordinator with NHHS, she supports food councils in the Seacoast and Greater Derry regions. Her commitment to making a difference extends beyond business hours; she also serves on the Board of Directors at Gather, a Seacoast organization providing nutritious food to local communities. A Seacoast resident and single parent, Tricia has personal experience with food insecurity and is committed to helping others break the cycle of poverty. She earned a Bachelor's in Human Services and previously worked in food and nutrition within local school districts. In her spare time, she enjoys cheering on her son at baseball games or visiting local beaches.
                    Allison Bussiere, BSc.
                    Food Systems CoordinatorGather
                    Allison Bussiere is the Food Systems Coordinator at Gather, a Portsmouth-based organization committed to building food security through innovative and dignified programs. She facilitates the Seacoast Food Providers Network, an initiative focused on creating a collaborative, sustainable, and efficient charitable food system. Working with local, regional, and state partners, Allison helps shape programs that strengthen the food system by improving food delivery, increasing access to healthy foods, and addressing the root causes of hunger. With a passion for local food, gleaning, and food recovery, she also coordinates the NH Gleans Network, a statewide collaboration working to ensure that healthy, local food is not wasted but used to feed those in our communities who need it. Reach out to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing food recovery and building a more resilient and equitable access to healthy food.
                    Roe-Ann Tasoulas
                    DirectorMonadnock Farm and Community Coalition
                    Joy Gagnon
                    Extension Teacher, Health and Well-Being/Nutrition ConnectionsUNH Cooperative Extension, Carroll County
                    Chelsea Laguerre
                    Regional Community Engagement CoordinatorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions
                    Kailene Jones
                    Regional Community Engagement CoordinatorNew Hampshire Hunger Solutions

                    Sponsors

                    03:30 PM

                    Networking

                    03:30 PM - 04:30 PM