Weill Cornell Medical Center Nutrition Staff
Stephanie Shea MS, RD, CDN, CNSC
Manager, Clinical Nutrition
Stephanie Shea received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Rutgers University and then went on to complete her Dietetic Internship through the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2006. She recently received a Master’s of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Health Informatics.
Jenna Cervantes RD, CDN, CNSC
Supervisor, Clinical Nutrition
Ryan Burslem, RD, CDN, CNSC
Senior Dietitian
Ryan graduated from the University of Rochester with degrees in Economics and Mathematics before returning to Rutgers University to complete a DPD program in Dietetics. From there, he completed his dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and afterwards completed a fellowship in Adult Nutrition Support at Columbia University Medical Center. Ryan is Board Certified as a Nutrition Support Clinician.
Candace Carrera, RD, CDN, CNSC
Senior Dietitian
Candace received her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. She is board certified as a Nutrition Support Clinician and loves working in the ICU setting. Her career started as a Clinical Dietitian in San Antonio for 3 years before moving to New York. She provides nutrition support services for the Cardiac ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU and Esophagectomy service lines. In her free time, she enjoys park time with her dog, taking care of her plants and exploring NYC.
Gabrielle Gambino, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC
Senior Dietitian
Gabrielle Gambino is a Pittsburgh, PA transplant, earning her undergraduate degree from Penn State University. She later went on to complete her Master’s in Clinical Nutrition at NYU and obtained her specialty certification as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). Gabrielle specialized in nutrition care for patients with heart failure. When she is not working, you can find Gabrielle rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams (Go Steelers!), singing in a cappella doo-wop groups, or exploring the best foods this city has to offer.
Mary Mamone, RD, CDN, CNSC
Senior Dietitian
Mary Mamone is a Registered Dietitian whose passion for cooking and dance led her to choose a career in nutrition. She received her Bachelor of Science from Framingham State University where she also completed her coordinated program in dietetics. She worked as a heart failure dietitian at Westchester Medical Center before joining NYP. Mary currently specializes in medicine and liver transplant nutrition. When she's not at the hospital she enjoys traveling, staying active, and rooting for Boston sports.
Michael McDonnough, MS, RD, CDN
Senior Dietitian
Michael received his Master’s in Nutrition/Public Health from Teacher’s College, Columbia University. His passion for community wellness led him towards a career change after receiving an undergraduate degree in Marketing from Fordham University. He serves as a Clinical Dietitian in the areas of gastrointestinal surgery and amenities units. Mike is a co-founding member of the NYP/Weill Cornell RD Diversity Action Committee, an RD-driven committee focused on implementing initiatives and providing education opportunities to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion for our dietitians, dietetic interns, and communities served.
Paige Whorley RD, CDN, CNSC, CCTD
Senior Dietitian
Paige received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and completed her Dietetic Internship through Iowa State University. She started her career in Southern California as a medical and surgical critical care dietitian. Paige relocated to NYC in 2016 and joined NewYork Presbyterian. She works as a certified clinical transplant dietitian for the Weill Cornell Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation specializing in the nutrition care for end-stage liver disease and transplant recovery. She also serves as a co-founding member of the NYP/WC RD Diversity Action Committee, an RD-driven committee focused on implementing initiatives and providing education opportunities to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion for our dietitians, dietetic interns, and communities served
Kristina Alex, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Kristina graduated from Simmons University (formerly Simmons College) in Boston, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She went on to complete her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and was thrilled to join the Weill Cornell team as a staff relief dietitian where she cares for a wide variety of patient populations.
Isabel Bass, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Isabel received her B.S. in Nutrition & Dietetics from New York University. She then completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian. Prior to joining NYP Weill Cornell as a clinical dietitian, Isabel worked as an inpatient clinical dietitian at NYU Langone Medical Center where she utilized medical nutrition therapy to promote the optimal health and wellbeing to a variety of patients. In addition to her inpatient work, Isabel also enjoys counseling patients at the NY Nutrition Group private practice. Isabel joined the clinical nutrition team and covers a diverse array of patients in a staff relief role.
Ewelina Borkowska-Coghlan, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Ewelina completed her Bachelors-Master’s combined program at CUNY-Hunter College in New York, NY and her Dietetic Internship at University of Saint Joseph, Hartford, CT. Ewelina joined New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell in early 2019 where she specializes in Renal Nutrition in both the in- and outpatient setting. When not working, she enjoys taking care of her organic garden, preparing wholesome meals (including Pierogi from her native Poland), trying different cuisines and restaurants and socializing with friends.
Alyssa Burns, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Alyssa received her Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Florida and went on to obtain her Master’s degree in nutrition at Hunter College. Following graduation, Alyssa completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She then accepted a position as a clinical dietitian at NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center where she cares for a wide range of patient populations. Her focus is centered on nutrition support, treating critically ill patients in intensive care units. Alyssa is also interested in the treatment of eating disorders and applying her background in psychology to understand and support this population from a nutritional perspective.
Lisa Cianciotta, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Lisa graduated from Syracuse University with her Bachelors in Public Health and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Nutrition Science from Hunter College. She completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and then joined the team at Weill Cornell. Lisa currently covers the Oncology service. Her favorite part of her job is helping patient’s navigate any nutritional challenges they face throughout treatment. While not working, she enjoys cooking, crossing restaurants off her bucket list and anything involving coffee!
Savannah Dymond RDN, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Savannah received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from The Pennsylvania State University. She then completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, followed by a Nutrition Fellowship in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Weill Cornell site. She joined the clinical nutrition team at Weill Cornell and covers a diverse array of patients.
Mariyah Farooqi, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Mariyah received her bachelor's degree in nutrition & dietetics from Macaulay Honors College at Queens College. Before joining NYP as a Clinical Dietitian, she completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian, followed by a nutrition fellowship in the infant feeding preparation area for Alexandra Cohen Hospital. Mariyah's interests range from nutrition care for cardiac, diabetes, renal, neonate, obstetrics, and pediatric populations; being an intern, then a fellow, and now a dietitian at NYP has allowed her to gain experience in various populations. As a clinical dietitian, Mariyah now provides care in the areas of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery stepdown, and kidney transplant services.
Alana Guida RD, CSG, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Alana Guida earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Connecticut. Following graduation, Alana completed her dietetic internship at Sodexo NY with an emphasis on medical nutrition therapy. Prior to NYP, Alana worked in a rehab and long-term care facility where she found a passion for working with the elderly population. She is a certified specialist in gerontology. Alana currently covers the geriatric and psychiatry units.
Ali Heller, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Ali received a Bachelor of Arts from New York University and a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, working in NYC art galleries for many years before returning to school to pursue her passion for nutrition. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Nutrition from Hunter College before completing her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. After a brief fellowship in Pediatric Nutrition at Weill Cornell, Ali joined the Clinical Nutrition team where she now cares for both adult and pediatric patients.
Connie Kim, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Connie received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Studies from New York University. Following graduation, she completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and served as the Infant Feeding Preparation Area Fellow at Cohen Hospital. Connie joined the clinical nutrition team at Weill Cornell, where she serves as a staff relief dietitian for adults and pediatrics.
Wincy Lau, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Wincy holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Nutrition Science from Hunter College. Following graduation, she completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and joined the Clinical Nutrition team as a nutrition support staff relief dietitian. Wincy also works in translational research on the cultural and linguistic adaption of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for diabetes prevention in Chinese Americans.
Melissa Manni, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Melissa graduated from Auburn University in Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She went on to complete a combined Master's degree and dietetic internship program at Oklahoma State University. Prior to joining NewYork-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell, Melissa worked as a clinical dietitian in California. She was thrilled to join the Weill Cornell team as a staff relief dietitian where she cares for a wide variety of patient populations.
Linzi Qi, MA, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Linzi received her Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from Syracuse University. Prior to joining NYP, Linzi worked with patients in rehab & long-term care and consulted with patients in a private practice. She currently covers the rehab unit and works as a staff relief dietitian for adults and pediatrics. In her free time, Linzi enjoys cooking, sharing nutrition information on social media, and exploring the city with her family.
Melissa Ryan, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Melissa graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a Minor in Psychology. She completed her dietetic internship at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. Prior to joining the team at Weill Cornell, Melissa worked in a sub-acute rehabilitation/long-term care center in NJ. She joined the clinical nutrition team here at NewYork-Presbyterian-Weill Cornell, as a staff relief dietitian covering a variety of patient populations, and currently covers the Oncology service. While not working, she enjoys trying new restaurants and workout classes.
Rachel Schectman, RD, CDN, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Rachel is a practicing Registered Dietitian since 2016. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Syracuse University and completed her dietetic internship at the Loyola University of Chicago. She obtained her certification as a Clinical Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) while working as a clinical dietitian in her hometown of Chicago. Rachel moved to New York City in 2018 and was previously the Level IV dietitian at Harlem Hospital Center, providing nutrition support services for the intensive care units. Currently, she continues to enjoy nutrition support and cares for a wide range of patient populations. In her free time, she loves arts and crafts.
Heidi Shaffer, RD, CDN, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Heidi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Cedar Crest College and completed her Dietetic Internship through The Pennsylvania State University. She has been practicing as a Registered Dietitian since 2008 in the Lehigh Valley area of eastern Pennsylvania. Her primary experience is working with a wide variety of disease states in a hospital setting. In 2018, she obtained her Clinical Nutrition Support Certification and came to NYP to pursue her passion for nutrition support. She currently works as a nutrition support-staff relief dietitian.
Coco Sparks, MS, RD, CDN, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Coco earned her undergraduate degree at Clemson University and began her career in education and community wellness. Following her passion for nutrition, she completed her M.S. in Human Nutrition at Drexel University and her dietetic internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Prior to joining NYP, she worked at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with the Liver Transplant and Liver Failure service. At NYP, Coco currently covers the Surgical Stepdown Unit and GI Surgery service. She is also a co-founding member of the NYP/Weill Cornell RD Diversity Action Committee, an RD-driven committee focused on implementing initiatives and providing education opportunities to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion for our dietitians, dietetic interns, and communities served.
Whitney Sturton, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Whitney earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and then went on to receive a Master’s degree in Nutrition Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, as well as a Nutrition Fellowship in Pediatrics at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. She joined the clinical nutrition team at Weill Cornell where she specializes in Pediatrics.
Sirida Subudom, MS, RD, CDN
Clinical Dietitian
Sirida earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in English and Nutrition at New York University. After a period of working in higher education, she returned to NYU to pursue her passion for Nutrition. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition while completing her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Prior to returning to NYP, Sirida cared for medicine/surgery and maternity patients at Mount Sinai West. She currently covers the Endocrine service. When not working, you can find Sirida running after her toddler or browsing the web for the next dessert spot to try!
Emily Turitzin, MS, RD, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
Emily received her B.A in American Studies from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Discovering a passion for health and nutrition, she then went on to receive her Master's degree in Nutrition Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and then worked as a clinical dietitian at NYU Langone Medical Center. Emily was thrilled to rejoin the NYP Clinical Nutrition team where she has the privilege of caring for a wide range of patients throughout the hospital. Her professional interests include critical care and nutrition support, as well as healthcare equality for marginalized groups.