Faculty / Administration / Board of Advisors

Chaitali Adhikari, Ph.D.

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, PhD and MS in Food Science.  Birla Institute of Technology, India, BS in Pharmacy.  Formerly, Director of Graduate Programs and Acting Dean for American Health Science University (AHSU), Denver, CO. Past experience include Sr. Application Scientist at Oil Dri Corporation, IL and Adjunct Faculty/Research Scientist at National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST - a Joint FDA and Illinois Institute of Technology consortium).  Author of several peer reviewed publications and presentations in international journals and conferences in the areas of lipid chemistry and food safety technology.  Recipient of numerous international awards including the prestigious Frank C. Naughton Award from American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS), Scholarship Award from Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Sciences Honor Society. Received evaluators training program certificate of completion from Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

Laurent Bannock, DrHS, MS, CBiol, LN

Institute of Biology (London, UK), Chartered Biologist; Huntington College of Health Sciences, Master of Science in Nutrition; City University (London, UK), Advanced Diploma in Exercise and Health Studies; Institute for Clinical Nutrition (London, UK), Doctor of Health Science; Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Melbourne, AUS), Master of Nutrition Medicine (candidate); Numerous diplomas and certifications in Functional and Metabolic Medicine. Licensed Nutritionist, New Mexico. Memberships include American Society for Clinical Chemistry, American College of Nutrition, and the New York Academy of Sciences. Publications include 'The Clinical Nutrition Desk Reference' (Outskirts Press) and the soon to be published 'Functional Laboratory Assessments for Nutrition Professionals' (HCHS Press). Former Discovery Health Channel (UK) host and regular feature in the national press. Special clinical & research interests include Nutritional Influences on Steroid Hormone Chemistry. 

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG)
University of New England, Master of Health Science (Herbal Medicine); Huntington College of Health Sciences, Master of Science in Nutrition; Australian College of Phytotherapy, Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine; Vancouver University, Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition;  Registered Herbalist & professional member of American Herbalist Guild; Alumnus of American Academy of Nutrition; provides continuing education in nutrition and dietary supplement science nationally for health care professionals and natural product retailers; author & coauthor of three books on dietary supplements and herbs; contributing writer to health and fitness magazines; practiced clinical nutrition/herbalism in chiropractic, mental health and corporate settings; almost 30 years in nutrition & natural products industry.

Kimberly Cox, PhD (ABD)
State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, Ph.D. (ABD) in English with a specialization in Victorian Literature and Graduate Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies; University of California at Riverside, B.A. in English; Riverside Community College, A.A. At SUNY taught writing, poetry and women's and gender studies courses. S.A.T. tutor for Huntington Learning Centers. Communication team participant in grant-funded research in the sciences (STEM) geared toward getting 8th graders excited about college, specifically in mathematics and sciences. Memberships include Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key Society, and numerous societies dedicated to the research and study of literature, especially focused on interdisciplinary methods of approach.

Jim Davidson, MA
Point Loma College MA, California State University BA. Director II, Curriculum and Instruction K-12 Literacy, Elementary Education and Visual and Performing Arts, Program Manager, Principal, Teacher Education - Rialto, California. Employee of the Quarter Rialto Schools, Co-Valedictorian Citrus College. 

Jennifer D. Green, MS
Huntington College of Health Sciences, M.S. Nutrition; Tennessee Technological University, B.S. Home Economics, Nutrition and Food Science with minor in Child Development, Health and Physical Education; Former Dietary Technologist, University of Tennessee Medical Center; Former Nutrition Counselor, Diabetes Clinic, University of Tennessee Medical Center; Former Nutrition Counselor, Knox County Health Department; Nutrition Educator, conducting nutrition seminars and classes; Former Director of Student Services, Family Christian Academy; Former Director of Student Services for the nation's largest Y-Teen program, Young Women's Christian Association; Former Chief Administrator for a K-12 school.

Jennifer E. Hofheins, MS, RD, LD
Lock Haven University, B.S. Health Science; D’Youville College, B.S./M.S., Dietetics. Certified Sports Nutritionist through International Society of Sports Nutrition. Chief Operating Officer at the Center For Applied Health Sciences (CAHS); CAHS has been instrumental in numerous dietary supplement and nutraceutical clinical trials for safety and efficacy. CAHS provides services from protocol development, subject recruitment and IRB approval, to professional presentations and scientific publication in peer-reviewed medical journals. Jennifer also has a background as a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant. She educates physicians, chiropractors, and other health care practitioners on most recent nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Audrey Jones, B.S.N.
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, Florida. Nurse Educator Lilly, USA, Indianapolis, IN, Visiting Mercy Home Care. 

Elizabeth Pavka, PhD, MS, RD, LN
Cornell University, B.S., Biology and Chemistry, M.S., Nutrition; Saybrook Graduate School, Ph.D., Social Systems Design; Director, International Academy of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine; Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina (Asheville); American Dietetic Association, Registered Dietitian; specialist in preventive nutrition and complementary therapies.

Rachael Pohle, PhD, RD, CDN
University at Buffalo, Ph.D. in Exercise Science, Nutrition emphasis; D'Youville College, B.S./M.S. Registered Dietician and Certified Dietician Nutritionist. Previously Clinical Nutrition instructor at the University of Buffalo. Research background in energy intake, reproductive hormones and body weight regulation, with contributions to peer-review journals on these topics.

Aurthur M. Presser, PharmD, DHPh
University of Southern California, Pharm.D. (Doctorate in Pharmacy); Adjunct Professor and Curriculum Coordinator USC School of Pharmacy, Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Program; Pharmacist licensed in the State of California; Diplomate in Homeopathic Pharmacy, British Institute of Homeopathy; Author, Pharmacist's Guide to Medicinal Herbs, Nature Pharmacist's Vitamin Primer, Coauthor Medicinal Herb Primer; Dietary supplement industry consultant.

Robert T. Shmaeff, MPA, RPh
University of New Mexico, Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy; University of Southern California, Masters in Public Administration / Masters in Health Services Administration; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Pharmacy Enterprises; previous Chairman of the Board of Western United National Bank.

Tonya Sims ND, B.S.
Seattle University B.S. in Biochemistry, N.D. in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University . Areas of expertise include Women’s Medicine, Digestive Disorders, Allergies, Food Sensitivity, Detoxification, and Nutrition. She has served as faculty for Corinthian College and South Seattle Community College .

Patrick Smith, MBA
University of Texas, M.B.A. in Marketing; University of Tennessee, B.S. in Marketing; over ten years of college teaching experience; management consultant; financial analyst; retail buyer and merchandiser; writer and editor of educational materials; property manager; avid runner. 

Starkie Sowers, BS, CN
Huntington College of Health Science, Master of Science in Nutrition (candidate) Vancouver University, Bachelor of Applied Science in Nutrition; American Health Science University, Certified Nutritionist. Work related to education of the Natural Products industry, as well as consultant and formulator of nutritional products. Retail applications; managed health food stores for over 20 years. Currently a Training and Development director for Clarks Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets in Southern California. Written staff education programs and teaches classroom nutrition to employees. Owner of small Nutraceuticals company. Enjoyed working in the Natural Products industry and the Health and fitness industry for over 30 years.

Marie A. Spano, MS, RD, CSCS, CSSD
Nutrition communications expert and one of the country’s leading sports nutritionists. She enjoys the challenge of communicating scientific information in an approachable, understandable format to a variety of audiences. Spano has appeared on NBC, ABC, Fox and CBS affiliates, and authored hundreds of magazine articles and trade publication articles, written book chapters, marketing materials and web copy on a variety of topics ranging from novel food ingredients to preventing sarcopenia. She is co-editor of the NSCA’s Guide to Exercise and Sport Nutrition (Human Kinetics Publishers). A three-sport collegiate athlete, Spano earned her masters in nutrition from the University of Georgia and her bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG). Spano is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the American Dietetic Association (ADA). 

Roy Upton, RH(AHG)
East-West Acupuncture and Herb Center, 3-year, 2200 hour clinical tutorial in traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture; Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 120-hour program in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture; 120-hour hospital acupuncture residency, Five Branches College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chief Executive Officer and Editor of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Vice-President, American Herbalists Guild, Director, Botanical Medicine Academy, member of the Standards Committee of the American Herbal Products Association, member of the expert advisory committees for AOAC International, NSF International, and the United States Pharmacopoeia, and director of herbal research, Threshold Enterprises. Author of several books on herbal medicine including the Botanical Safety Handbook by CRC Press and various titles by Keats Publishing; and international lecturer.

Denise Wood, Ed.D

B.A. in Health and Physical Education from Montclair State University, M.S. and Ed.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee.  A former world class athlete and Lady Vol coach, she has trained athletes from beginners to Olympians.  Dr. Wood teaches courses in exercise science, research design, and statistical analysis.  Former positions include Department Chair of Exercise Science, Director of Research and Assessment, and Dean and Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies. She has been recognized by the Tennessee State Legislature for her leadership in higher education and served as President of the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools. Currently owns Sports Training Adviser, consulting and publishing services for leaders in education, sports, and fitness. 

Timothy Ziegenfuss, PhD, CSCS, EPC, FISSN
Lock Haven University, B.S. Health Sciences (magna cum laude); Purdue University, M.S. Exercise Physiology; Kent State University, Ph.D. Exercise Physiology with a cognate in Nutrition. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association; Certified Exercise Physiologist; fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Chief Scientific Officer for Ohio Institute of Human Performance, conducting human research in sports nutrition and dietary supplement science. Previously Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Eastern Michigan University. Has collaborated with research departments of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo.; Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario; Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. Authored and co-authored books, articles for peer-reviewed journals, articles for health and fitness magazines.

Christy S. Martin, Ed.D.
Director of Administration
University of Tennessee, Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Master of Science in Administration and Supervison, and Doctorate in Education in Leadership Studies, graduate course work in Library Science. Former public school teacher and administrator Blount County Schools Maryville, Tennessee. Includes Special Education teacher, district level administrator and elementary and high school principal. Formerly adjunct instructor East Tennessee State University, Director of TRIO program, Educational Talent Search Hiwassee College, Madisonville, Tennessee, currently adjunct instructor in Graduate and Professional Studies at Tusculum College Knoxville, Tennessee. Oversees all administrative functions in the Huntington College office.

Jennifer D. Green, MS
Associate Dean of Academics
See qualifications under faculty. Responsible for general academic issues relating to students, including Moodle, student advisement, revision of study guides, and conversion of same to Moodle format and assessment of incoming student transcripts.

Chaitali Adhikari, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Continuing Education
See qualifications under faculty. Responsible for all developmental and administrative aspects of continuing education for staff and faculty. This includes development and administration of a training program in prior learning assessment (PLA) for faculty. At the request of the Dean, the Associate Dean of Continuing Education also helps develop courses for new academic programs.

Kim Galyon, B.S.
Director of Admissions
B.S. in Business Administration University of Tennessee Knoxville, Medical Transcriptionist Certification Pellissippi State Community College, Personal Trainer Certification. Former Administrative Assistant at First Baptist Academy, Front Office Manager local physician, substitute teacher, teaching assistant and liquidator for FDIC. Responsible for all areas of student recruitment and admissions.

Kelly Peterson
Central Assignment Processing Specialist
Central Assignment Processing receives and tracks assignments and exams from all students. Coordinates distribution of assignments and exams to instructors for grading, and subsequent distribution of grade reports back to students. Audits files and processes and publish degrees, transcripts and diplomas. Former instructor Seymour Community Christian School.

A Tribute to Cheryl A. Freeman
Cheryl Freeman (1956-2011) came to work at Huntington College of Health Sciences (previously American Academy of Nutrition) in 2001. In 2004, she became the Director for the institution, providing a rare level of exemplary service to students, faculty and administration for ten years. In 2011 Cheryl passed away due to an unexpected illness, leaving those of us who knew and loved her in a state of deep sadness and loss—but also leaving us with a sense of gratefulness for having been privileged to work with her.

Cheryl’s legacy and example for all who work at Huntington College of Health Sciences is her gift for helping others. She demonstrated this gift of service in her desire to help students to see their own potential. Students truly appreciated this, and many called after Cheryl’s passing saying, “I never met Cheryl in person but she was my friend.” She would talk students out of giving up and they would go on to finish the work with honors. She would talk to students who were panicking over a final exam or assignment and calm them down. She was able to talk to people and make them believe they could do anything. She truly loved people and her sincere desire to see others succeed was evident.

Although circumstances placed a roadblock in Cheryl’s desire to attend college right after high school, her spirit of dedication made it possible for her to complete her bachelor’s degree even while working full time and taking care of her family. Consequently, she could identify with many of our students who are working full time, raising children and taking courses to finish a degree. She has been an inspiration to so many students and because of that we are excited to announce a scholarship fund started in her name (a formal announcement about this is forthcoming). We all miss Cheryl, but those of us at Huntington College of Health Sciences strive to honor her memory by continuing to provide exemplary service to our student body.