Conference Session

Shannan Young is the Food Systems Program Manager for the Dairy Council of California. She is a registered dietitian and credentialed as a school nutrition specialist through School Nutrition Association and received her Bachelor of Science degree in community nutrition from University of California, Davis. She is passionate about the important role nutrition and physical activity play in supporting healthy active living and has created numerous nutrition education materials and trainings, and is an accomplished speaker regularly presenting at state and national conferences.

Shannan has over 18 years' experience in providing state and local level leadership in building comprehensive nutrition education programs in California schools. Prior to moving to the Dairy Council of California she worked for the California Department of Education (CDE) as a Nutrition Education Consultant in the Nutrition Services Division. Through her work with child nutrition staff, teachers, school administrators, family, and community partners she helped schools throughout California create healthy school environment that supports children's health and readiness to learn. Before working for the CDE, she worked as the Nutrition Specialist for the Elk Grove Unified School District developing and implementing their SHAPE program supporting the wellness and academic success of the 63,000 students in the district.

Mary Ann Mills is a Program Representative III at the University of California CalFresh Nutrition Education Program. She is the program coordinator for the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement through the UC CalFresh State Office. She received her BS in Health Education from California State University Chico and has worked in the field of public health for approximately 6 years. Prior to her work with the UC CalFresh state office, Mary Ann worked as a Community Education Specialist at the Butte County UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program. While at the Butte County UCCE, she helped implement and deliver their nutrition education programs and led SLM efforts. Prior to her work with UCCE, Mary Ann served as a Peace Corps Volunteer at a health center in Guyana, South America.