Meet our RDNs
Isn’t “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” just a Longer Name for “Nutritionist?
We get this question a lot! The terms "Registered Dietitian Nutritionist" and "Nutritionist" are actually very different. There's no regulation of the term "nutritionist." Anyone is able to use that title regardless of their education, background, or training; and there really are no technical requirements, licensure, etc. for the title “nutritionist.” For example, a person may freely use the title after simply completing a weekend course or a 3-month online certification.
On the other hand, our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are licensed health care providers. They are nutrition professionals who have gone through many years of education and 1,200 hours of supervised training in Medical Nutrition Therapy. RDNs must pass a rigorous national certification exam, and they are required to keep up-to-date with continuing education credits to maintain their certification. If you're looking for evidence-based nutrition advice, seek out a RDN. Get to know our team of RDNs better below!
Meet Our RDNs
Laura Samnadda (MS, RDN, LD), Director of Nutrition Services
Laura Samnadda leads Open Hand and Good Measure's nutrition services program development and delivery with an incredible team. Since starting with us in 2018, she has developed the team's telehealth initiative and is currently coordinating our service expansion across Georgia. Additionally, she is a Master Trainer for the Diabetes and Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, implements our cooking classes and produce prescription programs, and has coordinated many partnerships with health systems, health plans, and other external partners. She has also presented at conferences for the Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), The Root Cause Coalition, and National Council on Aging's Age + Action Conferences. Her active memberships include FIMC as a co-leader of the Clinical Committee, and TRCC.
Kristen Avera (MS, RDN, LD, CDCES), Nutrition Services Manager
As a RDN and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), Kristen proudly provides evidence-based nutrition education with Good Measure and Open Hand. She recieved both her bachelors and masters degrees in nutrition from the University of Alabama. Kristen loves educating in a variety of settings and has done so at national conferences with the Food is Medicine Coalition, at local summits with the American Diabetes Association, and more routinely, providing nutrition education and food demonstrations to GMM and Open Hand customers and clients.
Aizya Ali-Mohammed (RDN, LD), Community Dietitian
Aizya exemplifies our Nutrition for All vision by providing inclusive education to various populations, from corporate clients to senior centers across the metro Atlanta area. She advocates for marginalized communities by providing individualized medical nutrition therapy to assist with chronic illness management. Aizya's passion for diversity inspires her to continuously conceptualize culturally competent nutrition education materials that have been utilized within Open Hand and Good Measure programming. She spearheads our Good Measure nutrition blog as the lead writer to provide monthly general wellness support. Aizya prioritizes positive nutrition and mindful eating. She believes her responsibility as a Community Dietitian is not only to educate on how to attain heathy habits, but also to acknowledge and challenge the barriers that prevent that knowledge from being applied.
Alexandra Covington (MS-MPH, RDN, LD), Community Dietitian
As a Registered Dietitian, Alexandra enjoys leading group nutrition education programs, meeting with clients, and creating culturally competent educational resources to support the prevention and treatment of chronic health conditions. She believes it is her responsibility to help remove barriers to healthy eating, while engaging communities in self-management of healthy behaviors. In addition to Alexandra’s primary role as a Community Dietitian, she serves as chair for Open Hand’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Committee. In this position, she leads both internal and external efforts to create an inclusive environment that respects different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. Through all of Alexandra’s endeavors at Open Hand, she hopes that all will incorporate their personal and cultural values and beliefs into their own unique healthy lifestyle.
Jeremy Douglas (RDN, LD), Quality Control Registered Dietitian
Jeremy is a Registered Dietitian specializing in quality control within our operations department. He leads quarterly menu planning and development, ensuring that all meals are medically tailored to be heart-healthy with consistent carbohydrate levels. His menu designs prioritize cultural diversity, catering to the unique dietary needs of our clients. In addition to his role in menu development, Jeremy supports departmental audits and quality initiatives, helping us meet state and federal compliance standards. As a certified ServSafe instructor, he also teaches internal food safety classes to ensure staff is well-versed in essential food safety practices.
Order medically tailored meals
Whatever your health concern, get the support you need with Good Measure Meals. Our meals are frozen to maximize freshness, then delivered directly to your doorstep.
View our nutrition resource library
Our experienced team of registered dietitian nutritionists have curated a series of handouts and blogs to get you started on your wellness journey, free for anyone to access.
