Alice Bast, Founder & President
Alice Bast founded the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) in 2003. Her personal experience with celiac ignited her passion to help the estimated three million Americans suffering from the disease receive a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Alice is widely regarded as a celiac expert and has been a keynote speaker at major medical and food industry events nationally and internationally, including the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting, Healthy Foods Conference, International Pizza Expo, The Flavor Experience, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Wellness Conference, and both Natural Products Expo East and West shows. She also chaired a panel presentation at the 14th International Coeliac Disease Symposium held in Oslo, Norway.
Alice’s story has been featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, and on nationally televised programs such as ABC’s ‘The View’ and CNN. Among her accomplishments, Alice co-authored an article titled “Celiac Disease and Reproductive Health Issues,” which was published in the Journal of Practical Gastroenterology. She was the Principal Investigator on an NIH funded Grant titled, “Novel Educational Aids For Celiac Disease.” Alice was also awarded the 90th annual Philadelphia Award in May 2011, one of the city’s most prestigious honors given each year to a citizen who has acted and served on behalf of the best interests of the community.
Her organization, NFCA, drives diagnosis of celiac disease, improves quality-of-life for children and families adhering to a gluten-free diet, and facilitates collaborations within the healthcare community. NFCA is a leading resource for celiac information and offers free information and support materials for celiac patients and their families. The organization is also a leading resource in accredited education and training for healthcare providers and food industry professionals. Email Alice Bast
Nancy Ginter, Director of Operations
Nancy Ginter joined the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in June of 2004 after working extensively for AT&T leading a global sales team focused on the needs of multi-national corporations. At NFCA, Nancy works across departmental lines to assist in operational matters along with programming, Philadelphia area events, contracts and sponsorship. Nancy also is responsible for the NFCA Speakers Bureau, contributing to NFCA publications and working on NFCA programs for raising awareness. Nancy works in the Philadelphia office. Email Nancy Ginter
Jennifer North, Vice President
Jennifer joined the staff of NFCA in 2009 as the organization’s first full-time development officer. She formerly served as the Vice-President of Development for JCCs of Greater Philadelphia. Her diverse skill set stems from professional and board roles in communications, development, programming, assessment, strategic planning and operational management for organizations addressing a range of critical community issues. For the last three years, she has been contracted by the federal Department of Health and Human Services as a grant reviewer for the Compassion Capital Fund’s Targeted Capacity-Building and Demonstration Programs. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult and Organizational Development and she serves on the board of Congregation M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and as the Secretary of the Cherry Hill Human Relations Council, appointed by Mayor Bernie Platt. Jennifer was introduced to Celiac Disease in 2008 when her daughter was diagnosed. Email Jennifer North
Beckee Moreland, Director of Gluten-Free Industry Initiatives
Beckee Moreland is a recognized gluten-free market expert with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), and has worked as a gluten-free consultant for companies in the food industry since 2008. She currently manages NFCA’s Gluten-Free Resource Education and Awareness Training (GREAT) Foodservice programs, which are ADA and ACF accredited training programs for foodservice professionals and dietitians. Beckee also heads the GREAT Business Association, which promotes networking and best practices for safety and transparency in gluten-free food preparation and manufacturing.
Beckee’s restaurant industry experience dates back over ten years. In 1992, she and her husband opened Sportscaster’s Bar & Grill in Lincoln, NE, which they currently own and operate.
Beckee holds a Bachelors of Science, Education from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Born and raised in Omaha, NE, she currently resides in Lincoln, NE, with her husband Dave and son Cole. Email Beckee Moreland
Susan Gardner, Director of Finance
Susan began working with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in June 2004and has been a part of the organization as a staff member and volunteer since that date. Sue is a graduate of Penn State and she has served as Controller for a number of businesses in the Greater Philadelphia Area. At NFCA, Sue is responsible for the day-to-day financial activities of the organization, as well as annual reporting and governmental compliance matters. Sue also joins the NFCA team in planning for special events. Sue works out of the NFCA Philadelphia office. Email Susan Gardner
Whitney Ehret, Director of Communications
Whitney Ehret joined the staff of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in September 2008 initially focusing on special events. Whitney is a recent graduate of the Villanova University School of Arts and Sciences. In addition to her duties at NFCA, Whitney works part-time at CBS Sports as a Production Assistant and Stage Manager for on-site NFL, NCAA, USTA, and PGA broadcasts nationwide. In addition, Whitney works with the National Football League, NFL Films and The NFL Network, as a Production Assistant for NFL broadcasts in New York and Washington, as well as at their Mount Laurel, NJ headquarters. Whitney has embraced the cause of celiac disease and is enthusiastic about spreading awareness of this often overlooked illness. Whitney works out of the Philadelphia office. Email Whitney Ehret
Kristin Voorhees, Healthcare Relations Manager
Kristin Voorhees joined NFCA in March 2010. Kristin works directly with the NFCA’s Scientific/Medical Advisory Board and other clinicians to develop and advance NFCA healthcare initiatives, including Celiac CME Central, lifestyle Webinars and Lunch-and-Learns. Kristin recently fulfilled her Master’s in Health Communication from Emerson College’s dual graduate program with Tufts School of Medicine in December 2009. During her graduate work, she had the privilege of working with the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and, through this connection, developed a working relationship with NFCA. Kristin was diagnosed with celiac disease in July 2007 and has since remained passionate and enthusiastic about educating others and furthering the awareness of this autoimmune disease. Kristin works out of the Philadelphia office. Email Krisitin Voorhees
Cheryl McEvoy, Online Content Manager
Cheryl joined the staff of NFCA in July 2010. As Online Content Manager, Cheryl will focus on updating and improving NFCA-affiliated websites, including Celiac Central and the Celiac Learning Center. She will manage news and event postings, produce multimedia and develop new online content. Cheryl will also engage the celiac community through NFCA’s social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In. Prior to this position, Cheryl was the assistant editor and web editor for a national healthcare trade publication. She is delighted to continue her foray into the healthcare field, and is eager to put her culinary interests to work at NFCA. Though not a celiac herself, Cheryl looks forward to becoming a part of the celiac community and advancing the cause. Cheryl works out of the Philadelphia office. Email Cheryl McEvoy.
Atlantis Lacy, Web Developer
Atlantis originally joined the team as a social media intern. Her successes in this role lead to a more permanent position as the NFCA’s Social Media Coordinator. In addition to doing a highly successful job managing the Social Media Program, Atlantis also used her diverse technical skill set to assist with content management, manage site maintenance, and assisted in the publishing of NFCA’s monthly e-newsletter. Atlantis’ role has once again evolved to take advantage of her advanced knowledge of computer languages, programs, and web based technology. As the NFCA’s Web Developer, Atlantis will oversee all technical aspects of the NFCA’s web presence. Some of her responsibilities include back end development of Celiac Central, site maintenance and repair, and SEO. Atlantis will also continue to manage and produce the NFCA’s Gluten Free Hot Products blog.
Loretta Jay, Healthcare Consultant
Loretta Jay has worked with NFCA since January 2008 overseeing the development and management of special projects, including GREAT Healthcare. She is currently researching the effects of gluten in medications for a project funded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A community planner, Loretta has an MA in Community Psychology. Her background includes managing and training protective service staff and coordinating community programs for Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families. In 2001, she founded Parasol, an organization specializing in the management of food allergies and celiac disease for individuals and organizations. Loretta volunteers with a number of associations focused on celiac disease and food-allergy related activities, including serving as past Co-Chair for the Connecticut’s Children’s Celiac Group and Co-Founder and Chair of the Connecticut Celiac Walkathon. Email Loretta Jay
Rebecca Podio joined the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in January of 2009. She works with the NFCA staff to help answer requests and questions that are received through the celiaccentral.org info line. Rebecca is currently pursuing two Bachelors degrees in Petroleum Engineering and Business Administration at the University of Wyoming and plans to graduate in May 2012. She is involved in a wide variety of activities including competing at Miss Wyoming 2009, being a member of the University of Wyoming Rodeo Team, Delta Delta Delta, the Society of Petroleum Engineers and being a Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wyoming volunteer. She was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in the late part of 2008.
Gayle Wald began volunteering with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) in August 2009, and answers messages sent to the info@celiaccentral.org email account. Gayle learned that she has celiac disease in 2008, and is grateful for having been diagnosed promptly and correctly by a knowledgeable gastroenterologist. She enjoys cooking and has had fun figuring out how to adapt her diet to foods that are naturally gluten-free, although she also makes a mean gluten-free muffin and corn bread. Gayle is an avid runner with a special interest in athletes (recreational or otherwise) who have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Gayle is Professor of English at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where she lives with her husband and son, Zachary.
Kerry Gundlach began volunteering with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) in August 2010, and answers messages sent to the info@celiaccentral.org email account. She is gluten-intolerant and began enjoying gluten-free foods in 2001. Kerry has a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from Colorado State University and is a registered dietitian. She enjoys running, yoga, cooking and baking (gluten-free, of course), backpacking, and helping people live healthy lives. She lives in Iowa City, IA.
Lori joined NFCA as a volunteer in August 2010, answering queries submitted to info@celiaccentral.org. After struggling with unexplained symptoms for years, Lori was diagnosed with celiac disease in May 2009 and has been gluten-free ever since. Lori is pursuing an associate degree in Specialized Technology for Massage Therapy and Bodywork, plus certification as a Medical Exercise Specialist. She hopes to work with individuals with physical limitations/diseases, eating disorders and trauma survivors. She resides in Pittsburgh, PA.