About Nutrition Experts
Our Food and Nutrition Experts, composed of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), Chefs, Master Gardeners, Food Scientists, and university staff sift through the research to bring you a resource that you can turn to for answers and education. If you have questions about food, nutrition, or gardening, you can reach out to our friendly experts by using our Ask a Registered Dietitian or Ask a Master Gardener forms.
Our Center is dedicated toward the development of students pursuing a career in nutrition, food science, and allied health fields. Content created by undergraduate students, graduate students, and dietetic interns supports their growth and academic success.
Meet Our Registered Dietitians
Shely Salemnia
Shely Salemnia, MS, RD, CLE, is a Registered Dietitian passionate about educating others on nutrition and health. She holds her Masters in Human Nutrition from CSUN and her Bachelors in Nutrition from NYU, and completed her Dietetic Internship at CSUN with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and WIC. Shely currently practices Medical Nutrition Therapy at a hospital in Los Angeles, helping people living with Heart Disease, Diabetes, liver diseases, malnutrition, cancer, among other conditions and prevention throughout every stage of the life cycle. She also works in the Neonatal ICU helping babies grow and aiding new mothers with breastfeeding as a Certified Lactation Educator. Most recently Shely has been teaching the Well-Nourished Nutrition Series through the MMC for cancer patients with Tower Cancer Research where she teaches all about nutrition in relation to cancer.
Specialties: Oncology, Diabetes, Lactation, Sports, Cultural Competency, Plant-based Nutrition
Jocceline Hernandez
Jocceline Hernandez, MS, RD, CLEC is a CSUN Alumni earning both her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nutrition Dietetics and Foods Science. She also completed her dietetic internship and lactation educator internship at CSUN. These experiences paved the way to her becoming a registered dietitian and a certified lactation educator who now has over 7 years of experience working at outpatient clinics, postpartum units, school districts, corporate wellness programs, and government agencies. She has experience providing group education, cooking demonstrations, grocery store tours, telehealth and individual nutrition counseling. As a fluent Spanish speaker and San Fernando Valley native, she is eager to give back to the community she grew up to share her knowledge and passion for nutrition. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the California coast with her family and dog Kirby to enjoy local cuisines and outdoor activities.
Specialties: Diabetes, Pediatric and Adult Weight Management, Perinatal Nutrition.
Simona Hradil
Simona Hradil is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from California State University at Northridge, where she is the Sports Dietitian for the Marilyn Magaram Center collaborating with the University’s Athletics Department. Simona specializes in sports nutrition, weight management, gastrointestinal conditions, and eating disorders. She is also the project manager for the BOD POD, where she conducts body composition testing on athletes, students, faculty, and the community.
Jeri Gertzman
Jeri Gertzman is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She completed her Dietetic Internship and Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition as part of CSUN’s first Dietetic Internship class in 1991. Jeri began her clinical dietetic experience at Tarzana Hospital, providing inpatient and outpatient nutrition counseling and education to patients with diabetes. In addition to her own private practice, she has worked collaboratively with several endocrinologists, providing individualized nutrition counseling and group classes, as well as workshops and lectures for health management groups and corporate wellness programs.
Specialties: Diabetes self-management and education, medical nutrition therapy in adult and childhood weight management, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular health, plant-based diets and nutrition for health and well-being through all stages of life.
Alejandra Perez
Alejandra Perez, MS, RDN initiated her career in dietetics out of concern for the high rates of obesity and diabetes seen in low-income communities. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nutritional Science from UC Berkeley and then completed her Masters in Human Nutrition and dietetic internship at California State University, Northridge. Alejandra enjoys educating others on disease prevention and management. Her ability to communicate fluently in Spanish makes her a great asset in communities with a large Hispanic population. She has worked as a clinic supervisor for WIC, as an outpatient dietitian, and as a project coordinator for CSUN's Marilyn Magaram Center overseeing parent nutrition education programs. Her goal is to help families adopt healthy dietary habits..
Specialties: Pediatric and Adult Weight Management, Prenatal Nutrition, Cardiology, Malnutrition, and Diabetes.
Madeline Hoeks
Maddie Hoeks is a Registered Dietitian who completed her dietetic internship and Master’s in Human Nutrition at California State University, Northridge. She started her career in Geriatric nutrition working with adult day health care centers. She currently works as a clinical Dietitian with Providence Healthcare. Her passion is Diabetes care and she has been working with the Marilyn Magaram Center over the past two years in teaching courses for the Thrive With Diabetes Program.