Kerry works to develop and implement policies aimed at improving CalFresh access and participation. She previously worked as the Interfaith Voices Against Hunger Coordinator at the NYC Coalition Against Hunger. Originally from Berkeley, California, she received a BA from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon and a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin. She also served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Austin. Kerry joined CFPA in January 2011.

Ellen coordinates CFPA's “Water in Schools” and “Healthy Beverages/Nutrition in Childcare” work, supports the BreakfastFirst Campaign team, and represents CFPA in the Central Valley. Ellen previously served as a California Rural Legal Assistance attorney and project director, a teacher, a clinical supervising attorney for Bay Area law students, and as a Program Officer for The California Endowment. Ellen earned a BA in psychology from UC Berkeley and JD and M.Ed degrees from UCLA. Ellen joined CFPA in 2010.

Nicola's time with CFPA is largely dedicated to childcare nutrition, the BreakfastFirst Campaign, and Los Angeles-specific nutrition policy advocacy and implementation. She has served as the Public Policy Chair of the Los Angeles Dietetic Association and has worked on childhood obesity prevention research with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Nicola is a Registered Dietitian and received her BS and MS in nutritional science from the California State University, Los Angeles. She joined CFPA in July 2008.

Alexis works to develop and implement policies aimed at improving CalFresh access and participation through state- and county-level initiatives. Prior to joining CFPA, Alexis was a kinship case manger and support group facilitator. She received her Master of Social Work with an emphasis on management and planning from UC Berkeley and a BA in ethnic studies from UC San Diego. She began with CFPA as a graduate student intern in 2009 and joined the staff in 2010.

Ken co-founded California Food Policy Advocates in 1992. He is an attorney who has practiced in a variety of public interest law organizations, mainly in legal services programs focusing on children's rights and employment rights. He also worked as the associate director of a community foundation and later was engaged as a consultant dealing with private and nonprofit efforts to address hunger and food insecurity.Additional text for formatting purposes only.

Elyse primarily focuses on the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), investigating CACFP participation and access issues in Los Angeles County. Prior to working with CFPA, she worked as a research associate studying health services for children and adolescents. Elyse obtained her Master of Public Health at UCLA in the Department of Community Health Sciences. Elyse joined CFPA in July 2010 as a graduate student intern and now serves as a CFPA consultant.

Markell works on projects related to school nutrition and afterschool meals. She focuses on uncovering, highlighting, and sharing best practices that help improve program operation, participation, and support. A former chef, Markell is interested in making sure California kids have access to nutritious, affordable, and appealing food. She received her Master of Public Health at UC Berkeley through the Public Health Nutrition Program. Markell started at CFPA as a graduate student intern in 2010 and joined the staff in 2011.

George provides leadership in the development and management of CFPA's state legislative agenda. George also heads CFPA's CalFresh team, championing efforts to remove barriers to participation at the state and local levels. Prior to joining CFPA, he was the Legislative Director for the Children's Alliance in Washington. George has a master's degree in social work and more than two decades of experience in advocacy dating back to his time with the Jesuit Volunteer Corp. He joined CFPA in 1999.

Ariana's primary focus is RENEW LA, a county-wide initiative funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and reduce obesity. Prior to CFPA, Ariana was a 2008-09 Executive Fellow at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. She received her BA in psychology and a certificate in health care administration from the California State University, Long Beach. Ariana joined CFPA in May 2010.

Matt works to develop and advance CFPA's advocacy agenda with local government and community partners in Los Angeles, while providing support to CFPA's federal and state policy work. He regularly provides testimony at school board, city council, and county board hearings. He also coordinates the Los Angeles office's nutrition policy campaigns with local coalitions, task forces, and agencies to reduce food insecurity and obesity among low-income Angelenos. Matt joined CFPA in 1997.

Tia's work focuses on issues of access, participation, and nutritional quality primarily in the school breakfast and summer nutrition programs. Tia co-coordinates the BreakfastFirst Campaign and contributes to CFPA's data analyses that examine impacts of the federal nutrition programs, particularly CalFresh. She received her Master of Public Health at UC Berkeley through the Public Health Nutrition Program. Tia began with CFPA as a graduate student intern in 2008 and joined the staff in 2009.