Meet our diabetes and nutrition team
We are a team of trained professionals, including registered dietitians (RD) and registered nurses (RNs) with advanced diabetes education, certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES).
An RD is the only health care professional that has nutrition science training. To become a registered dietitian, one must complete nutrition science classes, earn at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, complete a dietetic internship, and then pass a national registration examination. A CDCES is a health care professional who has specialized training and is certified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition. Prior to taking the national certification exam, they must have a minimum of two years of professional practice and 1,000 hours of experience working with diabetics. With our combined education and experience, our patients feel good knowing they're in the best hands.
Melanie Boney, MS, RD CDCES
Melanie provides nutrition support and teaches disease prevention and treatment. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition science at Oregon State University in 2009, a dietetic internship at Oregon Health & Science University in 2010 and a Master of Science in clinical nutrition at OHSU in 2014. Prior to working at Salem Health, Melanie worked as a personal trainer, dietitian and group exercise instructor in the fitness industry for 10 years.
Sarah Gloeckner, MS, RDN, LD, CNSC, DE
Sarah is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and diabetes educator. Her approach to nutrition is flexible, compassionate and focused on what her clients care about most when it comes to enjoying food and feeling their best. She is Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating informed. Sarah offers customized care- blending nutrition counseling and education, mindfulness and realistic goal setting to heal relationship with food and body, and improve how clients experience health conditions in the context of food, eating habits, and other forms of self-care. She has experience in clinical nutrition in the hospital setting as well as clinical experience in diabetes, disordered eating, and other acute and chronic conditions.
Kristen Lorenz, BSN, RN CDCES
Kristen has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Wisconsin. She joined Salem Health nursing staff in 2003. In 2014, Kristen made the move to Diabetes Education and became Salem Health’s diabetes nurse navigator. She is a certified diabetes care and education specialist and recipient of the Transformational Pioneer in nursing award 2016. She is a member of the ADCES and is passionate about educating and empowering clients to take charge of their health and achieve the best possible outcomes based on their personal challenges.
Sophia Miller, RDN, LD
Sophia is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator who provides tailored medical nutrition therapy to patients with nutrition-related medical concerns and counsels those wanting to make positive lifestyle changes. Sophia practices a patient-centered technique to help clients identify and achieve personal health and nutrition-related goals. She is passionate about partnering with clients on their journey by discovering their values and needs while honoring their health with gentle nutrition.
Sandra Moreno, MBA, RDN, LD, CNSC, CDCES
Sandra is a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) registered dietitian and diabetes educator who provides medical nutrition therapy and diabetes education for individuals and classes in Spanish. She is an engaging and dynamic educator, who can connect with, and support clients through cultural knowledge. She uses a mindful eating approach to address the question of what, when and how much to eat from a non-diet perspective. She has experience in clinical nutrition in the hospital setting as well as clinical experience in diabetes, disordered eating, and other acute and chronic conditions.
Katherine Spann, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES
Katherine is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator specializing in medical nutrition therapy for adult and children with diabetes, bariatric patients, children with special needs and weight management. She is a trained Childhood, Adolescent, and Adult Weight Management specialist through Commission on Dietetic Registration. She is a member of American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). She is solutions oriented and enjoys working with clients over time to help them meet their goals.
Heidi Spear, BSN, RN DE
Heidi has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lamar University. She joined Salem Health nursing staff in 2009. She has a background in acute hospital care and has worked in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center for many years. Heidi sees clients for one to one education as well as teaching our ADA accredited classes. She is a member of the ADCES. As person with type 1 diabetes, she has a unique perspective and understanding for those struggling with the condition. She blends her clinical expertise and person-centered approach to collaborate with clients to improve their health and quality of life.
Sam Cancino, Referral & Insurance Verification Specialist
Sam has worked in healthcare for over 13 years. She is passionate about the community, meeting new people and helping to make sure they are getting the diabetes and nutrition services they need.
Yessica Garcia, Referral Specialist/Patient Scheduler
Yessica is the friendly voice you hear when you call Salem Health's diabetes and nutrition services. She enjoys meeting patients and having them share their progress on their goals. She is a current Chemeketa Community College student and mother of two.