Melissa Heuer is a former social worker turned dietitian and manager. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and a Master’s in Dietetics from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Melissa worked as a diabetes counselor for Indian Health Services before crossing over to foodservice management. She served as the Nutrition Services Director for The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital for over seven years and has been the Nutrition Operations Manager for INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City since 2018.    

Matt Hess received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and is nearing completion of a Master of Social Science from University of Colorado Denver. He taught students expelled from the public-school system for 3 years, then managed an afterschool program for one year before transitioning to the non-profit sector. He joined World Hunger Relief, Inc. as the Education Director – a role he served in for 6 years before transitioning to become the Executive Director of the Organization. World Hunger Relief, Inc.

Dr. Vicky Green is currently an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Director of the Dietetic Internship at Louisiana Tech University.  Her research interests include the application of nutrition knowledge, pediatrics, food systems management, food deserts, and human access to food.

Cardiologist, Cardiovascular Associates of East Texas and Tyler Cardiac and Endovascular Center

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos started his teaching career as an English teacher in the Mission Consolidated ISD in 1990. In 1992, he moved to McAllen ISD where he taught English and government. He was named the secondary language arts supervisor for Mercedes ISD in 1993 and became associate adviser for San Benito Consolidated ISD in 1995. Cavazos went to work for the Texas Education Agency Department of School Finance and Support in 1998.

Will has always admired the hard work and dedication dairy farmers devote to feeding families. As vice president of impact and innovation, Will helps lead strategic initiatives that move our mission forward. He ensures we measure what matters — tracking progress, evaluating results and using data to guide smart decisions. He also manages our organizational scorecard, fosters collaboration across teams and leads innovation efforts that help us grow and evolve. 

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Maria-Paula has been working with families from the start. She is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics as well as her Master of Science in Nutrition. Having a family of her own, Maria-Paula understands the importance of families working together to achieve their nutritional goals. She focuses in translating the science of nutrition into practical and useful recommendations that help her clients achieve lifestyle changes.