NHAND Awards
CONGRATULATIONS 2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS!
🏆 Colette Janson-Sand Outstanding Dietetic Educator of the Year Award
Recipient: Michela Lessard, MS, RDN, LD
Michela Lessard has made a profound impact as an educator and mentor for New Hampshire’s future RDNs. Described as a "boon to the education of nutrition professionals," Michela works closely with second-year MSDI students during their dietetic internship rotations and consistently receives high praise from both students and colleagues alike.
This past fall, she transformed her classroom through a flipped model and hands-on activities that helped students apply their knowledge in engaging and practical ways — an innovation that was incredibly well received. Michela is also a sought-after guest speaker, known for her ability to make even complex topics like HIPAA both fun and memorable.
Her dedication to student learning, responsiveness to feedback, and collaborative approach make her an outstanding role model and educator. NHAND is proud to honor Michela with this award named in tribute to another legendary NH educator, Dr. Colette Janson-Sand.
🏆 Maggie Terninko Award
Recipient: Kate Preifle, RD, LD
The Maggie Terninko Award honors a dietitian who has significantly advanced the profession of dietetics and contributed to improving health outcomes for the people of New Hampshire. This year’s recipient, Kate Preifle, embodies that mission through her exceptional leadership in public policy and advocacy.
Kate played a pivotal role in securing Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s co-sponsorship of the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Expansion Bill, traveling to Washington, D.C. to represent our profession on the national stage. As the point person for New Hampshire’s efforts around the Dietitian Licensure Compact Bill, Kate has built strong connections with the Department of Defense and The Council of State Governments — showcasing her incredible ability to forge strategic partnerships critical to legislative progress.
Kate is a key contributor to NHAND’s Public Policy Committee, where her calm, thoughtful approach and collaborative spirit have earned her the admiration of colleagues across the board. She is a true pleasure to work with, and her tireless dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on the future of our profession.
🎉 Special Recognition: Andrea Jackson
Celebrating 20 Years of Service to the NHAND Board
At the 2025 NHAND Spring Conference, we proudly honored Andrea Jackson for her 20 years of outstanding service and leadership on the NHAND Board.
Andrea has worn many hats during her two-decade tenure, including:
Serving as President not once, not twice, but three times
Acting as Secretary, Professional Development Chair, and Bylaws Chair
Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping NHAND’s direction and success — and she’s been a steady, generous presence through it all.
💡 Fun fact: During one of Andrea’s years as president, FNCE was held in Hawaii!
We are deeply grateful for Andrea’s dedication, wisdom, and enduring commitment to the profession. Thank you, Andrea — your legacy with NHAND is truly remarkable!