BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF

CNP’s Board of Directors oversees the organization and manages non-profit proceedings. The administrative team provides the support necessary to maintain CNP’s operations and the continued expansion of nutritional psychology.

Ephi Morphew-Lu, MS, Dip.C.N.

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Mrs. Lu received her B.S. in psychology from the University of Washington and MS in psychology from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana. She spent her first career as an aerospace psychologist working for NASA before turning her interests towards nutrition and related sciences. Ephi is the developer of the first university-level curriculum in Nutritional Psychology taught from 2008-2020 at JFK University. In 2015, Ephi and colleague Dr. Amanda Hull launched The Center for Nutritional Psychology (CNP), now a non-profit educational organization, designed to consolidate the world's research in the diet-mental health relationship and develop methodology for placement within the university environment. Her vision is to see a nutritional component incorporated into mental healthcare by 2030.
Ephi Morphew-Lu, MS, Dip.C.N. – Co-Founder and Executive Director

Ephi Morphew-Lu, MS, Dip.C.N.

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Shereen F. Behairy, M.Sc, PhD(c)

Conceptual Development Lead

Shereen Behairy is a clinical researcher with a degree in Clinical Research from Harvard Medical School and a Ph.D. candidate in Neuropharmacology. Her work explores how nutrients, drugs, and brain chemistry shape cognition, behavior, and mental health—translating complex science into practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life. With a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences and foundational studies in nutrition and psychology from Stanford University and Yale University, Shereen bridges disciplines to uncover innovative ways to understand and improve human health. An active member of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) and the Harvard Medical Alumni Association (HMAA), she remains engaged in advancing clinical and pharmacological research. As a course author, she is passionate about empowering learners with evidence-based tools that transform knowledge into action.
Shereen F. Behairy, M.Sc, PhD(c) – Conceptual Development Lead

Shereen F. Behairy, M.Sc, PhD(c)

Conceptual Development Lead

Nabila Pervaiz, MS/Mphil

Curriculum Development

Nabila is a Medical biotechnologist and currently doing her MS research in the Health Microbiology field at Kinnaird College for Women, Pakistan. She has always been fascinated by microbial interaction with human bodies and how it modulates individual health. Her research has focused on E.coli and reported the novel virulent E.coli genes responsible for causing UTIs in Pakistani Females. Through her research, she presents novel research findings to educate young girls and women on personal hygiene and recent trends in antibiotic resistance and how microbes influence physiological and psychological states.
Nabila Pervaiz, MS/Mphil – Curriculum Development

Nabila Pervaiz, MS/Mphil

Curriculum Development

Vladimir Hedrih, PhD

Research and Academic Writing

Vladimir Hedrih is a full professor of psychology at the University of Niš in Serbia with more than two decades of research and teaching experience. His fields of research and expertise include organizational psychology, research methodology and the study of social trauma. He is the editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Psihologija. Professor Hedrih has joined CNP to support research article writing and reviewing.
Vladimir Hedrih, PhD – Research and Academic Writing

Vladimir Hedrih, PhD

Research and Academic Writing

Youssef Soliman, MBChB (cand)

Medical sciences & biostatistics

Youssef is an aspiring physician-scientist and a Medical intern at Asyut University Hospital. His area of interest and research is in internal medicine and diseases related to neurocardiology. He has published numerous peer-reviewed studies and is also a reviewer at many high impact journals. Youssef has a nanodegree in data analysis from Udacity, and is interested in the application of R programming, data analysis and machine learning to improve patient care and diagnostics. Youssef supports CNP with science-based writing, statistics, and curriculum development.
Youssef Soliman, MBChB (cand) – Medical sciences & biostatistics

Youssef Soliman, MBChB (cand)

Medical sciences & biostatistics

Karim Maghraby, M.B.B.Ch, M.Sc

Nutritional Psychology Research Library Director

Dr. Karim Magharaby is a Physician Scientist, holding a Medical Doctorate from Asyut University, Egypt, and a Masters’ degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Maghraby’s thesis focused on the treatment of gut dysfunction in acute malnutrition using novel dietary interventions and produced award-winning publications describing the use of milk extracellular vesicles to induce stem cell proliferation, a first of its kind. Dr. Magharaby brings his expertise to CNP and serves as the Director of the Nutritional Psychology Research Library (NPRL)
Karim Maghraby, M.B.B.Ch, M.Sc – Nutritional Psychology Research Library Director

Karim Maghraby, M.B.B.Ch, M.Sc

Nutritional Psychology Research Library Director

Cassidy Axelrod, MS, CNS

Director of Scholarship, and Communications

Cassidy earned a BA from the University of Oregon in Psychology and an MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health. She is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) and Licensed Dietician (LD) in the state of Oregon. Cassidy is an NP 110 graduate who is passionate about the complex and interconnected relationship existing between nutrition and psychology. Cassidy is excited to expand her role in educating, providing tools and awareness to others about this exciting field, and starting a private practice specializing in nutrition with a focus on mental and gut health.
Cassidy Axelrod, MS, CNS – Director of Scholarship, and Communications

Cassidy Axelrod, MS, CNS

Director of Scholarship, and Communications

Olga Baryshnikova, MS

Secretary

Ms. Baryshnikova obtained a degree in psychology from Cal Poly SLO, and is currently pursuing her MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from SJSU. She works on all aspects of CNP's programs, organizational development, and course design and administration.
Olga Baryshnikova, MS – Secretary

Olga Baryshnikova, MS

Secretary

Randi Clearfield

Treasurer

Mrs. Clearfield has dual graduate degrees in teaching from the University of Michigan and visual arts from Antioch University. She has assisted in the administrative, budgetary, and curriculum development for Columbia Visual Arts college, leading to the school’s accreditation by the state of Maryland. She has also assisted in the founding and development of a private middle school in Northern California through budget and fundraising management, curriculum development, and contributing to the school’s accreditation process. She presently serves as CNP's Treasurer.
Randi Clearfield – Treasurer

Randi Clearfield

Treasurer

Travis Monson

Organizational Development

Travis brings to CNP his professional experience and expertise in business strategy and organizational development in both the education and mental health sectors. He is a globally recognized speaker, educator, and author. Travis is assisting with the development of CNP's educational and organizational infrastructure, and currently lives in Northern Utah with his wife Jessica. Travis and Jessica both enjoy long bike rides, hiking, goofing off, and quiet evenings curled up with a tv show or a good book.
Travis Monson – Organizational Development

Travis Monson

Organizational Development

Tahir Yasin

Senior Software Architect

As a Software Architect at The Center for Nutritional Psychology (CNP), Tahir brings extensive expertise in WordPress, Laravel, and AI-driven solutions. He is dedicated to designing and implementing user-centric systems that not only enhance workflows but also ensure scalability, security, and seamless user experiences. Tahir’s holistic approach spans software architecture, advanced coding practices, server management, infrastructure optimization, and the integration of emerging technologies such as AI to support innovation and growth. His work enables CNP to remain at the forefront of technology while making a meaningful impact in the field of nutritional psychology.
Tahir Yasin – Senior Software Architect

Tahir Yasin

Senior Software Architect

Hussain Ijaz

Developer

Hussain supports the development of the CNP website. He has been on our team for several years and is central to our work.
Hussain Ijaz – Developer

Hussain Ijaz

Developer

Ryan Butler, MA

Education Specialist

Ryan Butler is a psychology instructor with experience teaching dozens of developmental and health psychology classes. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Human Development from Ball State University. As an Education Specialist at CNP, Ryan is leading the expansion of CNP’s professional curriculum for higher education and contributing to the creation of instructional resources and the direction of CNP’s academic programs. His work equips students with an integrative framework for understanding mental wellness, advancing the academic foundation of nutritional psychology, and preparing future professionals to incorporate evidence-based, nutrition-informed approaches into the field of mental healthcare. He maintains a particular interest in the gut–brain axis and is continuing his formal studies in nutrition and functional medicine to further support this work.
Ryan Butler, MA – Education Specialist

Ryan Butler, MA

Education Specialist

CNP would also like to acknowledge the extended team of developers, designers, professionals, and artists supporting the development of this website.

2024-2025 CONTRIBUTOR APPOINTMENTS

CNP Contributors support the development of nutritional psychology by providing expertise in their specialty area. We value our contributors and their collective understanding of the interdisciplinary elements comprising this developing field of study.

Nanette Stroebel-Benschop, PhD Education Planning Committee

Dr. Stroebele-Benschop is a Full Professor in the Institute of Nutritional Medicine at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany. She is a psychologist and researcher in the field of nutritional psychology with a focus on health behavior changes using a wide range of research methods from experimental settings to public health approaches.
Nanette Stroebel-Benschop, PhD – Education Planning Committee
Nanette Stroebel-Benschop, PhD

Education Planning Committee

Nutritional Psychology

Mihaela Beloreshka, PhD Health Psychology

Dr. Mihaela Beloreshka is a health psychologist and nutritionist. For the past nine years she has been leading educational and experiential classes on nutrition, healthy cooking & eating, physical and mental health and well-being. She is passionate about developing a strong and healthy relationship with food and using it as a powerful tool for health, creativity and self-expression. Her doctoral research explores the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on eating behaviours in adulthood.
Mihaela Beloreshka, PhD – Health Psychology
Mihaela Beloreshka, PhD

Health Psychology

Applied Curriculum Development

Ellen Albertson, PhD, RDN, NBC-HWC Psychology and Nutrition

Dr. Ellen is a Psychologist, Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and mindful Self-Compassion Teacher. She has more than 30 years of experience in counseling, coaching, and holistic healing. Dr. Ellen is a recognized expert in women's health and well-being, and serves on the National Menopause Foundation's medical board. She is a bestselling and award-winning author, and is assisting in the development of the NP 200 Clinical Applications Certificate in Nutritional Psychology.
Ellen Albertson, PhD, RDN, NBC-HWC – Psychology and Nutrition
Ellen Albertson, PhD, RDN, NBC-HWC

Psychology and Nutrition

Clinical Applications

Amanda Hull, PhD, Post-Masters in Nutrition and Integrative Health Consultancy

Dr. Hull's career has been dedicated to driving innovation and transformation in healthcare, with a deep focus on integrative health approaches and the whole health paradigm. She has been a leader in the whole health movement, building new models for healthcare both at the local medical center level and at the national policy level. She is trained as a clinical psychologist in addition to a wider range of whole health approaches, including integrative nutrition and functional medicine. She has led the development of more than 30 Continuing Education courses rooted in these nutritional and integrative approaches. Dr. Hull is a cofounder of The Center for Nutritional Psychology when it began in 2015 and now returns to support the inclusion of nutritional psychology within the whole health paradigm.
Amanda Hull, PhD, Post-Masters in Nutrition and Integrative Health – Consultancy
Amanda Hull, PhD, Post-Masters in Nutrition and Integrative Health

Consultancy

Discipline Integration into Whole Health

David Wiss, PhD, MS, RDN, IFMCP Mental Health Sciences

Dr. David Wiss is a mental health scientist, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. As a clinician and researcher, David has over a decade of experience working one-on-one with patients and has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles on topics related to Nutritional Psychology. He is passionate about recovery from disordered eating and is a pioneer in harm reduction approaches for ultra-processed food use disorders. Dr. Wiss is dedicated to being a part of the solution to the mental health crisis and serves as the Director of Mental Health Communications for CNP.
David Wiss, PhD, MS, RDN, IFMCP – Mental Health Sciences
David Wiss, PhD, MS, RDN, IFMCP

Mental Health Sciences

Mental Health Communication

Sofia Segal, BS Director of Social Media

Sofía is a Licensed Psychologist and health coach. Since first learning about the gut-brain connection and the diet-mental health relationship, she has dedicated herself to the scientific study of this topic and works with patients using an integrative approach—understanding the body and mind as one. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology, a discipline in which the diet-mental health relationship plays a central role in understanding health and disease processes. Deeply engaged in the field of nutritional psychology, Sofía is committed to advancing awareness and bridging language gaps so that professionals and individuals worldwide can benefit from this emerging discipline.
Sofia Segal, BS – Director of Social Media
Sofia Segal, BS

Director of Social Media

Public Outreach

Eileen Santana, RD, CDN Dietetics & Public Health

Eileen holds a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University and completed the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program at the City University of New York Hunter College. In her career as a nutrition professional, Eileen has supported the nutrition education of countless individuals as part of leading public health organizations throughout New York City. Fascinated by the emerging science linking diet and mental health, she came across the Center for Nutritional Psychology and completed NP110. Eileen now lends her nutrition expertise to assist in the development of CNP course materials in hopes of furthering the access to the subject of nutrition psychology.
Eileen Santana, RD, CDN – Dietetics & Public Health
Eileen Santana, RD, CDN

Dietetics & Public Health

Curriculum Review

Dr. Riccardo Gurrieri Psychology and Nutrition

Dr. Riccardo Gurrieri earned a Master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Pisa and a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition Sciences from San Raffaele University in Rome. He is currently pursuing a postgraduate program in Applied Nutrition and Dietetics. Riccardo has developed a strong interest in the relationship between mental health and nutrition, focusing on the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) and its role in psychological well-being. By advancing awareness of nutrition's crucial role in shaping thoughts, emotions, and overall psychological resilience, he strives to deepen the understanding of the MGBA and its mechanisms, contributing to integrating nutrition into mental health practices and actively supporting the CNP team in their mission.
Dr. Riccardo Gurrieri – Psychology and Nutrition
Dr. Riccardo Gurrieri

Psychology and Nutrition

Research Translation

Christian McLaren, MS, PhD(c) Clinical and Health Psychology

Christian is a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical and Health Psychology with a strong passion for advancing research at the intersection of psychological and physical health. His work focuses on non-pharmacological interventions, particularly those that support holistic well-being. Christian has authored and co-authored more than a dozen peer-reviewed articles examining the roles of nutrition, physical function, and psychological health. His dissertation investigates the impact of various intermittent fasting regimens on health-related quality of life.
Christian McLaren, MS, PhD(c) – Clinical and Health Psychology
Christian McLaren, MS, PhD(c)

Clinical and Health Psychology

Research

Stefanie Sacks, MS, CNS, CDN Culinary Nutritionist

Stefanie Sacks, MS, CNS, CDN is a Culinary Nutritionist, author of What the Fork Are You Eating?, and founder of WTFork.com, a no-nonsense digital platform focused on food, nutrition, and cooking. Stefanie holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from Teachers College, Columbia University, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist®, a Board-Certified Dietitian Nutritionist, and a graduate of the Chef’s Training Program at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. In addition to working with a wide range of conditions, Stefanie has pioneered hands-on, trauma-informed culinary nutrition experiences that educate, empower, and transform. Her work bridges the gap between science and the kitchen, offering sustainable solutions for individuals, families, and communities.
Stefanie Sacks, MS, CNS, CDN – Culinary Nutritionist
Stefanie Sacks, MS, CNS, CDN

Culinary Nutritionist

Culinary Nutrition

Gabriella Resnick, Gabriella Resnick, BS, MA, AMFT Marriage and Family Therapy

Gabriella received her bachelors in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University, San Diego. She first became involved with CNP in 2022 as an intern and has now rejoined CNP in clinical applications and ethics development. She is incredibly passionate about the psychology of food and eating and aims to incorporate principles of nutritional psychology in her work as a clinician.
Gabriella Resnick, Gabriella Resnick, BS, MA, AMFT – Marriage and Family Therapy
Gabriella Resnick, Gabriella Resnick, BS, MA, AMFT

Marriage and Family Therapy

Clinical Applications & Ethics

Greece and Cyprus NP 100 Curriculum Partners

CNP welcomes our international partners teaching the NP 100 Series Curriculum in Greek within Greece and Cyprus.

Dr. Emilia Vassilopoulou PhD, BSc

Dr. Emilia Vassilopoulou is an Assistant Diet and Nutrition Professor at the International Hellenic University. She worked as an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus (2011-2018). She is a Visiting Research member of the University of Milan (Italy) and worked as a Clinical Research Fellow at the Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree in Allergology and Clinical Immunology from the Medical School of Athens (Greece), a BSc in Diet and Nutrition from Harokopio University (Greece) and a BSc in Psychology from Neapolis University (Cyprus). She is a Registered Dietitian licensed from HCPC since 2016.
Dr. Emilia Vassilopoulou – PhD, BSc
Dr. Emilia Vassilopoulou

PhD, BSc

NP-Greece and Cyprus

Dr. Dimitris Efthymiou Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist

Dimitris Efthymiou is a Psychiatrist and certified Psychotherapist who now works privately in Thessaloniki, Greece. He has also completed Master's programs in Business Administration and Health Administration at the Universities of Phoenix, US and Brighton, UK. His practice quickly focused on psychotherapeutic interventions and he specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Schema therapy. He strongly believes in interdisciplinarity and collaboration between specialists. Currently, he is the Managing Director of NOUS THERAPY CENTER which is a Mental Health Center bringing together psychiatrists, psychologists, and nutritionists to provide a holistic approach to clients’ treatment.
Dr. Dimitris Efthymiou – Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist
Dr. Dimitris Efthymiou

Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist

NP-Greece and Cyprus

Dr. Anastasos Papalazarou PhD, Dietitian

Dr. Papalazarou has been a dietitian since 1996 and has his own private, clinical practice in Athens, Greece. He specializes in weight management and his approach to weight control focuses on cognitive behavioural modification techniques as opposed to a model of following a strict diet. Being Greek, he believes in the great value of the Mediterranean diet/lifestyle, values of which he tries to pass on to his clients as well. He is a spokesperson for brands that are aligned with his nutrition philosophy. He frequently makes guest appearances on TV and radio and writes articles for print and web media. He also has a strong academic background holding two MSc and a PhD degree in nutrition. He has been a scientific associate of the Harokopio University of Athens since 2011.
Dr. Anastasos Papalazarou – PhD, Dietitian
Dr. Anastasos Papalazarou

PhD, Dietitian

NP-Greece and Cyprus

CNP SUMMER 2025 INTERNS

Welcome CNP 2025 Summer Interns, we’re so happy to have you!

Anthony Alvarez, BA (c) CNP Intern (Psych/Community)

Anthony is an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is currently studying psychology and global community health, and works at his nonprofit college radio station, helping to promote public service announcements and keeping the community informed. He is a strong believer in community building and food knowledge, pushing for food equity. He has a current interest in nutritional health and understanding the underlying socioeconomic problems that affect low-income communities, as well as the correlation between nutrition and mental health.
Anthony Alvarez, BA (c) – CNP Intern (Psych/Community)
Anthony Alvarez, BA (c)

CNP Intern (Psych/Community)

Community Nutrition-Mental Health

Jared Maslansky, BA CNP Intern (Psych)

Jared recently earned his B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and is currently at CNP, where he is deepening his research experience in the field of nutritional psychology. His areas of interest center on the intersection of diet, mental health, and chronic disease prevention, with a particular focus on how social media and digital culture influence adolescents’ nutritional beliefs, eating behaviors, and overall psychological well-being. He is especially interested in exploring the developmental implications of digital exposure during adolescence and how it shapes internalized attitudes toward food, body image, and self-regulation. He is especially passionate about making evidence-based nutritional psychology accessible through public outreach, media content, and educational tools.
Jared Maslansky, BA – CNP Intern (Psych)
Jared Maslansky, BA

CNP Intern (Psych)

Media Studies and Adolescent Mental Health

Lyanna Tran, BS/BA (c) CNP Intern (Biology/Psych)

Lyanna is a rising undergraduate senior at the University of California, Santa Cruz, double majoring in Biology B.S. and Psychology B.A. She has been immersed in preventative healthcare for female hormonal health and brain development throughout her studies. Aspiring to be a pediatric neurologist, she has served as a research assistant, investigating misophonia and genetic variants in pediatric cancer patients. Lyanna is excited to support the CNP team and hopes to contribute to the development of NP resources for underserved communities.
Lyanna Tran, BS/BA (c) – CNP Intern (Biology/Psych)
Lyanna Tran, BS/BA (c)

CNP Intern (Biology/Psych)

Female Nutrition and Mental Health

Annika Romero, BA (c) CNP Intern (Psych/Literature)

Annika Romero is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in Intensive Psychology and Literature. She currently serves as an officer of UCSC’s Psi Chi chapter and is a member of the Symposium Committee. Annika is a Research Assistant in UCSC’s Diversity in Development Lab, where she supports research on how children learn to socially navigate the world. With experience as a behavioral technician, health support worker, and peer mentor for transfer students, she is committed to supporting underserved communities and advancing the accessibility and inclusivity of psychological knowledge. Annika is particularly passionate about the relationship between the gut microbiome and the brain, and is excited to contribute to CNP’s mission by exploring how dietary intake influences mental health.
Annika Romero, BA (c) – CNP Intern (Psych/Literature)
Annika Romero, BA (c)

CNP Intern (Psych/Literature)

Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis

ARTICLE REVIEWERS

CNP’s article reviewers all articles published on the CNP website for conceptual and evidence-based accuracy. Should you have expertise in a nutritional psychology-related content area and wish to serve as a reviewer please contact editor@nutritional-psychology.org.