Feeding Minds, Fueling Futures through the Child and Adult Care Food Program

Jill Ladd joined USDA in September 2022 as the CACFP nutritionist within the Community Meals Policy Division at the National Office. Prior to joining USDA, Jill served for over a decade in Child Nutrition Program administration at the Kansas State Department of Education. She first discovered her passion for child nutrition while volunteering at a summer food service site in high school. Jill is a Registered Dietitian. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and completed her dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Jill also holds a Master of Public Health from Creighton University School of Medicine.

Crishna Hughes joined USDA in October 2022 as a Program Analyst within the Community Meals Policy Division, CACFP Branch at the National Office. Prior to joining USDA, Crishna spent three years as a CACFP Program Specialist at the D.C. State agency. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Management from the University of South Carolina. Crishna holds a Master of Public Health from Liberty University. Her background includes a wide range of professional work experiences in brand management and college athletics that led to a passion and career in child nutrition and wellness.

Danny Nolasco started working with Fort Bliss Child & Youth Services (CYS) in October 2009 as the first CYS Nutritionist for the installation. At Fort Bliss, he was exposed to the Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and started his career overseeing 5 centers.  The program has since grown to 10 centers. Danny earned a Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University (NMSU) where he also served as the Vice President of the NMSU Food and Nutrition Club. He completed his dietetic internship with Be Well Solutions with an emphasis in corporate wellness and disease prevention. Outside of his work at Fort Bliss, Danny works with youth athletes helping them improve their performance through nutrition.