Session Format: In Person

Home & Alternate Site Care Section Forum: Emerging Challenges in Home Nutrition Support

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 15, 2026

12:45 PM – 2:00 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

This session will focus on clinician impact, patient access, and system level solutions that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice.

The section chair-elect will conduct a brief section business meeting, introduce the section leadership council, and share section plans for 2026.

Discussion will then move into round tables with subject matter experts available to discuss:

  • Managing change in parenteral nutrition with proactive solutions
  • Managing change in enteral nutrition with proactive solutions

 

The forum will conclude with an open discussion of the state of home nutrition support led by the round table subject matter experts.

Topics & Presenters

Roundtable Speaker

Vicki Emch
MS, RD

Area Vice President of Clinical Operations and Sales Support

Aveanna Healthcare Medical Solutions

Denver, CO

Roundtable Speaker

Joy Ann Vaught
MS, RD, LD

Regional Vice President

Enteral Nutrition and Speech Generating Devices, Lincare

Austin, TX

Roundtable Speaker

Jessica Younkman
RD, CNSC

Clinical Nutrition Manager

Soleo Health

Herndon, VA

Roundtable Speaker

Cynthia Reddick
RD, CNSC

Home Tube Feeding Expert

Educator, and Strategist Consultant

Sacramento, CA

Roundtable Speaker

Dacyl Spillane
RD

Senior Manager

National Strategy, CVS Specialty

Philadelphia, PA

Roundtable Speaker

Allie Hoepker
RD, CNSC

Regional Clinical Specialist

Amerita, Inc.

Denver, CO

Moderators:

Amy Braglia-Tarpey

MS, RD, CNSC

Director

Nutrition Product Line , Amerita Specialty Infusion Services

Scottsdale, AZ

Research Section Forum: Mentorship Roundtables: Candid Guidance for Nutrition Careers

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

Course level:

Beginner/Intermediate

Pediatric Content Included

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

Back by popular demand, the Mentorship Forum! ASPEN’s Research Committee and Research Section have partnered once again to develop a forum focused on mentorship that will benefit both the mentor and mentee and those in clinical and research roles.

This forum focuses on the continuous development of mentorship practice, exploring how it drives personal and professional growth. The session will cover innovative strategies for expanding impactful mentor-mentee relationships. Participants will learn about the best practices for building professional relationships, setting goals, and adapting mentorship styles to different stages of career development.

 

Key topics include:

Finding the Right Mentor and Establishing an Effective Mentorship Relationship:
– Identifying mentor fit
– Setting expectations and goals
– Communication strategies
– Navigating early challenges

Transitioning from Mentee to Mentor:
– Recognizing readiness to mentor
– Managing dual roles
– Navigating power dynamics
– Sustaining mentorship relationships

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to enhance their mentorship practices and a deeper understanding of how mentorship can create long-term professional and personal success.

Topics & Presenters

Yimin Chen
PhD, RDN

Associate Professor of Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho

Moscow, ID
Charlene Compher
PhD, RD, LDN, FASPEN

Shearer Chair of Healthy Community Practices

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Professor of Nutrition Science; Director of Nutrition Programs

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Philadelphia, PA
Gail A.M. Cresci
PhD, RD, LD, FASPEN

Director of Nutrition Research, Center for Human Nutrition; Staff

Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition and Inflammation & Immunity, Cleveland Clinic

Associate Professor

Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH
Carrie Earthman
PhD, RD

Professor, Nutrition, Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences

University of Delaware

Newark, DE
Praveen Goday
MBBS

Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Director of the Nutrition and Feeding Programs

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Clinical Professor of Pediatrics

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH
Mary McCarthy
PhD, RN, FASPEN, FAAN

Nurse Scientist

Defense Health Agency

Tacoma, WA
Marina Mourtzakis
PhD

Professor and Associate Dean, Research

Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo

Health University Research Chair

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Moderators:

Salvatore Carbone

PhD, RDN, FHFSA, FASPEN

Associate Professor and Director

Nutrition Program, EVMS School of Health Professions

Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Strelitz Diabetes Center, EVMS Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA

Corey J. Hawes

DCN, RD, CSO, CNSC, FASPEN

Clinical Assistant Professor & Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Dietitian

DanceBlue Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Children's Hospital

Versailles, KY

Michele Nicolo

PhD, MS, RD, CDE, LDN

Assistant Professor

Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Pharmacy Practice Section Forum: Evidence Ages Well: Why Nutrition Support Pharmacists Still Matter

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

This interactive session will include the opportunity to:

  • Meet the leaders of the Pharmacy Practice Section
  • Celebrate fellow pharmacists who received ASPEN awards
  • Review the research submitted by the New Practitioner Award – Pharmacists Recipient
  • Network with other nutrition support pharmacists
Baxter

Topics & Presenters

Sarah Cogle
PharmD, BCCCP, BCNSP, FCCM, FASPEN

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist and Team Lead

Burn Critical Care/Nutrition Support, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, TN
Diana Mulherin
PharmD, BCNSP, BCCCP, FCCM, FASPEN

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Nutrition Support

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, TN

Medical Practice Section Forum: Roundtable Discussions on Obesity, NST in Complex Conditions, and Current Advances in the Management of Intestinal Failure

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

Join colleagues for an engaging Medical Practice Section Meeting designed for physicians and physician assistants specializing in clinical nutrition and nutrition support therapies. The round table discussions will include a discussion on obesity, NST in complex condition, and current advances in the management of intestinal failure.

This interactive session will feature:

  • Valuable networking opportunities
  • Dynamic roundtable discussions led by topic experts, providing a unique forum to exchange insights
  • Discussion and sharing of best practices
  • Exploration emerging trends in clinical nutrition and nutrition support
Abbott

Topics & Presenters

Roundtable Discussion: Obesity

Manpreet Mundi
MD, FASPEN

Professor of Medicine

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Roundtable Discussion: Obesity

Tirissa Reid
MD, DABOM

Clinical Medical Educator

Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition

Associate Professor

Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Endocrinology, New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New York, NY

Roundtable Discussion: Current Advances in the Management of Intestinal Failure

Stanislaw Klek
MD, PhD

Professor of Surgery, Head of the Surgical Oncology Clinic

Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Cancer Institute

Krakow, Malopolska, Poland

Roundtable Discussion: Current Advances in the Management of Intestinal Failure

Lindsey Russell
MD, MSc, CNSC, FRCPC

Gastroenterologist

Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, OH

Roundtable Discussion: Nutrition support in complex conditions

Jennifer Katz
MD, FACG, PNS

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Gastroenterology and Hepatology , NYU Langone Health

New York, NY

Roundtable Discussion: Nutrition support in complex conditions

Sara L. Bonnes
MD, FACP, FASPEN

Associate Professor of Medicine

College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Rochester, MN

Moderators:

Michael Owen-Michaane

MD, MA, CNSC

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Division of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Assistant Director of Medical Nutrition

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New York, NY

Vikram Christian

MD, CNSC

Assistant Professor

Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota Medical School

Director of Pediatric Endoscopy and Co-Director of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

University of Minnesota Medical School

Minneapolis, MN

Nutrition Support Nurses Section Forum: Exemplar in the Field of Nutrition Support Nurses

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

The Nutrition Support Nurses Section Forum will include a business meeting and the opportunity to:

  • Review exemplars of excellence in the field of nutrition support nursing
  • Celebrate highlights in nutrition support over the past year
  • Hear from award recipients
  • Network with other nutrition support RNs, APRNs, NPs, and PAs.

Topics & Presenters

Sandra Wolfe Citty
PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, FASPEN

Clinical Professor

College of Nursing, University of Florida

GRECC Research Nurse

North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

Gainesville, FL
Ajanta Raman
MSN, AGACNP, CNSC

Nurse Practitioner

Metabolic Support Services , University Health Truman Medical Center

Kansas City, MO, USA

Rhoads Research Lecture and Awards Ceremony: Dispelling Myths About Child Growth (T10)

General Session

Tanis R. Fenton
MHSc, PhD, RD, FDC

Join the 2026 Rhoads Research Lecture Award Recipient, Dr. Tanis Fenton for a lecture about dispelling myths about child growth.

Child growth assessments are a key component of public health surveillance as well as both individual health screening and clinical care. Normal growth should be defined differently for populations versus individuals, but guidelines for individuals have limitations. Dr. Fenton will review the strengths and weaknesses of current guidelines and make evidence-informed recommendations for improvements.

Read Biography

Dr. Tanis Fenton is a Registered Dietitian, Epidemiologist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. Dr. Fenton is the Dietitians of Canada Liaison for the Canadian Pediatric Society’s Nutrition Committee. She is best known for the growth chart she developed based on a need she saw for better growth charts for preterm infants when working clinically as a neonatal dietitian. Dr. Fenton is considered a thought leader for child growth assessments and has been invited to speak about growth and nutrition care around the world.

Date & Time:

February 17, 2026

7:45 AM – 9:00 AM PT

Format:

In Person & Virtual

CE Credits:

1.0 Hours

UAN: JA0002345-0000-26-044-L99-P

Course level:

Advanced

Pediatric Content Included

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

  • Summarize current guidelines for assessing overweight, underweight, wasting, stunting, and growth faltering
  • Analyze limitations when applying growth cut-points to individuals
  • Propose evidence-informed revisions to current growth cut-points
  • Describe how parent communications about growth can support responsive feeding while avoiding stigma

Topics & Presenters

Dispelling Myths About Child Growth

Tanis R. Fenton
MHSc, PhD, RD, FDC

Registered Dietitian, Epidemiologist, and Adjunct Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

Calgary, AB, Canada

ASPEN EXPO Opening Reception

Exhibit Hall

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

The ASPEN Expo offers attendees the opportunity to connect with more than 70 companies offering new insights into the latest research and innovation in the industry to enhance your practice. Visit exhibitors to learn about the latest news from industry leaders, receive clinical nutrition educational materials, and network with other attendees.

Neonatal Section Forum: Micronutrient Synergy: The Role of Zinc, Iron, and Copper in Preterm Infant Growth and Development (NNSF)

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

CE Credits:

1.0 Hours

UAN: JA0002345-0000-26-054-L99-P

Course level:

Intermediate

Pediatric Content Included

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

Join the Neonatal Section for a forum featuring experts in neonatal nutrition, with specialized knowledge in zinc, iron, and copper metabolism in preterm infants.

  • Describe the individual and synergistic roles of zinc, iron, and copper in preterm infant growth and neurodevelopment.
  • Explain how competition in absorption and utilization affects supplementation strategies.
  • Develop an evidence-based approach for assessing risk, supplementation, preventing deficiencies, and monitoring micronutrient status in preterm infants.
  • Integrate micronutrient-focused interventions into individualized NICU and post-discharge nutrition care plans to improve growth and developmental outcomes.
Mead Johnson Nutrition

Topics & Presenters

Micronutrient Synergy: The Role of Zinc, Iron, and Copper in Preterm Infant Growth and Development

Rachel Mills
RD, LD, CNSC

Pediatric Dietitian

Children's Health

Dallas, TX

Micronutrient Synergy: The Role of Zinc, Iron, and Copper in Preterm Infant Growth and Development

Andrea Adler
RD, CSPCC, LD

Advanced Practice Pediatric Dietitian

Pediatric Nutrition Support, Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital

Cleveland, OH

Moderators:

Sabrina Bierman

MS, RD, LD, CNSC

Pediatric Dietitian

Rady Children’s Hospital

San Diego, CA

Dietetics Practice Section Forum: Strengthening our Impact: Volunteering, Leadership, and Networking

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 14, 2026

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

This interactive session will include a general business meeting.

Topics to be discussed include:

  • Involvement of Dietitians in ASPEN – Highlighting various roles and committees
  • Sharing the benefits of volunteering with ASPEN
  • Networking Opportunities for Registered Dietitians
  • Share Your Experiences and Connect with Other Clinicians

Topics & Presenters

Stacy Pelekhaty
MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, FAND, FASPEN

Senior Clinical Nutrition Specialist

University of Maryland Medical Center

Baltimore, MD

Panelists

Ranna Modir
MS, RD, CNSC, CDCES, CCTD

Clinical Dietitian IV

Cardiac Transplant, MCS, VAD, Stanford Health Care

Stanford, CA
Jana Ponce
PhD, RD

Assistant Professor of Nutrition

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE
Federika Garcia
MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, CSO

Director, Clinical Programs – Nutrition and Wellness, Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System

Miami, Florida
Cassie Brown
MS, RD, LD, CNSC

Clinical Dietitian

Children's Health

Dallas, TX

Critical Care Section Forum: Metabolomics in Critical Care – Past, Present, and Future

Section Forum

Date & Time:

February 16, 2026

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM PT

Format:

In Person

session objectives:

What You'll Learn

Join the Critical Care Section as three experts discuss:

  • Defining metabolomics, an exciting field that offers deeper insight into disrupted metabolic pathways with potential applications in critical care
  • Use of metabolomics in acute and chronic critical illness to provide personalized and precise nutrition therapy
  • Differences between metabolomics and the notoriously inaccurate biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of malnutrition

Topics & Presenters

Metabolomics in Critical Care - Current State of the Art and Future Applications

Kenneth B. Christopher
MD, MS

Editor-in-Chief, JPEN

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition

Associate Physician

Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Division of Nutrition, Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

Metabolomics in Acute Critical Illness

Kris Mogensen
MS, RD-AP, LDN, CNSC

Team Leader Dietitian Specialist

Department of Nutrition, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, MA

Metabolomics in Chronic Critical Illness

Martin Rosenthal
MD, FACS, FASPEN

Associate Professor

Division of Acute Care Surgery, University of Florida Health

Director, Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Intestinal Rehab Service

Department of Surgery, University of Florida Health

Gainesville, FL

Moderators:

D. Dante Yeh

MD, MHPE, FACS, FCCM, FASPEN, CNSC

Chief of Emergency General Surgery

Denver Health

Professor of Surgery

Denver Health

Denver, CO

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