July 1, 2013
2013 Candidates for WWA At-Large Board
Representatives
Summary of work experience and interest in the Board position, submitted by
the candidate:
Amber France, BS, MS, IBCLC
Current Position:
Wood County WIC Project 51, Nutrition & Lactation Program Supervisor
Education and Experience:
I am the Nutrition & Lactation Program Supervisor at the Wood County Health
Department and have been working with the Health Department and WIC for 6 years. I
have a B.S. in dietetics from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, an M.S. degree
in nutrition education from Rosalind Franklin University, have completed the NWA
Leadership Academy in cohort 1, and am currently pursuing my MPH through Concordia
University. I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I am
involved in numerous coalitions and workgroups locally and state-wide. I am the vicechair of the Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition, chair of the Wood County Breastfeeding
Coalition, on the Wisconsin Obesity Prevention Network Leadership Team, and currently
an at-large board member for WWA.
Interest as an At-Large Member:
I am interested in staying on as an at-large member of the WWA, because I love the
involvement and advocacy piece of upcoming issues/changes to the WIC program. I see
a need for advocacy, outreach, and camaraderie within the separate WIC projects
throughout the state and would like to help bring them together to have a strong voice in
WIC issues/changes. I think it is important to share and learn from other WIC projects,
so that each WIC project can run at their highest potential: implementing new strategies,
learning what has already been done and what works, getting fresh new ideas on the
table. I have been part of pulling this all together by updating and maintaining the WWA
website over the past 2 years. Being able to stay on as an at-large member, would allow
me to continue to take part in helping keep the Wisconsin WIC Program effective and
efficient by mobilizing communication between projects and supporters.
Becky R. Litwaitis, RD, CD, CLS
Current Position:
City of Milwaukee Health Department, Project 52, WIC Health Project Coordinator
Education and Experience:
University of WI Green Bay B.S. in Human Biology with Nutrition emphasis and dietetic
internship
Certified Lactation Specialist
City of Milwaukee Health Department Wellness Committee Co-Chair
City of Milwaukee Lets Move Committee member
I have been with the City of Milwaukee Health Department WIC Program since 2000. I
worked as a Nutritionist and Breastfeeding Coordinator, and for the last three years have
been the WIC Health Project Coordinator.
Interest in the At Large Position:
I am interested in becoming an At-Large Board Member of the WWA because I would
like to be part of an organization that supports the local projects and helps to make them
stronger so the State WIC Program becomes stronger as a result. During these tough
economic times, it is important that WIC continues to be a resource to those who need it.
And it is important that WIC becomes even more visible in the community so our clients
and others know that we are truly “Here For You.”
Cheryl Davies, R.D., CLS
Current Position:
WIC Nutritionist/Breastfeeding Coordinator City of West Allis WIC Program 1993 to
present.
Education and Experience:
B.S. Dietetics-University of WI Madison.
Coordinated Undergraduate Program 1986
Graduate Certificate in Core Public Health Concepts- University of North Carolina 2010
Carroll University-Master’s Candidate in Community Health Education
Certified Lactation Specialist
Milwaukee County Breastfeeding Coalition member
City of Wauwatosa Board of Health Member
West Allis/West Milwaukee Breastfeeding Coalition member
Coordinator of Obesity workgroup, Communication workgroup for City of West Allis
Wisconsin WIC Association Member-at Large October 2011-present
Representative to Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards
Previous work experience includes clinical dietitian with the MI Department of
Corrections, St. Lawrence Community Hospital; Family Health Plan; Community
dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with the Central Ohio Diabetes Association.
Interest in the At Large Position:
I am interested in being a part of WWA to continue to advocate for a strong WIC
program for the residents of Wisconsin. Over the past 20 years of being involved in WIC
I have seen the growth that has occurred in our program thanks to strong support at the
Federal level because we have data that shows that WIC works. At the same time, the
level of food insecurity that our families are experiencing continues to escalate along
with the number of health and social problems. WIC is an important resource for these
families and I want to make sure we continue to be strong. We must continue to evolve
to support the most current nutrition and health recommendations for a healthier
Wisconsin.