Edward Bitok, DrPH, RDN

Edward Bitok, DrPH, RDN

Nutrition and Dietetics Department Chair

As young man growing up in Kenya, Edward often found himself in trouble with his father for “spending too much time in the kitchen” instead of outdoors working on the farm. Little did his father know that Edward's interest in food preparation would eventually lead to a career in Nutrition and Dietetics. He completed a double major in Food and Nutrition and Clothing and Textile from the University of Eastern Africa, and in 2008 he joined LLU where he completed a Masters degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and a Doctorate in Public Health Nutrition.

Cory Gheen MS, RDN, CEC, CCE

Cory Gheen MS, RDN, CEC, CCE

Executive Chef, Assistant Professor

Chef Cory is a food service expert with over 30 years of experience and a lifelong curiosity about the culinary arts. A professionally trained culinarian, he has worked in a broad range of food facilities including some of the finest kitchens in the Napa Valley. He now brings his passion into the classroom to inspire curiosity about food.  Teaching in the Coordinated Program for Nutrition & Dietetics since September of 2008 in Culinary and Food Systems Management topics, he holds the level of Assistant Professor. Cory received the SAHP Faculty Recognition Award in 2021 for his interactive and engaging teaching methodology, as well as his service to the school.

Cindy Kosch MS, RD, CNSC

Cindy Kosch MS, RD, CNSC

Assistant Professor

Cindy Kosch completed both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Loma Linda University. She joined the Nutrition and Dietetics department faculty in 1987 after working as a clinical dietitian with patients on oral diets and as a Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian serving patients on enteral formulas and parenteral solutions. She previously held positions of department chair and program director. She currently enjoys her post as an Assistant Professor, which includes teaching and mentoring various student research projects.

Lesley Ann Foster-Nicholas, DrPh, MPH, RDN

Lesley Ann Foster-Nicholas, DrPh, MPH, RDN

Assistant Professor

Lesley Ann holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Public Health in Health Education and Health Promotion from Loma Linda University. She recently completed her DrPH in Public Health Nutrition at Loma Linda University. Lesley has been a Registered Dietitian for the past 20 years. Prior to completing her doctoral studies, Lesley Ann worked in several areas of Dietetics in Trinidad and Tobago and in California, USA. In addition to this Lesley Ann worked extensively with the Seventh Day Adventist church and the Nutrition and Dietetics Board in Trinidad & Tobago. She has keen interest in Public Health Nutrition, Oncology, Fertility Nutrition and Maternal and Child nutritio

JeJe Noval, PhD, MS, RDN, LD, CLT, IFNCP, CGN

JeJe Noval, PhD, MS, RDN, LD, CLT, IFNCP, CGN

Assistant Professor

JeJe Noval is a registered dietitian. After graduating from Loma Linda University in Nutrition and Dietetics, JeJe worked for San Bernardino County Medical Center and then at Loma Linda University Medical Center as a Clinical Dietitian. During the last six years of working at LLUMC, JeJe transitioned to teaching part time for Loma Linda University's School of Allied Health Professions Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Then JeJe completed her masters in clinical nutrition from Rosalind Franklin University and a PhD in education from Northcentral University, specializing in e-learning and teaching online. Currently JeJe works full time for LLU’s SAHP as an Assistant Professor. JeJe also has a tele-health private practice where she helps clients resolve their hormone and GI discomfort with an integrative and functional approach.

Kyndra Woosley, MS, RD, CLEC

Kyndra Woosley, MS, RD, CLEC

Assistant Professor

Kyndra Woosley is a registered dietitian and an Assistant Professor in the SAHP Department of Nutrition & Dietetics (N&D). Kyndra graduated in June of 2011 with her BS & MS in Nutrition. She started her first job at Department of PH Riverside County WIC. She then held a grant position at Palm Springs USD where she provided in-home nutrition counseling and education. In 2013, Kyndra worked as the Clinical Coordinator at LLU N&D. She started teaching full-time in 2016. Kyndra is currently teaching the Introduction to Clinical course, Nutrition Through Life Stages, Professional Issues, Contemporary Issues in the Dietetic Profession, and the Community Nutrition course. She is also specialized in lactation education with her CLEC, and gut health as a CGN.

Mary K. Becker

Mary K. Becker

Administrative Assistant

Mary K. Becker is the Administrative Assistant to the Nutrition and Dietetics Department. She received her Bachelors degree in Medical Secretarial from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Her primary responsibility is administrative support to the Department Chair/Program Director, Faculty, and Students.