About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Dietitian and Social Worker Consortium is to educate and support CF care providers to promote optimal nutrition and psychosocial care to people with CF.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to:

optimize networking through opportunities for professional engagement.
increase knowledge of evidence-based practices in cystic fibrosis by offering access to resources and educational opportunities.
support RD and SW leadership and development by providing opportunities for professional presentations, advanced skills training, and certification.

How We Started

History of the Consortium

The consortium had its beginnings in 1990s as a way for the 6 CF centers in Ohio to connect and collaborate. Through the years that group evolved and large group meetings dissolved, but Ohio RD meetings continued (OH RDs continue to meet annually).

The evolution of the CF RD SW Consortium:

•Ohio CF Center consortium

•Ohio CF RD consortium

•Midwest CF RD consortium (50 attendees) in Chicago

•Midwest CF RD and SW consortium

•CF RD and SW consortium

•CF RD and SW North American consortium (Canadian attendees)

•Expanded to 155 registrants

•First Aussie attendee!

•COVID delay x 2 years, but we’re back!

2022 marks the first year the the CF Dietitian and Social Work Consortium is a stand-alone non-profit entity.

2023 marks our first year offering 'advanced nutrition' class to nutrition mentors

Board Members

Terri Schindler

Board Member

I live in Cleveland Ohio, and have been working in CF for over 30 years at 3 different CF centers.

I have an adult daughter who has CF. She is usually behind the scenes helping me at the consortium meeting each year. She has taught me courage and strength; I am always learning from her as well as others with CF and their families. I am also very grateful for the amazing, supportive CF community, especially dietitians and social workers. They are the unsung heroes of the CF community.

I love animals, and have been volunteering for over 5 years at the local dog shelter.

I love to read, travel and meet new people. I don’t like watching tv, movies, or cooking, and especially don’t like baking. I love Tabasco sauce, but hate mushrooms, sour cream and candy corn.

Kay Vavrina

Board Member

I live in San Antonio, TX and have worked in CF for about 15 years. I have been at my current center for almost 10 years. I don’t have any kids but I do have a husband and a dog. In my free time, I like to read and make crafty things. I’ve been taking oil painting classes for the last year. I used to like to cook but then I realized that I don’t like cleaning up and I don’t really like chopping vegetables so I only really cook on the weekends now. (Bad Dietitian!) I like to travel also and do that as much as possible. I love all wine, except chardonnay and a good G&T. Spaghetti is my favorite food. I hate the spice cumin and blue cheese tastes like dirt. My professional passions are taking care of people with CF and advancing the practice of RDs.

Shayla Wilson

Board Member

Shayla Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Social in the pediatric setting. Completing both the social work and mental health coordinator role at the center for over 7 years. Shayla is an entrepreneur, a mental health and lifestyle blogger, and content creator who resides in Austin TX., by way of Oklahoma City Ok, with a pit stop in New Orleans La, WHODAT. A wife, and mother to a funny, loud, sweet and loving toddler.

Her passion for strong advocacy and inclusivity for all led her to social work where she has expanded the support access to the community of mental health, and mentoring new social workers. When boundaries are in full effect, (outside of work) Shayla enjoys, being outside with her active toddler, cycling, enjoying a farmers market, and exploring Austin’s City limits.

Kim Altman

Board Member

I was born and raised in NY, and still work in NY, but live in NJ. I have worked with people with CF since becoming a dietitian 22 years ago at multiple peds and adult CF centers in NJ, Boston and NY. I have been at the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at Columbia University in NYC for the last 12 years. I am very involved with the Greater NY CFF – participating in most of the local events and as a member of the board. I am a facilitator with the CFF nutrition mentoring program, on the NACFC program planning committee, and have been a dietitian mentor for many years. I love to bake, but need to bake for others so I don’t eat it all! J I rescued my fur baby Reagan in November 2020 and can’t imagine not coming home to her wagging tail and cuddles!

Shari Willy

Board Member

Shari Willy is a registered dietitian with twenty-five years of experience as a nutrition professional. With over fifteen years dedicated to the care of people with cystic fibrosis, Shari has worked with both adult and pediatric patients and their families. Currently, she is the coordinator and dietitian in a pediatric care center. Additionally, Shari volunteers with the Kentucky/West Virginia Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as vice chair of the board and committee chair for the annual gala. She maintains education, advocacy, and matters of public health as guiding principles for her career and philanthropy pursuits.

Shari resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband and son. A very fluffy cat and an athletic dog round out the household. She enjoys an active lifestyle with traveling, hiking, cycling, and pickleball as favorite hobbies. Shari is always up for a fancy party, bourbon tasting, and cheering her Purdue Boilermakers to victory.

Marci Johnson

Board Member

Hi! My name is Marci Johnson and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I work as the Mental Health Coordinator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I have been working with the CF Population for past 5 years. Prior to my current role, I worked as a medical social worker and also in behavioral health for several years. I currently co- facilitate a Peer Consultation Group with the CFF. I also am involved with my hospital’s APAN (Asian Pacific American Network) group at the hospital.

I have lived in the Columbus, Ohio area my whole life but love to explore new places and love to meet new people. In my personal time- I love to bake, spend time with my family, especially my nephews, and read. I love to spend time with others, but also value some quiet time for self care. I strongly advocate for mental health and a strong work/life balance.