Kate Gerweck, MS, RD, LD

Division Section of Public Health Nutrition Practice and SNAP-Ed Director

Kate Gerweck graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and completed a combined Master of Science degree in dietetics and dietetic internship from D’Youville College. She has more than a decade of practice experience including acute and outpatient pediatric nutrition care with a focus on renal disease, and adult acute, outpatient and subacute nutrition care. Her experience has spanned the lifecycle and provided a more robust understanding of the nutrition issues facing our communities. Kate has two young children that are very busy, but in her free time she enjoys watching movies, walking, and camping.

Crystal Connor, MS, RD, LD

Nutritionist

Crystal Connor graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in food science and human nutrition with an emphasis in dietetics. During her undergraduate experience, she completed a public health certificate. She completed her dietetic internship at Oregon State University with a concentration in community and primary care nutrition practice. Crystal is a member of the Public Health/Community Nutrition, a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recently completed her Master of Science degree in human nutrition online through the University of Alabama. In her free time, Crystal enjoys trying new recipes, taking pictures, hiking, and traveling.

Gale Housley, MS

Community Enhancement Coordinator

Gale Housley graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in public health and a minor in psychology with dual leadership distinctions in professional civic engagement and research. She earned her Master of Science degree in human nutrition from Winthrop University. Gale is a personal trainer and certified pharmacy technician. Her love for nutrition and health afforded her an opportunity to work with health centers and pharmacies to advocate for patient medical needs; as a Nutritionist II, team lead at the Lowcountry WIC program, she served women, infants, and children. Her future aspirations are to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and to earn her doctorate in psychology and neuroscience. In her spare time, she is a professional wrestler and referee. She enjoys anything regarding athletics and once participated in a successful Guinness World Record attempt for most users to complete a remote 10k in 24 hours.

Kaci Herrington-Garrett, BS

SNAP-Ed Program Evaluator/SNAC Liasion

Kaci Herrington-Garrett graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing and Literature. She has 20 years of experience serving South Carolina’s children and families. Prior to joining DHEC, she worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services for nearly 18 years administering the SNAP/TANF programs. She has extensive knowledge regarding State and Federal SNAP/TANF policies and procedures and looks forward to transferring that knowledge into her new role with the SNAP-Ed Team.  Kaci has a passion for serving South Carolinians and has dedicated her professional life to helping improve the well-being of others. She is a dedicated wife and mother of two daughters, and her two fur daughters. Kaci enjoys being with her family, reading, writing, and watching documentaries in her spare time.

Genine Hodges, BS

SNAP-Ed Program Manager

Genine Hodges graduated from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer sciences with a concentration in child development. She has over 20 years of experience in program administration, federal grant writing, state and federal nutrition education policy, child development, and social service. Genine has extensive experience in marketing, program management, and expanding food and nutrition programs through coordinated efforts to reach the most vulnerable populations. Prior to joining DHEC, Genine administered the SC State SNAP-Education Program at the SC Department of Social Services. She provided training and technical assistance to local SNAP-Ed agencies, developed a statewide fruit and vegetable market project, managed the Healthy Bucks Incentive Program, SNAP Outreach, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. She is a devoted wife, and proud mother of one son and two fur babies (dog and cat). In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and painting.

Michelle Jones, MS, RD, LD

Nutritionist

Michelle Jones is a registered dietitian with over three decades of experience in public health and community nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics from Louisiana Tech University.

Michelle is passionate about educating the community about proper nutrition, health, and wellness. She has developed and implemented nutrition education programs that have had a positive impact on the health of individuals and families. She is also a skilled communicator and public speaker who can effectively convey complex nutrition information in a clear and concise manner.

Michelle is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

Kayleigh Locke, BS

Nutrition Education Specialist

Originally from Northern Virginia, Kayleigh Locke graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor's degree in food service management. During her time at university, she completed an externship at The Homestead Resort and studied abroad in Switzerland and Italy for a month. After graduating, Kayleigh spent 15 years working in various culinary and management roles within the food service industry. She has a passion for traveling—having visited 13 countries and counting—, volunteering at The Harriet Hancock Center, cooking with friends, and trying new things.

Samantha Meneses, BA

Nutrition Education Specialist

Samantha graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health. During her undergraduate experience, she worked alongside the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock football team as a Performance Nutritionist for two years. Samantha is motivated by her desire to help others through her education and prior experience.  

The daughter of a first-generation Colombian immigrant, Samantha is proud of her heritage and seeks opportunities for engagement. Samantha enjoys watching sports, especially football, cooking homemade pasta, authentic Colombian dishes and spending time with her fiancé, dog and two cats. 

Kia Muse, BS

Administrative Assistant

Kia Muse graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and hospitality management. Kia is a certified ServSafe Manager. Her focus in high school was business preparation. In 1989, when Kia started working for her hometown's local caterer, she had no idea that background would set her up for nothing but success. Kia's experience in both administration and culinary arts has allowed her to go into preschools to introduce fresh fruit and vegetables to children and assist with cooking classes. Kia enjoys watching sports, movies, crafts, and socializing with her friends and family. Most of all, Kia loves spending time with her five wonderful children and three beautiful granddaughters.

Leah Price, MS, RD, LD

Nutritionist

Leah Price graduated from Winthrop University with a Bachelor of Science degree in human nutrition with an emphasis in dietetics. Leah also completed her Master of Science in human nutrition through Winthrop University, including a dietetic internship. She accepted her first job as a registered dietitian with the SNAP-Education Program at DHEC and loves being able to empower others through nutrition education. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time with friends, traveling to the Midwest for quality time with family, experimenting with new recipes, practicing yoga, and paddle boarding.

Hope Thiel, BS

Nutrition Education Specialist

Hope Thiel graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics. During her time in college, she competed as a track and field athlete, earning All-American honors. Hope was also involved in the university’s THRIVE program: a program designed to teach life skills to students who have special needs. Hope grew up in rural Kansas where she learned the value of good food and nutrition from her mother. She is excited to share her knowledge of cooking and nutrition with the South Carolina community. She is passionate about health literacy and nutrition equity. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, brewing kombucha, exploring new restaurants, and traveling. 

Farrah Wigand, RDN, LD, CSOWM

Nutritionist

Farrah Wigand graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and completed her dietetic internship at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Farrah is a Certified Specialist in Obesity Weight Management (CSOWM). Her practice experience includes nutrition care in the hospital, weight management nutrition counseling, private practice, and business. Farrah enjoys spending time with her husband and two very active children. In her free time, she loves to cook, exercise, and socialize with her friends and family.