Meet Our 2024 Presenters

Annmarie has 35 years of clinical nutrition experience including the last 27 years working as a renal dietitian, caring for both in-center and home dialysis patients in South Florida. Her career has included experience as a nutrition support dietitian, adjunct professor, dietetic intern preceptor, research coordinator and member of multiple advisory boards and speakers' bureaus. She is currently the Clinical Education Specialist for Pentec Health. 

Dr. Chigozie Uko is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner working with GA Nephrology in Lawrenceville, GA. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, a Master of Science degree in Nursing with specialty in Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctoral Degree in Nursing Practice from Missouri State University. Dr. Uko’s clinical areas include inpatient and outpatient settings as well as virtual medicine. She has vast experience in primary care and nephrology, managing patients with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, end stage kidney disease, as well as post renal transplant care. 

Working as a dietitian for a decade, Maiya serves as the Renal Therapy Educator for Patient Care America. First and foremost, as a clinician, she is dedicated to helping people improve their quality of life through improved nutrition. Currently, she does this by digging into the research; looking at all the nitty-gritty details related to nutrition, the body, and renal disease; and brings all that information to renal healthcare professionals to improve their nutrition practice and provide continuing education hours.

Patti graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in food and dietetics and is celebrating 33 years as a Registered Dietitian. She started her dietetics career in acute care, long term care, and consulting until she discovered the world of renal. Patti worked as a Renal Dietitian for 15 years for various independent dialysis companies and eventually DaVita where she was the Region Point Dietitian. She is currently a Senior Account Executive for Pentec Health. Patti is married to her husband of 32 years, Henry, and they have 2 grown daughters and 1 grandson. When she isn’t working, she enjoys being outdoors near the water and spending time with her family.

As a Registered Dietitian, Kesha has a decade of experience in the field of nephrology. Presently, she plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life at DaVita Dialysis. Kesha successfully owned and operated her own business. She is a Certified Abundant Life Coach, an Amazon best-selling author, and a captivating speaker known for her infectious enthusiasm and zest for life.

Kesha's academic journey took her to the University of Georgia and Virginia State University, laying a strong foundation for her multifaceted career in healthcare and wellness. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kesha is a passionate advocate for holistic well-being and embodies a philosophy of living life to its fullest.

Caitlin Waddle is a pediatric dietitian with over 8 years of clinical experience with expertise in pediatric feeding disorders, food allergy and weight management. She has served on The Public Policy Committee for The Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 2020 and her focus has been Georgia Medicaid advocacy for dietitians. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.