Lisa Haynes
Lisa has taken an indirect path to the field of dietetics. She earned her bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Princeton University and her master’s in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. After working in engineering for over a decade, volunteering as an EMT and ambulance driver for seven years,and then pursuing photography for more than ten years, Lisa decided to shift careers and formalize her long-held interest in nutrition. This interest was first sparked by her mother, who encouraged eating a variety of foods while avoiding anything that might be associated with cancer. Over the years, Lisa educated herself about nutrition as her own diet evolved from omnivorous to plant based. She also learned how dietary choices can impact health conditions affecting her family, including diabetes and heart disease. In 2021, Lisa returned to school to begin coursework in the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) which she completed in the spring of 2025. Highlights of her education included projects that explored multiethnic cooking methods while maintaining strong nutritional principles. In her spare time, Lisa cares for her spouse, teenager, and a big, fluffy dog. She also enjoys knitting and practicing yoga.
Daniel Roa Montalvo
Daniel was born and raised in Germantown, Maryland. He earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Dietetics from the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). His passion for nutrition grew from watching family members manage diabetes, hypertension, and other heart conditions. Wanting to understand more, he learned how nutrition plays a key role in managing these chronic diseases. Since then, he has been dedicated to helping others avoid similar challenges. Before starting at UMCP, Daniel earned an associate’s degree in Exercise Science and became an ACSM-certified personal trainer. While at UMCP, he volunteered as a Peer Nutrition Coach, supporting students, staff, and faculty with their nutrition goals. Outside of academics, Daniel enjoys fishing, exercising, cooking, and spending time with friends. Known for his charismatic nature and genuine care for others, he is committed to empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
