Executive Director

Amy Freel is the Executive Director of the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association. Amy was a founding member of ASPDA in 2010 and served on the Executive Board for four years. During her time on the Board, Amy worked as the Annual Conference Chair. She was awarded the ASPDA Excellence Award in 2016. During her time on the Executive Board, Amy was the first registered dietitian to serve as an Ad Hoc member of the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) for two years.

Amy spent six years at Indiana University (IU) developing a comprehensive nutrition program to improve IU student-athletes' training, performance, and recovery. She was promoted to Senior Assistant Athletic Director for Sport Medicine and Sport Performance in May 2014 and oversaw sports medicine, sports nutrition, and sport psychology services for all Hoosier athletes. Before her time at IU, she built the same program at Virginia Tech from 2002-2010. Amy was the fifth full-time Sports RD in collegiate athletics and is passionate about creating full-time Sports RD positions in college and professional programs.

She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ball State University, where she competed in intercollegiate gymnastics for four years. Amy and her husband, Mike, have four children, Ben, Matt, Ashley, and Luke.

Chief Operating Officer

Kim Byer is the Chief Operating Officer for the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association, and was previously the Director of Marketing and Membership. She focuses on elevating ASPDA’s brand awareness, member engagement and partnership opportunities.

Prior to joining the ASPDA staff in 2018, Kim spent three years at Florida State University’s Donald L. Tucker Civic Center working for Spectra Venue Management. She began her career as the Group Sales & Premium Services Manager, then later transitioned into the marketing department, ultimately being promoted to Director of Marketing for the facility. 

Kim received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. During her four undergraduate years, she was a member of the women’s soccer program, going on to captain and win a NCAA Division II National Championship her senior year.  She then stayed to complete her Master’s Degree in Business while continuing with the women’s soccer program as an Assistant Coach for two seasons.

Kim resides outside of Phoenix, AZ, with her husband, Nick, and son, Weston.

Marketing Manager

Allison Hamilton is the Marketing Manager for ASPDA. She is new to the sports nutrition industry and previously worked in marketing for a commercial HVAC manufacturing rep. She specializes in video and digital marketing and is passionate about creative storytelling. Allison has a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Emory & Henry College where she produced a student documentary focusing on a study abroad trip to Cuba. She is originally from Roanoke, Virginia, but currently lives in North Carolina. She enjoys reading, adventuring, and spending time with her husband Jake and their dog Charlie.

Member Service Manager

Michele Nichols is the Member Service Manager for the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association. Originally from Buffalo, NY, her extensive background spans sports, nutrition, and nonprofit management.

She began her career with the NFL Players Association in Washington, DC. After moving to Pittsburgh, PA, Michele focused her career and education on physical activity and health programming. In 2009, she began volunteering with Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R) for the Pittsburgh Marathon, which led her to become P3R’s youth programming manager. Over the next decade, she developed and managed P3R’s Kids of STEEL program, which promoted physical activity and nutrition among youth. During her time with the program, Kids of STEEL was honored as the 2015 Youth Program of the Year by Running USA. In 2018, she pursued her Master’s degree while working as a research coordinator for a study focusing on family support for people with diabetes.

Michele received her undergraduate degree in Sports Behavior from West Virginia University and her Master’s in Physical Activity and Health Programming and Promotion from the University of Pittsburgh. She lives near Pittsburgh with her family and enjoys yoga, reading, and a great cup of coffee.

Events & Education Manager

Megan Hillabrand is the Events & Education Manager for the American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association and brings a wealth of experience in association work, education, and event planning.

She was born and raised across Nebraska and continues to enjoy "The Good Life" in Lincoln. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in education and has worked with a wide range of learners — from high school social studies students to surgical residents. Over the past decade, Megan has built her career in the association world, leading professional development initiatives for school administrators. She is passionate about creating accessible, high-impact learning experiences and building strong professional communities. Megan is excited to bring her experience to support ASPDA's mission and members.

Sports Nutrition Immersion Program (SNIP) Coordinator

Allison Mankowski is the Coordinator of the Sports Nutrition Immersion Program (SNIP). She was the Performance Dietitian for Eastern Michigan University from 2011-2022, where she spent 11 years developing the performance nutrition department and was the first full-time performance dietitian for the Mid-American Conference. 

She is currently the owner of a nutrition counseling practice specializing in treating athletes with eating disorders and has also served as a consultant dietitian for the Detroit Lions, as well as many local gyms, clubs, high schools and universities. Allison is a recurring guest lecturer for the University of Michigan Medical School, School of Kinesiology and School of Public Health. She served on the ASPDA Conference Planning Committee from 2021-2024. Allison completed her undergraduate degree in Movement Science at the University of Michigan, where she was a 4 year member of the varsity cheerleading team. She received her MPH in Human Nutrition/Dietetics and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.

Allison currently resides near Detroit, MI with her husband and two kids. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors and attending sporting events with her family. As a lifelong athlete, she continues to stay active in biking, running, yoga and hiking, as well as serving as director for a youth cheerleading program.

Sports Nutrition Immersion Program (SNIP) Coordinator

Becky joined ASPDA in May 2026 and is currently the lead dietitian at Be Well Kentucky and Louisville Center for Eating Disorders. Previously she was the Senior Director of Sports Nutrition at Louisville Athletics, where she has worked since 2016.  She holds degrees from Virginia Tech and Johnson & Wales University and lives in Louisville with her husband and two sons. Life outside of work is filled with pee wee sports, zoo trips, and all things monster trucks thanks to her kids. Becky enjoys running, trying new recipes, shopping, and traveling.