We’re thrilled to announce our newest Dr. Yum Project board member, Dr. Caree J. Cotwright.

Sometimes, the people who eventually become part of your life begin as people you simply hope you’ll get the chance to meet.

Several years ago, when Heidi DiEugenio and I were part of the Partnership for a Healthier America’s Veggies Early & Often campaign, we heard Caree speak and share her knowledge as a dietitian and researcher at the University of Georgia. She was compelling, warm, incredibly knowledgeable, and had that rare ability to make the science of nutrition feel both important and accessible. We looked at each other and thought, “We have to meet her.”

When we finally did, we quickly discovered a shared passion: helping young children build healthy relationships with food by teaching, rather than simply telling them what to eat.

As we began thinking more seriously about research, Caree generously shared her knowledge and perspective with us. What began as conversations about childhood nutrition soon became monthly conversations, and then a fast friendship. We talked about research and the science of nutrition, but we also talked about the very human challenge of balancing meaningful work with family life.

One of our favorite memories is when Caree was traveling near Fredericksburg and stopped by the Dr. Yum Project teaching kitchen with her family. While we talked, her kids explored our garden and picked strawberries. It was one of those moments when the work we care so deeply about and the people we care about came together in the sweetest way.

We have had the privilege of watching Caree’s remarkable journey, from seeing her as a gifted teacher and researcher, to watching her take her expertise and extraordinary communication skills to the USDA, where she helped advance nutrition security and address food inequity on a national scale.

Now back at UGA, Caree is returning to her research, and we are incredibly fortunate that she is bringing her talents, curiosity, and vision to the Dr. Yum Project. As a board member, Caree is already helping us think bigger. She is helping lead a research project with the Dr. Yum Adventure that will explore some of the ways the program may influence teachers, food service professionals, and children beyond nutrition itself, including the skills, confidence, and experiences that can grow when we give children opportunities to learn about food in meaningful ways.

Caree brings an extraordinary combination of science, research, storytelling, creativity, and heart to everything she does. But for us, having her on our board is about more than her impressive résumé. It is about having a dear friend and fellow believer in the power of early childhood education alongside us as we continue to grow the Dr. Yum Project.

We are so proud and so grateful to welcome Dr. Caree J. Cotwright to our board.

We can’t wait to see what we discover together.

To learn more about Dr. Cotwright's impressive work see Our Team Page.