OUR TEAM

CAROL BANISTER

RD/LD, MS, CDE
Founder Banister Nutrition LLC

Carol is the owner and founder of Banister Nutrition LLC. She opened the doors in 1981 and has been a trailblazer in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas ever since.

After completing her nutrition and dietetics education at Kansas State University, Carol was recognized by her alma mater as Entrepreneur of the Year and served on the Kansas State alumni board for the College of Health and Human Sciences. She was president of the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and worked with the Oklahoma Eating Disorder Association as a pioneer in the field of eating disorders. Carol has also served on the internship board at Oklahoma State University.

As the founder and owner of Banister Nutrition, Carol spends a considerable amount of her time managing the practice, which continues to grow and thrive. She says she is elated about the outstanding quality of the Banister Nutrition team and the way everyone works together to provide excellent medical nutrition therapy to patients across the state. Everyone on the BN team is dedicated to the support of their patients, providers, and each other.

After 42 years in private practice, Carol still loves working with patients when time allows. Her approach with patients is unique because of the care she takes not only to understand their food choices, but also to understand the impetuses behind those choices. Food is the core of health, and for many people, food choices are guided by lifestyle and emotional factors.

Carol is a Certified Diabetes Educator, which is a great complement to the nutritional guidance she provides to patients with diabetes.

In her spare time, Carol enjoys biking, hiking, working in her flower beds, trail walking, or traveling. She says the things she enjoys most are spending time with her son and his family in Edmond, or her daughter and her family in Denver.

“On a daily basis I get to hear about and participate in the process of people making changes with thinking, self -talk, behaviors, food, nutrition and movement. They get happier, healthier, more energetic, and empowered. I will never in a million years tire of watching this transformation in the lives of those who have trusted us.”

—CAROL BANISTER

CASSIE COOK

RD/LD
Registered Dietitian

Cassie believes enjoyment and freedom with food leads to an overall higher quality of life. In a world full of misleading messages about what eating and exercising should look like, Cassie will guide you in a direction that best serves YOU and your lifestyle. Cassie offers a weight-neutral, non-diet approach in her sessions to empower her clients to make positive change in their lives. By using the Intuitive Eating approach (developed by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch), she will pave the way to reconnect with your body’s cues to gain confidence and peace with food again.

With several years of experience in the treatment of eating disorders, Cassie is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, and went on to complete her dietetic training and internship through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

When Cassie isn’t seeing patients, she’s likely spending time with her husband and three cats, Klaus, Benji, and Fergus. She and her husband, Dallas, love trying new restaurants around the Oklahoma City metro. Cassie also enjoys other activities like traveling, rock climbing, and cooking. She often travels back home to see her family and friends in Illinois where she grew up.

“Seeing a client develop a balanced relationship with food is my favorite part of what I do. In a world of mixed messages about health and nutrition, I love showing my clients that they can make positive changes without having to go to the extremes of restrictive dieting.”

—CASSIE COOK

JENNIFER GILLISPIE

MS, RD/LD, CNSC
Registered Dietitian

Jennifer’s love of nutrition grew naturally out of her lifelong interest in science and her passion for good food. She is committed to using the latest nutrition research, along with an empathetic approach, to help her patients achieve and exceed their personal health goals.

Jennifer completed her undergraduate degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Management at the University of Central Oklahoma and finished her time there by earning a master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science. After completing her clinical rotations, she accepted a position at OU Medical Center, where she specialized in critical care nutrition therapy in the hospital’s medical ICU.

Jennifer has worked extensively with all levels of nutrition support including feeding tubes, TPN, and electrolyte management and worked hard to obtain her credential as a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician.

From working in the ICU, Jennifer has seen first-hand the effects of untreated chronic disease and is passionate about providing individualized nutrition therapy to promote better health outcomes for her patients. No matter your nutrition needs, she will always strive to deliver the best care possible to support you in your personal health journey.

When not helping patients, Jennifer can be found taking walks with her dog, playing Scrabble with her husband, or enjoying a classic movie with a glass of wine in hand.

“My favorite part of working at Banister is getting to help my patients craft individual plans for success. Everyone’s health journey is unique, and I love helping people make sustainable changes today that lead to long-term benefits tomorrow.”

—JENNIFER GILLISPIE

JESSICA MCCARTNEY

MS, RD/LD
Registered Dietitian

Jessica’s love of nutrition started in college while studying the connection between diet, colon cancer and gut health. She received her bachelor’s degree in Molecular Nutrition at Texas A&M University. Her passion for nutrition led her to complete a Master’s degree in Nutrition Sciences at Texas Woman’s University and pursue a career in applied nutrition. After completing her Dietetic Internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, she went on to work with a variety of patients including pediatrics and critical care adults in the hospital setting.

As a Registered Dietitian, Jessica draws on her variety of nutrition experiences in the healthcare field to support and empower patients to obtain their goals. Jessica believes that collaborating with patients is the key to a life-long healthy relationship with food, while helping you achieve your nutrition-related goals.

Jessica’s love of being outside and active led her to complete an Ironman triathlon after many years as a distance runner. She also enjoys hiking, cooking and walking the neighborhood with her husband and son.

“I love being able to find innovative ways to help clients become more energetic and healthier while enjoying their food! Collaborating with clients in identifying and pursuing their nutrition goals is the most gratifying part of my job!”

—JESSICA MCCARTNEY

LAUREN NORTHCUTT

MS, RD/LD, CDE
Registered Dietitian

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

As a competitive high school athlete, Lauren realized her performance was impacted by her diet. As an avid runner who has run multiple marathons and half marathons, she understands the importance of fueling for performance. As a Registered Dietitian, she understands sincere compassion and accountability in supporting your journey to improved health.

Lauren graduated from Oklahoma State University with her bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences. Then went on to graduate with a Master of Science in Nutrition and completed her Dietetic Internship at the University of Central Oklahoma. Lauren has great experience working with a variety of diagnoses and patient populations. She is also Board-Certified in Diabetes Care and Education.

Lauren uses motivational interviewing to promote positive behavioral change by helping her patients explore outside the box when it comes to food and nutrition. Lauren knows food is vital for not only energy but also serves as a way we connect to others. It is the DNA of who we are.

Lauren has been actively involved with the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Board of Directors.

When Lauren is not at BN, she enjoys cooking for her family and friends, being active and indulging in self care. Lauren and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters, Piper and Presley, and a boxer pup, Diesel.

“I love to be creative and think outside the box. I get to do this with each of my patients and their unique lifestyle, challenges, and goals. Everyone is different, so of course, the best pathway to a healthier destination is different for everyone. Boredom never happens for me, I love this!”

—LAUREN NORTHCUTT

AUTUMN SISNEROS

MS, RDN, LD, CPXP
Registered Dietitian

With over 10 years of experience supporting the health and healing of individuals through medical nutrition therapy, Autumn believes in partnering with those who value personalized care resulting in positive, lasting change. Starting out in the acute care setting as a level-I burn and trauma dietitian, followed by specialized roles in oncology, weight management, and diabetes, she knows and understands first-hand the critical role of nutrition in the body.

Autumn completed her master’s degree and dietetic internship in nutritional sciences through Texas Tech University. In 2014 she was awarded the Texas Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year for her community involvement and contributions to the dietetics profession. She then went on to complete a Fellowship in Patient Centered Care, and more recently, became Board-Certified as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

In her advocacy work as the President of the Lubbock Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Autumn advanced her passion for research, policy work, and community education. She continues to challenge the current landscape of healthcare through public speaking engagements and community advocacy work. In her free time, Autumn loves to explore Oklahoma with her husband, Eric, and two children, Camden and Tatum. Whether it is finding a farmers’ market to browse, enjoying a local park or trail, or discovering a new restaurant, she believes there is always something to learn and appreciate from the people and world around us.

“My favorite part of partnering with individuals and families, is finding a way to use food to not only honor but celebrate individual needs and preferences in a way that fosters an authentic approach to healthy living.”

—AUTUMN SISNEROS

ANNIE THORP

MS, RD/LD
Registered Dietitian

Annie has worked with people of all ages and walks of life in achieving their nutrition and health goals. In the past she counseled families and individuals with a variety of health goals as the dietitian at a community health center in rural Oklahoma and the supervisor of their Women, Infants, and Children clinic. Following that she worked at a private practice on the East Coast counseling her patients and running a diabetes support group.

Annie attended the University of Central Oklahoma and graduated with her Masters of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Management. As someone who grew up enjoying cooking (and especially baking!) and was also intrigued to learn how food affects the human body, she decided to take a nutrition class in undergraduate, and from then on she was hooked! During her internship she knew she wanted to educate patients in an outpatient setting, and has since then deeply valued incorporating a therapeutic approach to nutrition practice.

Each of us is on our own journey at our own pace, and Annie considers it a joy to support and collaborate with her patients to find practical sustainable ways to achieve their unique goals. It is her passion to build a relationship with them based on trust and compassion.

In her free time, Annie loves soaking up Oklahoma’s bountiful sunshine with her family, taking walks or going to coffee with friends, singing and playing the piano, and reading Curious George and Narnia books with her four kiddos.

“I so enjoy watching things ‘click’ for people, whether it’s learning more about how their bodies work, or strategies that they find fit just right for them in their current moment.”

—ANNIE THORP

DAWN MAMER

Receptionist

As receptionist, Dawn’s role at Banister Nutrition is to communicate to our patients by word, deed, or attitude how much we value them. She believes that kindness is nourishment for the soul. Dawn has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and has worked in the service industry for the past three decades. She remains committed to serving others, either in service to her family, church, community or as the friendly face that greets patients for their visits.

“Good health begins with good nutrition. I love working in a place where the outlook is positive and the focus is on helping people feel and function better.”

—DAWN MAMER

KAREN STUMPE

Scheduler

As a scheduler, Karen loves working with patients to get them set up with our Registered Dietitians. She enjoys getting to know patients and answering any questions they may have about seeing an RD. Her bubbly and vibrant personality not only brings joy to the Banister Nutrition team but to our patients as well.

When Karen is not at Banister Nutrition, you can find her spending time with her husband Marv and their grandkids, at church, gardening, or cooking and baking.

“A good relationship between the patient and dietitian at BN starts with the first contact. I am fortunate to be one of those people. “Hearing” a smile from a patient, knowing that they are on the path to better health, is rewarding. I am blessed to be a part of the BN family.”

—KAREN STUMPE

MISTY REZNICEK

Practice Manager

As Office Administrator, Misty’s role at Banister Nutrition is twofold: First, to work behind the scenes managing those little details that assist the dietitians, front, and back-office staff, and patients to achieve their goals. Secondly, to communicate with our patients, help them with any questions or needs, and show them how much we value every one of them. She believes in showing kindness, gratefulness, and a loving heart in everything she does.

Misty has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Mid-America Christian University and is working toward her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in management in the medical field for over 20 years. In addition to loving spending time with her family, grandbabies, and friends, Misty enjoys painting, creating mosaics, crafting, sewing, and working in her flower garden. She loves working at Banister Nutrition because they are family-oriented, kind, fun, and friendly.

“It is great to be part of this team.”

—MISTY REZNICEK

RUTH SIMON

Student Intern

Ruth is currently a senior at the University of Central Oklahoma and pursuing an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her goal after graduation is to pursue a Master’s program in hopes of becoming an occupational therapist for pediatric patients. Ruth developed a passion for nutrition through her curiosity to learn about healthier preparation techniques that can help her family and church community in their preparation of cultural South Indian food. Looking from a patient’s perspective is what Ruth wants to do when helping her patients achieve healthy, strong lifestyles. She is blessed to be working with an amazing group of women who are compassionate about helping others, and she is excited to expand her knowledge in nutrition and patient care.

When Ruth is not busy with classes or helping with creative content for Banister Nutrition, you can find her serving in worship, media, or children’s ministry at her church, sipping on an iced latte while reading the Bible at a local coffee shop, or hanging out with friends or family eating takeout and enjoying pleasant conversations.

“Just as each part of the body does its own work, making the whole body grow and be strong with love, I believe that each position in the healthcare field plays a role in a patient’s journey to have a healthier and happier life. I am looking forward to this next season with Banister Nutrition for experience with patient interaction, knowledge about nutrition, and tips for growing relationships with my patients and co-workers.”

—RUTH SIMON