Our Team

Carol Banister, RD/LD, MS, CDE

Founder Banister Nutrition LLC

Carol is a Registered Dietitian and the 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 surrounding areas ever since.

She completed her Dietetic Internship at Kansas State University. She has been recognized by her alma mater as Entrepreneur of the Year and serves as an alumni board member for the College of Human Ecology. She served as the President of the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for many years and worked with the Oklahoma Eating Disorder Association as a pioneer in the field of eating disorders. Carol also serves on the internship board at Oklahoma State University.

What makes Carol’s practice so unique is the care she takes to understand not only your food choices but also the emotion behind your choices. Food is the core of your health, but for many of her patients, driving factors such as anxiety, stress, depression, and many emotional/mental health issues guide those choices.

During your initial appointment with Carol, don’t expect to be handed a rigid meal plan or list of food rules. Do expect to be met with a compassionate, motivational conversation.

Carol is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and Certified Pump Trainer. While she specializes in diabetes, she also works with eating disorders and weight management.

In her free time, Carol enjoys remaining active through cycling, hiking, yoga, working in her flower gardens, or attending a Bible study. She loves spending time with her son and family in Edmond and her daughter and 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.”

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 dog.

“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!”

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 a marathon and 15 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 is actively involved with the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and currently serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and Spring Convention Facility Chair.

When Lauren is not at BN, she enjoys cooking for her family and friends, running, barre, and yoga. Lauren and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters, Piper and Presley, and two boxer pups.

“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!”

Autumn Sisneros, MS, RDN, LD, CPXP

Registered Dietitian

With over 10 years of experience supporting the health and healing of individuals through person-centered nutrition care, 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 care, she knows and understands first-hand the critical role of nutrition in the body.

Autumn completed her Dietetic Internship and Master’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences through Texas Tech University and continued to serve the Lubbock community beyond patient care by providing reliable information to local news and media sources like Lubbock Magazine, Latino Lubbock, and KLBK’s Trends and Friends at 5, a live weekly cooking and entertainment segment discussing food trends and the art of healthy cooking. In 2014 she was awarded the Texas Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year for her contributions to the dietetics profession.

In addition to her clinical experience and community involvement, it is through her advocacy work as the President of the Lubbock Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that she advanced her passion for research, policy work, and community education. Autumn continues to challenge the current landscape of healthcare through her work with an international nonprofit committed to promoting patient and family engagement as a way of improving health outcomes across the globe.

When Autumn is not enjoying conversations with clients and providers, she is out exploring Oklahoma with her husband and two children, ages 1 and 3. For her, whether it is finding a farmers market to browse, enjoying a new park or trail, or working in her home garden, there is always something new to learn and appreciate!

“My favorite part of partnering with individuals and families, is learning how different cultures, lifestyles, and backgrounds celebrate and use food to enjoy their daily lives. Being able to honor the personal preferences that help clients to reach their full potential is what makes this “job” so satisfying.”

Cassie Cook, RD/LD

Registered Dietitian

Cassie sparked an interest in nutrition after playing sports throughout her life. Realizing how important nourishing the body is for performance and overall quality of life motivated her to pursue an education in the field. While obtaining her bachelor’s in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, she developed a passion for promoting a balanced relationship between food and exercise.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Cassie went on to complete her Dietetic Internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. During this time, Cassie decided to specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and went on to work at an eating disorder treatment center before joining the Banister Nutrition team. She is completing supervision to become a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian.

Although she now sees a wide variety of conditions, she still believes in promoting a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach for everyone. Cassie aims to empower the client by diving into behavioral patterns and exploring the root cause of the issue to achieve a healthy relationship with food.

Cassie’s love for food flows into her personal life as well – she loves getting creative in the kitchen with new recipes and also enjoys finding new restaurants to try with her husband. She also enjoys exploring new walking trails, playing outside in the yard with her two cats, and traveling back home to Illinois to visit family.

“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.”

Suzy Morris, RD/LD, MS

Registered Dietitian

Suzy’s love of nutrition began while she was completing her undergraduate degree in Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma. It was there that she began studying the connection between nutrition, culture, behavior, and biology. During this time, she also served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard as an Aerospace Medical Technician where she received experience in emergency medicine. Later she completed the Master of Arts in Dietetics program at the University of Oklahoma Health and Science Center. Her dietetic internships included specializing in treating children with autism.

Suzy enjoys educating others while she continues to learn more every day. Her goal is to help others make lifelong changes that benefit their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. She also feels passionate about how food has the power to bring people together.

In her free time, Suzy enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, going on walks, and hosting dinner parties for her friends. You can also find her exploring new coffee shops and restaurants throughout Oklahoma City.

“What I love most about being a nutrition therapist is watching my patients fall back in love with food. Too many individuals associate food with guilt and shame. It brings me so much joy to watch my patients develop a healthier more peaceful relationship with food.“

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.”

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.”

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.

Our Team

Carol Banister, RD/LD, MS, CDE

Jessica McCartney, MS, RD/LD

Lauren Northcutt, MS, RD/LD, CDE

Autumn Sisneros, MS, RDN, LD, CPXP

Cassie Cook, RD/LD

Suzy Morris, RD/LD, MS

Dawn Mamer

Karen Stumpe

Ruth Simon

Banister Nutrition, LLC

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