Getting to know...

Lindsey -Celiac Club President

Lindsey is a senior in the dietetics program at BYU. It was her prerequisite nutrition courses that led to her Celiac Disease diagnosis. Since then, Lindsey has had more energy than ever and loves to run and do yoga. She feels passionately about helping others to achieve wellness through healthy lifestyles, as she has journeyed on her own with Celiac Disease and lactose intolerance. Lindsey loves to try new recipes, and is always up for cooking dinner for friends and roommates. The gluten-free recipes add a new challenge to cooking, which makes the success all the more rewarding. Outside of food and nutrition, Lindsey loves BYU football games, playing guitar, and ping pong games. She is thrilled to be a part of Celiac Club and hopes that all of the members feel welcome.

Anna - Celiac Club Vice-President

Anna Empey grew up in a small farming town in Washington and is a senior at BYU, majoring in Anthropology with a minor in communications. She has had Celiac Disease for seven years. She has been tested multiple times dealing with doctors that disagree and are confused about wither she has it or not. Many people in her extended family have it, including her mom. She has come to the conclusion that she does in fact have celiac and it has become her lifestyle, but it does not even seem strange for her to eat a gluten-free diet. She has been able to adapt well and her cooking skills are increasing, along with her willingness to try new things. She is very excited to be part of this club! She hopes that you will be able to find support and friendship in those who are coping with some of the same challenges that we deal with when we face Celiac Disease. She also hopes you have fun, and learn new things. She is so excited to meet you all and will see you soon!

Lindsay - Celiac Club Treasurer

Lindsay Bell is a senior at BYU studying Nutritional Science. She was diagnosed with Celiac Disease last December, but switching to the gluten free way was no problem since she has had it in her family for about six years. Her mother, Diane Bell, owns the gluten free grocer, Against the Grain, in Taylorsville, Utah, so Lindsay is very knowledgeable about the latest gluten free products that are out there. She is very excited to learn more about others in the Celiac Club and to be able to share her knowledge and support as much as possible!

Leesa - Celiac Club Webmaster

Leesa Allison is a Senior in the Communications department studying Public Relations. She was diagnosed with Celiac Disease two years ago and has been on the diet for one year. She had a difficult time adjusting to the huge lifestyle change and went through the mourning process because she was so emotionally attached to many of the foods she has had to give up. She now feels that going on the diet has been the best thing that has happened to her because she feels better, is so much more healthy and learned she could do hard things. She is excited to be a part of the Celiac Club and hopes she can help others adjust to the diet and have a positive and hopeful attitude even amidst the difficulties of being gluten free.