meet our team

Vanessa Sena, CEO

Vanessa Sena is the visionary CEO of MLC Nutrition, committed to transforming healthcare through Food as Medicine. She has created innovative food systems and nutrition programs for hospitals like UConn Health and Hartford HealthCare, as well as for government agencies, focusing on outpatient care and holistic patient support. Vanessa has also led pioneering Food as Medicine programs for CT Pharma and Edible Arrangements, bridging culinary innovation with healthcare solutions. Her work emphasizes accessible, personalized care that improves health outcomes across diverse communities.

Abigail Soto, MD

Dr. Soto serves as the Medical Director at MLC Nutrition, bringing expertise in integrating nutrition into patient care. With a focus on addressing diet-related health challenges, Dr. Soto oversees our medically tailored meal programs and supports personalized treatment plans. Committed to holistic health, she works closely with providers to improve outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Milaena Ferrarese, MS, RDN, MNLP, MCHt, MTLT

Milaena Ferrarese is the Lead Dietitian at MLC Nutrition, specializing in personalized nutrition care. She oversees the creation of medically tailored meal plans, ensuring they meet each patient’s unique needs and health goals. Passionate about holistic wellness, Milaena collaborates with healthcare providers to support improved outcomes and empower patients on their health journey.

Shenira Billups, MS, NCC, LPC

Shenira Billups is the Mental Health Provider at MLC Nutrition, focusing on whole-person wellness. She provides compassionate support to patients navigating lifestyle changes, complementing their nutritional care with mental health services. Shenira is dedicated to empowering patients, helping them build resilience and achieve balance in their health journeys.

Chef Scott McKnight

Chef Scott McKnight is the Executive Chef at MLC Nutrition, bringing a wealth of experience from St. Vincent's Hospital and Compass Group to our Food as Medicine initiative. With a deep understanding of dietary guidelines, he creates flavorful, medically tailored meals that cater to diverse patient populations while ensuring optimal nutrition and taste. Chef Scott's passion for innovation and diverse cuisines transforms therapeutic meals into delicious dining experiences that support health and well-being

Ellen Su-Marquez

Ellen Su Marquez is the Product Manager at MLC Nutrition, where she leads the development of innovative Food as Medicine solutions. As the founder and former Chief Product Officer of Wellinks, she brings extensive experience in creating integrative tools that enhance patient care and provider collaboration. Ellen’s dedication to impactful healthcare solutions is complemented by her academic background, having earned her BA from Yale University. Her leadership ensures that MLC's services remain at the forefront of accessibility and effectiveness in the healthcare industry.