Cast List

Executive Director & Founder

Libby Parker

Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C, is a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Registered Dietitian with a background in dance and musical theatre. With years of treating clients who are in the performing arts for eating disorders, disordered eating, and general health/sports nutrition, Parker realized the great need for more experts in this area of health – AND – the need for affordable services! Many potential clients who reached out for help couldn’t afford even sliding-scale costs. With encouragement from colleagues, she founded Health For The Arts in July 2024.

Parker continues to operate her private practice, The Broadway Dietitian, and is the author of a few books, most notably Permission To Eat: A practical guide for working yourself out of an eating disorder during college, while celebrating the awesomeness that is you!

Vice President

Jacob Persily

Jacob Persily spends his days as the Director of Volunteer Services and Special Projects at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ, and his evenings as a lecturer in health administration at Rutgers. He is thrilled to be working with Health for the Art, as a repeat-attender of Broadway musicals, and an investor in theatrical projects on both sides of the Atlantic. Kelley MBA. Bloustein MHA. @jacobpersily

Secretary

Monica Bergenes

Monica Bergnes, MA, LCSW

Treasurer (interm – seeking FT)

Andrew Littlefield

Andrew Littlefield is a person in recovery who has dedicated his life to social service since completing rehab in 2019. With a Bachelor’s degree in History, an Associate’s in Chemical Dependency Studies, and as a current Master of Social Work student, Andrew combines lived experience with academic training to support others. He is a CCAR Recovery Coach Professional, a NYC Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, Treasurer of the Break Free Foundation, and a nonprofit consultant and grant writer.

Now living in South Carolina, Andrew focuses on his mental health and building a life with his fiancée, Emma. A devout Christian, Andrew’s faith fuels his advocacy, especially for marginalized communities, including individuals with substance use disorders and the LGBTQIA+ community.

A former art gallery owner, Andrew witnessed firsthand the challenges artists face. He is passionate about supporting artists who have the courage to pursue their dreams, making his role as Treasurer for Health for the Arts a natural fit. Andrew is honored to help provide resources and care to the artistic community.

Board Advisor

Alexandra Nyman

Head of Pup-lic Relations

Shira Parker

Shira is a toy maltipoo who takes her job of meeting every person very seriously. She is also in training to be Libby’s Psychiatric Service Dog. When she’s not working she is probably curled up on top of someone, or zooming around the apartment. 

Graphic Designer

Erica Slutsky