Meryl Fury, RN
Meryl Fury, RNPresident, CEO
After years of formal study in nursing, human health, Meryl’s passion is to make a difference for people through whole food plant-based (WFPB) eating.
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Plant Based Nutrition Movement
Board of Directors

The Plant Based Nutrition Movement is a collaboration between medical practioners and passionate community members committed to amplifying the message of  plant based nutrition’s power to prevent, halt, and often even heal our most debilitating chronic illnesses.

The board of directors of PBNM have dedicated time an energy to the organization. They are leaders in the Chicagoland plant based nutrition world and share PBNM’s mission of fighting chronic disease with plants. 

As members of the Board of Directors of PBNM, each has agreed to:

  • Embrace PBNM’s mission, policies, programs, and needs

  • Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for PBNM and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission

  • Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission

  • Give a meaningful personal annual financial donation

  • Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings

  • Participate fully in one or more committees

Meet Our Board of Directors

Judi Bryan
Judi BryanDirector, PBNM Secretary/Admin
Well versed in adaptation, from social media, to technology, her best adaptation was in healing decades long health issues with plant based nutrition, regardless of age.
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Sharmila Vedam, CPA
Sharmila Vedam, CPADirector, PBNM Treasurer
Passionate about the power of plant-based eating to heal, and sharing that information, especially to the Indian-Asian/Pacific Community.
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Joan Davis, RN
Joan Davis, RNDirector
Having discovered what her medical education did not prepare her for, Joan is determined to share her life-saving knowledge
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Carrie Bruno
Carrie BrunoDirector, PharmD, BCPS
After more than a decade studying and practicing pharmacy, Carrie felt she had all the tools necessary to educate people on how to manage their chronic illnesses…until she started learning about plant-based nutrition Read more >
Ewa Stankiewicz
Ewa StankiewiczDirector
PCRM EAP Food for Life Instructor, Healthy Cooking Coach, committed to changing lives “one meal at a time” Read more >
John Gagliardi
John GagliardiDirector
Following his own health transformation, John’s goal is to educate and inspire others to do the same
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Karen Bender
Karen BenderDirector
Always an Educator, Once She Learned the Power of Plants Sharing it Became Her Passion
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Mark Cerkvenik
Mark CerkvenikDirector
This Long Time Vegetarian With Extensive Leadership Experience Discovers Even More…and Shares It All
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Janet Pearson
Janet PearsonDirector
Janet’s passion is teaching others how to use real, whole foods to nourish and transform.
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