Meet Members of Our Dedicated Staff

Ann Engles is a Registered Dietitian who has dedicated her professional career to providing quality nutrition to residents of long-term care facilities. In her current role as Vice-President of Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC, Ann strives to provide nutritional consulting and support with genuine heart and dignity. Ann has earned a reputation for providing exemplary communication and teaching skills to her colleagues at Cynthia Chow and within the healthcare industry. She has provided education and training on topics such as dementia, nutritional healing, end-of-life nutrition, regulatory compliance, and how to achieve client-focused care.

Ann graduated from Duchesne College of the Sacred Heart in Omaha, Nebraska with a Bachelors of Science in Foods and Nutrition. She completed her dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ann's professional memberships include: the American Dietetic Association, Illinois Dietetic Association, Chicago Dietetic Association and Consultant Dietitians in Health Care Facilities.

Ann Engles

Miriam Bernstein

Miriam Bernstein, a Licensed Dietitian, is Vice-President of Administration for Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC. Miriam began her career at Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC in 1986 and was the protégé of the late Cynthia Chow. Miriam joined Cynthia Chow & Associates after serving as Director of Food Services for a Chicago-based long-term care facility for seven years. Miriam is responsible for the smooth and seamless day-to-day operations that mark the Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC tradition. Miriam strives to carry on Cynthia Chow's legacy to "improve the health and lives of all people through customized healthful nutrition."

Miriam holds her Bachelors of Science in Home Economics (BSHE) in Foods and Nutrition from St. Paul College of Manila, Philippines.

Miriam is a member of the American Dietetic Association.


Patricia O'Grady grew up on Chicago's south side. When Pat was only sixteen years old, she enjoyed working in the dietary department at Little Company of Mary Hospital where she would return as a Clinical Dietitian after earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Dietetics from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa.

Once Pat married, she and her husband started their family. Pat stayed home to care for her children but never lost her passion for working with people in the field of nutrition. When she re-entered the work force, Pat was hired by Cynthia Chow of Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC as a Management Team Leader. For more than twenty years, Pat has been instrumental in helping to prepare facilities for surveys, and assisting facilities with regulatory compliance. Pat is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Illinois Dietetic Association.

Patricia O'Grady

Christina Castello

Christina Castello's fascination with nutrition began as a child through her parents' example of healthy eating habits and year-round outdoor fitness. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelor's of Science degree, Christina became a Registered Dietitian, licensed in Illinois and certified in Wisconsin.

Her experience in both food service management and clinical dietetics served her well when she joined Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC as a consultant dietitian in 1995.

Since 2000, Christina has been Cynthia Chow & Associate's menu designer for long-term care facilities, hospitals, and schools. She finds creating menus for a variety of cultures and ethnicities challenging and exciting.

Christina is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the Wisconsin Dietetic Association.


Karen Benzinger-Klimczak is a Registered Dietician, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist and an active member of the American Dietetic Association. Karen specializes in nutrition assessment, counseling, education, planning and support for individuals, couples, families and teens. Karen's goal is to utilize her expertise and passion in the field of health and nutritional wellness to make a positive impact on the lives of her clients.

Karen earned her Bachelor's degree in business management from Bryant University (RI). She held a position in corporate Human Resources prior to pursuing her true love, nutrition. She went on to achieve a second BS in Dietetics and Nutrition from Saint Joseph College (CT). She completed her accredited internships in hospital, rehabilitation and community settings.

Karen has presented to large and small audiences in a variety of settings including: medical practices, fitness centers, community organizations, corporations, schools and assisted living facilities.

Karen Benzinger

Joy Gotangco

Joy Gotangco has been employed with Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC for over 16 years and counting. She facilitates multiple requests at any given time, as well as consistently providing a level of customer service satisfaction that is beyond expectation. Joy is genuine in her smile and persona, handling every situation as an opportunity to assist others. Joy has achieved her Bachelor in Science in Foods & Nutrition, graduating in 1984 from the Philippine Women's University Manila, in the Philippines. Four years later, Joy moved to the north side of Chicago with her husband and started her family and her career with Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC. Joy's enthusiasm and experience allow her to assist in grounding and supporting all office operations.


Toni Suba was born and raised on the East side of Chicago. She has a large and loving family who has championed her pleasant personality and sharp sense of humor. Recently joining Cynthia Chow & Associates, LLC, Toni coordinates numerous requests and is often the first voice you hear when calling the CCA office. She provides a new perspective to the team, having an extensive working background in insurance billing and mortgage banking.

Toni  Suba