​I have worked with food and families, in one capacity or another, for almost 20 years.  From teaching kids science and social studies through cooking classes in Santa Cruz, to studying culinary arts in Buenos Aires to working with kiddos of all stages of health at children's hospitals in the Bay area, food and nutrition has always been my anchor.

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My time at Stanford Children's Hospital and WIC (Women, Infants, Children) both in Inyo County and Watsonville shaped me into the dietitian and lactation consultant I am today. At Stanford, I had the chance to gain experience in every pediatric specialty, from weight management to picky eating to nutrition support (tube feeding/TPN).  Both in the hospital and while at WIC, I've had the opportunity to work with nursing parents and deeply understand how challenging, and rewarding, lactation can be.  I've also had two kiddos of my own, each with their own nursing challenges. 

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Clinical areas of expertise:

• NICU graduates

• Breastfeeding challenges

• Weight management 

• Picky eating

• GI issues, intolerance, allergies (include tube feeding)

• Eating disorders

• Medically complex children

• Pregnancy-related conditions, like gestional diabetes

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Not to be discounted, of course, are my early, core memories of helping me Avò in the kitchen make Portuguese sweet bread -- surely as influential of an experience as any professional one. ​

 

When I'm not working, you can find me out exploring Bishop's big backyard with my loving husband, two intrepid kids and overly exuberant border collie, Javi. You might also find me at an event for the Eastside Student Center, a free after-school program for students grades 5-12 in Bishop, where I serve on the board.