REGISTERED DIETITIAN & BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ONCOLOGY

Mara was born in Sacramento, CA and moved to the Chicago Suburbs at the age of 11. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL . Her internship was completed through Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL with over six months of clinical rotations at The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL. Mara became certified in oncology nutrition in 2019.

Mara absolutely loves being a Registered Dietitian. She gets to work with three subjects she loves on the daily: people, nutrition and medicine. It has been an honor to serve her community here in the San Joaquin County for the past seven years. The diversity and atmosphere of our community is so unique with its own challenges and she takes pride in helping her patients work through health challenges with nutrition. Mara understands that when a patient is diagnosed with a disease they may not be in control of their treatment, medications and schedules but they are in control of what they put in their mouths and daily habits. Mara respects conventional medicines as well as complementary medicines and is well versed in both subjects. With her cultured education, various specialties and extensive experience she will help you reach your nutrition goals in a way that is unique to you and your needs.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN and CERTIFIED NUTRITION SUPPORT CLINICIAN

Maria was born and raised in Morelia, Mexico. She received her Bachelor’s of Science from Sacramento State University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Mississippi University. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian for over three years with the majority of her time spent in the intensive care units.

Despite her strong inpatient clinical background, Maria strongly believes that the appropriate diet will significantly improve disease state and health in general, but will also positively affect one’s self-perception, self-esteem and motivation, creating a person that is much more fulfilled and that feels capable and satisfied. This core belief has motivated Maria to share her knowledge and expertise all the way from radio to small community nutrition education seminars.

Her education, experience and professionalism combined with her strong sense of community will make Maria a great partner in reaching your nutritional goals and battle/prevent disease with the highest quality Medical Nutrition Therapy in both English and Spanish.

Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician

Cathy was born and raised in Macau, China. She moved to California at the age of 17. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition at the University of California, Davis, and her Master of Public Health at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian over the past eleven years in the acute care setting, providing care in diverse areas including neonatology, pediatrics, cardiac disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease/dialysis, surgical care, gastrointestinal disorders, neurology, oncology, infectious disease, and intensive care.

Cathy is interested in specializing in pediatric nutrition. She believes that optimizing nutrition is vital for children’s growth, development and wellness. Her heart is passionate in helping children in the community thrive through her work in nutrition counseling and education. With her experience and expertise, Cathy is excited to be your partner in reaching your nutritional goals for you and your family.

For further details, you may visit Cathy’s LinkedIn profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-lei-mph-rd-cnsc-a3b21919

Charlotte was born in New Jersey, but she spent most of her childhood in various cities abroad. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Pomona College, a Master of Science in Nutritional Biology from UC Davis. Her dietetic internship was completed at the UC Davis Medical Center. In the past eight years, she has worked in various acute care and critical care settings, but especially loves neonatology and pediatrics. Charlotte currently also practices at Shriners Hospital for Children.

Charlotte is passionate about providing patient-centered, holistic care to children and their caregivers. As a mother of three very different children, she strives to individualize and optimize care for each child and family. She loves going to the Davis Farmer’s Market, and her hobbies include growing fruits and vegetables, and propagating roses in her backyard.

Esmeralda was born and raised in Acambaro, México and moved with her family to California at the age of 16. Esmeralda studied at San Francisco State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and nutrition science, and then completed a dietetics internship in Puerto Rico through the department of health. Esmeralda has dedicated the last couple of years to provide care to different patients with different conditions such as cardiac disease, kidney failure, and diabetes. Esmeralda has helped patients with not only different conditions but also different backgrounds as she is fluent in English and Spanish.

Esmeralda has a strong interest in nutrition and helping others to develop healthy eating habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. She believes the most effective way to establish a well-balanced lifestyle is to support individual needs, provide a non-judgmental environment, and encourage to include the patient’s cultural food, She believes that cultural food “connects our bodies and souls.”

One of my goals as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is to co-create enjoyable, effective wellness plans with my clients and patients. In sessions, I help folks tap into inner motivation for more sustainable and rewarding lifestyle improvements!

In my time as an RDN, I've helped with a variety of metabolic and health issues including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity/excess adiposity, eating disorders, gastrointestinal distress, organ dysfunction, and more. I enjoy take a whole/lifestyle approach, which is most effective in my experience.

I've worked in various settings, inpatient and outpatient (such as hospitals, long term care, prison systems, health clinics, addiction and behavioral health treatment programs). During my Dietetic Internship at Napa State Hospital, I got the opportunity to offer nutrition presentations at the Culinary Institute of America and Whole Foods, on recipe modification and the importance of increasing nutrient-dense foods. I also enjoyed rotations at USDA’s Western Human Nutrition Research Center at UC Davis, WIC, Head Start, Davita Dialysis, and various area hospitals and facilities.

I find it rewarding to meet and work with folks from all walks of life, and help people more deeply (re)connect with food in delicious, wholesome, and fun (yes fun!) ways.

In addition to my BS in Dietetics, I also have a BA and background in media communications and enjoy producing creative health education material. I've produced numerous public affairs radio pieces, as well as children’s programming, and radio drama. I also love being in nature, experiencing and creating visual and audible art (music, songs, stories, dance), learning, and perhaps most importantly, connecting with animals, especially beloved canines. I was born in NY and have lived in various areas of our beautiful country, including the SF bay area for over 15 years, and very much enjoy traveling (especially cross-country trips : ).