03/11/2026
Today is Registered Dietitian Day March 11, 2026
Becoming a dietitian has been one of my greatest accomplishments—second only to being a mother. Looking back, I feel as though it was always my calling, even though it took until my 40s to fully recognize and pursue it.
My journey began in the fitness world in 1989. At the time, it seemed like a natural segue into nutrition and health, but it took many years for me to realize that becoming a Registered Dietitian was truly what I was meant to do. In 2007, at the age of 43, I made the decision to go back to school. It took courage, determination, and careful planning to find a program that would work with my lifestyle.
I went on to earn a second bachelor’s degree, followed by graduate school and a dietetic internship. After years of hard work and dedication, I was finally able to sit for the exam and earn the credential of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
I truly love what I do.
🍎❤️🍎❤️🍎❤️🍎❤️
My career has been an incredible journey through many different areas of nutrition—from eating disorders to clinical nutrition, addiction recovery, mental health, and community nutrition. Each experience has helped shape the dietitian I am today.
Ultimately, my path led me to Brandman Centers for Senior Care’s PACE Program (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a managed healthcare program that serves low-income seniors. I have proudly worked there as a full-time RDN for the past 13 years. I also serve as a consultant at Golden Hillmont Mental Health Program, where I have been working for the past 15 years.
At Brandman Centers for Senior Care, I began as the center dietitian and have worked my way up to my current role as Nutrition Department Supervisor, overseeing two locations—Reseda and West Los Angeles. I am now working toward expanding that leadership role to oversee nutrition services at four locations.
Working with the senior population has taught me so much. Nutrition is never just about telling people what is healthy to eat. It requires understanding cultural backgrounds, personal preferences, cognitive abilities, and individual readiness for change.
My role often involves meeting participants—and their families—exactly where they are. Are they ready to learn about healthier eating habits, or are they still unsure? Will they understand the information I’m sharing? Are they visual learners, hands-on learners, or do they need repetition and support?
My goal is always to provide the best possible guidance while empowering participants to engage in the process at whatever level they are able. Even small steps toward healthier choices can make a meaningful difference in someone’s quality of life.
Working at Golden Hillmont has given me another meaningful opportunity—to provide nutrition education to individuals living with mental illness. Each week I teach in-patient clients, and just as with my senior population, I meet them at the education level that best serves them.
It is truly an honor to help improve their understanding of how nutrition can influence brain health. We talk about topics such as the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and how certain nutrients support mood, focus, and overall mental well-being. Just as importantly, we discuss practical ways to make healthier food choices when they transition from their current setting into a more independent living environment.
One of the most rewarding moments in my work is when I see something “click.” When a concept suddenly makes sense and the light bulb goes off, it reminds me why I chose this profession in the first place.
Being a dietitian is so much more than talking about food. It’s about education, compassion, cultural understanding, and empowering people with the knowledge they need to care for themselves. Whether I’m working with seniors, individuals facing mental health challenges, or families looking for guidance, my goal is always the same—to meet people where they are and help them move toward better health in a way that feels achievable for them.
Looking back, taking the leap to return to school in my 40s was one of the best decisions I ever made. This career has allowed me to combine science, education, and compassion in a way that truly makes a difference in people’s lives—and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
