After realizing that I would not become a Spanish or Italian translator, despite having a B.A. in Italian Studies and passion for romance language and cultures, it was time for new plan. I found myself in sales and the product was always food related. From olive oil, to CSA boxes, to restaurants, I have always found a way to be near food.
Later, my Mom sent me a job post seeking a registered dietitian (RD). I hadn't heard of a dietitian. I found a few dietitians to interview, and decided this was the move for me. After 5 years studying hard sciences, nutrition, food service, doing a 1200 hour internship and passing an exam, I was a dietitian. It was not easy, and I loved the process.
My first position as an RD was in kidney dialysis at Zucherberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFGH). The patient population at SFGH has a high percentage of Spanish speaking patients, and I really enjoyed working with them (and everyone else!) I later accepted a foodservice position as Procurement Supervisor at UCSF Medical Center, Mission Bay. I ordered the food and metabolic formula for the children's hospital and supervised the receiving team who put away hundreds of cases of food every day. I loved my team. However, I realized that working in a counseling setting is closer to who I am. I love hearing people’s stories. In the meantime, I was recruited to work for a diabetes app with their Italian speaking clientele and stayed there for 4 years. I passed the Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES) exam, and now work in diabetes / mindful eating / weight management at Sutter Health with Dr. Shilpa Jain.
