Meet Karina Alba

Name
Karina Alba

Title
Nutrition Support Assistant

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Open Door Mount Kisco

 

 

About Karina

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?

I have a passion for food, health, and helping others. I believe everyone should have access to healthy foods and it should be fun, affordable, and delicious. I want every participant that comes in to the office to feel welcome and comfortable with us.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know? 

WIC Program does more than supplemental nutrition programs for women, infants, and children. WIC Program also Screening and Referrals for Healthcare and Social Services

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?

Nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are two of the most powerful energy sources to feed the brain, body, and soul.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-406-8150.

 

Meet Carmen Criollo

Image of Elizabeth Margiotta, M.S., Open Door Family Medical Centers

Name
Carmen Criollo

Title
Peer Counselor

Primary Site
Ossining Open Door 

Languages
English and Spanish

 

About Carmen

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?

The most exciting about working on the WIC program is helping Moms Overcome Common Barries with breastfeeding and promoting healthy lifestyles throughout the community.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?

Breastfeeding promotion and support are an essential part of the WIC services to new mothers.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?

Breastfeeding is one of the most important ways to ensure that the babies get a healthy start in life.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-406-8150.

Meet Sandra Arteaga

Image of Sandra Arteaga, Nutrition Support Assistant at Open Door Family Medical Center

Image of Sandra Arteaga, Nutrition Support Assistant at Open Door Family Medical CenterName:
Sandra Arteaga

Title:
Nutrition Support Assistant

Primary Site:
Open Door Family Medical Center Ossining

Languages Spoken:
English & Spanish

 

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?

            Working for the WIC department has helped me grow as an individual. It has also helped me empower others through the use of education. I have been able to help inform the low underserved population about the immense amount of benefits the WIC program can offer for them when it comes to mother babies and young children. I have been able to assist them to obtain proper meals for the family and support the community around us. I have also been able to develop a relationship with the families of the WIC program and if I have seen a red flag in a family member, we can direct them to the appropriate staff, whether that is a social worker, nutritionist, or patient health care advocate. We are always here to help those in need. Open door does exactly that help the population that is often underserved and in need of medical attention, nutritional support, and the WIC program is an excellent program for the community overall. 

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?

One thing I discovered myself while working for the WIC program, is that a child can receive the WIC benefits up to 5 years of age, and most often families do not know that. More often than not they believe they only qualify for the first 12 months of life. WIC can also help support new mothers by providing them with breastfeeding support groups and programs. 

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?

My advice on the topic of nutrition would be that it is important to continue to educate yourself on what a healthy eating plate is like, such as how important it is to choose a balance of fruits, vegetables, meat and carbs. Also, how exercising even just 30 mins a day can help your heart and your overall health and happiness.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-406-8150.

 

Chrismary Cepeda, CLC

Image of Chrismary Cepeda, CLC, Qualified Nutritionist at Open Door Family Medical Center

Image of Chrismary Cepeda, CLC, Qualified Nutritionist at Open Door Family Medical CenterName
Chrismary Cepeda

Title
WIC

Primary Site
Ossining Open Door Family Medical Center

Languages
English, Spanish

 

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door? 

 

I find that getting to know the people that live within the community is the most exciting aspect of working with the WIC team at Open Door. I learn about many different cultures, their beliefs, and

traditions. Working with a diverse population teaches me how to keep an open mind and build relationships with every person. It’s very heartwarming to me that I can help the community. 

 

 Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?

WIC is here to help. The WIC program offers many benefits for free! Not only does WIC provide supplemental foods, but the program also provides referrals to other programs, free nutrition

consultation and free breastfeeding support. The best part of the WIC program is the farmers market checks that are offered to the participants during the summertime that they can use to shop local

fresh fruits and vegetables. 

 

 If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be? 

 

Water is your best friend because our body needs it. Water helps flush out the toxins from our body. Sometimes when we are hungry, we are thirsty. Our body confuses hunger with thirst. Aim to drink

at least 8-12 cups daily. Bring a water bottle with you everywhere you go and sip throughout the day. 


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-406-8150.

 

 

Meet Virginia Aloi

Name
Virginia Aloi, RDN, CDN

Title
Qualified Nutritionist

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Mount Kisco, NY

 

 

 

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?

It is a true privilege to get to help so many amazing families in our community. I find it so exciting to be making a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Thank you for letting me be part of yours!

 

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?

The WIC program offers free Nutrition counseling, which is a very pricey service. Take advantage of this wonderful service! Need recipe ideas: Ask the Nutritionist! Need help getting your child to eat their veggies: Ask the Nutritionist!

 

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?

Eating healthy does not have to be hard. By making small little changes in the way you cook, plan your meals, navigate your daily life, and eat your food, you can achieve a healthy lifestyle without the struggle of unnecessary dieting or spending a lot of money or time.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-406-8150.

OFFICE CLOSINGS IN 2021

SPCC WIC Clinics are scheduled to be closed on the following days in 2021 (subject to change)

  • Monday, January 18, 2021 – Martin Luther King Day
  • Wednesday, January 27, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Monday, February 15, 2021 – President’s Day
  • Wednesday, February 24, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Wednesday, March 24, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Wednesday, April 28, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Wednesday, May 26, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Monday, May 31, 2021 – Memorial Day
  • Tuesday, June 29, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Monday, July 5, 2021 – Independence Day
  • Wednesday, July 28, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Wednesday, August 25, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Monday, September 6, 2021 – Labor Day
  • Wednesday, September 22. 2021 – Staff Development
  • Monday, October 11, 2021 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
  • Wednesday, October 27, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Thursday, November 11, 2021 – Veterans’ Day
  • Thursday & Friday, November 25 & 26, 2021 – Thanksgiving
  • Thursday, December 2, 2021 – Staff Development
  • Friday & Monday, December 24 & 27, 2021 – Christmas (observed)
  • Friday, December 31, 2021 – New Year’s Day (observed)

New York State WIC has Expanded its Acceptable Foods List! ¡El program de WIC del Estado de Nueva York ha expandido su lista de alimentos aceptables!

 

Click on the link: https://nyswicvendors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/New-WIC-Foods-2020-.pdf  to view the NEW items added to the following categories:

Haga clic en el enlace: https://nyswicvendors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/New-WIC-Foods-2020-.pdf  para ver los NUEVOS alimentos agregados a las siguientes categorías:

    • Tofu
    • Soy Beverage / Bebidas de Soya
    • Yogurt/ Yogur
    • Infant Fruits & Vegetables / Frutas y Vegetales infantiles
    • Infant Meat / Carnes infantiles
    • Hot cereal / Cereales calientes
    • Cold cereal (whole and non-whole grain) / Cereales fríos
    • Whole grains (bread, corn/whole wheat tortillas) / Granos integrales (pan,tortillas de maiz o trígo integral)
    • Juice / Jugo

Click on the link: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4099.pdf  to view the WIC Acceptable Foods Card.  

Haga clic en el enlace: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4022.pdf para ver la Tarjeta de alimentos aceptados por WIC, en español.

 

Click on the link: https://nyswicvendors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/3791_NYS_WIC_FoodsGuide-English-FINAL.pdf to view the NYS WIC Foods Guide booklet.

Haga clic en enlace: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4469.pdf  para ver el folleto de NYS WIC  Foods Guide, en español.

WIC is continuing to provide services to current and new participants.

As part of our COVID-19 response measures,
we are continuing to provide services to current and new participants.
All appointments will be completed by phone.
Staff will call you to complete your appointment at its scheduled time.

We will continue to do our best to assist our communities as best we can.
Thank you for your patience and willingness to work with us in meeting this challenge of today and building hope for the future.

To schedule an appointment please call us and leave a message, we will return your call as soon as possible.

Utica 315-798-5066

Rome 315-356-4755

Herkimer (Ilion) 315-866-5029

Madison (Oneida) 315-323-3210