World Breastfeeding Week

The interconnected nature of people and the planet requires that we must find sustainable solutions that benefit both. Sustainable development meets the needs of the current generation without compromising future generations.

 

#Breastfeeding is key to all of the @GlobalGoalsforSustainableDevelopment. How will you support breastfeeding for a healthier planet?

 

@UnitedNations @WorldHealthOrganization(WHO) @UNICEF

#breastfeeding  #WABA

Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Support

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are Here to Help You Succeed!

Breastfeeding is so important because it helps keep your baby healthy.  It supplies all the necessary nutrients in the proper proportions and protects against allergies, sickness, obesity, and diseases like diabetes and cancer.  Breast milk is also easily digested by your baby which means less fussiness!

A really cool thing about your breast milk is it changes to meet your baby’s needs.  The amount changes according to the time of day, nursing frequency, and age of the baby.  All the guess work is done for you when you breastfeed.

Breast milk is always ready!  It is available whenever and wherever your baby is hungry and it’s always warm!  You don’t have to worry about keeping bottles clean or dealing with the waste.

Breastfeeding is also great for moms!

– Breastfeeding reduces the risk of diabetes and certain cancers.

– Many breastfeeding moms return to their pre-pregnancy weight because breastfeeding burns calories and helps shrink the uterus.

– And of course, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mommy and child.

Community Health Center of the North Country has peer counselors who are here to help!

Call or Text: 315-771-2759
or Reach us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingWIC

Jennifer Candela, RD

Jennifer Candela, RD

Title: Qualified Nutritionist
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Ossining

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
It is exciting to know that I am working with a team that is incredibly thoughtful and striving to continuously serve our WIC participants to the best our ability!

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
WIC provides tailored nutrition education to all our participants based on evidence-based research.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Prioritize having a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout your day!


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-508-0022.

Heather Nunez

Heather Nunez

Title: Nutrition Support Assistant
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Mount Kisco

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
I love being part of a program that truly puts their participants first. We are here to serve the community and help them with any nutritional needs they may have. If we are not able to help them, we have the resources to direct them the right way.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
If you participate in another assistance program you may be automatically income-eligible for WIC.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Aim for a variety of colors on your plate. Try a different fruit or vegetable with each meal.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-508-0022.

Meet Nathalie Beauzile

Name: Nathalie Beauzile

Title: Support Staff/Clerk

Where did you work before WIC?

Before WIC, I worked for a company that produced licensed kids bath products and cosmetics.

How long have you been working at WIC?

I’ve been working at WIC for over a month now.

What do you enjoy about WIC?

I enjoy knowing that I am helping provide food for families.

What do you do enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy trying different cuisines and spending time with friends and family.

What is one thing you want the community to know about the WIC Program?

The WIC program is really passionate about providing nutritious foods for families.


Meet Dillon Damiano, MS

Name
Dillon Damiano, MS

Title
Qualified Nutritionist

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Open Door Brewster

 

 

About Dillon

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

The necessity to be versatile. Every mom, baby, and child brings in their own special needs and concerns and it is our duty to help resolve them the best we can; or at the very least, my personal favorite, serves as a welcoming sounding board.

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

We are friendly people! We sympathize and empathize with all the moms/caregivers that we serve, always trying to find that ideal solution to the unique problems that they may be facing. Come in and see all that we can offer.  

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

Eat the rainbow. Sounds a bit silly at first, but when in doubt, varying the colors of the foods of your overall diet almost always ensures that you are consuming the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies crave. Not only that but giving your plate of food a bit more “vibrance” makes it that much more enticing to eat.

 


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-508-0022.

Meet Gardenia Ocdenaria, CLC

Image of Gardenia Ocdenaria, CLC at Open Door Family Medical Center

Name
Gardenia Ocdenaria, CLC

Title
Site Coordinator

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Open Door Brewster

 

 

About Gardenia

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

What’s most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door is working with great people that are team players, supportive, passionate and genuine about their work.  Also, I really like the interaction and meeting with participants on a daily basis and knowing that I am helping to make a difference in the community through my work here at WIC.  

 

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

Many people in the community do not know that the WIC Program offers a Nutrition Services at no cost. It helps and sustains a lot of people in providing nutrition in children as well as adults such as Nutrition education & counseling, Breastfeeding support, and Healthcare referrals. They shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage if they need it.

 

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

Slow down while you eat and you’ll have improved health and well-being. Your body will benefit from slow eating that includes better digestion, better hydration, easier weight loss or maintenance, feels more satisfied with our meals, and helps you eat less.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-508-0022.

Meet Callista Falsia, M.S., CLC

Name
Callista Falsia, MS, CLC

Title
Associate WIC Director

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Ossining Open Door 

 

 

About Callista

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door? 
The eagerness that each staff displays to create a unique working environment.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
WIC staff is available to go the extra mile to find answers to assist with all types of situations. 

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
In addition to daily water consumption, explore other cuisines to expand your light meal planning.

 


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-508-0022.

Meet Alejandra Ortiz

Image of Alejandra Ortiz, Nutrition Support Assistant at Open Door Family Medical Center

Image of Alejandra Ortiz, Nutrition Support Assistant at Open Door Family Medical CenterName
Alejandra Ortiz

Title
Nutrition Support Assistant

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Open Door Brewster

 

 

About Alejandra

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

I am passionate about nutrition education and it’s exciting to be able to work in this field. Working with the Open Door WIC team is a lovely experience and they’re a wonderful group to be around. 

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

I believe that everyone should have solid foundational knowledge about nutrients, recipes, and food access, all of which are available through WIC at Open Door.  WIC offers a variety of services, including breastfeeding support, and referrals to other essential services! 

 

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

Your relationship with food is one of the most important ones you will have. Adopting the mentality that there Is no such thing as “bad” or “good” foods, is essential! Everything works as long as it is consumed in moderation! 


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at  914-508-0022.

Meet Ellen Pospishil, MS,RD

Image of Ellen Pospishil, MS,RD, Breastfeeding Coordinator at Open Door Family Medical Center

Name
Ellen Pospishil, MS, RD

Title
Breastfeeding Coordinator

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Ossining Open Door 

 

 

About Ellen

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

I love the interactions with my co-workers and how I learn each day from them. I learn so many things from them – about how to better serve our families, about how to do my job more efficiently, etc. But equally as important, I learn about their culture, their experiences, and that helps me to grow as a person – which in turn helps me working with our WIC families. 

 

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

WIC is more than a food program. WIC is a dedicated team of nutrition professionals who will help you and your family better understand how the foods you eat affect your overall health and the health and development of your baby – in utero and in life. 

 

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

Know what you are eating, and eat what you enjoy.


Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at 914-508-0022