Meet Italina Velho

Image of Italina Velho, Nutrition Support Assistant at Open Door Family Medical Center

Image of Italina Velho, Nutrition Support Assistant at Open Door Family Medical CenterName
Italina Velho

Title
Nutrition Support Assistant

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Ossining Open Door 

 

 

About Italina

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

All the special friendships I made through the years.  As well as the intrinsic reward that comes with seeing the WIC children grow and the impact we make in their lives.

 

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

They might not know the impact they make in our own lives.

 

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

No need for drastic diet changes.  Small changes will make drastic changes in your life.


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

Meet Claudio Villarroel, MS

Image of Claudio Villarroel, MS, Wellness Program Manager at Open Door Family Medical Center

Image of Claudio Villarroel, MS, Wellness Program Manager at Open Door Family Medical CenterName
Claudio Villarroel, MS

Title
Wellness Programs Manager

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Ossining Open Door 

Languages
English and Spanish

 

About Claudio

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

I like the fact that the WIC program is participant-centered. We collaborate with participants by providing guidance to help them achieve their goals using tools that work for them.

 

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

The WIC program can help you get information about other health, welfare, and social services. If you need assistance reaching other services, please contact your WIC office.

 

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

Plan your grocery shopping in advance. Take inventory of what you have at home and make a list of foods you still need. This will help you plan ahead so you can make better choices when buying foods.


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

Erica Quinchi

Name
Erica Quinchi

Title
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor

Department
WIC

Primary Site
Ossining and Sleepy Hollow

 

 

 

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

The environment here in WIC is kind, supportive and loving towards the team and to our WIC participants

 

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

Some people may not know that WIC is a free program you and your family can apply to. WIC also provides support on how to breastfeed your child and helps you prepare for the what’s going to happen in the first few hours after giving birth.

 

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

Eat lots of vegetables and drink a lot of water. Try breastfeeding your child- it has many benefits for the child’s health now and in the future.


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

Jeanette Fajardo

Jeanette Fajardo

Title: Nutrition Support Assistant
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Brewster

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
The most exciting thing about working in WIC is that I get the opportunity to learn and meet different people as every experience is different. I also love being part of a program that helps and makes a difference in people’s life.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
What people might not know is that the WIC Program also assists with breastfeeding support, counseling and a breast pump if needed.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Take care of your body by having a balanced nutrition, exercise regularly and don’t forget to drink your water daily as it does have many benefits for our body.


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

Alejandra Urrego Zapata

Alejandra Urrego Zapata

Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Mount Kisco

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
The most exciting thing about working in WIC is to be able to share my passion for breastfeeding with all the participants. I love to help moms give the best gift to their babies, which is breast milk.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
There is more to WIC than the food benefits, there are a lot of other services. We have an amazing breastfeeding support team. We are here to help achieve your breastfeeding goal. WIC can also provide a breast pump!

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Reduce your intake of added sugars. Instead of drinking soda, try water, flavored seltzer or a warm tea.


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

Yuberky Shaw

Yuberky Shaw

Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Brewster

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
I enjoy working at the Open Door WIC program because of its sense of community. It gives me the opportunity to learn and do what I love the most- helping others.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
WIC is a wonderful and resourceful program where you can not only get nutrition assistance, but you can also get support and referrals to other places that can help you with your needs.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Take care of your body and your mind, you can improve your health by keeping a balanced diet.


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

LillyAnne Park, RD

Lilly Anne Park, RD

Title: Qualified Nutritionist
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Ossining

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
The most exciting factor about working on the WIC team at Open Door, is that this particular WIC team is not standing alone in an island. It is a team that goes out to a broader team (Open Door) via referrals and it makes bigger things happen within the community, like a ripple effect!

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
People in the community might not know that WIC is a lot more than just a program that provides food benefits. They might not know that WIC can be a way to screen health, obtain nutrition counseling and is part of a referral network.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Eat healthy now and live healthier and longer in later years!


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

Melissa Tascon Friere

Melissa Tascon Friere

Title: Nutrition Support Assistant
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Ossining and Sleepy Hollow

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
The most exciting part of working on the WIC Team at Open Door is being able to help the community and making a difference in the lives of many families we serve. In addition, it is extremely rewarding to be on a team that works hard to make sure that many families receive as much assistance as they need.

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
WIC is not just a supplemental program which provides assistance with food but also a holistic program that includes nutritionists on staff to help moms to improve the diet for their infants and children. WIC also helps new moms improve breastfeeding with the assistance of a breastfeeding peer counselor.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Healthy eating is the best medicine for our bodies and it is critically important that it begins at an early age. It is important to teach our children to have good eating habits to instill a healthy lifestyle in the long term.


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

Kristara Alameda

Kristara Alameda

Title: Nutrition Support Assistant
Department: WIC
Primary Site: Sleepy Hollow

What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
I love how supportive and caring all WIC team members are.  It provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our participants.    

Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
Our program looks to support participants in many ways, including providing referrals to other services that may be needed.  It feels good to be able to connect people in our community to other programs.  Some of the programs include SNAP, childcare and referrals to Medical and Dental providers.

If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of health.   Maintaining a balanced diet is a good foundation to living a healthy lifestyle.  It is important to start encouraging good eating habits as soon as possible with children.   


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