We are almost 2 months into the 2021 Farmers Market season, can you believe it?
If you haven’t picked yours up yet, call us at 607.778.2881. you got yours, don’t forget to use them, you have until November 30, 2021.
Uncategorized County WIC News Archive
Extra, Extra….
Call us with any questions 607.778.2881!
Meet Alayde Arellano
Name: Alayde Arellano
Title: Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Where did you work before WIC?
I worked at home as a stay at home mommy.
How long have you been working at WIC?
I previously worked here from December 2018 to September 2019 and back again since April 1st 2021, so about a year altogether
What do you enjoy about WIC?
The great effort that is made to keep mothers and babies healthy.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to stay physically active and read to my kids.
What is one thing you want the community to know about breastfeeding?
Nursing your baby not only comes with amazing health benefits but is also an act of love.
Meet Gina DeVito, RD, CDN
Name:
Gina DeVito, RD, CDN
Title:
WIC Program Director
Department:
WIC
Primary Site:
Open Door Family Medical Center Ossining
Languages Spoken:
English & Spanish
About Gina
What do you find most exciting about working on the WIC team at Open Door?
Our team is an outstanding, dedicated group of professionals that truly care about the well-being of the people we serve. I am inspired by both my colleagues and WIC participants every day, and I love being a part of a program that does so much to help individuals and families.
Can you share something about the WIC program that people in the community might not know?
The WIC program partners with Farmer’s Markets to give WIC participants access to fresh fruits and vegetables. This greatly benefits families and farmers alike! If you currently receive WIC benefits and would like to learn more, please ask one of our team members- we’re happy to help!
If you could only give one piece of advice about nutrition to the general community, what would it be?
Seek out nutrition advice from trusted professionals, such as Qualified WIC Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians. Nutrition professionals are highly trained and have experience giving recommendations based on the specific needs of each individual.
Are you interested in learning more about Open Door’s WIC Program? Call us at 914-406-8150.
Meet Dawn Guagler, RDN, CDN
Name: Dawn Gaugler
Professional Certifications/License: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, CDN
Title: Qualified Nutritionist
Education: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Minor in Educational Psychology
Where did you work before WIC?
Worked in long-term care for 30 years as a Clinical Dietitian/Department Head.
How long have you been working at WIC?
Joined the WIC team 4/5/21.
What do you enjoy about WIC?
I enjoy working with people at the other end of the life cycle and of many different cultures.
What do you do enjoy doing in your free time?
Cooking, baking, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and music/bands/concerts.
What is one thing you want the community to know about nutrition?
The importance of maintaining a healthy weight and diet to prevent illness later in life.
Meet Tara Bonanno, MPH, RDN
Name: Tara Bonanno
Professional Certifications/License: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Title: Qualified Nutritionist
Education: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Montclair State Univeristy , Master in Public Health from UMass Amherst.
Where did you work before WIC?
Shoprite Retail Registered Dietitan
How long have you been working at WIC?
1 months.
What do you enjoy about WIC?
I enjoy working with the community to heal people lead healthy lives.
What do you do enjoy doing in your free time?
Cooking, spending time with my family, and reading.
What is one thing you want the community to know about nutrition?
Balance is the key to nutrition.
Meet Eliza Altvater-Conn
Name: Eliza Altvater-Conn
Professional Certifications/License: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Title: Qualified Nutritionist
Education: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science
Where did you work before WIC?
Before WIC I worked as a Research Assistant at a Molecular Biology laboratory at Brooklyn College.
How long have you been working at WIC?
I recently started working at WIC.
What do you enjoy about WIC?
I enjoy the opportunity of generating a positive impact in the local community by helping families thrive. I also appreciate the extensive and continuous training that we receive, especially on patient centered communication skills, the team work promotion, and the positive work environment that we have at WIC.
What do you do enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy going for a hike with my dog, or just being outside (when is not too cold!), listening to music, baking and cooking, and all that fun stuff!
What is one thing you want the community to know about nutrition?
Healthy eating is one of the basic requirements for the promotion and protection of health. It enables an increase in the potential for human growth and development. Through food, the body receives the necessary nutrients to establish health and reduce the risk of disease. Best of all, sophisticated and expensive care is not necessary to practice healthy eating. Also, you can have meals rich in nutrients, varieties of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and whole grains according to your preferences and culture. Always keep in mind the importance of healthy eating and the good it can do in your life.
Meet Alexa Dolce, MS, RDN
Name: Alexa Dolce
Professional Certifications/License: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Title: Qualified Nutritionist
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Marywood University, Master of Science in Nutrition from Marywood University.
Where did you work before WIC?
Before WIC I completed my Dietetic Internship through Long Island University Post.
How long have you been working at WIC?
I recently started working at WIC!
What do you enjoy about WIC?
I am happy to be in a position where I can educate, motivate, and inspire participants to reach their nutrition goals, and to make healthy lifestyle changes.
What do you do enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, exercising, and hanging out with my dog!
What is one thing you want the community to know about nutrition?
I want the community to know that health and nutrition does not mean eating the blandest foods! Instead, it encompasses incorporating foods you like, enjoying foods with friends and family, and choosing foods that make you feel your best!
2021 Holidays
The Onondaga County WIC offices will be closed for the following holidays:
- Friday, January 1st, 2021 – New Year’s Day
- Monday, January 18th, 2021 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, February 15th, 2021 – Washington’s Birthday (Observed)
- Monday, May 31st, 2021 – Memorial Day
- Friday, June 18th, 2021 – Juneteenth (Observed)
- Monday, July 5th, 2021 – Independence Day (Observed)
- Monday, September 6th, 2021 – Labor Day
- Thursday, November 11th, 2021 – Veteran’s Day
- Thursday, November 25th, 2021 – Thanksgiving
- Friday, November 26th, 2021 – Day After Thanksgiving
- Friday, December 24th, 2021 – Christmas (Observed)
Meet Diana Espitia
Name: Diana Espitia
Title: Support Staff/Clerk
Where did you work before WIC?
Mount Sinai Hospital Pediatrics Call Center
How long have you been working at WIC?
2.5 years
What do you enjoy about WIC?
I enjoy helping the different cultural communities.
What do you do enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with my family, I have two kids who are my entire life. I also love listening to music, I find it so peaceful and relaxing.
What is one thing you want the community to know about the WIC Program?
The WIC Program helps families in need. WIC doesn’t only help with food packages but also nutritional advice as well as breastfeeding support.