We are a team of trained professionals, including registered dietitians (RD) and registered nurses (RN) with advanced diabetes education, certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES).
An RD is the only health care professional that has nutrition science training. To become a registered dietitian, one must complete nutrition science classes, earn at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, complete a dietetic internship, and then pass a national registration examination. A CDCES is a health care professional who has specialized training and is certified to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition. Before taking the national certification exam, they must have a minimum of two years of professional practice and 1,000 hours of experience working with people with diabetes. With our combined education and experience, our patients feel good knowing they're in the best hands.
Heidi has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lamar University. She joined Salem Health nursing staff in 2009. She has a background in acute hospital care and has worked in cardiac rehabilitation for many years. Heidi sees clients for one-on-one education as well as teaching our American Diabetes Association accredited classes. She is a member of the ADCES. As person with type 1 diabetes, she has a unique perspective and understanding for those struggling with the condition. She blends her clinical expertise and person-centered approach to collaborate with clients to improve their health and quality of life.
Angela Davis is a registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist. Her passion lies in providing education as a form of preventive medicine. Her goal is to help make her clients experts on how to manage their diabetes. She enjoys meeting with clients one-on-one as well as in group settings. Her goal is to make managing diabetes even a little bit easier through patient-led attainable daily goals.
Katherine is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and board-certified specialist in obesity and weight management. She specializes in medical nutrition therapy in gastrointestinal, diabetes and weight management, including bariatrics and pediatrics. She was trained in CDRC, USC, and UCLA combined program in children with special needs. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the ADCES. She is committed to promoting a lifelong healthy lifestyle to enhance the quality of life.
Sophia is a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes care and education specialist who provides tailored medical nutrition therapy to patients with nutrition-related medical concerns and counsels those wanting to make positive lifestyle changes. Sophia practices a patient-centered technique to help clients identify and achieve personal health and nutrition-related goals. She is passionate about partnering with clients on their journey by discovering their values and needs while honoring their health with gentle nutrition. Sophia also has a special skill set and strong interest in providing diabetes-specific education in both one-on-one and group settings.
Sandra is a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) registered dietitian and diabetes educator who provides medical nutrition therapy and diabetes education for individuals and classes in Spanish. She is an engaging and dynamic educator, who can connect with, and support clients through cultural knowledge. She uses a mindful eating approach to address the question of what, when and how much to eat from a non-diet perspective. She has experience in clinical nutrition in the hospital setting as well as clinical experience in diabetes, disordered eating, and other acute and chronic conditions.
Sarah offers a flexible and supportive blend of nutrition counseling and education, helping each client develop their own nutrition goals and action plans to improve how they experience health conditions in the context of food, eating habits, and other forms of self-care. She is Health at Every Size® and intuitive eating informed.
Jenna Oakes is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Jenna works together with individuals to help them create their nutrition goals through gentle nutrition. A passion of Jenna’s is working with people to improve their overall health by cultivating an environment of trust and respect.
Isela is one of the friendly voices you hear when you call Salem Health's Diabetes and Nutrition Center. She enjoys meeting patients and having them share their progress on their goals.
Diane is a referral specialist/scheduler for Salem Health Diabetes and Nutrition Center. She is currently studying at Salem Institute of Technology as a medical assistant but has been working in medical offices for 7 years. She enjoys helping patients in any way she can.
Crystal is our clinical operations manager for the cardiac service line and the Diabetes and Nutrition Center. Crystal graduated from Oregon Health and Science University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Crystal has been a Salem Hospital employee for more than 10 years and has held positions within inpatient critical care, cardiovascular quality and leadership.
Krista graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Nursing degree from Concordia University. She started her career at Salem Health in 2009, working in the critical care division, and moved into an assistant nurse manager position in 2013. In 2023, Krista moved into her current position as the Assistant Nurse Manager for Cardiac Rehabilitation and the Diabetes Nutrition Center.
Marissa is a Western Oregon University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She began her career at Salem Health as an exercise specialist in cardiac and pulmonary rehab in 2015. Marissa spent 6 years in that role before moving into the supervisor position. In 2023 Marissa began her work as the Clinical Operations Supervisor for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab and the Diabetes and Nutrition Center.