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.
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 her clients become 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 help managing diabetes feel a little bit easier through patient-led attainable daily goals.
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.
Jenna Oakes is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Jenna works 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.
Jessica is a registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes education, weight management and nutrition therapy for patients who have had bariatric surgery. She earned her bachelor of science in nutrition at Oregon State University in 2018. Jessica enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them find nutritional solutions that allow them to enjoy food while improving their health.
Breanna is a registered dietitian nutritionist, who believes in working with the whole person, not just their health condition(s). Over her career, she has obtained multiple certifications in kidney nutrition, weight management and diabetes care. From staying on the pulse of health care advances to promoting genuine connection, Breanna puts her dietitian heart and mind to work for her clients. When she's not working, she's cooking up a new recipe, gardening, bike riding, or singing and dancing along to her favorite music. A proud mom, Breanna wants to live in a world where kindness is queen, no one is hungry, and dinners with family and friends are endless.
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 GI, diabetes and weight management, including bariatrics and pediatrics. She was trained in the combined program in children with special needs at the CDRC, USC and UCLA. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. She is committed to promoting a lifelong healthy lifestyle to enhance the quality of life.
Heidi has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lamar University. She joined the 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 a 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.
Nancy has been with Salem Health since 2001 and has a varied background that includes the Neuro trauma care unit, spine center, care management, Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, inpatient rehab and anticoagulation clinic. Teaching patients throughout her career has been a highlight for Nancy and she joined the Diabetes Education Department, eager to learn new material and to be able to serve a new patient population.
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.
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 six 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 diabetes and nutrition services.
Emma is the medical office lead for Salem Health Diabetes and Nutrition Center where she supports daily operations and ensures smooth patient experiences. With over 10 years in administration and six years as a certified medical assistant, she brings both clinical knowledge as well as administrative skills to the team.
Yessica Garcia is a referral specialist at the Salem Health Diabetes and Nutrition Center, bringing over eight years of experience in the medical field. She specializes in handling patient insurance and processing medical referrals with efficiency and care.
Diane is a referral specialist/scheduler and has been working in the medical office for 10 years. She enjoys helping patients any way she can.
Tera is a referral specialist, where she helps coordinate patient referrals and supports continuity of care. She has worked in the medical field for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience and dedication our patients.