I’m frequently asked, “Why did you decide to be a Registered Dietitian?” From a young age I knew I wanted to be in a health profession, but my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 41 and this greatly influenced my decision to learn more about nutrition and its effects on medical conditions.
Growing up, I watched my dad struggle daily to balance what he could eat and still keep his medicines working. Dad spent over 20 years manipulating his food intake during the day so that his medicines would work efficiently, which helped him get through a full work day with as few symptoms as possible. Watching the trials and tribulations of managing medications, their side effects and the impact food had on his medical condition, health and well-being, made a significant impression on me and motivated me to learn more about the connection between nutrition and our health.
Now over 20 years into my career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, my greatest satisfaction is seeing the positive impact my work has had on my clients. It’s a joy to hear my clients say, “Thank you for changing my life”, “Your encouragement keeps me going”, “Thank you for being there”.
Change is hard —I get it! But it can be done. I see women and their families break habits they’ve been caught up in for years. It’s a joy to coach them and watch as they finally start to feel good about themselves and the decisions they’re making for their health and their family’s health. I'm thrilled when I hear them say, “It’s about progress, not perfection” or “It’s the small changes that lead to big results.” It’s a delight to watch them flourish into happy, energetic and confident women who are excited about what lies ahead.
I am the author of the book, 400 Moms, and prior to starting my private practice, I worked in clinics in several major hospitals, including University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, Joslin Diabetes Center, and University of California-Davis Medical Center. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona and completed my Dietetic Internship at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. I am a Certified Health Coach and Mom of 3 wonderful boys.
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Jill appears in the media (radio and TV) and is a columnist for Bay Area Parent magazine. Jill is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Mt. Diablo Business Women (President 2016-2017) and American Association of University Women.
