Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, my family immigrated to the United States in the 1960s, and I was among the last to join them in 1998. Growing up, I was always fascinated by biology and anatomy, which were my favorite subjects in school. It was no surprise that I decided to pursue a career in healthcare, influenced by my family’s strong ties to education and healthcare.

I started my professional journey at Mountain Park in 2002. Initially, I joined as a student, and later, I began working full-time as a Medical Assistant. Over the years, I’ve rotated through various clinics, including our Gateway Clinic, but our Baseline Clinic has always felt like home to me.

A Passion and Commitment to Health and Community

Currently, I work as a promotora advocating for community health and wellness. My role involves promoting Mountain Park’s diverse programs, especially those related to diabetes and nutrition. I also actively participate in wellness workshops, classes and food distributions across different clinics. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that our community members are well-informed about the resources available to them, from insurance assistance to nutritional counseling.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is organizing and conducting diabetes and pre-diabetes educational classes. These sessions are free to patients and help provide them with valuable information on managing their condition and improving their overall health. It’s inspiring to see patients motivated by our registered dietitians’ advice, implementing changes in their diets, and managing stress effectively.

Working with children is equally rewarding. One of my favorite memories is of a three-year-old girl participating in our exercise activities while older kids were hesitant. She inspired the group to just let go, join in and have fun! Moments like these show the importance of having classes that are engaging and interactive. We use examples of food items such as plastic models to help children and their parents understand and prepare healthy meals, making learning a hands-on experience.

Optimism and Gratitude

I am so grateful to Mountain Park for the opportunities it has provided me. From the support I received as a newcomer to the continuous chances for professional growth, this organization has been a cornerstone in my journey. It is a blessing to work with such a dedicated team, serving a community that I care deeply about. I even get to work with my sister who is also a promotora!

Beyond my professional life, I enjoy simple pleasures like relaxing, listening to music, and visiting museums. Achieving fluency in English has been a significant personal milestone for me, so I can better serve our community.