• Mara Bernardo RDN, CSO

    REGISTERED DIETITIAN & BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ONCOLOGY

    Mara was born in Sacramento, CA and moved to the Chicago Suburbs at the age of 11. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL . Her internship was completed through Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL with over six months of clinical rotations at The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL. Mara became certified in oncology nutrition in 2019.

    Mara absolutely loves being a Registered Dietitian. She gets to work with three subjects she loves on the daily: people, nutrition and medicine. It has been an honor to serve her community here in the San Joaquin County for the past seven years. The diversity and atmosphere of our community is so unique with its own challenges and she takes pride in helping her patients work through health challenges with nutrition. Mara understands that when a patient is diagnosed with a disease they may not be in control of their treatment, medications and schedules but they are in control of what they put in their mouths and daily habits. Mara respects conventional medicines as well as complementary medicines and is well versed in both subjects. With her cultured education, various specialties and extensive experience she will help you reach your nutrition goals in a way that is unique to you and your needs.

  • Maria Navarrro Junez RDN, CNSC

    REGISTERED DIETITIAN and CERTIFIED NUTRITION SUPPORT CLINICIAN

    Maria was born and raised in Morelia, Mexico. She received her Bachelor’s of Science from Sacramento State University and completed her Dietetic Internship at Mississippi University. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian for over three years with the majority of her time spent in the intensive care units.

    Despite her strong inpatient clinical background, Maria strongly believes that the appropriate diet will significantly improve disease state and health in general, but will also positively affect one’s self-perception, self-esteem and motivation, creating a person that is much more fulfilled and that feels capable and satisfied. This core belief has motivated Maria to share her knowledge and expertise all the way from radio to small community nutrition education seminars.

    Her education, experience and professionalism combined with her strong sense of community will make Maria a great partner in reaching your nutritional goals and battle/prevent disease with the highest quality Medical Nutrition Therapy in both English and Spanish.

  • Cathy Lei, MPH, RD, CNSC

    Registered Dietitian, Certified Nutrition Support Clinician

    Cathy was born and raised in Macau, China. She moved to California at the age of 17. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition at the University of California, Davis, and her Master of Public Health at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She completed her dietetic internship at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian over the past eleven years in the acute care setting, providing care in diverse areas including neonatology, pediatrics, cardiac disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease/dialysis, surgical care, gastrointestinal disorders, neurology, oncology, infectious disease, and intensive care.

    Cathy is interested in specializing in pediatric nutrition. She believes that optimizing nutrition is vital for children’s growth, development and wellness. Her heart is passionate in helping children in the community thrive through her work in nutrition counseling and education. With her experience and expertise, Cathy is excited to be your partner in reaching your nutritional goals for you and your family.

    For further details, you may visit Cathy’s LinkedIn profile:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-lei-mph-rd-cnsc-a3b21919

  • Charlotte Zhang, MS, RDN, CNSC

    Charlotte was born in New Jersey, but she spent most of her childhood in various cities abroad. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Pomona College, a Master of Science in Nutritional Biology from UC Davis. Her dietetic internship was completed at the UC Davis Medical Center. In the past eight years, she has worked in various acute care and critical care settings, but especially loves neonatology and pediatrics. Charlotte currently also practices at Shriners Hospital for Children.

    Charlotte is passionate about providing patient-centered, holistic care to children and their caregivers. As a mother of three very different children, she strives to individualize and optimize care for each child and family. She loves going to the Davis Farmer’s Market, and her hobbies include growing fruits and vegetables, and propagating roses in her backyard.

  • Esmeralda Carrillo Pineda RDN

    Esmeralda was born and raised in Acambaro, México and moved with her family to California at the age of 16. Esmeralda studied at San Francisco State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and nutrition science, and then completed a dietetics internship in Puerto Rico through the department of health. Esmeralda has dedicated the last couple of years to provide care to different patients with different conditions such as cardiac disease, kidney failure, and diabetes. Esmeralda has helped patients with not only different conditions but also different backgrounds as she is fluent in English and Spanish.

    Esmeralda has a strong interest in nutrition and helping others to develop healthy eating habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. She believes the most effective way to establish a well-balanced lifestyle is to support individual needs, provide a non-judgmental environment, and encourage to include the patient’s cultural food, She believes that cultural food “connects our bodies and souls.”

  • Sydney Urbina, MS, RD, CSR

    REGISTERED DIETITIAN & BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN RENAL NUTRITION

    Sydney was born in Sacramento, CA and raised in the Bay Area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from San Francisco State University and her Masters of Science from Northeastern University. Her internship was completed at Napa State Hospital. Sydney became certified in renal nutrition in 2015. 

    Sydney has had the privilege with work with patients in San Joaquin County for over ten years. Sydney has worked with end stage renal disease patients for over ten years, and has a strong clinical background before that. Sydney also served as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army. 

    Sydney specializes in renal nutrition and is passionate about preventing people from furthering kidney disease. She believes in a patient centered approach to health and wellbeing.  She values the patient’s perspective on their health goals and journey to a healthier life.  Patients and their families are partners in the care process, and their perspectives are just as important. Patient centered care can lead to better patient outcomes, and higher patient satisfaction.


  • Jessica Tang, RD, CDCES

    Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Loma Linda University and completed her internship at the Loma Linda Medical Center. She has worked in various clinical settings including hospitals, medical supply company, rehabilitation center, dialysis centers, primary care and specialty care outpatient centers.

    Jessica has extensive clinical experiences in chronic conditions and nutrition management. She specializes in pre-diabetes & diabetes, weight management, chronic kidney disease, GI and heart diseases. She enjoys working in partnership with clients, discussing food choices, exploring healthy eating habits, crafting plans for positive lifestyle engagement, and providing guidance through their journey to reach their nutrition goals. She is passionate about an individualized approach in health management. She speaks both Mandarin Chinese and English.