A graduate of the University of St. Joseph, Laura has been a practicing dietitian for over 40 years. She has a particular interest in diabetes care and has practiced as a diabetes health coach. “After working for a number of years in dialysis care, I developed a keen interest in helping diabetes patients,” she explains. “Many patients who are diabetic require dialysis care due to kidney disease. My family’s personal medical history, which includes diabetes and renal failure, helped lead me into this area.”

In addition to diabetes and renal disease, some of the typical problems Laura helps patients with include allergies and food intolerances and the side effects of gastrointestinal cancer. Laura likes to work using a holistic health model. “I use mindfulness-based practices that provide the tools and strategies patients need to make life-altering behavior changes related to their nutrition,” she explains. “As a health educator I am focused on the mind/body approach to health prevention and treatment. I know my patients can have success with this method.”

In her work with diabetes patients, Laura encourages them to use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) so they can see how the foods they eat affect their blood glucose levels. “What we eat is so important to our health, and CGMs can make a real difference for many patients and help keep them on the right track,” she explains. “I try to help people by changing their relationship with food for the better, so they can realize their health goals.”

In her spare time, Laura enjoys crafting, quilting and jewelry making. Her other big interests include mindfulness, meditation and being with her grandchildren. Laura is also a Reiki practitioner level 2.