Graciela Franco
Sacramento
Summary
Experienced nutritionist with 5 years in the mental health field, focusing on educating and supporting at-risk youth. Passionate about connecting individuals with information and resources for improved health and wellness. Committed to promoting a holistic approach to nutrition and fostering positive lifestyle changes for all backgrounds.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nutrition Associate
Women, Infants, And Children (WIC)
09.2023 - 10.2024
- Performed biochemical values by conducting height, weight, and hemoglobin sample for participants during appointments as necessary.
- Assessed nutritional status by obtaining food history, assessing growth patterns, weight patterns, biochemical values, and medical history.
- Provided patient counseling specific to the individual’s nutritional needs. Set dietary goals based on the assessment using VENA.
- Determined nutritional risk by identifying health risks and referred participants to appropriate community resources including scheduling appointments with a nutritionist for follow-up education, referring participants to medical, community, and human services within the county.
- Provided nutrition assessment and prescribed the appropriate food packages based on nutrition eligibility.
- Processed WIC 395 requests for special prescription forms for women, infants, and children.
- Acted as a liaison between participants, registered dietitians, and medical professionals to improve overall communication regarding treatment and nutrition plans.
- Determined WIC program eligibility and verified medicaid referrals by screening participants, certified and re-certified participants within program guidelines, and issued EWIC Card to eligible participants.
- Scheduled and rescheduled participant appointments for initial certifications, re-certifications, high risk, mid-certifications, nutrition education, breastfeeding assessments, and special formula requests.
- Provided excellent customer service to participants, county workers, medical professionals, and colleagues.
Delivery Associate
Amazon
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Completed on-time deliveries by choosing best and most efficient routes.
- Delivered packages to customer doorsteps and business offices.
- Communicated customer complaints, requests, and feedback to company management for swift resolution.
Nutritionist
Physicians Premier Weight And Wellness Center
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Consult with patients in person and virtually and identify dietary needs.
- Implement personalized nutrition/weight loss plans for patients.
- Educate patients by providing nutritional advice on staying healthy and motivated through behavioral exercises.
- Collaborate with physicians and healthcare personnel to determine nutritional needs and diet restrictions of clients.
- Monitored patient progress and documented nutritional information in patient charts and records.
- Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out and payments for billing.
- Assisted with medical coding and billing tasks.
- Verify patient insurance, demographic, and health history to keep information current on eCW medical software. Ensure patient's medical information is secure according to HIPAA regulations.
- Managed master calendar and scheduled appointments for providers based on optimal patient loads and clinician availability.
Nutrition Coordinator
Summitview Child & Family Services
04.2021 - 07.2022
- Produced weekly nutritionally balanced and low cost menus to reflect current youth dietary and nutritional needs.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that addressed long-standing food problems for the agency by partnering with new suppliers.
- Created and executed new procedures and standards to reduce food waste within the agency.
- Inventoried and shopped for quality fresh food, condiments, and cooking supplies to ensure availability of items essential for meeting projected menu requirements.
- Inspected equipment, kitchen appliances and work areas to verify cleanliness and functionality in accordance to the required food preparation and sanitation regulations set by Community Care Licensing.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings and led trainings for the food preparation team.
Night Facility Manager
Summitview Child & Family Services
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Maintained the youth residential house ready for inspections and tours on a daily basis.
- Evaluated facility operations and personnel for safety and health regulations compliance.
- Ordered, maintained and distributed supplies and inventory.
- Maintained facility grounds, equipment and safety compliance.
- Trained incoming team members.
Mental Health Specialist
Summitview Child & Family Services
09.2017 - 10.2020
- Direct care and supervision of commercially sexualized and exploited children (C-SEC) and at-risk youth in a trauma informed care setting.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment; self regulation, coping communication, and self care.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Utilized crisis intervention techniques to support clients in meeting therapeutic goals.
- Managed nutrition education with the youth to increase awareness and expansion of knowledge on food & nutrition mostly associated with positive lifestyle changes.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of youth and families served.
- Practiced safe food handling procedures and prepared all meals for youth and staff on a daily basis.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences, Nutrition And Food
California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento, CA12.2016
Skills
- Excellent writing & verbal communication skills, active listening & critical thinking
- Bilingual – Fluent in Spanish and English (speaking, reading, and writing)
- Proficient in general computer skills including Microsoft Office and Crossroads application for WIC
- Experience working with diverse populations
- Adaptable to new responsibilities
- Conflict resolution ability
- Staff training and development
- Health and Wellness Education
Professional Achievements
- Awarded recipient in the Team of the month award for the county program; Women, Infants, and Children in Loudoun County, Virginia.
- EMPACT award recipient in August of 2024 for the community outreach event "World of Breastfeeding" recognizing and promoting breastfeeding as baby's first nutrition.
Certification
- Certified as a Competent Paraprofessional Authority (CPPA) by the state of Virginia.
- Certificate of Participation for the Breastfeeding Friendly Training Consortium from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Timeline
Nutrition Associate
Women, Infants, And Children (WIC)
09.2023 - 10.2024
Delivery Associate
Amazon
05.2023 - 09.2023
Nutritionist
Physicians Premier Weight And Wellness Center
11.2022 - 05.2023
Nutrition Coordinator
Summitview Child & Family Services
04.2021 - 07.2022
Night Facility Manager
Summitview Child & Family Services
10.2020 - 04.2021
Mental Health Specialist
Summitview Child & Family Services
09.2017 - 10.2020
- Certified as a Competent Paraprofessional Authority (CPPA) by the state of Virginia.
- Certificate of Participation for the Breastfeeding Friendly Training Consortium from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences, Nutrition And Food
California State University - Sacramento
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