Who Is Teaching Fenix Cafe?

My name is Cynthia Lopez Pettorino, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator.  I feel so fortunate to share with you a little bit about myself.   Born and raised in upstate NY, you will never hear me say “It’s too cold!”  In my spare time, I love exploring the outdoors by bike the various rail or gravel trails in NJ/ NY/ PA.  However, dancing around a dance floor to Country or Latin Music are very close seconds!  Besides exercise and the outdoors, we love animals especially our cats, Midnight and Playa.  They are two of a total of five cats we have rescued and raised like children!  

My experiences as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist over the last 20 plus years have included an array of settings including Clinical and Ambulatory Nutrition, Cardiovascular Surgery & Rehabilitation, Diabetes Self-Management Training in Diabetes Centers, Maternal Child Health including Pregnancy & Lactation and Pediatrics.  However, of those years, the last eight have been the most fulfilling.  As a Certified Diabetes Educator, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist I get to teach others how their diet, exercise, medications, and lifestyle may play a role in how well their Diabetes is managed.  Community Nutrition Outreach has varied from Cooking Demonstrations for the public, Livestrong Nutrition for Cancer Survivors, and creator of Weight Loss Challenges for Colleagues/ the Community spanning 4-12 weeks.  

Perhaps my favorite way to spend time is being creative in all ways, but especially in creating unique recipes that lure you towards health!  Cooking allows me to be creative while teaching what kinds of recipes you can dream up for your particular scenario.  I created Teaching Fenix Cafe to create a more "hands-on" and "enjoyable" learning environment for mastering the tools needed for a happier and healthier life.  I would love the opportunity to help you create a nutrition plan designed “especially for you to help you meet your goals.”  Nutrition education that is not just a piece of paper!  

Hope to see you soon!