Linda DeWitt, CHE

Bio

I am a Clinical Health Educator here at Kaiser Permanente. I have worked in health education and promotion for over 15 years. Before coming to Kaiser Permanente in 2001, I worked as a health educator for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program and as a nutrition coordinator for two Migrant Head Start Programs.

A first generation Mexican-American, I was born and raised in California's Central Valley. In 1988, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Food Administration from California State University, Chico, and in 2006, a Master of Public Health degree in Community Health Education from San Francisco State University. I am fluent in Spanish and actively promote health education programs to the Spanish speaking population within Kaiser Permanente and our local community.

My enthusiasm for health is driven by the belief that in order to be an effective health educator, I must personally practice what I teach. Thus, I enjoy trail running, hiking, swimming, and weight training as part of my regular exercise routine. I also take pleasure in planning and cooking healthy meals for my family. In addition, I believe that spending quality time with family and friends is equally important to maintaining optimal health.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

My role as Clinical Health Educator gives me an opportunity to hear and respond to challenges patients often face in implementing a healthy lifestyle. Many times I can identify with these challenges and therefore am able to relate and respond practically to patient needs. My goal is to help patients determine a plan of action that best meets their current needs and at the same time can improve their overall health.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I currently teach the Spanish diabetes and cholesterol programs here at Kaiser Santa Rosa and am actively involved with curriculum development and updates for these programs.

Outside of work, but related professionally, I'm very interested in improving access to and interest in healthy foods especially among at-risk populations, as well as, supporting environmentally sustainable food production methods in the community where I live and work.

Current projects or research:

The past three summers I volunteered with the Redwood Empire Food Bank's "Every Child, Every Day" Summer Hunger Initiative serving lunches to low-income children in Sonoma County.

Great health resources that I refer to:

Center for Science in the Public Interest's Nutrition Action Newsletter is a great resource for the consumer.

An interesting story from my training:

During summer 2005, as part of my requirements for the Master of Public Health degree, I interned for the Sonoma County Child Health and Disabilities Prevention (CHDP) Program. My job was to schedule and conduct nutrition and exercise activities for low-income children participating in the "Every Child, Every Day" Summer Hunger Initiative. This experience gave me an opportunity to work with the county health department, the food bank, and many community volunteers to coordinate and provide educational services to low-income children in Sonoma County.

Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field:

Conducting a nutrition activity for a summer lunch program while doing my MPH summer internship.

Interests

Currently reading:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

My favorite book or author:
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Great movie:
Cool Runnings

Hobby Photos & Links:

Overlooking a lake in the wilderness mountains on a backpacking trip.

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My husband, Larry and I have been married for 21 years. Larry is an exercise physiologist and high school science teacher. We are both passionate about helping our community live healthier lifestyles.

My children and people I care about:

I have 2 teenagers: Nancy 19 years old and Carl 16 years old.
Nancy is a freshman at Walla Walla University in Washington state and is currently studying computer science (although this major might soon change...again!!).
Carl is a junior at Redwood Adventist Academy located here in Santa Rosa. Carl enjoys playing basketball, driving, and hanging out with his friends.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

My twin sister, Sandra, also works for Kaiser Permanente; she is the Chronic Conditions Education Coordinator. When I first started working here, we job shared for about a year and a half. Needless to say, we confused a few docs!
Sandra and I live less than a mile from each other and our kids go to the same school. Cool!

In 2000, and at 8 weeks, Angel, our Border Collie, became a member of our family. She is a very affectionate dog and loves being around people.
Nancy and Carl saved their money for 4 years to buy Angel!

Pet Photos:

Larry, Carl, and I with Angel at Redwood Campmeeting, summer 2007.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

My family and I took a trip to New York City a few summers ago. We stayed on Staten Island and visited the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Coney Island, and many other places. Travel throughout New York City using public transportation was surprisingly easy and lots of fun. We also went to see the broadway play, Phantom of the Opera!

Favorite place in the world:

Just about every summer in July since my son, Carl was about a year old, my family and I have gone to our church campmeeting in Northern California.
Redwood Campmeeting is like going home. We have friends and neighbors we see every year, there's spiritual programs and music, trips to the river and beach, and most important a real sense of retreat from the busyness of life.
Redwood Campmeeting is a tradition my family looks forward to every year.

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

At Redwood Campmeeting.

Linda & Carl, 1 yr old. 1992, our first year at Redwood Campmeeting