Ricca Palero

About Ricca

My journey in dietetics began with a curiosity about how food, lifestyle, & environment influence health from infancy through adulthood. Cooking brought me joy, which led me to culinary school, but I soon realized I wanted to help others beyond simply nourishing their bodies. Through my studies, I was introduced to nutrition and entered a culinary nutrition program, where I discovered the powerful connection between food & overall health. My professional & volunteer experiences have allowed me to serve diverse communities, including hospital patients, children in underserved schools, & teens in nutrition-focused camps. These experiences strengthened my compassion, cultural awareness, & belief that nutrition is deeply personal. In every setting, I strive to create a supportive space where individuals feel understood, empowered, & confident in their choices. I am grateful to walk alongside others on their wellness journey and look forward to continuing this work with purpose & care.

Approach to care

I am a dedicated nutrition professional with a passion for helping individuals & their families build healthier lifestyle goals. Over time, that curiosity grew into a deep commitment to supporting others make small but significant changes in life towards their health & overall wellness. If you're up to it, I'd like to look at the big picture then create small goals to meet your big goal.

Your first session with Ricca

Our first session would depend on what my client is coming to me for. For the most part, I would like to get to know them a bit more & ask them questions on what they're seeking to fulfill during our sessions together. Change can be difficult, but if you're open-minded, eager to learn, & motivated to understand your body better, a small step is all you need to start. Building new habits take time & I'm here to help through evidence-based guidance delivered with empathy, practical & realistic strategies (not perfection) on your journey toward long-term wellness. Let's talk food!

Education

Johnson & Wales University; University of the Pacific

Hobbies

crocheting, cooking, photography, visiting museums, listening to audiobooks or podcasts.

Licenses and Certifications