In Episode 65 of Think Like a Pancreas—The Podcast, the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team share why they became Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.

Some were inspired by life-changing healthcare professionals. Some were inspired by Gary Scheiner, but every clinician on the IDS team continues to be motivated by a desire to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN, is the Director of Technology and Applied Research for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she has spent nearly 20 years improving diabetes care through technology, research, and patient education—including expertise with insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

Gary Scheiner, MS, CDCES is an award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985.  He is the owner of Integrated Diabetes Services and is actively involved with many diabetes related organizations as a volunteer and clinical advisor.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time. 

Kathryn Gentile-Alvarez, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES is the Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist for Integrated Diabetes Services. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age twelve, Kathryn’s work focuses on using advanced technology and personalized exercise prescriptions to help people with diabetes manage their health and thrive.

Alicia Downs,  RN, MSN, CDCES,  BC-ADM experienced years of mis-diagnoses and ineffective treatments that gave her the incentive to take the lead in her own health care and educate those around her. Alicia is passionate about providing educated compassionate informed and equitable care to all people.

Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D.  Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress.

Dr Paula Diab PhD, CDCES is a Family Physician and Diabetologist who runs a multi-disciplinary practice specializing in the management of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity in South Africa. Her approach is to walk the journey with her patients and to allow them to manage their disease rather than allow the disease to define who they are.

✔️What influenced each team member’s decision to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.

✔️ How Gary’s team of specialists came together to create the Integrated Diabetes Services team that you know today.

00:22 Welcome and introduction

01:05 Kristi’s why

02:46 Who changed Gary’s career path

03:46 When Tavia had to sit through a diabetes class

07:01 Paula’s Google search

09:03 From Fangirl to team member

12:15 The value of experiential knowledge

19:52 How life made Dana pivot her career

21:24 Jenny wanted to be a vet

24:36 I want to be Gary Scheiner!

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/how-to-start-the-process/ ,  or email [email protected]

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.