Specialties include: Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention, Insulin Pump Management, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Management, Weight Management, Nutrition for Chronic Pain, Heart Health, Vegetarian/Plant-based Nutrition
Julie Alliger is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. As member of the Nutrition and Diabetes Services team she provides both individual and group diabetes education, she trains caregivers of diabetes patients and she works to provide comprehensive pump training and continuous glucose monitoring to patients who use these devices. Julie educates clients in healthy eating which includes weight management, heart health, vegetarian and plant based nutrition as well as nutrition for chronic pain.
After graduating with a B.A. from University of Maryland, College Park, Julie went on to a Didactic Program in Dietetics at Iowa State, and then a Dietetic Internship at Rutgers University. The connection between leading a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention is one that Julie has experienced up close and personally. "My dad had a heart attack when he was 58 years old, and my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at 65 years old. I have always been interested in healthy lifestyles that would help avoid those and other chronic diseases."
Facilitating that simple connection can be challenging in the face of such things as a particular patient's complicated medical history, or mental health or financial issues. "Sometimes it's obesity or heart disease that makes it difficult for them to exercise and making healthy food choices doesn’t get the weight off as fast as they would like or improve their disease process as quickly as they would like." Julie steps in to help connect the dots.
Julie and her husband are empty nesters, their three children grown. She enjoys running, golf, yoga, and cooking. Her version of junk food is "anything that's not whole foods plant based." If she wasn’t working as a Certified Diabetes Educator, you might find Julie working or volunteering at an animal shelter.
The best thing about her career is when everything clicks with a patient, whether it's counseling sessions for wellness, weight loss, diabetes, cardiology, or GI disorders. "The most gratifying part is when the light bulb goes off—helping someone realize the connection between good food and good health."
Specialties include: Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention, Weight Management, Heart Health, Lifestyle Coaching
If you go back to her start as a clinical dietitian, Kim has spent her career of 30 years of experience with Chester County Hospital mainly in the Outpatient setting. For Kim, now a certified diabetes care and education specialist and registered dietitian, having a "little piece" in helping patients change their lives is what keeps her coming back. "Patients' faces come to mind as I picture them in their 'new' bodies -- lighter, more active, confident and excited; knowing they have control over their choices, rather than feeling out of control or destined for poor health."
Kim graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Nutrition and then completed an ADA Approved Pre-Professional Practice Program at Long Island University. Her career path seemed set early on. "My brother was a kidney dialysis patient. He worked with the renal dietitian and learned what he could and couldn't eat. My little brain was fascinated by the idea that what someone did or didn't eat could impact their health and life."
That connection drew her in, and today, her years of experience inform her work as a Master Trainer and Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, her community talks on a myriad of nutrition-related topics, and in providing one-on-one medical nutrition therapy for clients of all ages. This entails keeping up with the very latest in new diabetes medicines and technologies, and Kim has often considered going back to school for counseling. "My present job offers the privilege of meeting so many people. I love hearing their stories, and treasure that they trust me with their struggles and joys. Sometimes I wish I were better equipped to go a step deeper, dig down to the roots, and help with healing of the whole person."
Kim has a son and daughter with her husband of 30 years and enjoys reading, sewing, and walking with friends in her downtime. And she indulges in her weakness for chocolate "in moderation, of course."
And if she were to ever change careers? Kim would still be learning. "I wouldn't mind working in a place like a library or bookstore, surrounded by books."
Specialties include: Cancer/Oncology Nutrition, Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention, Digestive Disorders, Heart Health, Weight Management
Maureen's 30 years of experience in nutrition and diabetes education has led her to her present position as Manager of Nutrition and Diabetes Services with Penn Medicine at Chester County Hospital. Her background as a Registered Dietitian, serving both inpatient and outpatient populations, as well as her experience as a Diabetes Educator, makes her uniquely qualified to lead the team at Chester County Hospital.
"Our goal is to educate people so they can live their lives and still manage their diabetes, not the other way around." A self-professed people person, Maureen enjoys the opportunity to meet and interact with new people. “Our biggest challenge as educators is helping people change their habits. It is not easy, but we focus on small, sustainable changes."
Maureen’s interest in nutrition is hardwired. "My grandmother was an RN, loved Prevention Magazine and was into holistic measures before they were popular. That sparked my interest in nutrition." Her educational background includes a B.S. in Dietetics and a minor in Biology from University of Delaware, followed by a dietetic internship at Rutgers University, and an M.S. in Health Education and Nutrition Marking from Saint Joseph's University, as well as a Certification for Diabetes Education.
During her downtime, Maureen enjoys reading and keeps fit with running and barre class. She likes to cook and collects cookbooks. Even Friday pizza night is healthy at her house. “My husband makes it. We use part skim mozzarella cheese and love topping with onions, mushrooms and eggplant."
Maureen's job is challenging, but she wouldn’t trade it. "My biggest challenge as a manager is navigating the constant change and keeping our program at the highest level. I am blessed to have such an awesome team."
Specialties include: Diabetes and Diabetes Prevention (Insulin Pump Management, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Management), Weight Management, Chronic Kidney Disease, Exercise and Physical Activity
Jessica has been with the team at Chester County Hospital for over 10 years as both an inpatient and outpatient Diabetes, Nutrition, and Community Wellness Educator. In addition to an educational background that includes a B.S. in Kinesiology from West Chester University, an MA in Nutrition Education with ADA Dietetic Internship at Immaculata University, she also brings a particular and specific familiarity with the subject of her work to the table.
"I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes towards the end of the journey for my Master’s degree in Nutrition Education. Ironically at that time I was in a place where I was trying to decide what I was going to do with my life and this new degree." A diabetes educator with whom she worked closely at the time suggested that Jessica become a diabetes educator as well.
As a person with diabetes and an educator, Jessica is able to bring firsthand knowledge to the specialties of Insulin Pump Management and Continuous Glucose Monitoring Management to her work. But she also enjoys helping people find ways to eat a healthier diet, lose weight and feel better overall. Her professional memberships include the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.
Jessica enjoys being involved her community, especially through the works of the social ministry committee at her church, volunteering for community clean ups, Christmas gift drives and meal packing events. She stays fit with working out at home, hiking and has taken up golf in the last 5 years and is already obsessed with it! She stays on track with her ability to educate from a personal place and is grateful for the suggestion from that colleague years ago. "I envisioned I would become a diabetes educator and be able to help understand, first hand, what those living with it go through—it seemed like a no brainer! I’m very glad I took her advice."