Provider Spotlight – Martha Gooldy Garcia, RD, IBCLC

Meet Martha Gooldy Garcia, RD, IBCLC. Martha is a Registered Dietitian and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the fields of pediatric nutrition and lactation.

“Quality nutrition plays an essential role in the health and development of infants, children and teens,” said Garcia. “You can expect practical support and guidance that is individualized to your child’s and family’s needs.”

What is your favorite restaurant in Colorado? 

I can’t narrow it down to 1! In Fort Collins right now I love Mod Pizza – all the ingredients you want! In Denver, Mercantile Dining & Provision – every bite made me smile. Roasted Brussels Sprouts, yum.

Describe your perfect day.

At some point during the day, all of these things would happen: walk the dog, a cup of hot tea, read a book, nap, cook a new recipe, belly laugh with my husband, yoga with my sister and catch up with friends. Can I fit it all in??

What are your hobbies?

I love anything to do with food – cooking, watching cooking shows and of course, eating.  I snowboard (poorly), garden & love a good book. I have fun playing Fantasy Football & “smack talking” through the season.

Why did you choose your profession? 

In High school, I had an incredible teacher who spent time in Africa every summer as a volunteer. She brought back amazing pictures and heart wrenching stories about families not having homes or enough to eat. I decided then that I wanted to help feed kids, whatever that may look like.

My dream has changed course and looked different through the years, but overall my goal, still, is to help kids be healthy and get good nutrition.  Whether it be supporting a mom as she and baby learn how to breastfeed, educating a family who has children with food allergies, teaching parents how to help their picky eaters or helping an adolescent understand balanced intake. I love it all!

What do you like most about working at The Youth Clinic?

Each staff member cares about our patients and their families. There is thoughtfulness in the programs that are designed, with the focus being on the needs of our families, not just the bottom line. It is so fun to be at community events and hear how much the families love coming here.

The staff also cares for each other, it is not an impersonal office. If someone has an illness or adds a new member to their family, they are supported from the top down. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day.