Hi! My name is Cristina; I’m a wife, cat mom, beach lover, reader, registered dietitian, business owner, Capricorn, yoga student, and proud New Market resident. I love the quaint, small-town vibe I get driving and walking down Main Street. I also love sitting on the beach for hours, listening to the ocean and reading a book, which is something that is quite a far commute now after living in New Jersey my entire life. What drew my husband and I to New Market, and the Linganore area specifically, was the lake. We both grew up right near the ocean, and having the lake accessible to us is like a little slice of home. Now, we both are both so comfortable living in New Market that we truly can’t see ourselves calling anywhere else home!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live here with my husband, he is a special education teacher in Montgomery County. We have three high maintenance cats. We are both originally from New Jersey; we met when we were 17 and 19, but didn’t start dating until we were 26 and 28! I moved to Maryland to be closer to him, he proposed a year later, and a month later we found our dream home in New Market. We got married in 2018.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Being a registered dietitian, the thing I love most about what I do is supporting my clients and their families in finding sustainable nutrition and their definition of health. I started working in public health nutrition over 10 years ago, because I am passionate about supporting vulnerable populations with their nutrition, but more importantly helping them find resources that they need to thrive. I am still in the public health sector today, mentoring and training future registered dietitians. In 2022, I started teaching intro to nutrition courses at Frederick Community College, where I bring weight-inclusivity into the curriculum and encourage the students to challenge the status quo of nutrition and health. Last but certainly not least, in 2021, I opened a private practice called Down to Earth Nutrition, where I provide weight-inclusive and non-diet nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups via telehealth. Along with being a Registered Dietitian, I am also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in New Market since 2016; I started my business here in 2021! I have been volunteering with the New Market Green Team since 2022, which I am loving! I love connecting with my neighbors to better the community and bring events such as the farmers’ markets to New Market.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My advice is always strive to be inclusive and kind.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Something on my bucket list is to go to Scotland for a year to live and work. Though we love New Market, I’d love to leave the American hustle and bustle behind and experience what slowing down in Europe would be like.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We were drawn to New Market because of it’s quaint, historic, small-town feel. I love that it is the antiques capital of Maryland!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
To tell you the truth, I am not sure. I try to take my life in smaller chunks!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
This is a tough one because I myself am learning something new and interesting about myself each day!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sicily, Italy
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month: tie between January and the summer months. Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving. Best single day on the calendar: January 8th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The lasagna recipe, and ensuing delicious lasagna, by Chef Lidia Bastianich that my husband and I make on Christmas Eve.
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
My mom has had the greatest impact on me because she taught me to be independent. My independence has been the catalyst for everything I’ve accomplished in my life thus far.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, inviting, relaxing.
