SNAC Spotlight: Marla White

Purdue Nutrition Education Program Advisor

Submitted by Marcia Sweet

Knox resident Tessia Kester knew she needed a change. In addition to the challenges all new moms face, Tessia struggled with gall stones. She reached out to the Bella Vita Pregnancy Center in Knox and found NEP Advisor Marla White.

“I know this issue well,” said Marla, who is nearing her first anniversary with NEP. “My gallbladder ruptured when I was 30 weeks pregnant with my fourth and it was rough!”

Tessia started her first Eat Smart Move More class three weeks after her daughter, Rain, was born.

“She needed to make a lot of dietary changes,” Marla said, “decreasing the fat in her diet as well as (reducing) processed foods.” Fortunately, the changes prescribed by her doctor were covered in the Eat Smart Move More curriculum.

“We made the Southwest Rice Bowl from Food Hero and she chopped up a squash and zucchini for the first time in her life! She loved the flavor and was already thinking of new ways she could prepare it at home. 

“She had never chopped veggies before and left the class feeling proud of herself for helping cook her own meal and realizing how easy it could be. Even better, she let me cuddle her sweet baby girl while she enjoyed her Southwest Rice Bowl!”

Both mom and baby are doing well.

Get to know Marla:

In what areas/counties do you work in?

“I work in Pulaski and Starke counties.” 

What age groups do you most often work with?

“I mainly work with senior citizens, adults and teens! The seniors and teens have my heart!“

What is your favorite part about being a NEPA?

“My favorite part of being a NEPA is challenging myself to get out of my own comfort zone in the kitchen, serving others and just listening to the stories people want to share. There are a lot of hurting people in our communities who have also found a way to find the joy in the simple things.” 

Do you have a success story you would like to share?

“(One of) my favorite success stories is when I ran into a mom of a student of mine who was at the grocery store specifically to buy ingredients for a food demo I did with her son’s class.”  

What are some of your personal interests?

“I love fishing, hiking, running, and building forts with my kids. We are big animal lovers (I’m a licensed vet tech as well as a NEPA) and we love finding critters! I also coach swimming and spends lot of time listening to audiobooks and podcasts.”