Adult Diabetes Educators
Denise Small, PharmD
Dez graduated from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in 1995 and did a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Veterans Administration in 1996. She currently works for the University of Utah at the Utah Diabetes Center. Non-working hours are spent with her family, hiking, biking, or reading.
Lacie Matthews, MS, RD, CD
Lacie is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at the Utah Diabetes Center. She earned her bachelor's degree and Master's degree from the University of Utah. She works to encourage practical healthy eating and active lifestyles in all of her patients. In her spare time, Lacie swims, snowboards, and plays roller derby.
Rita Ballesteros, RN, RD, MS
Rita was born in Valencia, Spain. She has always been interested in health matters (especially nutrition) and helping people. Rita graduated from the University of Valencia with an associate's degree in Nursing. In 2001, she received a bachelor in Nursing and in 2004, got a masters in Dietetics. Besides working as a RN, and as a RD, she sings and performs Flamenco music.
Sharon A. McDowell, RD, CD
Sharon is a registered dietitian and earned her degree at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. During her career she has worked with post operative cardiac patients and is now working at the Utah Diabetes Center, specializing in diabetes education. During her time away from work, Sharon loves the culinary aspect of health and sharing her knowledge with others, along with jogging, skiing and any outdoor activity available.
