Mary H. Nieraeth
Mary H. Nieraeth is a retired registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and registered yoga instructor based in Lakewood, California. Over a career spanning several decades, she specialized in diabetes management, nutrition counseling, and weight management, providing both individual medical nutrition therapy and group education classes. In addition to her clinical work, Mary integrated yoga instruction into her practice, pioneering weekly adaptive yoga classes for patients with physical limitations. Her approach emphasized meeting people where they are, helping them develop practical strategies to advocate for their own health.
Mary’s journey into health advocacy was shaped by personal challenges as well as professional experience. Following a seizure-related car accident and subsequent brain surgery in 2006 that resolved her lifelong epilepsy, she became deeply committed to holistic wellness practices, including meditation, therapy, and yoga. These experiences inspired her to write Unleashing My Warrior Spirit: A Memoir of Empowerment and Self-Health Advocacy, published in February 2024, sharing her story of resilience and self-care to encourage others to take charge of their health.
Even in retirement, Mary continues to give back to her community through volunteer work with the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, the Greater Los Angeles Food Bank, and produce distribution programs at Cal State Long Beach. She remains passionate about health education, empowering individuals to make informed choices about nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness, and fostering a lifelong commitment to self-advocacy and personal growth.
• Registered Dietitian
• 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
• Certified Diabetes Educator
• MGH Institute of Health Professions - MS
• American Dietetic Association
• Greater LA Food Bank
• Cal State Long Beach Produce Distribution (with Pavangas group)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence and staying proactive—I make it a point to stay informed, ask questions, seek second opinions when needed, and advocate for myself to ensure the best outcomes.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be proactive and take ownership of your growth. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, seek them out, ask questions, and advocate for yourself—your initiative often makes the biggest difference in your career trajectory.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering the industry to start where they feel drawn, but not to limit themselves to that one path. Every role offers valuable learning that can open doors to new opportunities, sometimes even ones you’re more passionate about. Be honest with yourself about your interests, stay open to exploring new avenues, and don’t be afraid to create opportunities where none currently exist—there are more possibilities now than ever before.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty with myself, prioritizing my health, fostering meaningful connections, and giving back. I focus on activities that support my well-being—like nutrition, exercise, sleep, meditation, and yoga—while also building a community of like-minded people and finding ways to contribute positively to others.
Locations
HealthCare Partners Medical Group
Lakewood, CA 90712