About Us

We are the Orange County, California chapter of the National Celiac Association (NCA). ​
The Orange County Celiacs group was founded in 1987 by Cecile Weed. As the current board, we are honored to continue providing support and education to the Celiac and gluten-free community, and helping people live a successful "Gluten-Free in the O.C."
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Our Founder: Ms. Cecile Weed
​FOUNDER
  • Cecile Weed
​ELECTED OFFICERS
  • Past Chairman - Mary Schooler
​APPOINTED OFFICERS
  • Attendance: Karen Angotti 
  • Auditor: Bob Dickson
  • Phone Line: Laura Maldonado
  • Co-Hospitality: Karen Angotti  
  • Membership: Karen Angotti  
  • Dining out: Kathy Breusing /Aundrea Richtsmeier  
  • Liaison with National: Cecile Weed
  • Orange Leaf Editor: Janny Galvan 
  • Orange Leaf Compilation: Mary Schooler
  • Orange Leaf Assistant: Linda Hill 
  • Library: Ursula Hartunian 
  • Photographer: Janny Galvan 
  • Volunteer Coordinator: Becky Larsen 
  • Members-at-large: Marian Geringer, Elaine Hoffman,  Sharon Milkes, Patricia Foley.
​MEDICAL ADVISORS 
  • Ronald Adamany, MD, GI 
  • Craig Ennis, MD, GI and Internal Med.
  • Richard Mathis, MD, GI Pediatric & Nutrition 
  • Michele Pietzak, MD, GI Pediatric & Research 
  • Hooshgang Meshkinpour, MD GI, UCI  
​DIETETIC ADVISORS 
  • Miriam Matulich, RD 
  • Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD  

Meet Our Chairwoman: 
Laura Maldonado


Laura Maldonado is the founder of Rockin Nutrition in Orange County California. She began her professional career in the consumer packaged goods industry. Working for fortune 500 companies like Pfizer, Alberto-Culver and Wrigley over the years, she rose through the ranks in key account management. Laura completed her undergraduate degree in business with an accounting minor. To continue her education in business she went on to complete her MBA from Pepperdine University. Among the skills learned in her roles, analyzing data and coming up with solutions to problems was her favorite. After deciding on a career change, Laura went back to school to become a Certified Nutritionist Consultant at the Natural Healing Institute. She now utilizes her analytical and creative skills to guide her clients toward eating whole-foods aimed at helping them feel better.
Laura’s interest in health and nutrition began in her teens, so it was a natural direction for her to pursue. Combining her passion for nutrition, love of cooking and helping people learn, fuels her every day. In 2010 Laura was diagnosed with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity and now serves as the Chairman of the National Celiac Association Orange County. Leading clients to slowly make meaningful and sustainable changes is one of her strengths. Understanding how to translate a medical diagnosis into what that looks like on your plate is another. Laura works with clients likes and dislikes and doesn’t believe in always or never thinking unless absolutely necessary.
Laura works with the patients of integrative doctors and other health professionals in addition to her seeing her own clients.

You can contact Laura at ncaocceliacs@gmail.com

OUR MISSION

The NCA-OCC is dedicated to providing support for individuals, their families and friends with Celiac Disease (CD) and Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) and other gluten-related disorders. We strive to provide current information and education about Celiac Disease and other gluten-related disorders.. We also offer a place for you to meet others like you. The gluten-free diet can be challenging and at times, isolating. Sharing a meal, stories and experiences with others facing the same challenges can ease the transition to the gluten-free lifestyle. We meet throughout the year for a variety of activities, discussions and presentations. 
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