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
  • Chairman - Laura Maldonado 
  • Treasurer - Mary Schooler  
  • Vice-Chairman - Carrie Wojciechowski
  • 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 was diagnosed with gluten intolerance in 2011. After years of suffering, studying, and trial-and-error, Laura was able to determine how food can be used as medicine. This pushed her to fulfill her lifetime dream of starting her own wellness business, “Rockin Nutrition” in 201​7​. Now she can, “give back to others with my personal success”.
Laura offers food preparation guidance and personal chef services. Laura attended the Natural Healing Institute based in Encinitas, CA and is a Certified Health Consultant, she has also completed her MBA from Pepperdine.

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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