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At TrueCare, community isn’t just something we serve; it’s something we embody. Whether it’s through personalized care, professional development, or the everyday support of a welcoming team, the culture here is rooted in compassion and connection. Adrianna Bautista, a Degreed Nutritionist and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) at our Ramona WIC location, offers a vivid glimpse into this experience. Through her decade-long journey, Adrianna’s story reflects the heart of what makes TrueCare a place where people, both patients and professionals, truly thrive.
Get to know Adrianna and her story to learn what is possible with community health care jobs in San Diego at a nonprofit organization like TrueCare.
Community Health Care Jobs in San Diego: Adrianna Bautista’s Story
For Adrianna Bautista, working in community health is more than a job; it’s a calling grounded in service, family, and personal growth. Her journey at TrueCare Ramona WIC shows what’s possible when a workplace supports your purpose and your future.
“With the WIC program, we serve women, infants, and children – that’s what WIC stands for,” explained Adrianna. “Our focus is providing nutrition education and counseling services, some other social services, and providing nutritious foods to families,” she said.
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Why Do Purpose-Driven Professionals Choose Careers in Community Health?
Adrianna’s passion for service began long before her career in healthcare. As a young adult, she was deeply involved in church activities and later volunteered with organizations like Feeding America and the San Diego Food Bank.
“I always wanted to serve a bigger community,” Adrianna shared. “When I was younger, I used to participate in church and was very involved in activities there, and naturally, that made me want to grow that impact. As an undergraduate, I volunteered a lot with the community in programs like Feeding America and San Diego Food Bank, and I provided certain classes for the elderly. Service to others has always been a passion,” she said.
This desire to give back eventually led her to pursue a role in community health — a field that aligned perfectly with her values and background.
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How Do People Start Their Careers at TrueCare and Find Long-Term Success?
Ten years ago, Adrianna joined the TrueCare WIC team in Ramona as a Degreed Nutritionist. She was drawn to the role by a friend who worked at TrueCare and spoke highly of the organization’s supportive environment and opportunities for advancement.
“She said the supervisors were amazing, and there was a lot of flexibility,” Adrianna recalled. “That caught my attention, especially as a mother. Plus, if employees advocate for an employer like that, it says a lot about the culture,” she added.
Since then, Adrianna has grown both personally and professionally. With TrueCare’s encouragement and resources, she earned her certification as a Lactation Educator, expanding her ability to support families during a pivotal stage in their health journeys.
“You really have to like helping people here,” Adrianna added. “Everyone here is really motivated by the opportunity to constantly educate the people we serve, whether you’re helping them with something small or something big. Just seeing and hearing them thank you and be very thankful that you’re offering that help and the services you’re providing, that’s very fulfilling and keeps you going – it also makes you want to keep learning so you can provide the best care for everybody. Everyone wins,” she said.
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What Sets TrueCare Apart as an Employer in Community Health Care?
Adrianna is a firm believer in continued learning, and TrueCare makes that possible. From professional certifications to pathways for advancement, she believes ample opportunities for growth played a key role in her long-term commitment to the organization.
TrueCare’s investment in its team goes far beyond daily support. Adrianna points to the organization’s commitment to continued education, noting that many team members pursue certifications, dietitian programs, and internships.
“I initially started here as a Degreed Nutritionist, and they really do provide a lot of opportunities for growth,” Adrianna explained. “While I’ve been here, I also got my certification to be a CLE, or a Certified Lactation Educator, so you will always have the support you need to develop professionally,” she said.
Throughout her time at TrueCare, Adrianna also said that she has consistently felt supported by leadership. Her supervisors, she says, are “amazing,” creating a work environment where staff feel valued and empowered to succeed.
Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason, Clinical Nurse Manager II
Does TrueCare Support Work-Life Balance for Working Parents?
As a mother, Adrianna appreciates TrueCare’s flexibility and commitment to supporting her and her colleagues in achieving a great work-life balance.
“Leadership at this organization really wants you to be able to step away, live your life, and come back recharged. It matters to them almost as much as it does to you,” Adrianna said.
That flexibility has allowed her to be fully present for her family and all the important milestones. For example, now, she’s planning her daughter’s quinceañera, and she is able to be involved in every step of the process of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
“Work-life balance is something I really appreciate at TrueCare,” Adrianna said. “The managers are really flexible, and you can tell that they understand that you have a family and life outside of the health center,” she added.
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Is There a Strong Sense of Team and Connection at TrueCare?
Even though Adrianna is the primary WIC point of contact at the Ramona location, she still finds ways to connect with her wider team. Lunch hours and staff meetings offer chances to build relationships and stay connected.
“Those are great opportunities for us to bond,” Adrianna shared. “During our lunch hour, we talk and get to know each other on a personal level, and we also have staff meetings that allow us to connect a little more. Everyone’s very friendly and welcoming here, and it helps create a sense of family,” she said.
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What Is It Like to Support Families Through a Role at TrueCare WIC?
Adrianna’s role at WIC is about more than just nutrition — it’s about education, encouragement, and emotional support.
“What motivates me is educating the people I serve,” Adrianna explained. “Whether it’s something small or big, hearing someone say ‘thank you’ is very fulfilling,” she said.
Her desire to provide the best support possible pushes her to keep learning and growing in her role.
“One thing I really find fulfilling working at TrueCare is providing breastfeeding education,” Adrianna added. “The reality is there are lots of times where we have pregnant mothers or breastfeeding mothers who may not feel the support in their breastfeeding journey. It can be very taboo sometimes and come with a stigma, depending on their culture and how long they are breastfeeding their child. Educating them on the benefits of breastfeeding and motivating them is a pretty amazing feeling,” she said.
As the primary touchpoint for TrueCare WIC in Ramona, Adrianna serves women, infants, and children by offering nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling, social service referrals, and access to nutritious foods. One moment that stands out in Adrianna’s career involves supporting a breastfeeding mother who had felt judged elsewhere.
“I had a mom actually where we were talking about how she was still breastfeeding her 1-year-old,” Adrianna said, “and I was like, ‘Congratulations! You’re still breastfeeding your 1-year-old, and the longer you breastfeed your child, the more benefits they will have,’ and she had no idea. She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing. She said, ‘Thank you so much for telling me this. I really needed to hear this.’ Seeing that reassurance that she’s doing a good job made me feel so good. I’m a mom, so I understand how easily doubt can creep in. I love getting rid of those doubts,” she said.
While she’s the face of WIC in Ramona, she’s backed by a larger team spread across other locations like San Marcos, Oceanside, and Escondido. It’s a collaborative effort — one that centers families and their well-being every step of the way.
Related Article: TrueCare Oceanside: Committed to Serving Our Community with Compassionate Health Care
What Advice Does TrueCare Staff Have for New Health Care Professionals?
Adrianna offers heartfelt advice to anyone entering the health care field, especially those who feel they might be a good fit at a mission-driven organization like TrueCare.
“It’s really important to find mentors, prioritize your self-care and mental health, and build relationships – especially with your peers,” Adrianna said. “Ultimately, it’s important to remember that it’s OK to ask for help. That’s the only way you can improve,” she said.
These, she says, are the keys to thriving in both your professional and personal life.
What is the Culture and Team Energy Like at TrueCare?
When asked to pick a theme song for her team, Adrianna smiled and chose “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth, a fitting anthem for a group so grounded in optimism and service.
“Everyone is very friendly and welcoming,” Adrianna said. “Just seeing them brightens my day,” she smiled.
As for a fun fact? Adrianna is a twin! This is just one more way she brings a unique and personal touch to the work she does.
Are You Inspired By the Words of Adrianna Bautista? Apply for Community Health Care Jobs in San Diego Today!
Adrianna Bautista’s story is just one example of the fulfilling careers available at TrueCare. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a place to grow, TrueCare offers a culture rooted in compassion, balance, and professional development where you can make a meaningful impact on your community.
If you’re ready to make a difference and be supported every step of the way, explore our open positions and see where a career with TrueCare could take you.
