Meet Our WIC Team

Hannah Hamilton, RD/LD, CLC, Public Health Nutrition Program Director, Breastsfeeding Program Coordinator, WIC Program

Hannah Hamilton, RD/LD, CLC, has been working with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County since 2015 and currently manages the local WIC Program. She started her career in public health as a Public Health Nutritionist after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Foods from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. In addition to a BS degree in Nutrition, she received a Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition from Florida International University. She is also a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). She is currently enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Administration program through the University of West Florida, with anticipated graduation in December of 2023. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she enjoys boating, fishing, and snorkeling. Other hobbies include CrossFit, weight training, and spending time with her family.  

Christela Brevil, Health Support Specialist, WIC Program

Christela has been with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County working in the WIC Program since 2002. She was born in Haiti and has been in the Florida Keys since 1991. She is passionate about helping her community and clients, and specifically enjoys advocating for the refugees. She is the face of the Key West WIC Office. During her free time, Christela enjoys cooking, singing and spending time with family.

Carolyn de Paula, CLC, Peer Counselor Coordinator, WIC Program

Carolyn de Paula serves as a Designated Breastfeeding Expert and Peer Counselor Coordinator with the WIC Breastfeeding program. From 2018-2022, she served as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for Monroe County. She enjoys assisting moms with their breastfeeding goals and believes all moms deserve high-quality breastfeeding education, ongoing support and encouragement. Having been born and raised in Aruba, Carolyn speaks five languages: English, Papiamento, Spanish, Dutch, and some French. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida International University and attained her Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification in 2021. When she’s not attending to peer counselors or clients, she can be found having fun with her family watching movies, hiking and kayaking, playing video games, and researching random topics online. Her family consists of a husband, three children (all were breastfed), and two dogs. Her ideal day would include a good book, strong coffee in hand, and a view of the Carolina mountains.

Wendy Holifield, Public Health Nutritionist, WIC Program

Wendy Holifield, Public Health Nutritionist, is a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist. Wendy earned a bachelor’s degree in Food Science & Human Nutrition from University of Florida at Gainesville (1997) and in 2003, she received a master’s of science degree in Healthcare Management from Troy University, Troy, AL. While Wendy started working at the Florida Department of Health in Monroeo County in 2010, she joined the Monroe County WIC team in 2016. Wendy has vast experience as a dietitian/nutritionist and has been in a public health capacity for most of her career. Wendy is a native Floridian who has lived in Key West since 2006. She enjoys helping people and making a positive impact on the community. When not working for WIC, Wendy provides nutrition services for a home health agency and is a real estate broker and property manager.  In her free time, Wendy enjoys taking long walks through old town and along the waterfront and also enjoys riding her bike.

Suzanne Otto, RDN, LDN, Senior Public Health Nutritionist, WIC Program

Suzanne began her career in the restaurant business and received a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Restaurant Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  She continued her education and became a Registered Dietitian working as a hospital Director of Food and Nutrition services  before moving to Key West.  In 2008 she began working at the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and is a Senior Public Health Nutritionist with the WIC program.  She is particularly interested in working with parents, guardians and children to prevent childhood obesity. In her free time she enjoys cooking with family and friends and attending her son’s sporting events.

Lisa Raum, MS, RDN, LDN, Public Health Nutritionist, WIC Program

Lisa Raum, MS, RDN, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian with a diverse background in food and nutrition. Lisa began he career focused on the preparation and enjoyment of food (having attended culinary arts school initially). She then moved on to learning to appreciate the role of food in human health by acquiring undergraduate and graduate degrees in food and nutrition science. Through working with individuals in various settings geared toward helping others understand the connections between lifestyle and good health, Lisa realized that better understanding the principles of human behavior change would be a complementary skill. Thus, she acquired a master's degree in psychology as well. She feels blessed to have worked in a wide variety of settings over the past 30+ years of her career. She has enjoyed helping others by providing education and inspiration to individuals and groups in healthcare settings and to college students (as an adjunct professor). Lisa joined the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County in December of 2022 as a Public Health Nutritionist for the WIC program. Lisa loves everything about food, loves the Florida sunshine, and has the world's best husband.

Lauren Rutgersen, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, WIC Program

Lauren Rutgersen recently joined the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County as Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for the WIC program in 2023. With over 25 years of residency in the beautiful Florida Keys, she is truly passionate about supporting and empowering local families as they navigate the journey of breastfeeding. Having personally breastfed two children, she understands the joys and challenges that come with this important stage of motherhood. Crafting is one of her favorite pastimes, allowing her to express her artistic flair and attention to detail. Furthermore, reading is a cherished hobby of hers. She is thrilled to be a part of this incredible team of professionals, where she can combine her passion for breastfeeding support with her love for the local community.