Brookside Nutrition Department

The Nutrition Department is committed to providing high quality nutrition counseling services to our patients through a culturally sensitive, patient-centered approach. Our department provides therapeutic nutrition counseling for Brookside's primary care patients.

Services Provided

Therapeutic Nutrition Program

Our team of registered dietitians provides nutrition counseling to Brookside primary care patients with nutrition related medical conditions, which include but are not limited to:

  • Diabetes (including Gestational Diabetes)
  • Obesity
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Food allergies

Patients must receive a referral from their Brookside primary care provider and must have insurance that covers nutrition counseling. If you are interested in receiving nutrition counseling, please speak with your primary care provider.

Fitness In the City Program

In collaboration with the Pediatric Department, youth and children ages 3-18 can be referred to the Fitness in the City Program. Fitness in the City (FITC) provides free resources, classes, and case management to support youth in their health and happiness. Examples of these resources include YMCA memberships, cooking classes, sports programs, nutrition coaching, and more. The FITC case manger works one-on-one with families to create a unique plan for each participant, so that every child can have access to becoming their healthiest and happiest, under any circumstance. Contact your provider for a referral to the FITC program.

Our Staff

Alaina Duchin

Alaina Duchin (She/Her/Hers)

Case Manager of Fitness in the City

Education: University of New England, BS in Nutrition with a minor in Writing; Simmons University, currently in a MS Nutrition program to become a Registered Dietitian

Interests: Pediatric Nutrition and Obesity; Global Nutrition; Fitness and Exercise; Food Access; Food Allergies

JACLYN LERNER, RD, LDN

JACLYN LERNER, RD, LDN (she/her/hers)

Community Nutritionist

Education: University of Connecticut, enrolled in MS in Health Promotion Sciences; University of Pittsburgh, BS in Nutrition and Dietetics and minor in Spanish

Interests: Eating Disorders; Weight Inclusivity; Patient-Centered Care; Food Security

Languages: English and Spanish

Contact Us

The Nutrition Department can be reached at:

Phone: (617) 983-6086

Fax: (617) 983-6007

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