Dawnita Wicks RN, BSN, PHN, IBCLC
Dawnita partners with Ocean Pediatrics to offer our infant patients and their parents the support they deserve while navigating their breastfeeding and lactation journeys. As an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, registered nurse, certified public health nurse, and board-certified nursing instructor, she is uniquely positioned to offer your family a well-rounded perspective and a more holistic care.
Dawnita received her education at Loma Linda University with an emphasis in Social and Cultural Diversity, a passion that led her to work with at-risk populations and to further develop her appreciation for recognizing important differences and connecting on common ground with patients. With experience in the birthing process, newborn care, maternal recovery, and breastfeeding, Dawnita’s work has taken her both to hospital settings and to her patients homes through her private lactation practice. You can learn more about Dawnita through the links below.
Janice Dada, MPH, RDN, CDCES, CEDS
As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) with advanced credentials in intuitive eating, diabetes care, and eating disorders, Janice partners with Ocean Pediatrics to help our families optimize their health, well-being, and eating behaviors. Janice is the founder of SoCal Nutrition & Wellness, a private practice in Newport Beach. Her unique approach focuses on forming healthy eating behaviors through evidence-based nutrition principles, human behavior, and psychology.
Whether parents are introducing solids, expanding the diet of a selective eater, or working through a health challenge, Janice works with parents to implement best practices when feeding their little ones. As children grow, Janice is there to support your family, working with young athletes, those struggling with disordered eating, and more. Her goal is to help parents raise children that develop a healthy relationship with food and their body as they grow. To learn more about Janice, connect with her through the links below.
Dr. Hayley Pedersen MS, PsyD
As a licensed child and family psychologist, and the founder of The Child and Family Connection, Dr. Pedersen received her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) from Azusa Pacific University and has over ten years of experience. Today, she works in partnership with Ocean Pediatrics to ensure that our patients have access to holistic health care while maintaining close collaboration with parents and caregivers at every step.
Dr. Pedersen uses empirically supported therapies and assessments in the treatment of concerns such as emotion dysregulation, ADHD, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, anxiety-related stressors, and behavioral issues. Her unique approach includes both individual and family therapy to children and their caregivers utilizing a “whole-child approach.”
Dr. Rebecca Gold PsyD, LPCC
As a Doctor of Psychology and a licensed professional clinical counselor, Dr. Gold has extensive experience providing therapy to kids and families in Southern California through her practice Gold Mind Therapy. She partners with Ocean Pediatrics to provide a warm, non-judgmental healing space for adolescents, adults, and couples in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationships, ADHD, and more.
Dr. Gold received her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also attended the California School of Professional Psychology and holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University.
Dr. Gold combines techniques based in science with holistic methods to specialize her treatment plans for each unique client. She draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), EMDR, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), integrative, culturally sensitive, family/marital, strength-based, person-centered, and more. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gold to start on a path of healing, build self-esteem, and create healthy habits for a more meaningful life.
Shira Kfir, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working in the Orange County area, Shira partners with Ocean Pediatrics to help your family ensure your parenting journey is as smooth and positive as possible.
After receiving her master’s in social work at NYU, Shira developed a great passion for helping mothers through the immense emotional and physical transition into motherhood.
Today, Shira works as a therapist supporting her clients as they prepare to start a family, throughout the challenges of pregnancy and the postpartum period, and into early parenthood. Her practice provides a supportive and judgment-free environment for women and families by following a collaborative, goal-setting approach. Work with Shira to address immediate stressors and make strides during weekly therapy sessions.
