Diara is a multi state licensed, board certified PA. She holds multiple degrees obtained from Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, & Missouri State University.

Diara has become passionate about lactation & obesity medicine through personal struggles & triumps. As a wife & working mom of two littles- She unexpectedly endured aggressive cases of preeclampsia with both pregnancies, resulting in premature deliveries at 35 weeks. Diara struggled with nursing due to various feeding challenges that often present with 35 weekers, (also known as “early termers”) because of their under-developed oral muscles, suckle ability, and endurance.

With her first she was exhausted & struggling to keep up with the demands of “triple feeds” (when you nurse, pump, and bottle feed at each feeding.) She sought out lactation assistance, but didn’t receive the individualized, professional support she needed. Her family wasn’t equipped with breastfeeding experience that could help. She felt overwhelmed & alone. Inspired to action, Diara was compelled to take a deep dive into lactation education. She began official training as a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2020. She was successful in breastfeeding over 1 year and her frozen breast milk supply stretched many additional months with her first little.

Feeling confidently equipped after the first, her second little came in like a whirlwind! Diara was instructed to pause her testing due to her elevated blood pressure and pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, due to pre-eclamptic complications, Diara and baby were apart the first 24 hours while she recovered in one hospital and baby was sent to NICU in a hospital across state lines. She was saddened by losing the crucial first hours of bonding & lacthing, but was determined to establish her milk supply by pumping and delivering breast milk to her premature infant miles away. Upon reuniting with him, Diara continued her pumping schedule until she was given the approval to nurse. She passed her Certified Lactation Counselor boards in 2021, a few months after having her second little. She continued to pump and nurse her second little over a year as well and he self weaned with frozen breastmilk stash left to spare.

Towards the end of her breastfeeding journey, Diara found herself, like many mothers- with excess weight from two complicated pregnancies, being a frontline healthcare worker throught the pandemic, and years with little time or energy to devote to exercise or proper nutrition. She decided it was time to make a change. She began making simple changes to her diet and activity in small sustainable ways. She was able to lose 10 lbs. After weaning her youngest, she was able to add weight loss medication to her regimen as well as the other pillars of sustainable weight loss and has lost over 50 lbs. She is proud of her hard work and has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and skills with others who are ready to make a change. Those that are ready to feel better, move better, strengthen their confidence, and improve their health! All things that are a part of living a Fulfilling life!

Most days you can find her in the clinic or hospital, home, or sneaking in some fun adventures with her littles. Outside of balancing mommy-hood, medicine & marriage- she also enjoys brunch with her friends and traveling!