Story submitteD by: Kelsey jordan

Carla Flynn

My aunt Carla came into my life when she married my uncle. We were all so taken aback and impressed by this tall, strong, beautiful, SMART woman he had met! She came to the United States from Brazil for medical school and residency - working in New York City during the AIDS epidemic and becoming completely fluent in English.

She is now (and has been for many years!) a Board Certified physician in Internal Medicine as well as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is the Founder and Director of Metanu Center as well as working for a large area hospital in New Jersey. She is widely known by her patients as someone who takes the time to listen - no matter how long it takes.

Separate from her incredible career, our family has been so blessed to get to know her family. Many of her family members come to stay with Carla - she works hard to provide a place to stay, a friendly, familial face and help looking for job opportunities for some of her nieces and nephews who come to the States. It’s a joy to spend the holidays with this new, extended family learning Brazilian traditions, trying delicious treats (yum, brigaderos!) and exchanging information between cultures around the dinner table.

I am so grateful to have my aunt Carla in my life! She is so special to all of us and it’s truly a Herculean feat what she’s accomplished. I am so pleased to share her story in an effort to bring awareness to how Riverside helps and empowers immigrants in New York City at any stage of life.

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