Get to Know Our Staff: Paula Moran, Clinical Nutrition
What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a clinical dietitian at Scottish Rite where I have the privilege of caring for patients and their families. My role is to ensure our patients are not only medically stable but also truly nourished in a way that supports their growth, healing and overall well-being. I assess each child’s nutritional status, develop individualized nutrition care plans and manage specialized nutrition support, including enteral nutrition when needed.
I spend meaningful time educating and empowering families so they feel confident supporting their child’s nutrition in the hospital and at home. For me, nutrition is more than meeting calories and protein goals. It is about helping children thrive during vulnerable moments and supporting their long-term health.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing the transformation that happens when a child is truly nourished. Watching a patient gain strength, energy and confidence is incredibly rewarding. I also find deep fulfillment in serving as an educator for families. Nutrition can feel overwhelming. However, it is meaningful to provide clarity, reassurance and practical guidance that empowers parents to support their child’s recovery.
What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because I can collaborate with a team that is fully committed to giving children back their childhoods. Every discipline works together with the same shared purpose. It creates an environment where care is not only excellent, but deeply compassionate and intentional.
Scottish Rite is also special to me because it gave me an opportunity as a newly registered dietitian. Scottish Rite has shaped me as both a clinician and a professional dedicated to helping children truly thrive.
What made you choose a career in health care?
From a young age, I felt a strong calling to help others become the best version of themselves. I always knew that working in the medical field would be my path to give back to my community in meaningful and lasting ways. As I discovered the power of nutrition, that calling became even clearer.
I am reminded every day why I chose this profession because of the ways food can restore strength, correct deficiencies and give a child the ability to truly thrive. Using evidence-based nutrition care to make a tangible difference in a child’s recovery and quality of life is a privilege and a responsibility I deeply value.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, my fiancé and friends. I also love baking sourdough bread, patiries or desserts. I recently discovered a new love for needlepoint!
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Italy to visit Vatican City. I would like to connect deeper in my Catholic faith while also admiring the outstanding art and history.
If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be arepas. These are my comfort food, as it reminds me of my home back in Venezuela.
What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Hercules”
What is the first concert you attended?
Ed Sheeran
What Is your favorite DFW hidden gem?
Barcelona Wine Bar
If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Maisie Williams, since a lot of people say I look like her!
What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I would tell my younger self to focus on what you can control and approach every challenge with curiosity and compassion.
