Ventura County “Mom to Know” – Meet Diana

Welcome to our Ventura County “Mom to Know” series!

We are featuring moms right here in our local community to highlight the wonderful things they are doing as mothers, business owners, community members, and friends. Each featured mom will be entered to win a single mini-session with local photographer JESSICA FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY.

A special thanks to Jessica Francis Photography for offering a mini-session and capturing the special moments in a mom’s life.

Jessica Francis Photography –
for the quirky, adventurous, & wildly in love
Serving quirky couples & playful families in Ventura County between Thousand Oaks & Santa Barbara, CA

We are honored to feature our 1st “Mom to Know” in Ventura County!

Meet Diana

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

My name is Diana Cantero and I grew up in Los Angeles. My parents are immigrants from Nicaragua and worked very hard to make ends meet. They always encouraged me to pursue an education and went through great lengths to make sure that I had the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I decided to attend Cal State Channel Islands where I found a love for science and majored in Biology. After I finished my undergraduate work I applied to Physician Assistant school and got into the USC Primary Care Physician Assistant Program. While I was in school I met my husband and we got married shortly after I graduated from PA School. My husband and I love to travel, and we particularly enjoy trying new foods! We also enjoy visiting art galleries and museums. I am lucky to have a stepson who is 11 years old and my daughter who is 2 years old. My husband is Armenian and I am Hispanic. We have so much fun integrating both of our cultures in our home and our daughter is learning 3 different languages!

2. What do you do for a living?

I am a Physician Assistant and work at an Urgent Care. As a Physician Assistant I spend my time evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients for various conditions such as your common cold, broken bones, lacerations or chronic conditions. My favorite part about my job is that I get to help patients feel better. Through this pandemic I was on the frontline, and even though it was extremely challenging I did get to help our community through an unprecedented health crisis.

3. What do you love about living in Ventura County?

I fell in love with Ventura County when I moved here for college. I always knew I would come back, and was so excited when we were finally able to make the move. I love being close to the beach, the vegetable and fruit fields, the many farmers markets, and the weather. Even though we are very close to Los Angeles, Ventura is much more quiet and peaceful. It is a great place to raise a family.

4. What are your favorite local things to do/places to go?

Our family loves to go to Underwood farms, Main Street in Ventura, The Channel Islands Harbor, and the many local parks in the area. Our outings are never complete without stopping by Toppers for some pizza!

5. Is there a hidden gem in Ventura County you love?

Serra Cross- One of the best views of Ventura that I have seen. It is really nice to take a walk up there after getting some coffee on Main Street.

6. What do you do to reset and recharge?

To reset and recharge I try to workout. I have found an amazing group of women to workout with. Fit4mom Simi Valley has really become my tribe. I have recently joined, but I have found so much encouragement from all of the mom’s there and whenever I go I feel recharged.

7. How do you see yourself impacting our community?

I am a healthcare worker and I take care of the health care needs of my community. Additionally, I have recently taken on some teaching opportunities to help train future PA’s. With our healthcare shortage, training more healthcare professionals is beneficial for all of us.

8. Brag on yourself! What are you proud of yourself about?

I am proud of my profession and my educational achievements. I recently went back to school and completed a doctorate degree. Growing up in an immigrant household with limited resources I had a lot of challenges to overcome to get to where I am today. I am also proud of surviving motherhood in this pandemic. As a frontline healthcare worker I had to leave my baby when she was 3 months old to go back to work. I was terrified, but I knew I had a duty to my patients and to my community. I became a mom in isolation, and found strength in my daughter to pull through. I think any woman that became a mom in this pandemic should be proud of herself!

9. What piece of advice would you give women right now?

For women- Always continue to challenge yourself, even if you think you cannot do it. I was a little bit hesitant to pursue a doctorate degree with a baby, however I knew I wanted to provide a better future for my daughter. For moms- As a fairly new mom that became a mom in an incredibly difficult time I would say to give yourself plenty of grace, and to allow yourself to make mistakes. Your love is enough for your child, and motherhood is a process. It may not come as “naturally” as you would have hoped, but your love for your child is always enough- even if the world around you is falling apart.