Public Health AmeriCorps Members
Meet Our 2024-2025 Cohort
Alissa Jeffrey,
Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center
Alissa is a recent graduate from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She studied Medical Anthropology, Biology, Public Health, and Global Health Equity. Alissa is excited to be returning back home to work with Public Health AmeriCorps!
Annisha Fernandez,
Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center
Ann is a first-generation Chicanx university student born and raised in LA County. Ann received her B.A in social work with a minor in rehab services, she is currently pursuing her MSW at Azusa Pacific. Ann has worked as a preschool teacher for eight years and is excited to work with people in the community and gain new skills.
Belen Velazquez,
KLBRI
I am a Queer 2 Spirit detribalized Xicana who is remembering and reclaiming their Indigenous wisdom and medicines while walking the Sacred Red Road as I create good relationships with all of my Relations. I am a song keeper and storyteller who is passionate about helping others activate the healing power within themselves by expressing their truths courageously and unapologetically. Honored to be here and I'm excited to be able to share my medicine with those I get to work with and share space with.
Benjamin Bauknecht,
Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Ben is new to L.A. and eager to help those in need. Prior to AmeriCorps he was in the Army for 9 years and also held positions in supply chain, the food industry, real estate and teaching. Ben claims Alabama as his home state but hopes Cali will treat him well!
Crissy Kha,
YWCA
As a Public Health Bachelors of Science graduate at California State University, Northridge, for over 4 years, Crissy actively supports families of their health care needs and have experience in non-profits, healthcare and behavioral health. From her vibrant spirit to her love for exercise, there is always a smile on Crissy's face when she walks into a room. Outside of her profession, she's likely exploring new culinary delights, adding to her blind box collection & scrapbooking to her hearts desire.
Daniel Lopez,
Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center
Daniel grew up in the city of Paramount, CA in LA county. He attended UC Berkeley where he studied Molecular Biology and also obtained a masters in biostatistics from Johns Hopkins University. His long term goal is to become a physician and to advocate for health equity in low-income immigrant communities like the one where he grew up.
Dorothy "Mio" Faiamio Tuala,
SoCal PICRT
Mio is Community Health Coordinator for SoCal PICRT. She is of Sāmoan descent, a foodie, and frequent Disney-goer!
Emiliya Tabatabai,
Beach Cities Health District
Emiliya is currently a student at the University of California, Irvine, where she is studying Public Health Policy. She is passionate about improving community health outcomes and advocating for equitable healthcare access. In her free time, Emiliya enjoys volunteering at non-profit organizations, dancing, playing ping-pong, and experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen.
Esmeralda Gomez,
Breathe Southern California
Esmeralda is a first generation college student born and raised in LA County. She received a Bachelor's degree in Public Health from the University of California, San Diego. She is a returning PHA member and is excited to continue her work in the non-profit space.
Heitiare Lynch-Gurion,
SoCal PICRT
My name is Heitiare Tematahotu Lynch-Gurion, and I work with the SoCal Pacific Islander Community Response Team. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA and my family comes from the islands of Tahiti. I received my B.A.in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach and worked for 10 years in non- profit before taking time away to raise my 4 children. I am grateful for the opportunity to once again make a positive impact on my Pacific Islander community.
Iris Arevalo,
Venice Family Clinic
Iris Arevalo was a first generation undergraduate student who completed a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Medical Microbiology with a minor in Public Health at UC Davis. Beyond academics, she finds joy in various activities, including soccer, gym sessions, and hiking. She also enjoys trying new coffee shops and restaurants.
Irma Escobar,
Pasadena Public Health Department
Irma Estela Escobar graduated with honors from CSUDH this spring with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science. This fall, she is pursuing her master's in public health at CSULA, and after that, she hopes to pursue an MPH in Dentistry, "PORQUE SI SE PUDO Y SI SE PUEDE."
Jailene Ramos,
KLBRI
Jailene Ramos is a student at California State University, Northridge. She will be graduating this fall with her bachelors degree in Public Health.
Jamie "Itzpapalotl" Patino,
KLBRI
Itzpapalotl is a second year KLBRI public health fellow with LA Works. She is also a jewelry designer, yoga and meditation instructor, Aztec dancer and drummer and she is so excited to facilitate and create powerful programs for the community.
Johana Arreaga Cordero,
Beach Cities Health District
Johana is currently a senior majoring in public health at Cal State LA. She is very passionate about public health and helping her community lead healthier lives.
Karina Citlaly Alvarez,
KLBRI
Karina C. Alvarez (She/Her/Ella) is an active mujer, dancer, educator, and part-time caregiver to her ninety-eight-year-old abuelita. She passionately advocates for academic, mental health, wellness access, and awareness for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color. Karina grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and received a B.A. in Chicano/Chicana Studies with two minors in Education and Social and Ethnic Relations from the University of California, Davis.
Kelatztli Mendoza,
KLBRI
Kelatztli is a 2nd year Public Health Americorps Fellow. She received a BA in Biology from Columbia and hopes to become a Nurse Practioner in the years to come. She is passionate about community care, increased access to health care, and ecology.
Kelly Vuong,
Breathe Southern California
Kelly received a B.S. in Public Health from UC San Diego. She hopes to increase health knowledge and contribute to the community alongside fellow PHA members. In her free time, she loves spending time with her dogs, trying new coffee spots, and watching movies.
Lauren Beels,
Beach Cities Health District
Lauren recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Psychobiology. She was raised in Petaluma, California but prefers the Southern California weather. In her free time she enjoys reading thrillers, running, and spending time with her adorable dog, Georgia.
Lisset Mendez Jackson,
KLBRI
Lisset Mendez-Jackson has been a long time advocate for community programs and mental health resources. She looks forward to serving her community and expanding her knowledge and experience within public health.
Marivel Medina,
Breathe Southern California
Marivel is currently working towards her Master in Public Health at University of Southern California. She has previous experience in the medical field as an optometric technician. She is excited to expand upon her knowledge of public health at Breathe Southern California during her year of service.
McKenzie Reese,
KLBRI
McKenzie Reese is a incoming senior at Loyola Marymount University studying Psychology. McKenzie's interest includes examining social determinants of health and the psychological effects of health disparities with regards to stigma and social adversity. In the future, she wants to work with marginalized communities to further understand health disparities and create community health initiatives.
Megan Pham,
Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Megan is a current third-year student at the University of Southern California majoring in Neuroscience. She intends to obtain a Ph.D in Neuroscience and is passionate about promoting education and outreach when it comes to public health issues within the Asian-American community.
Neil Tinkham,
SoCal PICRT
Neil is Chamoru and originally from the Pacific island of Guam. He is a member of the SoCal Pacific Islander Community Response Team.
Salvador Enrique Villafaña,
Beach Cities Health District
From South Central Los Angeles, Salvador Enrique Villafana is a pre-med/podiatry student that is interested in advancing community health by the integration of laughter and theater as a form of narrative medicine within podiatry. He graduated from UCSD in June 2021 with a B.S. in Global Health and loves to dance, recite shakespeare and poetry, find meaning in art such as film, petting cats, listening and vibing to music, being in nature and playing sports like soccer and playing video-games. He is whimsical who likes to learn new things, share his enthusiasm for connecting with people, and emitting positivity with an emphasis in goodwill and humor.
Samuel "Sam" Todd,
YWCA
Sam is a senior at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Psychology, with a passion for expanding queer research, data analysis, and advocating for and helping marginalized communities that they are also involved in. On the weekends you can find Sam at a punk show or winding down by doing anything artsy as their hobbies. Other hobbies outside of work include working on cars and skateboarding.
Sebrina Correa,
YWCA
Sebrina is a recent graduate from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She has always been a hardworking individual, and became a CNA at the age of 18. Sebrina’s goal in this field is to advocate for equitable access to quality healthcare and resources. On her personal time she loves watching movies with the family, going out to try new restaurants, and practicing self care!
Shana Coleman,
SoCal PICRT
Shana Coleman is the Environmental Justice Program Coordinator for SoCal PICRT. She plans to use her year of service to help her Pacific Islander community gain access to resources and to continue the conversation about Environmental Justice for her community members here and on our home islands.
Tsogt Erdenee,
Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Tsogt is a public health graduate from Cal, intersecting his past experience in non-traditional classroom education with his career plans towards medicine here at Public Health AmeriCorps. Currently serving with AADAP, he is excited to join a larger service community and honored to actively participate with their ongoing projects. The goal is to contribute meaningful and impactful project results/policies that adds to the quality of care and treatment.
Victor Gutierrez Salazar,
Pasadena Public Health Department
As an alumnus from the University of California – Los Angeles, Victor Ali passionately engages with the community providing invaluable social services to families facing inequities by helping mend the gaps in social disparities. With prior training from organizations such as the American Red Cross, he has become a successful advocate for vulnerable populations.
Welfe Sullano,
Pasadena Public Health Department
Welfe is a public health and pre-nursing student at Glendale Community College. She enjoys adventure, being outdoors, loves animals and appreciates the arts. Off-duty she is horseback riding, exploring nature or a museum, and when weather permits, is a skydiver.
Yussof Khalilian,
Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Yussof is a recent graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychobiology. He has a strong interest in the legal field and is interested in the intersection between the law and healthcare.
Yvonne Gabriel,
L.A. Works
Yvonne was raised in the community of Highland Park, Los Angeles. She graduated from California State University of Northridge and received her B.A. in Visual Communications. During her free time she enjoys lettering by the beach, making crafts with her cricut machine, lifting weights, and hunts down the best matcha spots in own.
Zari Johnson,
Beach Cities Health District
Zari is a graduate from California Baptist University with her Masters in Public Health. She received her B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Zari teaches group fitness classes and is very passionate about living an active lifestyle. She is excited to be apart of the team to impact the community.