https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rose-ettv.png7011270Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2023-11-07 18:31:282023-11-07 18:36:56ETTV America takes you through WelbeHealth’s New Center in Rosemead
USRep. Tony Cárdenas, CA Sen. Susan Rubio, CAState Asm. Luz Rivas and Asm. Mike Fong,Alzheimer’sAssociationand LeadingAge CA among local leaders who attended events markingtheexpansion of WelbeHealth’sProgram ofAll-InclusiveCare for the Elderly (PACE) in LA
New locations in North Hollywood and Rosemead providecommunity-basedand at-home health care to thousands of underserved seniors
A diverse coalition of elected officials, advocates for vulnerable seniors, and local health care organizations joined WelbeHealth for the grand opening celebrations of WelbeHealth’s new Los Angeles locations in North Hollywood on October 6 and Rosemead on October 13.
WelbeHealth Rosemead Community Celebration
WelbeHealth Rosemead Ribbon Cutting
Speakers at the events included US Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), CA Sen. Susan Rubio, CA State Assemblymembers Luz Rivas and Mike Fong, Rosemead City Council Member Sandra Armenta, Rosemead Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Clark, Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader and Executive Director Meg Barron, and LeadingAge CA President & CEO Jeannee Parker Martin. WelbeHealth participants Ronald Timmermeyer and Huy Luong also gave testimonials about the positive impact WelbeHealth has made in their lives.
“We are honored to have the support of such esteemed elected officials and community leaders. Our team strives every day to serve the elders of our community like Mr. Timmermeyer and Mr. Luong with the highest quality and compassion, helping them feel connected and at home while caring for their clinical and social needs,” said WelbeHealth CEO Si France, MD.
California elected officials and health care advocates voiced their support for WelbeHealth’s leadership in expanding access to community-based senior health services across the Los Angeles area through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The new locations are poised to help meet the needs of over 9,000 seniors eligible for PACE within a 20-minute drive of the two centers. WelbeHealth is committed to ensuring every qualified senior can benefit from comprehensive care.
WelbeHealth delivers fully integrated care that allows frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home care aides, and social workers. Wraparound support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.
Alzheimer’sAssociation Regional Leader and Executive Director Meg Barron emphasized the impact of WelbeHealth’s PACE services: “WelbeHealth is delivering critical services to vulnerable seniors and their family members like memory care rooms and transportation. I wish my grandmother had access to PACE services.”
Studies have demonstrated life expectancy is higher among PACE participants and depression is much lower than among comparable populations. Beyond improving participant lives, caregivers report high satisfaction.
“I will continue to support legislation for our seniors, and I am grateful that WelbeHealth is bringing their program to the San Fernando Valley where my constituents can benefit from their wrap-around services,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA 29th District). “PACE can help us deliver higher quality care to our community at a lower cost. I am proud to be here with WelbeHealth, who are helping bridge the gap providing opportunities for patients to have their health care needs met at home.”
With most participants, dual eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal, PACE offers a lifeline to lower-income seniors. California State Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-43rdDistrict) mentioned the struggle many seniors face paying for basic healthcare needs: “With WelbeHealth, everything is included for dual-eligible seniors. They don’t need to worry about paying for prescriptions or the dentist. It is really about lifting up the seniors in our community and ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive.”
PACE is also making strides in addressing the needs of historically underserved communities. “Through the PACE model, WelbeHealth ensures that older adults can see culturally appropriate providers,” noted California State Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-CA 49thDistrict).
WelbeHealth breaks down health disparities in access to care. In Rosemead and North Hollywood, over 50% of seniors primarily speak a language other than English. “I value the fact that WelbeHealth employs multilingual staff members and offers activities to serve the needs of our diverse community in a beautiful setting,” said California State Senator Susan Rubio (D-CA 22nd District).
All speakers confirmed that access to PACE should continue to be a priority in California. LeadingAgeCalifornia’sPresident & CEO Jeannee Parker Martin stated, “We know that PACE delivers transformative benefits for vulnerable older adults at a lower cost. We should ensure all eligible seniors have access to PACE.”
Both new locations began enrolling participants on July 1, 2023. WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Pasadena, Long Beach, and Fresno.
For more information about WelbeHealth North Hollywood, visit here.
For more information about WelbeHealth Rosemead, visit here.
About WelbeHealth WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth’s development partner for the beautiful Rosemead facility was Turner Impact Capital.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Untitled-design.png400495Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2023-11-03 10:09:462023-11-03 10:18:41Elected Officials and Health Care Advocates Demonstrate Support for WelbeHealth’s Expansion in Southern California
Menlo Park, CA – Amy Shin, Chief Mission Officer, WelbeHealth issued the following statement in response to the California Legislature passing a 2023-2024 state budget:
“WelbeHealth appreciates the commitment the California Legislature made to support vulnerable seniors by passing a budget that includes additional resources for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Increasing the capacity of the Department of Health Care Services to administer PACE will help ensure that more eligible frail seniors have access to PACE and can more quickly benefit from comprehensive care.
“Securing additional resources for DHCS was a priority for WelbeHealth and CalPACE, and WelbeHealth worked in close collaboration with a coalition that included Leading Age California, California League of United Latin American Citizens, and American Nurses Association\California to ensure this important budget item passed.
“WelbeHealth is grateful to the Governor and the California Legislature for their support of PACE, and we look forward to further collaboration so we can continue to grow this critical program and improve the quality of life for aging seniors.”
ABOUT PACE
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive, whole-person health care program for frail seniors living with chronic health conditions and other complex needs that enables them to continue to live in the communities they know and love. PACE is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, costing on average 15% less than the cost of caring for a comparable population through other Medi-Cal services.
PACE organizations have a proven track record of seamlessly planning and managing all aspects of care for seniors – medical, social, and supportive services. PACE participants are over the age of 55, live in a PACE service area, and have been deemed eligible by the state for a nursing home level of care. More than 70% of PACE participants are dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.
ABOUT WELBEHEALTH
WelbeHealth is a physician-led, mission-driven organization founded to serve the most vulnerable seniors with compassionate and quality care, in a pure value-based model. WelbeHealth manages the entire care portfolio for participants including their primary, specialty, and behavioral health care, ensuring they get to and from appointments, helping them navigate any necessary paperwork, providing assistance with activities of daily living, and ensuring they have enriched lives through social and emotional care.
June 15, 2021 (Time Magazine) – When COVID-19 hit the United States, nursing homes in Washington State took the first hit, producing deadly outcomes for older adults. Conditions within long-term care facilities enabled a harrowing spread of any pandemic, let alone a novel coronavirus. Compounding on this, leaders within institutional care were slow to respond when it arrived.
The plight of residents in long-term care facilities across the United States is detailed in a report by Abigail Abrams from Time Magazine. It begins with individuals living at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, in late February 2020 where COVID-19 killed dozens in just a few weeks.
The shocking death rate created a sense of panic and by early March the families of those living within Life Care Center held a press conference appealing to the public on behalf of their loved ones.
“Our families are dying. We don’t know what to do. Our calls for help aren’t working,” said Kevin Connolly, whose father-in-law lived in the facility. “We have limited resources to battle this disease, and I think somebody somewhere decided that this population of people wasn’t worth wasting resources on.”
Nursing homes vs infection
Many nursing home residents live in shared rooms and rely on staff who tend to numerous patients and who often work at various other facilities. The industry’s low pay and long hours make for high turnover. These characteristics can create a lack of consistency in controlling the spread of infection.
The nursing home industry is losing occupancy rates, workers, and money. The long-term care industry could lose an estimated $94 billion between 2020-2021 due to the costs involved in both fighting the pandemic and losing occupancy, according to The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).
America is aging rapidly. According to the Census Bureau, around 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. Most people want to age at home rather than in an institution. Still, people who qualify for Medicaid and Medicare have little to no choice in where they receive long-term care after reaching old age. Governments in many states mandate that they enter long-term care facilities even when home-based care services are available.
In many cases, when a person does not qualify for government-funded care or chooses to avoid mandated care in a nursing home, a family member must often forfeit a job to take on the responsibility of caregiving. And if no one in the older adult’s circle of support can provide that care, paid home based care is challenging to find due to worker shortages. Many workers are leaving the historically low-wage industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Policy helps pave the way to home and community-based care.
Policy momentum is growing toward home and community-based care for the elderly across the nation. One home-based care program available to Medicaid/Medicare recipients has a 45-year proven track record of success and operates in more than 31 states. PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) saves the government money while offering a high-touch, team-based approach to eldercare for people 55 years or older who qualify for nursing home level care. It receives a payment per participant to provide medical care and dental care, day center programs, meals, home health aides, and many other services to keep seniors safe and living in their own homes and communities. PACE aims to keep this elderly population out of hospitals and nursing homes while incentivizing a flexible, creative, team-based approach to care. On average, states pay PACE programs 13% less than the cost of other Medicaid services.
“The nature of payment provides significant flexibility, as well as really strong incentives for PACE organizations to really proactively monitor and get out in front and address existing and emerging health needs,” says Shawn Bloom, president, and CEO of the National PACE Association.
Data collected during the pandemic show that seniors enrolled in PACE contracted COVD-19 at just one-third the rate of those in nursing homes, according to the National PACE Association.
The push for greater government funding for programs like PACE is growing. President Biden’s proposal to spend $400 billion on home care over the next 4 years could pave the way toward boosting access to more Americans. And proposed legislation in California, Assembly BILL (AB) 540, would allow eligible seniors to be automatically informed about PACE right along with other Medicaid and Medicare options.
Click on the logo to go to the full story.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nursing-home-e1625163654876.png14001812welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngwelbehealthnew2021-06-15 10:59:322021-06-15 10:59:32TIME MAGAZINE: COVID-19 Exposed the Faults in America’s Elder Care System. This Is Our Best Shot to Fix Them
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sacramento-California-State-Capitol.jpg550800welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngwelbehealthnew2021-02-26 10:26:572021-02-26 10:26:57Why We Support California Assembly Bill (AB) 523: Because Lifting Regulatory Bottlenecks Saved Lives During Covid-19 Crisis
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Elderly-couple-.png500650welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngwelbehealthnew2021-02-25 09:36:332023-02-22 10:35:36Why Assembly Bill 540 Must Pass: Because seniors have a right to know about the PACE option for home and community based care
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mobile-Clinic-Van474c59a5-eb0a-46c0-9afe-1af52470ce69.jpg600800welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngwelbehealthnew2021-02-11 14:10:082021-02-11 14:10:08WELBEHEALTH PACE IN MODESTO ROLLS OUT MOBILE CLINIC TO SERVE MODESTO-AREA SENIORS
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/slide2-1210x423-1.jpg4231210welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealthweb.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngwelbehealthnew2020-11-02 20:15:472020-11-02 20:15:47Tour our PACE center in Stockton, California
The California wildfires have resulted in some of the worst air quality in the nation. Seniors can be extremely affected, especially participants in our PACE programs so we’ve created some tips for all seniors:
Remain indoors when at all possible. Keep windows closed to decrease exposure to smoke.
If you MUST go out wear a mask and limit time outside.
Any worsening cough, congestion or wheezing, please call your PACE center right away.
If you need refills on your respiratory medications including inhalers please call and we are happy to refill if appropriate.
To find out more about PACE services we provide, please click here.
Role: Associate Medical Director Location: Modesto Education: Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine at University of Iowa Residency: UCSF-Family and Community Medicine Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“What motivates me to work in medicine is the sense of fulfillment I feel when I am helping others.”
Dr. Rubio has a heartwarming passion for working with seniors because of the wonderful connection they share. He takes joy in teaching them about their health and collaborating to improve their well-being. In return, they teach him invaluable lessons about life, family, and aging with grace. These relationships bring happiness and fulfillment to both Dr. Rubio and his patients.
When he’s not working, he takes pleasure in spending quality time with his wife and two children, along with staying active through exercise and cycling.
Role: Physician Location: Pasadena Medical Degree: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Residency: UCSF-Family and Community Medicine Board Certification: Family Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin
“I love working with seniors because they are so vibrant and full of unique life experiences.”
Dr. Tam strives to understand the world his participants come from because it is only by doing so, that he can then provide the holistic care they deserve.
When Dr. Tam is not working, he enjoys spending time with my family, swimming, and the occasional round of golf.
Participant Book
Bindu Purushothaman
Chief Information Officer
Bindu Purushothaman leads our technology development efforts, creating seamless tools that allow our team members to focus on caring for participants. Ms. Purushothaman transforms technology for healthcare organizations, most recently as Chief Information Officer at Satellite Health, following technology leadership roles in several value-based care organizations.
Amy Shin
Chief Mission Officer
Amy Shin is an advocate for equitable healthcare, with expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, dual-eligible, long-term care, and commercial health care. She brings strength in strategic planning, improving operational efficiencies, and innovating to advance healthcare. Most recently, Ms. Shin served as CEO of Health Plan of San Joaquin, where she oversaw healthcare delivery to underserved areas of California.
Michael Le, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Michael Le, MD, oversees our healthcare teams to ensure we provide the highest standards of care. Dr. Le most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of Optum Home and Community Care. Previously, Dr. Le co-founded and served as Chief Medical Officer of Landmark Health, where he pioneered a new care model that provided physician-led, multidisciplinary house calls to frail seniors.
Cathy Fraser (she/her/hers)
Chief People Officer
Cathy Fraser leads the people strategies and services that fuel the fulfilment and expansion of WelbeHealth’s mission. Previously, she led human resources at Mayo Clinic and Tenet Healthcare. Cathy’s passion is addressing difficult challenges using data-driven analysis, innovative thinking and an employee-centric approach.
Sabrina Katigbak, NP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Long Beach Education: California State University Long Beach Board Certification: Adult Gerontology Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog
“I love working with seniors because they remind me of my parents! Working with this vulnerable population reminds me of how crucial our role is as primary care providers and our ability to grow their health literacy which in turn, hopefully, allows them to live healthier longer.”
When she isn’t at WelbeHealth, Sabrina enjoys going to the gym, trying new food, and working on crafts with her Cricut.
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Long Beach Education: Brandman University, Doctor of Nursing Practice Board Certification: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACACNP-BC) from American Nurses Credentialing Center Languages Spoken: English, Thai & Spanish
“Seniors have a lifetime of wisdom and experience to share. I value taking the time to get to know and understand each of my patients and work with them to make sure they’re happy and healthy, physically and mentally.”
When she’s not working, Jacqueline enjoys being with her loved ones, fur-babies, and friends. She loves going on food adventures, enjoying the sunshine, arts & crafts, home renovation and design.
Role: Medical Director Location: Long Beach Medical Degree: The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Residency: Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center Department of Family Medicine Board Certification: Family Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“I treat the entire person. I see how everything works together to make someone feel better and healthy. Part of my philosophy is to address the spiritual and emotional, as well as physical.”
With 15 years of experience as a family medicine specialist, Dr. Villalba listens to her patients and provides compassionate, personalized care. The fulfillment she gets from talking to her patients reinforces her belief that she chose the right career. Dr. Villalba regularly volunteers at the Huntington Beach Senior Center, where she enjoys gaining wisdom from the elderly and serving her community.
When she isn’t seeing participants at WelbeHealth, Dr. Villalba loves surfing and practicing mixed martial arts.
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Long Beach Education: Kennesaw State University Board Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center Languages Spoken: English
“My philosophy is to grow with my patients through whatever they’re going through and be there to help a person live their best life.”
Kathy has been caring for patients for 25 years. She also brings her experience to the classroom, having been a nursing instructor for several colleges. Kathy is enthusiastic about providing comprehensive care to the elderly, especially those with chronic and complex conditions. Her priority is to ensure that her patients and their families get the care and support they need.
When she isn’t at WelbeHealth, you can probably find her walking along the beach or trying out some really good food with her husband.
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Long Beach Education: California State University Bakersfield, California State University Long Beach, UC Irvine Board Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center Languages Spoken: English
“I have a passion for seniors. I feel like I can make a difference by spending a little more time with them and seeing them from a whole person perspective.”
Megan has provided care in various settings over the last 15 years, working in clinics, telehealth, home health and skilled nursing facilities. Her experience and dedication shine at WelbeHealth. She is compassionate about patients of all ages, but seniors hold a special place in her heart. She provides the education, resources and support that her patients need to stay active and healthy.
Megan loves being in nature and sharing a meal with her family and friends.
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Long Beach Education: Laurea University of Applied Sciences, California State University, Long Beach Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Russian
“I respect all my patients and make sure they’re part of the decision-making process. It’s one way to encourage them to participate in their own care.”
Chioma is a passionate and dedicated Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with five years of nursing experience in critical and transitional care. She is known for taking new hires and students under her wing, teaching them what she’s learned.
Chioma treasures time with her two daughters and is a bookworm, enjoying literature, history books and biographies.
Si France is a mission driven physician entrepreneur. Most recently, he was founder and CEO of GoHealth, which operates over 200 urgent care centers in collaboration with leading non-profit health systems across the country, delivering award winning quality and patient experience. He is also a Health Commissioner for San Mateo County’s 145,000 member Medicaid plan.
Dr. Sepideh Chegini is a physician leader, with vast experience in value-based care delivery and passionate about serving seniors with complex needs through integrated, high-quality, and innovative care. Previously, she was the Senior Medical Officer at CareMore Health leading the institutional Special Needs Plans nationally, driving ongoing improvements in care delivery, clinical outcomes, and growth of the program. Dr. Chegini obtained her Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude from the University of Washington and went on to study medicine at the University of Rochester, where she developed her passion for the bio-psycho-social medicine model and palliative care. She trained in internal medicine at the George Washington University, where she came to recognize her life’s mission of caring for individuals with medical and psychosocial complexities.
Danielle Basurco, MD
Role: Associate Medical Director Location: Pasadena Education: Ross University School of Medicine Residency: UCSF Fresno – Family & Community Medicine Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine Languages Spoken: : English, Spanish
“My love for seniors started with loving and caring for my grandmother and trying to find ways for her to live her best life. Our seniors are living books full of experiences from which we can all benefit. They need love and support to thrive. Each senior has a unique set of vulnerabilities and goals that need to be identified and supported. It is a privilege now to help form part of that loving support team.”
When not working I enjoy… working on my chili pepper and tomato garden with my family and creating delicious meals with them and for them. I enjoy family time, hiking and collecting gnomes.
Maily Vang
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Fresno Education: Samuel Merritt University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Hmong
“I love working with seniors because there’s nothing more rewarding than walking into a room full of elderly people smiling and knowing you’re the part of the reason why.”
Maily values taking the time to connect with her patients. She works to meaningfully impact the lives of her patients and bring joy to their days.
When she’s not working, Maily enjoys spending time with her loved ones. “The most important thing in the world is family and love.” -John Wooden
Sukhvinder Kaur
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: United States University, San Diego Board Certification: Family Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Punjabi
“I love working with the elderly to see them become independent in their own homes.” Sukhvinder enjoys supporting her patients and creating a personal connection. She finds working with the elderly to be rewarding, and especially appreciates hearing about her patients’ lives.
When she’s not working, Sukhvinder enjoys spending time with family, traveling, camping, and cooking.
Blaire Bernard, JD
General Counsel
Blaire Bernard, JD, is an experienced healthcare lawyer who has focused her career on supporting providers whose mission is to expand access to value-based care. Prior to joining WelbeHealth, Blaire served as General Counsel and Compliance Officer of Iora Health, where she built the legal operations and partnered with business leaders in scaling the compliance program.
Vaneesh Soni, MD
Chief Development Officer
Dr. Vaneesh Soni focuses on expanding the reach and impact of innovative care models to benefit large patient populations at scale. Most recently, he was the Chief Strategy Officer for Imaging Advantage, prior to which he was at McKinsey and Company.
Jillian Simon, LCSW
Executive Director
Jillian Simon has spent over 15 years focused on improving geriatric services with an emphasis on patient centered care. As veteran PACE and adult day health care executive, Jillian is passionate about promoting health, independence, and an overall increased quality of life for seniors and their families.
Richard Gurley’s professional passion is improving quality of service and reducing costs in the US healthcare system. That passion has taken him through leadership roles in Tennessee government, McKinsey consulting, and most recently Evolent Health.
Sophia is a passionate health care leader with an expertise in senior care operations. She was at the helm of AltaMed’s ADHC and PACE growth and expansion for over 18 years. She believes in loving PACE participants and developing future leaders.
Ethan Epstein is passionate about delivering higher value healthcare in the US. To him, that means better clinical outcomes at a lower cost for patients. Most recently he was at Evolent Health, where he teamed with providers to enable their transition in value-based care.
Robert is an experienced managed care leader and was most recently the CEO of On Lok, the originator of the PACE model of care. He also founded CalPACE, the first state association for PACE organizations. He actively pursues better solutions in senior housing and health care.
Elizabeth Carty is an expert in the highly successful PACE model of care. As a former Director of On Lok PACEpartners Consulting and former COO of the Center for Elders’ Independence, Elizabeth has spent 20 years launching new centers and leading and improving existing PACE organizations. Ensuring dignity for seniors is a core value for Elizabeth.
Kendell has served as both a Teaching Attending and a Hospice Medical Director. She recently completed a prestigious fellowship at Stanford University with a focus on “Redesigning Care for People in Late Life.” She believes in focusing on her patient’s life goals to maximize their health and well-being.
Dr. Matt Patterson is dedicated to improving the value, accessibility, and experience of healthcare for all people and their caregivers. He’s led market changing innovation across clinical, operational, and technology domains with AirStrip, McKinsey & Company, and the United States Navy.
A dynamic and team-oriented senior-level professional with 23 years of experience leading and developing healthcare programs in a non-profit health care/social service setting. Recognized for goal-oriented organizational leadership and successful track record of delivering high quality services and positive customer satisfaction.
Amy Shin
Senior Advisor
Amy Shin is a passionate advocate for equitable healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations. Amy has deep Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, and commercial health care and managed care experiences. Amy was previously a CEO of Health Plan of San Joaquin, the CAO of On Lok Senior Health Services (the founding PACE organization), and a principal with a nationwide consulting firm, Health Management Associates.
Sam Wald
Chief Operating Officer
Sam Wald is an experienced healthcare operations leader, specializing in value-based care for seniors. He has led teams and networks that deliver highly coordinate care to some of our most vulnerable community members. He is passionate about building systems and partnerships that improve outcomes and reduce the cost of care for patients.
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: Ryerson University, Canada; National University, San Diego Board Certification: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner Languages Spoken: English
“I love working with seniors because they always teach me something new. They have a lifetime of wisdom that helps me grow as a clinician.”
When not working I enjoy… spending time with my family and my miniature schnauzer, going to church
Cheryl Phillips, MD
Senior Clinical Advisor
Dr. Cheryl Phillips is CEO of the Special Needs Plan Alliance, a national association for Medicare-Medicaid plans serving vulnerable adults. She was previously Chief Medical Officer of On Lok, the original PACE, and Founding Medical Director for Sutter Senior Care PACE, one of the earliest PACE replication sites. She is former president of the American Geriatrics Society and a fellowship-trained geriatrician.
Magda Lenartowicz, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Magda Lenartowicz is a passionate physician specializing in the care of older adults. She is a trained internist with a fellowship in geriatric medicine and social scientist with a specialization in gerontology. Prior to joining WelbeHealth, she founded a home health company and taught gerontology at McMaster University in Canada. Most recently, she served as medical director at a comprehensive geriatric inpatient service in Southern California and continues her clinical work as a hospice and palliative care physician with Rozeroom Hospice. Dr. Lenartowicz received her geriatric fellowship training from University of California Los Angeles and completed her undergraduate medical training and residency at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. She completed her undergraduate training in gerontology at McMaster University.
Susan Waschevski
AVP, Operations
Susan is a deeply experienced PACE and senior care leader, having previously served as Director of PACE at Franciscan Alliance and Deputy Director at Indiana Division of Aging. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Monmouth College.
Heather Wasielewski
Vice President, People
Heather is passionate about creating a purposeful and impactful team member experience and believes that engaged and happy team members directly and positively impact the participants that we serve. She has MBAs from UC Berkeley and Columbia University and a BA in International Business and Spanish from Dominican University in River Forest, IL.
Marsha Alexander, MD
Role: Associate Medical Director Location: Stockton Medical Degree: East Tennessee State University Residency: Florida Hospital, Family Practice Languages Spoken: English
Dr. Alexander knows that medical conditions can be difficult for seniors and their loved ones to manage. She has been caring for seniors through PACE for five years. With nearly four decades of experience in family medicine, she partners with seniors to meet their health needs and goals. Dr. Alexander doesn’t shy away from tough conversations and her patients know she will help keep them on track. Her mission is to enable older adults to enjoy more independence and a better quality of life for as long as possible.
Outside of work, Dr. Alexander loves to quilt.
Nesren Anton, NP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Stockton Education: Samuel Merritt University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Arabic
“I hope that everyone is able to achieve their health wish. I love helping seniors try to achieve that.”
Nesren is passionate about educating patients and the community about health issues and preventive care. Having spent several years working at Children’s Cancer Hospital, she took a position with Hospice and Palliative Care, managing Medicare patients and conducting in-home health assessments. Her compassion for seniors and her focus on providing quality care are very appreciated among the participants at WelbeHealth.
When Nesren is not seeing participants, she is busy being a supermom to five beautiful children.
Sepideh Chegini, MD
Role: Chief Medical Officer Medical Degree: University of Rochester School of Medicine Residency: George Washington University Internal Medicine Residency Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, German, Persian
“You treat your participants as if they’re your favorite family members. And you become their advocate. You give them a voice when they don’t have one.”
While in medical school, Sepideh Chegini recognized that her life’s mission is to care for both the body and mind, delivering patient-centered, holistic care. Dr. Chegini is dedicated, compassionate and determined to improve her patients’ quality of life.
Originally from Iran, Dr. Chegini has a husband, two kids and two big dogs. She also has a deep love for yoga, which is probably why she’s so cool under pressure.
Tam Dinh, NP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Pasadena Education: University of California, Los Angeles, California State University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Vietnamese
“Treat people how you would want them to treat you. It comes down to respecting human values—just giving or getting that respect from each other.”
With 15 years of experience, Tam has a wealth of knowledge and skills. She has served as a nurse in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals and clinics. Prior to joining WelbeHealth, she served as a Nurse Practitioner in psychiatry. She is passionate about helping participants and their families within the community. She delivers high-quality, patient-centered care that makes a difference in her patients’ lives.
When she isn’t seeing participants at WelbeHealth, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Julio Garibay, FNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Fresno Education: California State University, Fresno, Fresno Pacific University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“I enjoy hearing about my participants’ backgrounds and their experiences. It helps me understand their perspectives and develop lasting patient-provider relationships.”
Julio served as a Medic in the United States Airforce before transitioning to registered nursing and now serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner. With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, he has provided care to patients of all ages with acute and chronic health conditions. He understands the complexity of disease and creates customized treatment plans for each participant.
Julio enjoys spending time with his family and taking his children to karate. He may be able to show you a few self-defense moves!
Otashe Golden, MD
Role: Regional Medical Director Location: Stockton Medical Degree: Albany Medical College Residency: University of California, Davis Sutter Health Family Medicine Board Certification: Family Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care, Wound Care Languages Spoken: English
“I motivate you to live your best life and give you tools to empower yourself and your health.”
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Golden helps people lead a healthy life well into their golden years. She seeks to improve quality of care, collaborate with other providers and make sure participants receive the care they deserve. A published author, Dr. Golden is popularly known as the “Medical Life Coach.” She gives participants and their families resources that empower them to make better-informed health decisions.
If you’re looking for a lecture, you won’t get one! Dr. Golden tells her WelbeHealth participants, “I never lecture on the first date.”
Laura Gonzalez, MSN, FNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Fresno Education: Grand Canyon University, United States University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“I try to incorporate my patients’ values and goals. It’s not just all about Western medicine. I also want to incorporate what they do in their own cultures and just set limits to what we can and cannot do with their thoughts in mind.”
Laura has been serving seniors since 2015. She began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse at a California nursing home. Continuing her education, she became a Licensed Nurse Practitioner in 2019 and proudly stepped into her new role at WelbeHealth. Her experience in the PACE model has reassured Laura of how coordinated, quality care can make a huge difference in the lives of the elderly. She is honored to serve a diverse population of participants.
Laura loves bringing her children to her parent’s farm to see the chickens and goats, “teach them to care for creatures other than themselves.”
Oscar Hernandez, MD
Role: Medical Director Location: Fresno Medical Degree: Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Mexico, International Medical Graduate Program: The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Residency: University of California San Francisco, Fresno Board Certification: Family Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“I have a lot of patience. I listen to our participants, respond to their concerns, and care for their needs.”
Dr. Hernandez has been caring for seniors through the PACE model for four years. He has seen the positive impact coordinated care can have on the elderly and is proud to deliver it as a part of the WelbeHealth team.
Dr. Hernandez values quality time with his family and friends and considers himself to be quite the handyman, regularly working on projects around his home.
Lauren Kennerly, NP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Pasadena Education: Kent State University, Rush University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I am grateful when I take stress off the family and the patient. It makes everyone’s life easier and healthier, because we take care of them.”
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Lauren brings dynamic skills and experience that help her care for a diverse population of seniors. She’s also an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, which means she treats people from adolescents through adulthood and into advanced age. Lauren has worked in many clinical settings including the cardiovascular ICU, cardiac transplant ICU, PACU, orthopedics and internal medicine. She is excited to provide compassionate, personalized care to WelbeHealth participants with a goal to “do what makes you happy.”
In her free time, Lauren loves taking her dog to farmer’s markets because he has a “smiling” face that helps her make friends.
Becky Kuhn, RN, FNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Pasadena Education: California State University, Long Beach Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“It’s important for patients to understand their health conditions and the reasons for particular treatments. When patients know the ‘why,’ they’re more motivated to stick to their plan.”
Becky Kuhn has been working with seniors since 2011 and is dedicated to providing quality medical care and improving the health of her patients. She takes a collaborative approach ensuring they have the best quality of life. WelbeHealth participants appreciate her attention to detail, focus on educating and encouraging words.
Becky loves nature and would camp out in the woods for months if she could.
Yordanos Mehanzel, FNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: Nevada State College, Touro University Nevada Board Certification: California Board of Registered Nursing Languages Spoken: English
“I take care of each patient the best that I can and consider how they want to be cared for.”
Yordanos is a real go-getter! She began working as a Registered Nurse in Pre-Op and PACU with an Associates Degree in Nursing. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and in 2020, she received her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. She brings enthusiasm and strives to provide optimal, patient-centered care with compassion.
Outside of work, you can find her serving up tennis balls or relaxing with yoga!
Adetoun Obadofin, FNP, CCM
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, University of Texas at Austin, West Coast University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Commission for Case Manager Certification Languages Spoken: English
“I take care of seniors the way I would like to be taken care of. I want to take that journey with them and help them enjoy what they have.”
Adetoun provides care to patients with the most complex and advanced medical needs. She is experienced in adult-gerontology, caring for patients from adolescence through adulthood and into advanced age. She brings her experience to our participants and puts smiles on their faces.
A busy mom of 3 kids all under 13, Adetoun still finds time to do what she enjoys, which is giving back to the community.
Colin Robinson, MD, MPH
Role: Medical Director Location: Pasadena Medical Degree: Tufts University School of Medicine Residency: UCLA Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Board Certification: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“I pride myself on carefully listening to my patients. It’s important to understand their medical history, as well as their social, family and cultural lives.”
Dr. Robinson is passionate about providing personalized care to patients of all ages, including seniors. He practices patient-centered care to help WelbeHealth participants live their healthiest lives. In addition to his Doctor of Medicine (MD), Dr. Robinson holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and previously served as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director at UCLA.
When not working at WelbeHealth, Dr Robinson enjoys time with his family and hitting the occasional ace on the tennis court.
Raman Talwar, MD
Role: PACE Physician Location: Stockton Medical Degree: Government Medical College and Hospital Residency: Baylor College of Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Punjabi
“If you can help somebody in need, they will often come back to thank you. That really means something to me.”
Dr. Raman’s four decades spent caring for patients of all ages shines through in his work at WelbeHealth. Participants and families know they can trust him as an experienced, knowledgeable provider. In addition to primary care, his medical specialties include general and vascular surgery. This hands-on vascular expertise helps him assist seniors in managing conditions that affect arteries and veins.
When not caring for participants, Dr. Talwar loves to travel and read as much as he can.
Dixie Tucker, A-GNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I care for all my patients as if they’re my family. I want them to have the best, highest-quality care.”
Dixie has provided care to seniors in many settings, including homes, hospitals, trauma units, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. No matter where she cares for patients, she makes sure their unique needs are met. She brings that dedication to WelbeHealth as she cares for a diverse population of seniors. Some of her specialties include acute care, transitional care and chronic disease management.
When not working, Dixie loves couponing and tending to her garden.
Ted Vuong, FNP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Pasadena Education: Western University of Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Chinese (Chiu-Chow)
“It’s a gift to love the elderly. It’s a gift to admire them and have so much compassion for them that I felt like I needed to do this.”
Before joining WelbeHealth, Ted worked in an urgent care and emergency room setting. This experience has given him skills in caring for people of all ages. He enjoys working with the elderly, counseling them on care, treatment options and preventive medicine. In addition to English, Ted is fluent in five languages. You can test him out if you speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Chiu-Chow or Spanish!
Ted enjoys serving his community and volunteering at his local food bank.
Linda Yang, MBA, BSN, MSN, FNP-C
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Fresno Education: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Hmong
“Giving time back to seniors who have shaped the community is a privilege. I learn so much from them.”
Linda has years of invaluable experience as a volunteer and as a nurse. She has put her skills to use in a variety of healthcare settings. She is enthusiastic about providing compassionate education, safety and healthcare. She creates lasting relationships with participants, while delivering healthcare that empowers them and increases their quality of life.
Family-oriented and passionate about caring for people as if they were her own family, Linda is the proud mom of 6 grown children (all boys!) and grandma to 2 boys.
Jagdish Nijjar, FNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Fresno Education: Fresno Pacific University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Punjabi, Hindi
Dennis Louis Yam, NP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Fresno Education: Walden University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog, Chinese
“Welbe Health is the ideal setting to practice medicine. Here, we get rewarded for the quality of care we give and the outcome of the care.”
Danny takes seriously the saying “do no harm” and works with each patient to deliver care suited to their unique circumstances.
When not working, I enjoy…traveling and road trips, spending time with family, watching movies.
Germin Soliman, DO
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Pasadena Education: Western University of Health Sciences Residency:College Medical Center Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Board Certification: American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic
Danny Lam, NP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Pasadena Education: Azusa Pacific University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Cantonese, Mandarin
“I love working with seniors because they deserve the best quality of life they can get. In a way, while caring for them we can see our future.”
When not working, I enjoy… wanderlusting, skiing (not very good at it though).
Haide Landeros, NP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Pasadena Education: University of California, Los Angeles Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Nesren Anton, NP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: Samuel Merritt University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Arabic
“I hope that everyone is able to achieve their health wish. I love helping seniors try to achieve that.”
Nesren is passionate about educating patients and the community about health issues and preventive care. Having spent several years working at Children’s Cancer Hospital, she took a position with Hospice and Palliative Care, managing Medicare patients and conducting in-home health assessments. Her compassion for seniors and her focus on providing quality care are very appreciated among the participants at WelbeHealth.
When Nesren is not seeing participants, she is busy being a supermom to five beautiful children.
Marshe Ivy, FNP
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: Samuel Merritt University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I am a nurse first and my goal is to treat my patients in a nurturing way, and give them the love and attention they deserve. I hope every one of my patients trust me to partner in their treatment and healing.”
Marshe prides herself on listening to and understanding where her patients are now, and helping them overcome any barriers to their care goals.
When not working, Marshe enjoys rest and relaxation such as shopping, crafting, or going to the spa, and spending time with family.
Raman Talwar, MD
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Stockton Education: Maharshi Dayanand University Board Certification: Baylor College of Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Spanish
