MENLO PARK, CALIF. – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom released his state budget proposal for fiscal year 2023-2024. The budget included several proposals in line with WelbeHealth’s policy priorities, including an increase in resources for Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) administration within the Department of Health Care Services and the maintenance of funding for key health and human services programs including CalAIM, behavioral health and housing programs, and ensuring access to health care for all Californians regardless of documentation or ability to pay.
PACE enables frail seniors to remain in their homes while receiving coordinated, whole-person care and is a high-quality cost-effective alternative to nursing home care. In recent years, the number of PACE participants has increased significantly.
“WelbeHealth applauds the governor’s support of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and other proven care models for frail and vulnerable seniors. For every participant that enrolls in PACE, it saves taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars while increasing their length and quality of life, allowing them to live at home. Whether from an economic, health care or social standpoint, this may be one of the best investments the administration could make,” said Si France, M.D., chief executive officer of WelbeHealth, in response to the proposed budget.
About Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)
Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive whole-person health care program for frail seniors living with chronic health conditions and other complex needs. As both insurers and providers, PACE organizations are able to seamlessly plan and manage 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. 90% of PACE participants are dual eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
About WelbeHeatlh
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 and specialty 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.
MENLO PARK, CALIF. – Physician-led healthcare organization WelbeHealth has added two seasoned executives to its leadership team: Chief Mission Officer Amy Shin and Chief People Officer Cathy Fraser. The leaders will play a pivotal role as WelbeHealth continues to deliver on its mission to serve the most vulnerable seniors in its communities.
As chief mission officer, Shin ensures that WelbeHealth’s mission is front and center in the community and among policy makers and our regulatory partners. She works closely with the operations teams to ensure that WelbeHealth is continually delivering on the highest standards of clinical quality and compliance. Shin has more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently as chief executive officer of the Health Plan of San Joaquin, where she oversaw health care delivery for 350,000 MediCal lives in underserved areas of California. Shin was the chief administrative officer at On Lok, the first PACE organization, and the Alameda Alliance for Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California.
“Amy is a tremendously well respected and connected leader in California’s healthcare landscape, and she’s spent her career doing mission-driven work for vulnerable populations,” said Si France, MD, chief executive officer of WelbeHealth. “It is an honor that she would choose to support and advance WelbeHealth’s mission.”
As chief people officer, Fraser is responsible for the people strategies and services that enable team members to effectively fulfill and expand the WelbeHealth mission. Her focus is on maintaining WelbeHealth’s commitment to values and culture, developing career pathways, elevating team member experience, and investing in diversity, equity and inclusion. She most recently led human resources at Mayo Clinic, US News and World Report’s #1 Hospital, and Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC), a large national healthcare services company. Earlier in her career, she served as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and worked in various finance leadership roles at American Airlines, Sabre, and General Motors. Fraser earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
“When we started Welbe, we started with the belief that we have to care for each other before we can care for our participants, so our team has always been the center of our culture and focus,” said Si France. “With Cathy, who led dynamic people functions at Mayo and Tenet, we’re making a significant commitment to putting our people first.”
About WelbeHealth
WelbeHealth is a physician-led organization founded in 2015 that coordinates senior care, including all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals and personal care services, in a fully coordinated program. WelbeHealth teams close the loop on comprehensive care to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. WelbeHealth delivers these services through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth operates four programs across California, including the cities of Stockton, Modesto, Pasadena, Long Beach and Fresno. WelbeHealth served more than 1,000 seniors in 2021. For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.
Mindy Wilds, executive director of WelbeHealth’s Fresno Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), was recently honored by the National PACE Association (NPA) with the prestigious Marie-Louise Ansak Award.
The Marie-Louise Ansak Award, named after the founder of PACE, recognizes the ingenuity, hard work and sacrifice of an individual PACE program employee who has worked to improve the quality of life for one or more frail older persons during the past year.
“We are proud to recognize Mindy with the Marie-Louise Ansak Award,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of the NPA. “Mindy earned this high honor through epitomizing the innovative team player that is core to delivering PACE.”
“I love this model of care because we can think outside the box and provide common sense solutions for our participants and their families,” said Wilds.
Mindy Wilds with the Marie-Louise Ansak Award
Wilds joined WelbeHealth in February 2021 as the executive director of WelbeHealth’s Fresno Center, which provides medical care, physical therapy, social and recreational activities, meals and nutritional counseling, transportation and other support services to PACE-eligible medically frail seniors age 55 and over.
“Mindy is a model for all of us. Her tireless commitment and dedication to seniors in our communities enables them to thrive and live longer with greater connection, vitality and meaning,” said WelbeHealth CEO Si France, M.D.
About WelbeHealth
Founded in 2015, WelbeHealth provides comprehensive home-based medical and social services to more than 1,500 vulnerable seniors across California, including the cities of Stockton, Modesto, Pasadena, Long Beach and Fresno. The company recently became the first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider to convert to a public benefit company, meaning it is obligated to take into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders while prioritizing corporate responsibility and sustainability.
An alternative to nursing homes, PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps keep people in their homes and communities. PACE programs are proven to reduce depression, lower hospitalizations, decrease rehospitalizations, reduce nursing home admissions and improve preventive care, according to recent data from the National PACE Association.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MicrosoftTeams-image-57.jpg6301023Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2022-12-05 14:29:482023-10-20 11:32:55WelbeHealth Executive Director Mindy Wilds Honored with Prestigious PACE Award
Physician-led healthcare organization WelbeHealth and Northern California-based healthcare network Sutter Health have opened a new center in Modesto that serves medically frail seniors.
Located at 1224 Scenic Drive, the center is designated a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) alternative care setting. Integrated with WelbeHealth and Sutter’s PACE center in Stockton, the new Modesto location provides day services to PACE-eligible medically frail seniors age 55 and over. The center, which will employ more than 100 full- and part-time employees when at capacity, features:
Physical and occupational therapy
Personal care and supportive services
Meals and nutritional counseling
Recreational therapy
Access to in-home care and mobile clinic
The new Modesto center addresses a community need, since only a fraction of the over 3,000 PACE-eligible seniors in Stanislaus county are receiving PACE services, according to a WelbeHealth analysis of U.S. Census data and the Medi-Cal Managed Care Enrollment Report.
“WelbeHealth was built on the mission of serving our most vulnerable seniors with greater quality and compassion in underserved communities,” said WelbeHealth CEO Si France, M.D. “As the first provider of PACE services in Modesto since 2019, we are proud to complement our care with a beautiful facility.”
PACE is a national Medicare and Medicaid program that helps keep seniors living in their own homes instead of nursing homes. PACE programs are proven to reduce depression, lower hospitalizations, decrease rehospitalizations, reduce nursing home admissions and improve preventive care, according to recent data from the National PACE Association.
“We are proud to partner with WelbeHealth to enrich the lives of seniors, their caregivers and the broader community,” said Christopher Stanley, M.D., Sutter Health’s chief population health officer. “WelbeHealth shares our commitment to high-quality, community-based healthcare services that help frail older adults anticipate problems and prevent hospitalization or early entry into a nursing home.”
Todd Smith, M.D., foundation area CEO for Sutter Health in the South Valley, said that the importance of good health for aging seniors can’t be underestimated.
“Creating greater access to comprehensive home and community-based healthcare services helps seniors achieve their best health and maintain their independence,” Dr. Smith said.
In addition to the new Modesto center, WelbeHealth has locations in Stockton, Pasadena, Long Beach and Fresno. More than 1,500 seniors were served in 2021. Sutter Health is a not-for-profit integrated health network that serves more than 3 million people in 22 California counties.
MENLO PARK, CALIF.—Physician-led healthcare organization WelbeHealth today announced that veteran healthcare law attorney Blaire Bernard has joined its leadership team as general counsel.
Bernard has focused her 20-year legal career on supporting providers whose mission is to expand access to value-based care. Most recently she was general counsel at Iora Health and after Iora Health was acquired by One Medical, she served as senior counsel and compliance officer. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a law degree from Boston University.
“We’re thrilled to have Blaire join our executive team,” said WelbeHealth CEO Si France, M.D. “She is a seasoned value-based care executive and a collaborative mission-driven team player. This is even more important as we continue our focus on clinical and care excellence as a public benefit company.”
Bernard will lead WelbeHealth’s legal and compliance functions, partnering with executive and operational leaders to execute the company’s mission of bringing PACE to communities in need.
WelbeHealth recently became the first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider to convert to a public benefit company, meaning it is obligated to take into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders while prioritizing corporate responsibility and sustainability. An alternative to nursing homes, PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps keep people in their communities.
Founded in 2015, WelbeHealth provides comprehensive home-based medical and social services to vulnerable seniors across California, including the cities of Stockton, Modesto, Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach and Fresno. For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/blaire-1.jpg750750Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2022-08-03 11:37:292023-10-20 11:33:24Blaire Bernard Joins WelbeHealth as General Counsel
WelbeHealth Becomes First Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Provider to Convert to Public Benefit Company Status
MENLO PARK, CALIF.— Physician-led healthcare organization WelbeHealth recently became the first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider to convert to a public benefit company (PBC).
Founded in 2015, WelbeHealth is a leading California PACE provider. An alternative to nursing homes, PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps keep people in their communities. WelbeHealth provides comprehensive home-based medical and social services to vulnerable seniors across California, including the cities of Stockton, Modesto, Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach and Fresno.
In joining other companies that have become public benefit companies, including Patagonia, Seventh Generation and Vital Farms, WelbeHealth is exemplifying its commitment to helping seniors thrive and live longer, said WelbeHealth co-founder and CEO Si France, M.D.
“The seniors we serve are the elders of their communities and families,” Dr. France said. “By helping them thrive, they can live longer lives with greater connection, vitality and meaning. We’re converting to a public benefit company to ensure that our mission and purpose are protected for generations to come.”
Public benefit companies are obligated to take into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders, not just shareholders, prioritizing corporate responsibility and sustainability. For WelbeHealth, this means participants, their families and caregivers, employees, and the broader community.
“Both our independent board and management team wanted to formalize WelbeHealth’s commitment to its mission, clinical quality and positive community impact,” said WelbeHealth Board of Directors member Robert Margolis, M.D., founder of the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy. “By converting to a public benefit company, WelbeHealth is demonstrating its commitment to operating responsibly, sustainably and in the interest of all stakeholders, both now and in the future.”
This commitment to the greater good is not new. In fact, WelbeHealth was lauded for its elder care during the pandemic. A case study conducted by UC Berkeley found that WelbeHealth had a death rate more than 1.5 times lower than other PACE organizations and almost five times lower than nursing homes while, despite serving patients in some of California’s most impacted counties.
“As the pandemic came in waves, WelbeHealth mobilized not only to vaccinate its own participants but to also vaccinate thousands in the greater community, which had an exponential impact on saving lives,” Dr. France said. “We want to take full responsibility for our part in making the world a more compassionate, loving place.”
About WelbeHealth
Founded in 2015, WelbeHealth is a physician-led organization that coordinates senior care, including all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals and personal care services. WelbeHealth teams close the loop on comprehensive care to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. WelbeHealth delivers these services through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth operates four programs in California: Stockton/Modesto, Pasadena/Burbank, Long Beach and Fresno. For more information, please visit welbehealth.com.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/MicrosoftTeams-image-3-scaled.jpg17092560Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2022-06-29 08:33:122023-10-20 11:33:36WelbeHealth Becomes First Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Provider to Convert to Public Benefit Company Status
– When Si France, M.D. (SVO 08-12), Vaneesh Soni, M.D. (DET, DBI, SCA 99-15), and Matt Patterson, M.D. (SVO 09-12) first met, they were streamlining hospitals. “At McKinsey, we were these three doctors who wanted to do good value-based care,” says Si.
They reunited to do just that by founding WelbeHealth, which enables frail and elderly senior citizens to continue living in their homes and communities through participation in a U.S. government program known as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).
Matt, who grew up in a Navy family and became a doctor for the Navy SEALs, is Welbe’s President and clinical operations leader. Vaneesh is the team’s resident strategist and Chief Growth Officer, driving Welbe’s mission-driven expansion. Si is the out-of-the-box entrepreneur who has co-founded two health care startups and is leading Welbe as the CEO. Armed with complementary leadership profiles, an interdisciplinary team, and a shared values system, Welbe aspires to realize a future where seniors can receive dynamic care without the need for nursing homes.
We sat down with the trio to discuss Welbe’s care services, purpose-driven culture, and their response to the COVID pandemic, which saw them at the center of one of the hottest infection zones in the world.
Tell us about Welbe’s culture.
Vaneesh: We invest as much energy into organizational health and culture as our strategy and business model. We don’t want to be a company with the best strategy but have poor performance overall because we have a toxic culture. Service to seniors is our common intent, and clinical quality is our North Star. Our growth rate is tied to the pace at which we can ensure consistent, high-quality care.
Si: We started the company to create a culture based on a mission and values system different from what is more traditional in Silicon Valley. We knew that it would take courage to build a values-based company and that we would need to view our patients through the eyes of their loved ones. We called this our “courage to love” culture, and it permeates everything we do, whether we’re interacting with our team or interacting with our patients.
Matt: Our core values of courage to love, pioneering spirit, and shared intention are the unquestioned foundation for ensuring that we have healthy teams, our people feel uniquely cared for, and we serve vulnerable seniors with a commitment to clinical excellence. What excites me is that we’re bringing consciousness and love as a priority within our business model. We want to normalize individuals being able to show up as their authentic selves and engage at that level with each other and those that they serve.
Tell us about Welbe’s care model. What distinguishes it from other services?
Si: Our care model is called “PACE,” Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. We provide 24/7 medical and social services to frail seniors to stay healthy, live at home, and stay out of a nursing home. When people enroll in PACE, their life expectancy goes up by one-third, clinical scores improve, and it even saves taxpayers $10,000 per patient annually.
Vaneesh: PACE has an 80% reduction on depression scores nationally. As both the health plan and the provider of services, we emphasize the social and the human components of care. We can greenlight things that are truly in the best interest of each participant, medically, socially, as well as things that bring joy in life.
Matt: PACE has been around for decades, but we’re changing the landscape by bringing these services and outcomes to those who would otherwise not have them, in areas of the country that are in significant need, and at a speed and scale that previously has never been done before.
How did Welbe respond during the pandemic?
Si: We’re the first organization to do bubble-style testing, where our nurses would take a COVID test before entering anyone’s home. We were the first non-hospital owned program of our kind to vaccinate all of our team and patients. We also partnered with counties across California and vaccinated 2,000 frail seniors and front-line health care workers in the community who had nothing to do with Welbe.
Vaneesh: We closed our centers two weeks before the state of California announced the lockdown. Within four days of the lockdown, we had deployed a tablet-based, home-and-remote care model. I think the proudest moment was helping rescue seniors out of nursing homes. Many seniors in nursing homes don’t require 24/7 care; they are in a nursing home because they don’t have access to stable housing. We partnered with housing institutions to find them stable and safe housing, and provided care for them in those environments.
Matt: In the first year of the pandemic, COVID-19 mortality rates for nursing home individuals were upwards of 14%. The U.S. national average of PACE programs was about a third less, and Welbe was about a 10th. Our outcomes were 10x better than nursing home environments, and we were in two of the hottest areas for COVID infection in the entire world at various points. It’s a testament to the fact that we were very bold and decisive in deploying technology enablement, best-in-class rapid testing, early adoption of vaccination, and mass administration of vaccinations.
What impact did McKinsey have on you?
Matt: It was a profound tipping point in my journey, not the least for which I met two of my greatest friends in Si and Vaneesh. McKinsey also introduced me to the effectiveness of the remote working model by showing that I can have a laptop and work from anywhere in the world. Welbe’s technology footprint was built around a similar remote model that allowed us to be well-positioned and decisive during the pandemic.
Vaneesh: We rely on our McKinsey experiences or problem-solving daily. McKinsey showed me that it’s possible to deliver amazing impact and still do well financially and grow. Through different engagements and geographies, I gained exposure to different health systems and clinical models.
Si: It’s impossible to underestimate McKinsey’s impact on my career, from relationships, to learning how to build a principles-driven organization and how to think and communicate effectively. McKinsey gave me the tools to serve on a macro level. It was the best career decision I could have made to launch my career.
What does Welbe’s mission mean to you?
Si: What it means for me is a force for good in the world. Through the work we do and through our culture, we are caring for people beyond ourselves. To give an example, we had a patient who lived at home alone with her dog. She fell, broke her pelvis, was in the hospital, and as she recovered, she got a call from the local shelter saying, “Your neighbors reported an abandoned dog. We’re going to need to put it down.” She called our licensed vocational nurse at the center, and our LVN went down and rescued the dog and found a place for it while she recovered. Our patient said that the minute she learned of the rescue, she started going to physical therapy to get better as quickly as possible and get home to her dog.
Matt: My mom is a vulnerable senior with chronic mental illness. I have seen the failures of traditional health care models in senior care. What WelbeHealth’s mission means for me is that we advocate for those in our culture who are at the wrong intersection of not being valued and most at risk. It’s individuals who have very little social capital who are being left behind. Through our service, they can experience and share the love and wisdom that they have within them and have gained over their lifetime.
Vaneesh: What it means for me is service. In the Indian culture, we have different phases of our life: a phase for education, a phase for building a family, a phase for working, so on. There’s also a phase for service to others – called Seva.
Welbe is our service to our seniors. Our seniors, especially in the Indian culture, have the most wisdom and should be the most revered. When Matt, Si, and I reunited after McKinsey, we determined that Welbe would be governed by a profound sense of purpose to serve the most frail and vulnerable seniors and ensure they are embraced and cared for with dignity and respect so that they can age gracefully in the community or their own homes.
(This article is published in the McKinsey Alumni Center here.)
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/si-matt-vaneeshinline1536x864.jpg506900welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngwelbehealthnew2021-10-25 13:25:302023-10-20 11:34:17Courage to love: Realizing a future without nursing homes
As policy momentum grows toward home and community-based services, study recommends that policy choices focus on the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and it’s 45-year track record of success in serving the most complex elderly patients.
SILICON VALLEY, Calif., July 14, 2021 — A new study from UC Berkeley’s Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy (BRIE) features WelbeHealth in a case study illustrating how this California eldercare PACE provider responded early and decisively to the COVID-19 crisis with exceptional results.
“By rapidly transforming its care model, WelbeHealth had exceptional results: as COVID-19 cases rose across the country — and in particular within nursing home populations — WelbeHealth did not have a single COVID-19 death during the first 8 months of the pandemic. The first WelbeHealth loss from COVID-19 occurred on November 21, 2020 and 10 WelbeHealth participants died of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.”
WelbeHealth and the PACE community overall had lower death rates than nursing homes; the national PACE COVID-19 death rate was 3.8%, nearly one-third the 11.8% death rate in nursing homes. WelbeHealth calculated a death rate of 2.4%.
WelbeHealth acted early and decisively to minimize exposure with an Incident Command response strategy, dispersing tablets for telehealth visits, PPE, thermometers, food, medication, and other essentials into participants’ homes, and providing nearly all care remotely, which proved effective.
PACE’s capitated payment model moves the risk from payor to care provider, aligning incentives and encouraging innovation and efficiency in keeping patients well.
Technology provided an important amplification to PACE’s model of care — it allowed for regular check-ins and informed decision-making on care needs. However, the social aspect of the PACE day center cannot be replaced by technology, and it is clear that in-person visits are vital.
With America’s senior citizen population set to double by 2040, the demand for long-term care will skyrocket. The pandemic underscored that work must begin now to meet the needs of present and future vulnerable elders.
Existing home and community-based services (HCBS) such as PACE demonstrated profound success during the pandemic leading to fresh momentum among policymakers to expand these options further.
PACE’s person-to-person, fully integrated approach maintains the participant’s highest level of independence and quality of life[i]; PACE participants experience an 80% drop in rates of depression after joining.[ii] At a time when America is searching for a better way forward in eldercare, PACE is a proven approach for this vulnerable group.
“While PACE has a 45-year track record of success, it remains optional in Medicaid while nursing home benefits are required — it’s time for every vulnerable elder in the country to have access to this gold standard of long-term care,” said Elizabeth Carty, Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer of WelbeHealth.
Many PACE participants reside in medically underserved areas like San Joaquin County, California, where WelbeHealth’s creative problem-solving and speed to action kept seniors safe in their homes when resources for the elderly were relatively scarce.
“As other healthcare organizations were assessing the potential impact and spread of the pandemic, the WelbeHealth team had already taken its crisis response to the next level, ” said Amy Shin, former CEO of Health Plan of San Joaquin. “I was impressed with how nimbly this team charted out a plan not only to keep seniors safe and vaccinated but to vaccinate the community as well. This study’s findings should alert legislators that this style of home and community-based services is the ideal model of care for frail seniors.”
What is PACE? PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) serves low-income seniors who meet their state requirement for nursing home level care allowing them to live independently in their own homes and communities while receiving fully coordinated medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation, meals, day programs, home care assistance and more, managed by an 11-person integrated care team. The “one-stop-shop” PACE day centers are the hub of the program, offering seniors a pleasant place to receive care, socialize and enjoy meals within a state-of-the-art facility.
About WelbeHealth WelbeHealth is a physician-led healthcare organization that provides seniors with high-quality, compassionate care so they can live in their own homes and communities rather than a nursing home. To accomplish this, WelbeHealth uses the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model. WelbeHealth currently operates four programs in the Stockton/Modesto, Pasadena/Burbank, Long Beach, and Fresno communities of California.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sacramento-California-State-Capitol.jpg550800welbehealthnewhttps://welbehealth.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://welbehealth.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
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: San Bernardino Education: Azusa Pacific University-BSN, Cal State Dominguez Hills-MSN Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I love working with seniors because each one brings their own wisdom and experience. I enjoy being able to provide care that supports not only their medical needs but also their quality of life and promotion of independence.”
Melissa is deeply committed to your well-being. She feels called to help people and finds true fulfillment in supporting patients on their health journeys. Melissa genuinely enjoys guiding you toward reaching your full health potential, delivering care with compassion and dedication at every step.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking and watching movies. She also enjoys riding motorcycles with her husband whenever they get the chance.
Marshe Ivy, FNP-C
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Elk Grove Education: Master of Science in Nursing, Samuel Merritt University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
Marshe Ivy, FNP-c, is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner serving the Elk Grove community. With a strong foundation in clinical practice and a nurturing approach to care, Marshe focuses on building trust with every patient she sees.
Guided by the belief that “I am a nurse first,” she partners with her patients on their path to healing—offering not only treatment, but the care, love, and attention they deserve. Marshe listens deeply to understand her patients’ current circumstances and works with them to overcome barriers to their wellness goals.
When she’s not tending to patients, Marshe finds joy in rest and rejuvenation. She enjoys shopping, crafting, spa days, and spending quality time family.
Corina Chiuco, FNP-BC
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Stockton Education: Walden University Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I love working with seniors because it brings a sense of fulfillment by providing them with the best care possible. By this, it helps prevent the progression of their disease conditions, thus saving lives.”
Her greatest passion lies in caring for the elderly, driven by a deep commitment to ensuring they receive the best care possible. With compassion, respect, and dedication at the core of her work, she strives to make a meaningful difference in their lives every day.
When she’s not working, she spends every Saturday with her 90-year-old dearest mother. She invests at least one hour daily in Calisthenics and loves to travel, listening to music, dancing, and eating.
Navjeet Kaur, FNP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Stockton Education: Holy Names University Board Certification: Family Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Punjabi, Hindi
“I love working with seniors because they are foundation for society. They hold immense experience and knowledge that I would love to learn.”
Navjeet cares deeply about your well-being, offering holistic care that addresses both your physical and emotional needs. Her dedication ensures you receive the best care possible, delivered with warmth, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
When she’s not working, she enjoys being outdoors with her kids, and trying new places with her family.
Armen Isaiants, MD
Role: Medical Director Location: Stockton Education: George Washington University School of Medicine Residency: Loma Linda University Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Armenian
“I love working with seniors because of the difference we make as they are more fragile and depend on us for their healthcare needs.”
Dr. Armen Isaiants is driven by a deep passion for mastering his craft and using that expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Every moment is an opportunity to grow, connect, and bring care and compassion where it’s needed most.
When he’s not working, he enjoys hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Sunny Kim, NP-BC
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Long Beach Education: UCLA Board Certification: ANCC Languages Spoken: English, Korean
“I was brought up by my grandmother. Working with our population brings me back the fond memories I shared with my grandmother when I was younger.”
Sunny’s colleagues and participants are her driving force, motivating her to excel in her professional endeavors. They inspire her to embrace creative solutions when faced with challenges. She finds immense value in being a part of each participant’s life journey, considering it a priceless aspect of her career.
When she’s not working, she enjoys riding bicycles with her family in the park. She also loves playing Uno with her little kiddos at the end of the day.
Hanju Wang, NP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Long Beach Board Certification: American Nurse Credentialing Center Languages Spoken: English, Cantonese
“I enjoy working with seniors because I would like to help them maintain their independence and improve their quality of life if possible.”
Hanju is passionate about healthcare, using her expertise to improve the well-being of those she serves, ensuring everyone gets top-quality care.
When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and trying out new recipes.
Edwin Escueta, MSN, FNP-C
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Rosemead Education: MS Nursing- CSU Los Angeles Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Tagalog
“I enjoy making a difference in patients’ health outcomes and help address healthcare disparities – one patient at a time.”
Edwin is a passionate advocate for healthcare equity and justice, dedicated to ensuring fair and accessible medical services for all. Through his work, he consistently champions the cause of equality and strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.
Edwin is a big foodie! He loves driving along the coast with his husband and their 11-year-old pug named Mr. Wilson.
Andy Chen, MD
Role: Medical Director Location: Rosemead Education: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Residency: Olive View UCLA Medical Center Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: Mandarin
“I enjoy working with our senior population because of their rich stories and life experiences that they share. I am privileged to be able to build trust during these interactions. I am also fulfilled by the opportunity to provide compassionate care and make positive differences in their lives.”
Dr. Chen is driven by a motivation to act as a catalyst for positive change in the world. Inspired by his favorite quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” he channels this philosophy into his professional endeavors. His work is a reflection of his commitment to making meaningful impacts, guided by the belief that change starts with individual actions.
When he’s not working, he enjoys hiking, skiing and spending time with family and friends.
Aparna Akolkar, MD
Role: Medical Director Location: Carson Education: B.J. Medical College, Pune University, India Residency: Hurley Medical Center, Michigan State University Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English
“Working with Seniors has been a passion of mine since I completed my training in 2002. Seniors keep me grounded and I don’t take this privileges lightly. I learn a lot of life lessons, which makes me a better human being ,as I serve them with 100% commitment.”
Dr. Akolkar is driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors, whether through impactful initiatives or thoughtful gestures. This dedication fuels her both professionally and personally, as she believes her work is truly her calling. Committed to providing only the best for seniors, she finds immense fulfillment in ensuring their well-being and happiness.
When she’s not working, she enjoys exercising (running/biking), reading and playing with her rescue cat, Clementine. She enjoys spending time with her children and loves playing cards and board games.
Joy Luzon-Vidad, FNP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Carson Education: California State University, Dominguez Hills Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I love working with seniors because it is fulfilling helping them improve their quality of life. I enjoy forming meaningful connections with participants and their families. I learn from their life stores.”
Every day, Joy is driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Her dedication to enhancing the well-being of those she serves underscores her commitment to providing exceptional care. Her approach is both professional and compassionate, ensuring that every interaction contributes to the betterment of her patients’ lives.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time trying new restaurants, karaoke, and traveling.
Lesly Barcena, DNP, AGNP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: San Jose Education: University of Washington Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English
“I am committed to providing compassionate care. I value the opportunity to enhance and preserve the quality of life of those individuals I provide care for. I enjoy working within a interdisciplinary team to help address the unique needs of each individual.”
Lesly Barcena, is committed to delivering the highest quality of care to her patients. Her passion for ensuring the best outcomes drives her approach to healthcare, where she prioritizes each patient’s unique needs with dedication and compassion.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, adventuring friends and trying all types of cuisines.
Jessica Wang, NP-C
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Rosemead Education: California State University- Long Beach Board Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin
“I am passionate about senior care because it allows me to learn from their rich life experiences and wisdom. Their stories and perspectives are incredibly inspiring, and I find great fulfillment in supporting and engaging with them. It’s a rewarding experience to contribute to their well-being and happiness.”
Jessica Wang, is driven by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in her patients’ lives. Her passion lies in providing compassionate care, supporting patients throughout their health journeys, and helping them achieve better outcomes. Jessica is committed to building trusting relationships with her patients, advocating for their needs, and working collaboratively with healthcare teams to tackle complex health issues. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth keeps her engaged and inspired in her field. Jessica finds immense fulfillment in knowing that her work has a direct, positive impact on individuals and their families, fueling her passion and commitment to her role as a nurse practitioner.
When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling, working out, hiking, and watching drama. She also loves spending time with family and friends.
Ritu Dabas, MD
Role: PCP Location: San Jose Education: Maulana Azad Medical College Residency: Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Hindi, Punjabi
“I love working with seniors because they bring a wealth of life experiences and wisdom that make every interaction meaningful. Helping them maintain their health and well-being is incredibly rewarding, as it allows them to enjoy a higher quality of life in their later years.”
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, Dr. Dabas is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of her patients. With a strong focus on personalized care and crafting long-term solutions, Ritu finds fulfillment in empowering others to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. This commitment to patient empowerment is the cornerstone of her motivation each day.
When she’s not working, she enjoys staying active through regular workouts and finds balance through yoga and meditation. In her downtime, she loves to unwind with a good book, both to expand her knowledge and to relax.
Nancy Chen, MD, PhD
Role: Medical Director Location: San Jose Education: Keck School of Medicine of USC Residency: Los Angeles General Medical Center Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English
“I love my role because it allows me to work with a vulnerable senior population that is often underserved and overlooked. My goal is to ensure our seniors get quality care to continue living safely and independently in their communities.”
Growing up in an underserved community, Dr. Chen experienced the inequalities present in the healthcare system. This experience instilled in her a deep desire to pursue a career in medicine, aiming to give back to the community and ensure quality care for those who need it most. Nancy is dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare access and delivering compassionate, exceptional service to every patient.
When she’s not working, she enjoys time with her family, taking her kids on trips and reading a good book.
Venice Ababat, NP
Venice earned a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from California State University in San Bernardino, CA and a Doctorate Degree in Nursing Practice, Adult Gerontology from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a hematology and oncology nurse at City of Hope and a medical and surgical oncology nurse at Eisenhower Medical Center. She enjoys the rewarding process of getting to know an individual in all of their unique and multifaceted ways in order to promote health and wellbeing. During her free time, she enjoys being surrounded in nature, camping/hiking with her dog and reading books. Venice has a belief in WBH and how we care for the frailest seniors in our community- so much so that she has moved from San Bernadino in the last few weeks in order to join our family.
Fun Facts:
I love reading classic literature and poetry
I love to hike and camp with my 75 lb German shepherd/husky dog
The coolest thing I’ve seen scuba diving with are manta rays
Armen Voskertchian, MD
Originally from Los Angeles area, was raised in Las Vegas and recently completed his training at UCSF Fresno- Family and Community Medicine and brings with him the courage to love our most vulnerable elderly population. I can tell you that the populations he has cared for have been greatly underserved in the Central Valley and can also assure that he has received accolades from his mentors on his caring nature and medical acumen. His arrival has been highly anticipated and welcomed.
Colleen Sheehan, MSN, NP-C
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Riverside Education: Adelphi University Board Certification: ANCC Languages Spoken: English
“I love working with seniors because seniors are often grateful for the care and attention they receive. Their appreciation can be deeply heartwarming and motivating. Helping seniors maintain their independence and quality of life can provide a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.”
Family is the driving force in Colleen’s life, serving as a powerful source of motivation and inspiration.
When she’s not working, Colleen enjoys spending time with family, camping, going to the beach, and family vacations
Jaeyoung Yang, MD
Role: Medical Director Location: Riverside Education: University of Pennsylvania Residency: Cambridge Health Alliance Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Korean
“I love serving seniors because they are the ultimate stewards of lived experience and have built the world that we enjoy today. They deserve it.”
Dr. Yang is driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to delivering world-class care to seniors.
When he’s not working, he takes pleasure in spending quality time with family, cooking, hiking, and doing puzzles.
Becca Miller Rose
Chief Operating Officer
Becca is a seasoned healthcare operations leader, having served most recently as COO of the Optum Home-Based Medical Care business. She joined Optum as part of Landmark Health, the nation’s largest provider of in-home value-based care, which she initially joined in 2015. As the first central operations hire at Landmark, Becca built and led teams across the operations function, supporting significant growth during her tenure there. Prior to Landmark, Becca worked in healthcare strategy consulting and global health. She holds a BA in Anthropology from Stanford and an MBA from Yale. She lives in Seattle with her husband, two sons and their cat.
Kimberly Chen, DO, MPH
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Rosemead Education: Touro School of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, NY Residency: CarePoint Health – Christ Hospital Board Certification: Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese
“Taking care of the elderly is a privilege. Each care plan should
be customized to the complex individual that it’s created for
to treat their specific combination of issues.”
Dr. Chen grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. She loves taking care of older patients because they’ve lived long lives and have so many stories to tell. Dr. Chen understands that seniors’ stories and experiences can directly influence the care that they hope to receive.
Dr. Chen creates an individualized plan of care for each person, taking into account their caregivers, their social lives, and other factors that go into their care outside of purely medicine. She approaches each patient as a whole person and ensures every aspect is being treated.
When she isn’t seeing participants, Dr. Chen loves to read and plan her next vacation.
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.
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.
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.
Eric Tam, MD
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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
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).
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
Danielle Basurco, MD
Role: Medical Director Location: North Hollywood 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.
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.
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
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.
Megan Whelan, NP, MS
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: 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.
Sabrina Villalba, MD
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: 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.
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.
Chioma Nwabude, NP
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.
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!
Kathy Lishman, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
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: 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.
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.
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!
Tam Dinh, NP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Role: Primary Care Provider Location: Rosemead 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.
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.
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.
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.
Rosana Scolari
SVP, Operations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Matt Patterson, MD
President
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Si France, MD
CEO
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.
