Arthritis can cause achy joints, especially as we get older. But did you know that doing exercises can actually help with the pain? Discover easy exercises for arthritis relief in seniors that can make your body stronger and lessen arthritis pain. These exercises are gentle and aimed at keeping you healthy and happy.
Why Exercise Matters for Arthritis Relief
Stay Limber: Exercises can help you move your joints more freely, making everyday tasks easier and reduce stiffness.
Build Strength: Strengthening your muscles can improve your balance and stability, lowering the risk of falls.
Pain Relief: Exercise triggers the release of natural painkillers in your body that might help with arthritis pain.
Enjoyable Exercises for Arthritis Management
1. Walking or Swimming
Both walking and swimming are low-impact activities that help reduce joint stress while increasing cardiovascular fitness, which help with arthritis.
Take easy walks or swim in a pool to exercise without straining your joints.
2. Light Resistance Training
Use light weights or resistance bands to enhance muscle strength without stressing your joints.
Focus on exercises targeting various muscle groups to support joint function and mobility.
3. Gentle Stretching Routine
Stretching exercises can improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness in arthritic areas.
Include stretches for your arms, legs, back, and neck to maintain flexibility and prevent further joint issues.
Getting Started with Exercise
Start Slowly: Begin with short sessions of 10-15 minutes and slowly increase the time as you feel more comfortable.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience pain during an exercise, stop and talk to a healthcare provider. It’s important to exercise within your limits.
Consistency is Key: Try to do a mix of aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises regularly to get the benefits of physical activity.
For additional guidance on creating an exercise plan made to your needs, think about consulting with a healthcare professional or a provider specializing in senior care.
Remember, senior arthritis exercise can significantly improve your symptoms and overall quality of life. With the right approach and commitment, you can lead a fulfilling and active lifestyle despite arthritis challenges.
Discover exceptional senior care with WelbeHealth! Our comprehensive resources and tailored services, including the innovative PACE program, are designed to support older adults in maintaining their well-being. Explore how we can help today!
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Stroke-Awareness-1.png400495Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2024-05-23 16:58:532024-05-23 17:10:55Exercise Tips for Arthritis Relief in Seniors
Strokes are one of the leading causes of disability and even death among seniors. Recognizing the signs early can decrease the risk of severe long-term effects and can help save a life. The following tips can help seniors in their community and their caregivers identify the common signs and symptoms of a stroke and what steps to follow when a stroke is suspected.
Understanding Strokes
A stroke occurs when there’s a blockage or a rupture in an artery leading to the brain. This pause in blood flow takes away the oxygen from the brain cells, causing them to die. The effects of a stroke depend on the area of the brain that’s affected; hence immediate medical intervention is critical to minimize brain damage.
The Common Signs of a Stroke
Remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T., as it outlines the major signs of a stroke:
Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance or coordination, which might indicate a stroke.
Eyes: Check for sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, including blurred or double vision, which could be signs of a stroke.
Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or be numb. Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven or lopsided?
Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm move downward?
Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they not able to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Time to call 9-1-1: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
It’s important to note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Some treatment options are most effective when given soon after a stroke begins.
What To Do If You Suspect a Stroke
Call Emergency Services: Don’t hesitate to call for emergency medical assistance if you or someone you know shows any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Check the Time: Note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency medical personnel will need this information.
Do Not Drive: Do not attempt to drive to the hospital. Wait for emergency personnel. They can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Follow Up With Care: After emergency treatment, follow-up care is essential to help with recovery and to manage any underlying conditions that contributed to the stroke.
Prevention: Reducing Your Risk of Stroke
While some risk factors for stroke can’t be controlled, such as age and family history, there are still many ways seniors can lower their risk:
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stay physically active.
Control high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on medication management and healthy living.
Strokes can be sudden and frightening, but knowing how to recognize the signs and respond quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome. By learning and being ready, older adults can keep themselves and their loved ones safer from the possibly very bad effects of strokes. Remember, every second counts, so act F.A.S.T.
We hope this guide helps guide you into recognizing and responding to strokes. If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with friends and family. Together, we can raise awareness and save lives.
WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. Here you are supported by a dedicated team that coordinates all your care needs. With access to highly skilled doctors, dentists, home care, physical therapy and much more, you are able to live a healthier, happier you. To learn if you qualify, visit our contact page or, call us directly at (888) 530-4415 | TTY 711.
WelbeHealth, a physician-led senior health services provider, is proud to announce the appointment of Becca Miller Rose as its Chief Operating Officer. The new role underscores WelbeHealth’s commitment to quality and care excellence as it continues to grow its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with the expertise of industry-leading talent.
“Becca’s extensive experience leading operations of value-based community health services for seniors makes her uniquely qualified to advance WelbeHealth’s PACE program and mission of serving the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion,” said Matt Patterson, M.D., President of WelbeHealth.”
As COO, Rose will partner with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Le, who she previously worked with at Landmark Health, to lead WelbeHealth’s PACE operations, delivering community-based services across beautiful center locations and in the home and leveraging WelbeHealth’s proprietary tech-enabled care delivery processes. She will ensure consistent, high-quality care and service excellence as the organization expands access to seniors who need PACE.
Rose is a seasoned healthcare operations leader, most recently serving as COO of the Optum Home-Based Medical Care business. She joined Optum as part of its acquisition of Landmark Health, the nation’s largest provider of in-home value-based care. Rose oversaw tremendous growth in the organization’s scalable national service capacity for frail senior populations.
“Through my professional roles as well as personal experience serving hospice patients, I understand the needs of seniors and their family caregivers for higher quality community-based care,” said Becca Miller Rose. “I am excited to address these needs for our most vulnerable populations through expanding access to PACE as WelbeHealth’s operational leader.”
WelbeHealth is expanding its footprint and ensuring that more seniors have access to the exceptional health outcomes and the cost-effectiveness that PACE provides. This commitment is evident in recent leadership appointments and the openings of new centers in San Jose, Rosemead, and North Hollywood.
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.
A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation that would improve care coordination for dual-eligible beneficiaries and expand the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to a larger share of people.
“This legislation is a start at redesigning our current patchwork approach of delivering long-term services and supports,” Katie Smith Sloan, president and chief executive officer of LeadingAge, said in a statement Thursday. “This is a true win.”
Sens. Bill Cassidy, MD, (R-LA), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Delivering United Access to Lifesaving Services (DUALS) Act of 2024 on Thursday. Already, organizations including LeadingAge, the National PACE Association, Welbe Health and more than a dozen others have announced their endorsement for the bill.
The legislation’s primary function would be to require every state to develop a comprehensive, integrated health plan for dual-eligible beneficiaries, according to a summary. The bill also would require every state to allow PACE programs to be established, open up enrollment to any time in a given month, and extend PACE coverage to people under 55 years of age.
PACE centers serve mostly dual-eligible beneficiaries who qualify for skilled nursing care but are able to remain at home and in their community, a representative for WelbeHealth, a PACE provider, said in a statement to McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse.
“The DUALS Act marks a crucial stride forward in expanding access to care coordination for frail dual eligible beneficiaries through an innovative model called PACE,” Amy Shin, WelbeHealth’s chief mission officer, said. “This bill is thoughtful and represents a significant opportunity to enhance access to the gold standard for quality of care for our most frail and vulnerable seniors.”
Dual-eligible individuals, who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, are responsible for a disproportionate share of government healthcare spending, according to the senators. Innovative, cost-effective care strategies can create payment efficiencies while also producing better patient outcomes, they said.
“Patients dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid have much worse outcomes than other groups even though there is a lot more money spent on their care,” Cassidy said in a statement. “Making Medicare and Medicaid better work together makes patients healthier and saves money.”
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Amy-54-web-sc.jpg750750Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2024-03-19 10:19:442024-03-19 10:22:14Mcknights Home Care – PACE expansion bill draws bipartisan support
Keeping your heart healthy is super important, especially for grandparents and older friends. Here are five simple tips for seniors who want to keep their hearts strong and healthy.
1. Let’s Get Moving
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.
It’s really good for your heart when you move around. You don’t have to run really fast or lift heavy things—just walking around the block, dancing to your favorite songs, or playing catch can be perfect. Always chat with your doctor before you start something new, just to be safe.
Sometimes, moving around a lot can be hard. That’s okay! You can still exercise while sitting down. Moving your arms and legs, even while sitting, can keep the blood pumping and make your muscles strong without being too hard on your heart. If you don’t have any light weights, you can use cans or water bottles instead.
2. Foods for the Heart
A heart-healthy diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Eating too much butter, salt, and fat can contribute to heart disease. To reduce unhealthy fats, try cutting back on them and instead focus on including omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish like salmon or trout twice a week.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to how much you eat—having just enough to feel full and happy is the way to go. Using a smaller plate, measuring cups, and portion control can help with this, so you can enjoy your food without eating too much.
When you go grocery shopping, be a detective and look at what’s in the food. Get into the habit of reading nutritional labels. Look for products that are low in sodium and free of trans fats, which can be very harmful to heart health.
3. Relax
Being stressed or worried all the time isn’t good for your heart. Chronic stress has been proven to negatively affect your heart health. Doing things like meditation, taking deep breaths, and yoga or tai chi can help you reduce your stress levels and produce calming effects.
Spending time with people you love makes you feel good and can actually be great for your heart. Joining clubs or engaging in community activities can also provide emotional support and help reduce stress.
4. Know Your Health Numbers
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, especially in seniors. Blood pressure is like a balloon inside your body—if there’s too much air, it’s not good, so regular monitoring is critical. Many pharmacies and stores offer free screenings, and home monitoring devices are also widely available.
Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. These appointments are key opportunities to evaluate heart health, manage existing conditions, discuss concerns, and adjust treatments.
There are some health numbers like cholesterol, sugar level, and your weight that tell a lot about how your heart is doing. Keep an eye on these to make sure you’re on the right track.
5. Quit Smoking, Limit Drinking
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. It’s never too late to quit. There are a lot of resources available, from local support groups and phone lines to medications and therapies prescribed by your doctor.
If you enjoy having a drink, that’s fine—just make sure you don’t have too much. Set a limit and stick to it to keep your heart happy.
Keep it Up
Taking care of your heart doesn’t mean you have to change everything overnight. Just do small things every day that will add up to a big happy heart. So go ahead and be the boss of your heart health. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a wonderful life full of energy.
Remember—move around, eat tasty and healthy food, relax, check on your health, and stay away from smoking and too much alcohol. These five tips are your treasure map to a treasure chest of heart health and lots of joy in your golden years!
Ask your health professional before implementing any big changes.
It’s your life. Live it your way.
WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-kampus-production-7551611-scaled.jpg17062560Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2024-02-20 16:47:412024-03-29 20:00:035 Heart Health Tips for Seniors
Our thyroid health is a pivotal factor in our overall well-being. By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your doctor, you can support a healthy thyroid even as you age.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pexels-paloma-gil-16204310-scaled.jpg17072560Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2024-01-19 15:08:082024-01-19 15:08:09Understanding Thyroid Health for Seniors
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Woman-hand-rejecting-more-alco.jpg13332000Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2024-01-05 17:53:512024-01-05 18:00:16Brain Fog After Quitting Drinking: What Can You Expect?
The holidays can bring both joy and loneliness for seniors. WelbeHealth offers tips to help cope with feelings of sadness, loss, and health issues during this special time.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-8057365-scaled.jpg25601709Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2023-12-21 17:52:592023-12-21 17:53:43Tips for Seniors Dealing with Depression During the Holidays
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the need for integrated health services in Santa Clara County and southern Alameda County, a diverse community with thousands of PACE eligible seniors.
New center extends WelbeHealth’s collaboration with Sutter Health to underserved communities in San Jose and surrounding areas
See photos of WelbeHealth’s new San Jose PACE center here
Today, the physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth, in partnership with Northern California-based health care system Sutter Health, announced the opening of a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Jose. The new center will provide essential health care and wrap-around services to diverse low-income older adults. WelbeHealth San Jose is now enrolling new participants, with services set to begin January 1, 2024.
WelbeHealth San Jose Center Physical Therapy RoomWelbeHealth San Jose Center Living and Social Room
“We are excited to work with our Sutter Health partners to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion in the San Jose area,” said Si France, MD, CEO at WelbeHealth. “Through this expansion, we are ensuring that matriarchs and patriarchs can age in place and thrive in their communities.”
Sutter Health is one of the largest health systems serving Northern California’s Medi-Cal eligible population and has partnered with WelbeHealth to improve healthcare for underserved seniors.
“WelbeHealth provides nursing-home eligible seniors with the wrap-around services they need to remain safely at home in our communities,” said Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President at Sutter Health. “San Jose is home to a rapidly growing aging population that will benefit from greater access to PACE.”
Over 4,000 PACE eligible seniors reside within 15 miles of the San Jose location, and the population of these seniors is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts that Santa Clara County’s senior population will surge by over 200% by 2060, while Alameda County’s senior population is expected to increase by 150% by the same year.
“Many seniors in San Jose have been left out of the region’s broader economic growth. It’s difficult for low-income older adults to make ends meet and get the care they need amidst high rent, home care labor shortages and stretched family caregivers. WelbeHealth and Sutter Health are committed to delivering the PACE model, ensuring vulnerable seniors are not left behind,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth.
PACE is a proven, high-quality, cost-effective solution to address the care gaps left by the underfunded and patchwork system for long-term care in San Jose and across the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. The price for long-term care is expected to reach half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, yet the current infrastructure cannot support this growth and the United States lags behind most other wealthy countries in long-term care investment. PACE is one obvious solution because it delivers better health outcomes at a lower cost.
WelbeHealth is committed to addressing the long-term healthcare crisis for low-income seniors through PACE expansion. In addition to San Jose, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Pasadena, Long Beach, North Hollywood, and Rosemead. All locations deliver fully integrated care, allowing frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home care aides, and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.
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.
About Sutter Health Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers supports more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high-quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services. As part of its commitment to improving community health, Sutter invested $899 million in the community in 2022 – this amount includes traditional charity, the unreimbursed costs of providing care to Medi-Cal patients and investments in community health programs.
https://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SlavaBlazerPhotography_60-1500x430-1-scaled.jpg7342560Cristal Gonzalezhttps://welbehealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WelbeHealth_Logo.pngCristal Gonzalez2023-12-13 09:28:332023-12-15 11:59:02WelbeHealth Opens Bay Area PACE Center Serving Vulnerable Seniors
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://welbehealth.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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kaitlyn Taylor, DNP, AGACNP-BC
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: Coachella Education: University of Arizona Board Certification: ANCC Languages Spoken: English
“I love working with seniors because they have led such interesting lives and deserve to be treated with respect and love! It saddens me to see seniors living in isolation or feeling like no one values or listens to them. I love working for WelbeHealth with people who share the same passion as I do!”
Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Kaitlyn thrives on the opportunity to positively influence the lives of participants at WelbeHealth. With a deep commitment to service, she is honored to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who share the same passion of serving others.
When she isn’t seeing participants, Kaitlyn enjoys traveling (especially cruises!), spending time with my family, and experiencing different cuisines.
Teri L. Rhetta, MD, MMM
Role: Medical Director Location: Coachella Education: Case Western Reserve School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH) Residency: Loma Linda University Medical Center – Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Department Board Certification: Internal Medicine Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
“I love working with seniors because they bring so much life knowledge. I enjoy hearing their stories and making them feel better as I treat their medical conditions.”
Inspired by her grandfather, Dr. Rhetta carried forward the lessons of resilience, determination, and drive instilled by her family patriarch. These values were a guiding force throughout her journey to medical school, shaping her approach to life and medicine. After witnessing her family’s compassionate care for her grandfather following his stroke, Teri embraced the importance of empathy and dedication in her personal and professional life. The wisdom shared by her grandfather continues to be a source of inspiration and motivation.
When she’s not working, she enjoys time with her family, including her mastiff, Tiberius. She also enjoys retail therapy with her friends.
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.
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
Christine Dang, DNP, FNP
Role: Nurse Practitioner Location: North Hollywood Education: Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona California Residency: DNP/MSN/FNP at Western University of Health Sciences Board Certification: California Board of Registered Nursing Languages Spoken: English
“I am passionate about geriatric medicine and my goal is to collaborate with healthcare leaders and communities on improving quality of care and health equity to make lifesaving impact together.”
Christine is brings over 7 years of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner and 20 years as a Registered Nurse. She has worked as a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner in a hospital setting and most recently as a Primary Care Provider at a PACE Center in San Bernardino, California. She earned her ADN from Mt. San Antonio Community College and BSN from California State University, Fullerton. Dr. Dang obtained her DNP/MSN/FNP at Western University of Health Sciences; her doctoral work focused on improvement of delivery of care and reduction of fragmented care and health costs associated with chronic conditions through a community health improvement program. She is passionate about geriatric medicine and her goal is to collaborate with healthcare leaders and communities on improving quality of care and health equity to make lifesaving impact together.
Fun facts: She has 2 big dogs, a Siberian Husky and German Shepard/Labrador mix and every chance she gets, she takes them out for walks. She also loves all mediums of art, but mostly you can find her drawing or doodling on her free time.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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: 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.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
