Meet our familia

Erik was born and raised in Houston, TX. He currently lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and three kids. His healthcare experience spans 20+ years and includes stints at Tenet Health, EverlyWell, and Amazon Care. When not building Zócalo Health, Erik enjoys spending time with his family exploring the outdoors or playing sports. He likes to unwind by making a family recipe such as his mom's chiles rellenos or his dad's carne guisada. His favorite food is that which is served at a backyard carne asada with great music and great friends.

Mariza was born and raised in New Mexico and later moved to Washington DC for graduate school.She found herself moving to the west coast to explore career opportunities in digital health with a focus on solutions for vulnerable populations.She worked for the US Health and Human Service Department, Optum/Alere Health, Omada and most recently Amazon/AWS. Currently, Mariza lives in Seattle, WA with her family, 2 dogs, and 2 chickens. She loves hiking, biking, and exploring different towns in the PNW.Being a Native New Mexican, her favorite foods will always be Hatch green chile enchiladas served with a side of sopapillas.

Based in Houston, Paul Barrón holds the role of Technical Program Manager, where he skillfully navigates the intersection of software engineering, product design, and team leadership. Currently focused on delivering solutions for the U.S. Latino population, Paul Barrón balances technical acumen with a strong sense of product vision. His work isn't just about writing code; it's about crafting digital experiences that resonate culturally and solve real-world problems. He is a holistic thinker, seamlessly bridging the gaps between various aspects of product development.

Renee is originally from Santa Ana in Southern California and has called the San Francisco Bay Area her home for over a decade. Her background is in anthropology and public health, and she received degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco. She has combined experience with qualitative, clinical, and user research within virtual and community health settings. Renee currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and cat and she enjoys block/linocut printing, thrifting, and traveling.

Dr. Nona Hanson is a board certified family physician with more than 20 years experience in both primary and urgent care. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and is especially experienced in preventive care and women’s health. Having worked in a range of settings including private practice, community clinics, and corporate health care, Dr. Hanson is excited to be part of Zócalo Health.

Hi, I'm Kaila Jordan Lillehei, VP of Clinical Operations with a passion for serving high-need, vulnerable communities through innovative care models and population health programs. With over a decade of experience in leadership and operations experience across hospital, community-based, and start-up settings, I focus on optimizing people, processes, systems, and data to drive value and improve health outcomes. I lead performance-driven teams by fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and achievement of bold strategic goals. I believe that we all do better when we all do better. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my kiddos, husband and dog. We love staying active outdoors, traveling, and relaxing at home with friends and family.

Daisy Lopez, a first-generation Latina from the Central Valley, navigated the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system at an early age to help her parents feel welcomed and understood. Motivated by her background, she pursued a bachelor's degree in Public Health Administration at San José State University, aiming to improve healthcare access for the Latino population. In her free time, she enjoys discovering new music, reading and taking walks with her dog Canela.

Hi, I'm Alondra, a dedicated community health worker with deep, firsthand knowledge of the challenges Latinos face within the healthcare system. I have worked closely with the Latino community, ensuring low-income, uninsured, and undocumented individuals receive access to essential healthcare services. During the pandemic, I played a critical role in managing essential workers and bridging language barriers to address diverse healthcare needs. Passionate about health equity and patient advocacy, I remain committed to fostering trust and access within marginalized populations. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, shopping, and savoring a perfectly crafted iced coffee.

Anahi is a dedicated healthcare professional passionate about building meaningful connections with patients and educating them on the importance of accessible, comprehensive healthcare. With over ten years of experience in client relations and member support, she has guided countless individuals through the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring they receive the resources they need. Anahi's career has deepend her commitment to providing unwavering support and prioritizing patient-centered experienes. Outside of work,she enjoys spending time at the beach, discovering new restaurants, and cheeringon her favorite football team.

Hi, I'm Andrea, a passionate Community Health Worker/Promotora de Salud dedicated to empowering individuals and serving as a vital resource for the Latino community. With experience in social work care management, housing case management, and resource coordination, I help individuals navigate community services, access education, and connect with supportive providers. I approach my work with empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to advocating for those often overlooked, believing that access to support and education is a fundamental right. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and cats, exploring nature, and discovering new bakeries that inspire joy and balance.

Hi, I'm Angie, a dedicated community wellness advocate with a diverse background in healthcare, customer service, and community outreach. I have coordinated health educatin programs and improved access to care for underserved populations, supporting families by advocating for their needs and guideing them through the healthcare system. As a proud first-generation college graduate with degrees in Business Management and Human Resource Management, I bring strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills to my work. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I connect meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds. In my free time, I enjoy gardening and cooking traditional Latin dishes, celebrating my cultural roots.

Hi, I'm Maria, and I bring 28 years of experience in mental health, case management, and social services. I began my career in Southern California, supporting "Severely and Emotionally Disturbed Youth” at Level-14 facilities before transitioning to community-based services, working with diverse populations through agencies such as the California Regional Centers, County IHSS, and the Orange County Health Care Agency. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a Minor in Chicana/Chicano Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and pusued graduate studies in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Now residing in the Sierra Nevada, I enjoys cultivating the land, honoring my grandparents' traditions.

Hi I'm Isabel, a proud Central Valley native with a deep passion for connecting individuals to the care and support they deserve. Growing up, I saw firsthand the power of compassion and advocacy, which inspired me to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSU Stanislaus. With over 3.5 years of experience as a case manager and administrative assistant, I’ve gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by underserved populations and developed strategies to address them with empathy and creativity. As a patient outreach specialist, I’m dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare and ensuring people feel heard, valued, and supported. In my free time, I enjoy staying active at the gym, watching lighthearted comedies, and taking peaceful walks in nature to recharge and reflect.

Hi, I'm Samantha, a dedicated healthcare leader passionate about transforming healthcare access and promoting equity. With over eight years of experience across healthcare organizations and hospitals, I've spearheaded growth and innovation strategies that drive meaningful impact. My expertise lies in transforming clinical and business data into actionable insights that fuel organizational growth and sustainability. Outside of work, I enjoy beekeeping, creating stained glass art, and exploring nature on hikes with my two dogs, Austin and Bacon.

Hi, I'm Mariela, a passionate and dedicated intake specialist committed to bridging the gap between underserved communities and the essential healthcare services they deserve. With over five years of experience, I empower individuals--particularly within the Hispanic community--to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and advocate for their needs. I take pride in fostering trust, respect, and dignity in my interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. My role is more than a job--it's a calling that reflects my passion for service and community advocacy. Outside of work, I enjoy expressing my creativity in the kitchen by preparing delicious meals for my family.

Hello. I am Alejandro Lopez (or Alex for short), a Community Health Worker dedicated to helping Merced community members access resources and to reduce barriers to care. I have eight years of experience working with Mental Health Consumers , both inpatient and outpatient, providing coaching and intermediate counseling to support their well-being. Most recently, I've helped individuals with severe mental illness stay engaged in their recovery to reduce the risk of hospitalization or conservatorship. I excel at building rapport and fostering relationships to improve outcomes, and I'm excited to bring my expertise to Zocalo Health to help Merced residents access better care and achieve wellness. In my downtime, you'll find me binge-watching shows, planning spontaneous trips and concerts, or enjoying time with my two boys working the second shift.

Hi, I'm Marisol, an outreach specialist with a strong connection to my community and a deep passion for promoting health and well-being. I earned a BA in Public Health from UC Merced and hold a Medical Assistant Certification from Carrington College. My experience as a medical assistant has been incredibly rewarding, giving me the opportunity to listen to patients, understand their challenges, and make meaningful impact in their lives. Outside of work, I enjoy dancing, exploring scenic hiking trails, and expressing my creativity by crafting sweet treats in the kitchen.

Hi, I'm Ricardo, a Community Health Worker dedicated to connecting communities with healthcare and social services. With over three years of experience as a Residential Counselor and Behavioral Health Tech, I’ve provided 24/7 support and counseling in rehabilitation centers, group homes, and assisted living facilities. My goal is to enhance health outcomes through culturally sensitive outreach, health education, and advocacy. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two children, watching them grow and learn. I’m also a truck enthusiast with a passion for both classic and modern vehicles.

Hello, I'm Yesenia Blaine, a Promotora de Salud and Community Healthcare Worker at Zócalo Health. I am passionate about supporting those in need and being a compassionate listener. With over 10 years of experience in the medical field, I am dedicated to empowering patients and helping them navigate their healthcare journey. As a bilingual professional fluent in both Spanish and English, I connect meaningfully with a individuals from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and exploring new places, and trying different types of food. Yoga and meditation are part of my daily routine, and I cherish attending church with my family every Sunday. I also have a wonderful dog named Koko, my constant companion and travel buddy—she truly is my baby!

Hi, I'm Jessica, a seasoned healthcare professional with 23 years of experience in Revenue Cycle Management. I am passionate about driving organizational success by increasing revenue and optimizing processes. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of two amazing kids, Thailen and Makenzi. In my spare time, I love singing karaoke and traveling with my family—it’s how we create lasting memories together.

Hi, I'm Dela, a healthcare professional with 25 years of experience in Revenue Cycle Management. I hold a bachelor's degree from the State College of Florida, along with a Professional Coding Certification from the National Healthcare Association and an OCS Certification from the AAO. I am passionate about optimizing the billing cycle and driving revenue growthto support organizational success. When I’m not focused on work, I enjoy attending concerts and events—they’re my way of unwinding and staying inspired!

Hi, I’m Cindy, a Doctor of Physical Therapy turned healthcare tech and value-based care enthusiast. My mission is to create solutions that improve health outcomes, lower costs, and make healthcare more human. With a diverse clinical background, I excel at turning complex challenges into innovative solutions—whether by driving growth strategy, optimizing operations, or scaling business initiatives. I specialize in building and executing strategic go-to-market plans that enable organizations to scale, deliver impact, and achieve financial success. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, supporting maternal and child health initiatives, traveling (30 countries and counting), and diving into thriller novels.