Meet our Faculty

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Residency: University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Institute

Fellowship: University of California, Los Angeles, Semel Institute

Why did you go in Child Psych? For me, there was never really another choice. Children and adolescents are remarkably resilient, but they also deserve adults who are willing to listen, advocate, and fight for them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I am continually inspired by the opportunity to help young people rediscover hope, strengthen families, and change the trajectory of a life before years of suffering take hold. One of the things I love most about child psychiatry is that our work extends far beyond prescribing medication. Sometimes the most meaningful intervention is helping a family, a school, or an entire system better support a child. 

Area of interests: My professional interests center on improving access to high-quality mental health care for underserved children and adolescents, particularly those living in rural communities. I am passionate about medical education, physician mentorship, and preparing the next generation of child psychiatrists to practice compassionate, evidence-based medicine. My work has focused on developing innovative systems of care, including crisis stabilization services, community partnerships, and collaborative models that bring psychiatric care closer to where children live. I also have a longstanding commitment to providing affirming, equitable, and ethical care for all children and families. I believe every child deserves access to exceptional mental health care regardless of where they live or the circumstances into which they were born. Outside of medicine, I enjoy strength training, exploring the mountains and National Parks, traveling, and spending time with my dog. Whether I'm hiking a new trail or working toward a new personal record in the gym, I appreciate challenges that require discipline, resilience, and continual growth. 

Why train in the Central Valley? The Central Valley is one of the most rewarding places in California to train as a child psychiatrists. The need is tremendous, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact is equally great. Our patients come from incredibly diverse backgrounds and present with a broad range of clinical, social, and cultural experiences that prepare trainees for virtually any practice setting. Our fellowship offers meaningful autonomy, close mentorship, and opportunities to help build programs that directly improve the mental health of our community. If you want to become not only an excellent clinician but also a leader, educator, and advocate, there are few places that provide the breadth of experience available in the Central Valley. 

Medical School: Christian Medical College, Ldh, India

Residency: Meharry Medical College, Nashville Tennessee

Fellowship: UCLA-Kern Medical Center

Area of interests: Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, ADHD, suicide prevention.

Why train in the Central Valley? The Central Valley offers a good work life balance, which helps reduce stress and prevent burnout in the workplace. There are a lot of outdoor recreational activities, wonderful national parks, good restaurants, wonderful school districts, good housing options, to name a few. Along with that, you will get an all round mental health experience during residency/fellowship.

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Medical School: American University of Antigua

Residency: Kaweah Health Medical Center

Fellowship: Kaweah Health Medical Center

Area of interests: ADHD, Mood Disorders, Addiction, and Transitional Age Youth

Why train in the Central Valley? I stayed at Kaweah Health because the Central Valley is home. I grew up and trained in this community, and it is meaningful to me to serve its' children and families. I also enjoy working with residents and fellows as we continue to strengthen mental health care in the region. 

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Residency: Kaweah Health Medical Center

Fellowship: University of Southern California

Area of interests: Human Development and working with special populations including children and adolescents with Autism-Spectrum-related disorders. 

Why train in the Central Valley? Training and working in the Central Valley is a unique and rewarding experience. It offers the chance to serve high-need populations in rural and underserved parts of California, including migrant worker populations, farming communities, and families who have been part of small-town life for generations. Practicing in these settings allows me—and other trainees—to develop the skills necessary to deliver effective, evidence-based treatment in areas where we may be one of the few providers available. It’s both a challenge and an incredible opportunity to make a real difference.

 

Medical School: University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Philippines 

Residency: Kaweah Health Medical Center

Fellowship: Kaweah Health Medical Center

Area of interests: I have a strong interest in women's health, knowing how deeply a woman's well-being impacts her family and community. My work is further shaped by my personal life. I am the parent of a deaf child, which has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths within the deaf and hard of hearing community. This experience continues to inspire me to make mental health services more inclusive and accessible. At the heart of my work and my life is a commitment to connection, compassion, and helping others feel understood and supported. 

Why train in the Central Valley? I chose Kaweah Health for my Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship because of its strong commitment to serving the Central Valley's diverse and underserved communities. Training here allows me to stay connected to my family while gaining invaluable experience caring for children, adolescents, and families who often face barriers to mental health services. The supportive faculty, community-centered approach, and opportunity to make a direct impact in the region made Kaweah Health a perfect fit for me. 

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Kaweah Health Medical Center

Fellowship: University of Southern California - Los Angeles County

Area of interests: Child and adolescent psychiatry, neurodevelopment, trauma and attachment, psychopharmacology, and medical education