Care Providers
Dr. Edgar Chavez, MD
Founder
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Medical Officer
Family Medicine
Dr. Edgar Chavez, MD
Dr. Edgar Chavez received his BS in Neuroscience from Pomona College in 1998 and his MD from Stanford University in 2004. He completed his residency in Family Medicine in 2007 at White Memorial Hospital, which helped forge his ongoing relationship with the hospital.
Following his residency, Dr. Chavez decided to pursue his dream of serving the low-income community of South Central Los Angeles where he grew up following his family’s immigration to the Unites States from El Salvador.
Dr. Sandy Cadena, MD
Family Medicine
Dr. Sandy Cadena, MD
Dr. Cadena received her MD from Catholic University of Santiago of Guayaquil in 2008. She completed her Family Medicine Residency Program in 2015 at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
Following her residency, Dr. Cadena continued to follow her passion of helping underserved communities and providing each patient with a customized plan towards wellbeing.
Dr. Angelina Nieto-Rodriguez, MD
Family Medicine
Dr. Angelina Nieto-Rodriguez, MD
Dr. Nieto-Rodriguez is a board certified physician in Family Medicine. She received a BA in Sociology from UCLA and a MD from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. During her time at USC, she joined the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) where she received an award recognizing her outstanding work and determination. Dr. Nieto-Rodriguez went on to complete her residency in Family Medicine at the Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center.
She is a bilingual and bicultural physician who is dedicated to providing culturally competent care to underserved communities.
Dr. Jessica Cardona, MD
Pediatrician
Dr. Jessica Cardona, MD
Dr. Jessica Cardona is a board certified pediatrician and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She graduated from SUNY Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, New York where she obtained her medical degree. Dr. Cardona moved to Miami where she completed her pediatric residency at Holtz Children’s Hospital at University of Miami/Jackson Health System.
compassionate, patient-centered care to the very communities that shaped her.
Dr. Kerry Park, MD
OB/GYN
Dr. Kerry Park, MD
Dr. Park specialize in women's healthcare, diagnosing, treating, and preventing medical conditions that affect women. Dr. Park also works with expecting mothers throughout their pregnancies, during childbirth, and postpartum.
Dr. Park received his M.D. from University of Tennessee Medical School in 1992 and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1996 at the White Memorial Medical Center. Interesting Fact: Dr. Park is originally from Tennessee and speaks 3 languages (English, Korean, and Spanish).
Dr. Armin Dadkhah, DPM
Podiatry
Dr. Armin Dadkhah, DPM
Dr. Dadkhah received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and his DPM from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his podiatric surgical residency at Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
He hopes to continue to serve in the Los Angeles area. He aims to treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems in the underserved local community. He is fluent in English and Farsi. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, football, cooking, and exploring the city.
Dr. Elinora Madrid, MD
Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Elinora Madrid, MD
Dr. Elinora Madrid is a board-certified physician and Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine dedicated to helping patients prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease through evidence-based, whole-person care. She combines the best of traditional primary care with nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and behavior change to empower patients to take control of their health.
Originally from Honduras, Dr. Madrid’s own journey through serious illness—including surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm and stroke early in her medical career—profoundly shaped her perspective on medicine. That experience reinforced her belief that healing requires not only scientific excellence, but also resilience, compassion, and partnership.
Known for her curiosity, warmth, and relentless pursuit of better answers, Dr. Madrid is passionate about making Lifestyle Medicine practical, accessible, and deeply personal. Whether caring for patients, mentoring others, or speaking about health, her mission is to help people live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
Dr. Paola Santiago, MD
Family Medicine
Dr. Paola Santiago, MD
Dr. Paola Santiago, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician providing compassionate, full-spectrum care for patients of all ages. She earned her degree in Pharmacology from UC Santa Barbara and completed her medical education at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, followed by residency training with the Morehouse School of Medicine at California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Santiago focuses on preventive wellness, women's health, pediatric care, and chronic disease management, building strong relationships with the families she serves.
Fluent in Spanish and raised by immigrant parents, Dr. Santiago provides culturally sensitive, holistic care that supports your physical, mental, and social well-being. She prioritizes open communication and patient education so you always feel heard, understood, and empowered in your healthcare decisions. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Santiago enjoys trying new recipes, dancing, reading, and staying active outdoors with family and friends.
Dental Providers
Dr. Rebeca Marin
Dental Director
Dr. Rebeca Marin
Dr. Marin received her BS in Chemistry from Cal State University Dominguez Hills in 2015 and her DMD from Western University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine.
She has always been passionate about oral health and believes everyone should get the help they need. Her goal is to create awareness about the importance of oral health and how it affects the body. Dr. Marin strives to make people feel comfortable visiting the dentist and believes in treating everyone with compassion.
Dr. Marin loves spending time with her family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews.
She also plays a lot of basketball, is a HUGE Lakers fan, and is fluent in Spanish.
Dr. Pouya Ansari
Dental Provider
Dr. Pouya Ansari
Dr. Ansari Received his B.S. in Microbiology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his DMD from Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine. He is passionate about leveling the access of care for dental needs across communities of varying gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic background.
Dr. Ansari seeks to create a new dental experience that is caring, conservative and puts education at the forefront to prevent diseases. He is specifically striving to prevent early childhood dental diseases in an effort to influence young people to take care of themselves at an early age.
In his off time, Dr. Ansari loves spending time with his girlfriend, family and dog. He also loves to cook and try new restaurants in the Los Angeles area.
Dr. Camille Loria
Dental Provider
Dr. Camille Loria
Dr. Loria received her BS in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2015 and her DDS from University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Nurse Practitioners
Kathreen Castro
Nurse Practitioner
Kathreen Castro
Kathreen Dee Castro, MSN, FNP-BC, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur in the Philippines in 2006. She worked at a Skilled Nursing Facility, AltaMed Adult Day Health Care, Beverly Hospital, and as a traveler RN to LAC+USC.
She graduated from Charles Drew University in Los Angeles in 2014, obtained her MSN-FNP degree, and worked for the underserved community through another Federally-Qualified Health Center before joining Universal Community Health Center in 2018. Kathreen is currently working on her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Brandman University and is expected to graduate by 2020.
Elizabeth Serrano
Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Serrano
Elizabeth Serrano is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). She received her first degree in Neuroscience from UC Riverside, her bachelor’s in nursing from Johns Hopkins University, and her master’s in nursing from San Francisco State University. Elizabeth has over 10 years experience as a registered nurse.
She has worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), postpartum, lactation, and travel health. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, having received advance training in assisting families in breastfeeding education and support. She has also received additional training in sexual health and hopes to become certified as a sexuality counselor within the next 2 years.
As an FNP, she has worked in sexual and reproductive health, and is experienced in several birth control methods. She was born and raised in Southern California. She is a proud Mexican American, Central Asian Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and can communicate in English and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to different parts of the country and the world.
Christine Aguayo
Nurse Practitioner
Christine Aguayo
Christine Aguayo is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Master’s degree at the University of Southern California. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Christine received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Public Health Certification from Azusa Pacific University. Christine worked as a registered nurse for seven years in Surgical Oncology at Keck Hospital of USC and 4 years for a mental health facility.
Christine was raised in Southern California in an underserved community and is determine to assist others who are living in similar environments like the one she grew up in. Christine is also passionate about women’s health, holistic medicine, and dermatology. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
In her free time, she enjoy spending time with her family, husband, and two dogs. She greatly enjoys gardening, interior design, and watching cooking shows.
Veronica Pina
Nurse Practitioner
Veronica Pina
Veronica Piña is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Fresno City College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles in May 2024.
Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Veronica worked as a registered nurse for over ten years in diverse healthcare settings including Los Angeles General Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Southern California Hospital, and as an RN Supervisor at several Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Veronica is passionate about serving underserved communities and draws inspiration from her upbringing in a Mexican immigrant family. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Outside of work, Veronica enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, running, and hiking.
Physician Assistants
Leilani Prieto
Clinical Director
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Leilani Prieto
Leilani Prieto is a board certified physician assistant focusing on family medicine in underserved communities. Lei’s passion and enthusiasm over the years have made her a patient favorite at UCHC.
Leilani received her B.S. in Biology from University of California, Irvine in 1995 and and earned her Master of Physician Assistant Practice from University of Southern California - Keck School of Medicine in 2008.
Interesting Fact: Leilani lived in Honolulu, HI for several years and is fluent in Spanish.
Kristyl Felix
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Kristyl Felix
Kristyl Felix is a board certified Physician Assistant focusing on primary care in underserved communities. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Irvine and her Master of Physician Assistant Practice from the Keck USC School of Medicine.
Kristyl is a native Spanish speaker and was raised in Huntington Park, California. She is a National Health Service Corps scholar and founder of the USC PA NHSC Awardees Association at the Keck USC PA Program. Kristyl’s background is what inspired her to work in primary care with underserved populations. She is dedicated to providing influential patient care and is committed to encouraging people to take control of their health. Her aspirations are to improve and advance patient health by providing competent, compassionate healthcare to all patients.
Fun Fact: Kristyl has a minor in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Irvine and enjoys finding new ways to implement her skills in the healthcare setting. Along with providing patient care, Kristyl is creating patient educational video content to help increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of medical topics.
Teresa Sanchez
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Teresa Sanchez
Teresa Sanchez is a board certified physician assistant that specializes in dermatology. Ms. Sanchez is a highly sought after hair, skin, and nail specialist. She is known for providing her patients with a personalized and thoughtful approach.
She is committed to helping her patients achieve optimal wellness and improved quality of life.
Jessica Flores
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Jessica Flores
Jessica Flores is a board certified Physician Assistant, focusing on Family Medicine. Jessica earned her graduate degree from the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, where she has since worked in Primary Care. She is fully committed to providing quality care to patients in underserved communities.
Jessica is passionate about reaching goals with her patient and encourages them to become the best version of themselves.
Fun Fact: Jessica is recipient of the NHSC Scholarship from University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
Saul Shapira
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Saul Shapira
Saul Shapira received his Master of Clinical Medical Science from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. He has over 5 years of clinical experience working with underserved populations in South Los Angeles, focusing on prevention and healthy lifestyle. Saul was born and raised in Los Angeles. He is an avid traveler and hiker.
In 2021 he successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Judith Onyepunuka
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Judith Onyepunuka
Judith Onyepunuka is a board certified Physician Assistant whose focus is in family medicine. Judith earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Southern California, where she has since worked in primary care. She is committed to disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles.
She loves to set goals with her patient and encourage them to become the best version of themselves. Her true passion is education and providing quality care to patients in underserved communities.
Fun Fact: Judith was previously a 4th grade teacher and still loves to teach kids.
Joseline Ochoa
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Joseline Ochoa
Joseline Ochoa is a board certified physician assistant that graduated from the University of Southern California's Primary Care Physician Assistant Program. She received her bachelor's degree in General Biology and Public Health from the University of California San Diego which included an internship in Oaxaca, Mexico on binational health and traditional medicine.
She speaks fluent English and Spanish. Joseline is passionate about community health and prevention. She is committed to providing excellent care to patients. Being from South LA, Joseline is an Angeleno at heart, and UCHC is located in the communities she grew up in. Ask her about local resources, such as local parks and programs to reach health goals!
Emily Lara
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Emily Lara
Emily Lara is a board certified PA who graduated from the Primary Care Physician Assistant Program at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Emily received her BS in Biopsychology from the University of California Santa Barbara.
She speaks fluent English and Spanish. Emily was born and raised in Los Angeles. She is passionate about providing quality care to patients in underserved communities. In her free time Emily volunteers for a non-profit that provides healthcare to uninsured individuals.
When Emily isn’t at work she enjoys hiking with her dog, going to concerts, and traveling.
Madisyn Telon
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Madisyn Telon
Madisyn Telon is a board certified Physician Assistant. She received her Master of Physician Assistant Practice from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Madisyn is passionate about providing high quality care to underserved communities. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Michigan, she studied abroad in Costa Rica where she was able to enhance her Spanish speaking skills.
She was born and raised in LA, where she dreamed of one day providing medical care back to her community. Madisyn loves working alongside her patients to achieve their optimal health.
In her free time she loves reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her dog and family.
Viviana Velazquez
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Viviana Velazquez
Viviana G. Velazquez is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a passion for primary care and serving diverse communities. A daughter of Mexican immigrants, Viviana is deeply committed to improving healthcare access for underserved populations in Los Angeles. She earned her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Riverside, before completing her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
As a fluent Spanish speaker, Viviana is dedicated to providing culturally competent care, ensuring that Spanish-speaking patients feel heard, understood, and empowered. She strives to educate her patients on how to be their healthiest selves, helping them manage their health proactively.
Outside of her professional work, Viviana enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and watching TV shows and movies. She loves spending time with her family and friends.
Fun fact: Viviana completed her surgery rotation training on the island of Maui, HI.
Cam Huynh
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Cam Huynh
Cam is a board certified physician assistant who graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. She received her bachelor's degree in General Biology from University of California San Diego.
Born and raised in SoCal and completing her education here, she has been dedicated to serving the people and communities of Los Angeles. She is passionate about women’s health and is motivated to enhance access to quality reproductive care. She has volunteered in Costa Rica with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children providing health care to mothers and their children.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her 2 cats, Greyson and Brisket, and is hoping to get a dog in the near future.
Leticia Perez
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Leticia Perez
A proud graduate of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Leticia brings a strong passion for women's health and geriatric care. As a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholar, she is dedicated to serving underserved communities. Her experience working at FQHC sites as a student has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to provide comprehensive medical care.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Leticia strives to create a welcoming and compassionate environment for every patient. She takes a whole-person approach to medicine and promotes patient education to help you achieve your best health outcomes.
When she's not at the clinic, Leticia enjoys traveling with her husband, staying active, and spending time with family.
Antonia Johnson
Board-Certified Physician Assistant
Antonia Johnson
Antonia Johnson is a board certified Physician Assistant who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Health Studies from Dickinson College. She went on to complete her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
With over six years of experience in family medicine and urgent care, Antonia is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She believes in partnering with patients through supportive guidance to help improve health outcomes and empower individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being.
A Los Angeles native, Antonia enjoys exploring new restaurants, keeping up with skincare trends, and spending time at Disneyland when she’s not at work.
She was born and raised in LA, where she dreamed of one day providing medical care back to her community. Madisyn loves working alongside her patients to achieve their optimal health.
In her free time she loves reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her dog and family.
Behavioral Health Specialists
Gabriela Flores, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
No. 65560
Gabriela Flores, LCSW
Gabriela Flores is a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW No. o65560) with experience providing mental health services in health settings. Gabriela has a BA in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley, a Master’s in Social Work from USC and has been licensed in the state of CA since 2015.
She has experience helping patients address a wide variety of mental health symptoms and disorders including but, not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, other Mood Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Grief/Loss, Phase of Life Challenges, Stress Mgmt, Adjustment Disorders, etc. Gabriela works with adults, older adults, adolescents and children. Her approach is client centered, culturally sensitive and incorporates several therapeutic modalities to best serve each individual patient needs.
Jennifer Grijalva, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
No. 112719
Jennifer Grijalva
Jennifer Grijalva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW No. 112719). She earned her Masters of Social Welfare from the Luskin School of Public Affairs at UCLA. After completing her master’s degree, Jennifer has worked as a bilingual mental health therapist and is passionate about mental health equity and community advocacy.
Desiree Montanez, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
No. 134632
Desiree Montanez
Desiree Montanez is an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW No. 134632) with experience working in community mental health in South Los Angeles. She received her BS in Social Work from Mount Saint Mary’s University and her Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Fullerton. Desiree has worked with children, adolescents, and adults.
She has experience in addressing: depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, stress management, maternal mental health, intimate partner violence,chronic health concerns, phase of life challenges, etc. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and going to Disneyland.
Luisa Sanchez, ASW
Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker
ASW No. 129760
Supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Luisa Sanchez, ACSW
Luisa Sánchez is a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW No. 129760) with 20 years of experience in the field. She is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Southern California, with a Master’s degree in Social Work. She proudly practices her profession both in English and Spanish. As a Los Angeles native, she values the cultural diversity of the County, and loves the wealth of beauty it offers.
Luisa has worked in a variety of social work settings, including: health education, mental health promotion, home and community based and government social services. She began her career working in the field of Aging and Disability, preventing premature institutionalization of older adults. Ultimately working in Housing and Homeless services where she developed her passion for mental health service delivery. Luisa’s approach to working with clients, families and communities is through a trauma informed care lens and a strengths based perspective.
Jessica Ramos, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
No. 157446
Jessica Ramos, LMFT
Jessica Ramos is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT No. 157446) who provides mental health services in both English and Spanish. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, and her Master of Science in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Jessica is a first-generation college graduate who grew up on the Central Coast of California.
Jessica has experience providing care in community clinics, county behavioral health programs, and school-based settings. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, offering individual, group, and family therapy. Her clinical experience includes treating depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, and adjustment disorders, with particular expertise in supporting survivors of crime, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Jessica approaches every client with compassion and cultural sensitivity. She is dedicated to helping individuals build resilience through a strength-based approach while creating a supportive environment where clients feel empowered throughout their mental health journey.