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With more than 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector, most of it in the healthcare industry, Doug joined VIM in July of 2015. A Medical Social Worker, his professional experiences include direct patient care, business development and fund development, many from senior management and leadership positions. |
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Kristina is a Certified Medical Assistant with more than 20 years of clinical and administrative experiences, most recently with a physician in their private practice. She has been employed at VIM since December of 2020 and is responsible for provider credentialing, relations and scheduling, patient advocacy, operations oversight and supervision of front office, back office and volunteer services. |
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After volunteering for several months to gain experience following receipt of her Medical Assistant certificate, Monica began employment with VIM in 2013 as a Medical Assistant. Her positive attitude, interpersonal and organization skills quickly led her to receive a promotion to Back Office Supervisor, and later, Medical Manager. Monica works closely with the Clinic providers, clinical volunteers and medical residents, and has responsibility for back office organization, medical supply ordering and supporting quality medical care. Monica is also a Certified Diabetes Trainer and facilitates our diabetes education classes, as well as other wellness training, in partnership with numerous community partners. |
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Mary has a diverse background in event planning, public relations, administration and management, having most recently served as the Tournament Director for the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament (Palm Springs Charities and Landmark Golf). As our Event Manager, Mary has responsibilities for our signature fundraising event, the WineLover’s Auction, as well as other events planned and in development. |
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Marcela is a bilingual social worker (BSW) with extensive experience serving diverse populations at various social services agencies in the Coachella Valley. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work through an online program at the University of Massachusetts Global. Marcela is passionate about mental health and social work and deeply enjoys assisting individuals, families, and communities in need. Marcela is also a clinical intern at the Palm Springs Telecare Mental Health urgent care. Her role as a clinician mainly involves assisting individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and providing linkage to outpatient mental health services. Marcela is committed to promoting wellness and helping others improve their quality of life. Marcela is an enthusiastic volunteer and enjoys participating in community activities in her free time. |
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Daniela began volunteering at VIM in 2021, following in the footsteps of her older brother, both of whom have career goals of becoming physicians. Daniela moved from a volunteer to a staff member in 2022 and is our Community Outreach Worker promoting VIM programs and services across the Valley at health fairs, community events and anywhere she can identify someone who wants to hear about the Valley’s only free primary care clinic. Daniela grew up in the Valley and is well aware of the disparity that exists for low-income residents without access to healthcare. |
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Ali is the Front Office Coordinator at our Indio office. She is a Certified Medical Assistant and has been working in the medical field. She originally began her relationship with VIM in 2013 as a volunteer shortly after our Indio clinic opened its doors. Ali was born in San Jose, CA but raised in the Coachella Valley since she was 6 months old and considers the Valley here home as it is the only place she knows. On her time off, she loves to listen to music, dance, write, and spend time with her little family. |
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Gloria worked in public health with the County of Riverside for more than 20 years before becoming a volunteer at VIM. After retiring, Gloria knew she didn’t want to stay home when there were so many organizations and people who needed help, so with her medical background as a Medical Assistant, she became a back office volunteer in 2018. When an opportunity arose with VIM to work with high-risk diabetic patients to improve their health, Gloria was excited to be chosen. Now she provides care management to an average of 30 to 50 patients at any time, coordinating their health management with other staff and medical providers. Her personality is perfectly suited to offer support, encouragement and motivation to her patients, even when she has to be the firm, but caring, hand. |
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Nathacha is the Front Office Coordinator at our new Palm Springs office. Before becoming an employee, she volunteered at VIM as part of College of the Desert’s CCMA program in 2022 and was shortly thereafter hired at the Eisenhower Health Cardiology clinic . Once she heard there was an opening at VIM, she remembered the time spent volunteering and how fond she grew of the patients and employees which made her realize she could not pass up the opportunity to work at VIM. Nathacha feels she has learned so much since joining the VIM team and looks forward to continuing to grow and expand her knowledge in the healthcare field. |
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Carolina Lua has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2015 having worked for several years in a local urgent care before joining our clinical are team in the summer of 2021. Carolina works closely with our Clinical Care Coordinator and other volunteers to facilitate timely medical visits with medical residents. She works directly with patients and also interacts with medical providers, medical referrals, ancillary services and pharmacies. Carolina is a bilingual Spanish speaker and enjoys the opportunity to give back to the community! |
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Esbeidy is the Medical Assistant at our Palm Springs clinic. She is a 2021 graduate of the Medical Assistant program from the College. While attending school she began to volunteer at VIMto gain experience, and shortly after obtaining her Medical Assistant Certification she became an employee. She has plans to continue her education and hopes to become a Registered Sonographer. Esbeidy loves working with patients, ensuing they get the most appropriate care and assistance. She feels her employment is one of the ways she gives back to her community. |