Meet The Team

Kevin joined SDAIHC in November 2019, bringing his extensive expertise in culture-focused performance improvement across clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospitals. He excels in identifying performance gaps, defining strategic initiatives, and driving measurable change. Kevin’s work centers on integrating systems and culture to align behaviors with goals in safety, patient experience, and cost containment. As a community-minded leader, Kevin has a long history of serving refugee populations through a non-profit organization he founded in 1999. This organization emphasizes leadership development and project-based learning for underrepresented refugee communities, including an annual month-long medical outreach abroad.

Kevin holds a Six Sigma Black Belt, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Organizational Behavior/Development, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership.

Before joining SDAIHC, Kevin served as the National Director of Care Experience, Patient Safety & Risk for Kaiser Permanente, a Consulting Advisor for Press Ganey & Associates, and the System Director of The Sharp Experience, The Sharp University, and Consumer Research at Sharp HealthCare. He also held the position of Director of Support Operations at Scripps Health and continues to serve as a Core Adjunct Professor at National University since 2011. Additionally, Kevin has served as a police officer and a publicly elected school board member.

Tami brings with her 10+ years of expertise in FQHC Finance. Tami is detail oriented, driven, and highly regarded for her leadership with exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to deliver comprehensive reports. Accustomed to managing multiple projects and multiple departments simultaneously in a fast-faced, deadline-driven environment. Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, Tami is a valuable asset!

Freddy Sanchez brings a wealth of expertise to our team, with over 14 years of dedicated experience in the healthcare field. With 8 years in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Freddy has excelled in various roles, including managed care, social services, care coordination, and clinic operations. His comprehensive understanding of FQHCs is complemented by 6 years of experience in hospitals and healthcare settings. Freddy holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration, further underscoring his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. His extensive background and educational achievements make him an invaluable asset to our organization.

Erik McLaughlin MD, MPH is originally from San Diego, California. He completed his medical school in the UK and an MPH in global health and tropical medicine at Tulane University. He trained in family medicine residency in Chicago, Illinois and completed a Fellowship in Rural and Remote Medicine in Australia along with emergency medicine training. He has provided medical support on six continents and worked extensively with Native American people in the USA. When he is not working, he enjoys trail running and spending time with his family.

Dr. Chelsea Richardson is the dental director for the San Diego American Indian Health Center. She received her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, San Diego prior to attending dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in Mesa, Arizona. Dr. Richardson also earned a certificate in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her dental practical training in Southwest Florida, Colorado, Maine, and at the Winslow Indian Health Care Center for the Navajo Tribe.

Dr. Richardson is certified by the Western Regional Examining Board, is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and is recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Sullivan Schein Pre-doctoral Achievement Award.  She enjoys world travel, has taught English in Thailand, practiced archaeology in Jordan, and studied Spanish in Costa Rica. She currently enjoys being active with her husband and two young children.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Dr. Clement was born and raised in San Diego. He received his BA in American Studies with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz. He received his first MA in Education with an emphasis in multicultural counseling at San Diego State University Community Based Block Program. Dr. Clement earned his MA and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Multicultural Emphasis at Alliant International University. Prior to becoming a psychologist he was a middle school teacher and an Assistant Director at UCSD’s Early Academic Outreach Program.

Dr. Clement has been working in the mental health field for 10 years now. Prior to coming to SDAIHC he was a clinical psychologist at Indian Health Council in Valley Center, CA for close to 4 years. Over the course of his career he has worked with a diverse group of clients: individuals, couples and families in both English and Spanish. He’s always felt honored and blessed to assist clients in their journey to building the life that they are proud to live. While not working he enjoy’s time with his family, the beach, visiting tropical locations, trying new foods, and kayak fishing.

Arcelia Gonzalez, is a highly experienced Human Resources Professional with over two decades in the hospitality and healthcare sectors. She excels in HR compliance, operations, and project management, particularly within The Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) standards.

Arcelia has previously served as a HR Compliance & Operations Manager, where she oversees mandatory compliance programs, policy development, payroll management, and legal reporting. Her career includes significant roles at a hospital, and a resort, focusing on recruitment, onboarding, and employee compliance.

Arcelia has completed PHR Certification Training, and possesses multiple CEU HR Certificates. Her dedication to HR excellence ensures strong organizational compliance and employee development.

Araksi Blbulyan brings to our team a strong analytics background, and a Masters degree in economics. Her experience spans roles as an accountant/data analyst and chief accountant, where she showcased her expertise in data analysis, financial reporting, and accounting automation. Araksi is skilled in tools like Python, SQL, Tableau, and Microsoft Office, and has a track record of enhancing business processes through detailed data analysis and insightful reporting. Araksi’s professional journey reflects her commitment to excellence, analytical prowess, and deep understanding of the data analytics domain.

Jay Vidal is a dynamic professional with a strong foundation in mass media communication, marketing, and organizational leadership. A graduate of California State University San Marcos, Jay combines over five years of expertise in digital marketing, branding, and community engagement to drive impactful health promotion initiatives. Fluent in English and Spanish, Jay has a proven ability to reach diverse audiences through innovative campaigns and data-driven strategies.

Jay’s experience includes orchestrating public health events, designing high-quality multimedia content, and optimizing outreach efforts for community organizations like Interfaith Community Services. By leveraging skills in content creation, social media management, and performance analytics, Jay has successfully advanced community health awareness and engagement. Dedicated to making a positive difference, Jay brings creativity, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to health promotion.

Brittany Hawkins is a skilled accounting professional with a robust educational background, including a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on accounting. With over eight years of experience in financial management and data coordination, Brittany excels in accounts receivable, revenue recognition, and financial reporting. Her expertise includes preparing journal entries, reconciling financial statements, and managing month-end closing tasks. Brittany is proficient in tools like QuickBooks, Oracle, and Microsoft Office Suite, and she is adept at ensuring compliance with company guidelines and enhancing operational efficiency. Known for her excellent time management and attention to detail, Brittany brings a results-driven approach to her role as Accounting Manager.

Jordan Saco brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Sr. Manager of Operations. With eight years of combined dental and medical experience and six years in managerial positions, Jordan has consistently demonstrated his ability to enhance clinic operations, ensure patient satisfaction, and lead teams to success.

Jordan has a proven track record of meeting and exceeding production and revenue goals. He has played crucial roles in leading and achieving monthly goals, and serving as the primary liaison for patients and providers. Jordan managed the second-largest program, turning it around to meet quarterly revenue targets and adding over 300 new patients.

His military background as a US Navy Hospital Corpsman has equipped him with exceptional leadership and organizational skills. He managed a dental/medical clinic with over 20 active-duty service members, overseeing schedules, training, and supply management.

He is a certified Registered Dental Assistant and fluent in multiple languages, enhancing his ability to serve a diverse patient population. Jordan’s commitment to excellence and his comprehensive experience make him an invaluable asset to our team.

Brandi Kennedy is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in payroll, accounting, and quality management. A proud Navy veteran, she is known for her unwavering dedication, impeccable integrity, and outstanding work ethic. Throughout her career, Brandi has led transformative projects in healthcare systems, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Her expertise spans system analytics, payroll management, and process optimization. Brandi’s leadership style is rooted in fostering team success through collaboration and continuous improvement. She brings a deep commitment to quality and a track record of delivering measurable outcomes that enhance organizational performance.

Melina Vaglio is a results-driven professional with extensive experience in healthcare management, program coordination, and data analytics. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Healthcare Management from the University of Connecticut. Melina has a proven track record of managing refugee health programs, building collaborative relationships with resettlement agencies, and ensuring quality control in data reporting. Her expertise includes coordinating schedules, transportation, and team management to provide seamless refugee care services. Proficient in tools like Power BI and STATA, Melina leverages her analytical skills to produce insightful reports and drive program improvements. Fluent in English and French, she is committed to fostering equitable and effective healthcare solutions.

Ismael Flores brings a wealth of experience in facilities management, with over a decade of expertise in maintenance/landscaping and two years in IT. As a seasoned professional, Ismael has a strong background in supervising teams and overseeing facility operations. With a commitment to maintaining high standards and fostering teamwork, Ismael is dedicated to creating well-maintained and efficient facilities that support organizational success.

Dr. Bernard Wosk has been in practice for over 40 years, specializing in pediatrics. We are proud to have him serve in our pediatrics department.

“First and foremost, Medicine is not a profession, it’s a vocation. The most important thing, I feel, for a provider to have, is humanity.  I don’t look at how much you know until I know how much you care. To me, Medicine is as important as being a father, there is no right or wrong in medicine. We all try to do our best and have different approaches towards the benefit of the patient and their family. Always remember, you, as a provider, are a very important person but it’s important to be nice.“

En Español

El Dr. Bernard Wosk tiene mas de 40 años especializando en Pediatria. Estamos orgullosos que sea parte de nuestro departamento de Pediatria.

“Primero antes que nada, la Medicina no es una profesión, es una vocación. Lo que yo siento, que es la cosa mas importante que debe poseer un proveedor, es la humanidad. Yo no me fijo en cuanto un proveedor sabe, si no, cuanto demuestra lo importante que es su paciente. Para mi, la medicina es tan importante como ser padre, no hay una forma correcta o incorrecta en la medicina. Todos tratamos de hacer nuestro mejor esfuerzo y temenos diferentes enfoques de tratamintos; Sin embargo, es para el beneficio del paciente y su familia. Recuerde siempre, usted, como proveedor es una persona muy importante, pero no tan importante como su paciente”.

Katie Perry serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner graduating from Azusa Pacific University, her undergraduate work at Saint Louis University. Katie has great experience and is passionate about women’s health and pediatrics. Katie is a great listener and believes in patient and family centered care.

Tiffany Moran serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner, graduating from Azusa Pacific University with undergraduate work at University of Virginia. Tiffany is a Navy veteran with a strong teamwork mindset and a will-do attitude. Tiffany is known for her kind and compassionate care and use of evidence-based practices in patient-centered care.

Jeren Riley is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience providing comprehensive care to patients across all age groups. A graduate of California Baptist University with a Master of Science in Nursing, Jeren specializes in diagnostic screenings, medication management, and patient education. With a strong background in telehealth and in-person care, Jeren excels in annual assessments, lab result interpretation, and managing insurance protocols.

Jeren’s experience spans diverse settings, including Indian Health Services and private family medical clinics, where they have honed their skills in chronic and acute care, pediatrics, and women’s health. Recognized for excellence in both nursing theory and practice, Jeren combines clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to deliver patient-centered care. Certified in BLS, ACLS, NRP, and PALS, Jeren is committed to fostering a caring and efficient healthcare environment.

Veronica “Ronnie” Whitehorse (Dine’) is a Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse, and the Manager of Disease Control and Prevention at the San Diego American Indian Health Center.  Ronnie was born at Ft. Defiance, Arizona and her family soon afterwards relocated to Los Angeles. She previously worked in student affairs at the University of California, San Diego, and California State University, San Marcos, before completing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at San Diego State University.

As Clinic Manager at SDAIHC, Ronnie supervises a busy staff and is in charge of the Women’s Health, Diabetes, and Childhood Immunization programs. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and in her free time enjoys sewing, traveling, and attending Pow Wows.

Optimistic, hopeful people view barriers and obstacles as problems to be solved and not as the reason to give up or turn back. Positive people never, ever give up. – Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee

Dr. Dorin is passionate about dental health with a focus on raising awareness through health education for each patient. She is a staff writer for the San Diego County Dental Society and has been an amazing edition to our team.

Dr. Naeem has practiced since 2012. She is a very dedicated and highly motivated professional passionate about providing exceptional care for her patients. Dr. Naeem is a great edition to our team!

Dr. Harjot Chawla is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist. He completed his bachelor studies in Neuroscience at UCLA prior to attending USC School of Dentistry. He completed his Pediatric Dentistry residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

Patient-oriented with compassion and experience providing dental care to Native American populations. Equipped
with 3 years of AEGD, private practice and community clinic experience.

Dr. Peter Tilton, MD is a Psychiatry Specialist and has over 49 years of experience. He graduated from New York Medical College in 1973. He joined SDAIHC in 2020.

Dr. Carino Diokno received her BA in Psychology and MA in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling at San Diego State University. She received her MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. Dr. Carino Diokno has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and a university counseling center. She has worked with clients on a wide range of presenting concerns such as anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and multicultural issues.

Dr. Carino Diokno is committed to helping clients achieve their therapeutic goals in a safe and supportive environment. She uses a client-centered approach, using various interventions to meet the individual needs of clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, nature, and gardening.

Kelly M. Scott MSN, BSN, PMHNP is Board Certified. Kelly grew up in Ohio, recently moved to the San Diego area. Kelly obtained her Bachelor’s and Masters Degrees at Kent State University. Kelly as an extensive background working with individuals in recovery for substance use and mental health.  Kelly works with adults and their families. Kelly believes in a holistic approach and collaboration with each person, helping individuals on their journey towards recovery.

Corina Manzo Serves as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner graduating from Maryville University, her undergraduate work at San Diego State University.  Corina has broad experience as an avid patient advocate having been a bedside nurse for over 12 years in the areas of telemetry, med- surg and critical care.  She comes to us from UCSD where she has worked as a transplant coordinator with both adult and pediatric organ donors supporting their families through the process of grief and end of life. Her standard of practice aligns with the elements of compassion and empathy towards those entrusted in her care.

She was born in San Diego she enjoys road trips, chocolate strawberries and Keith Urban concerts.

Richard brings with him 18 years of experience working inpatient and outpatient with teens, military veterans, adults, geriatrics, certified in EMDR and 5 years experience with with Native Americans. Richard is a strong advocate for his patients.

As a Behavioral Health Case Manager, Dean serves our clients within Behavioral Health and Substance connecting them to resources that can improve their quality of life.

As a Registered Nurse and Public Health Nurse for more than 10 years, Dean has provided a variety of care to members of the San Diego community, including community health screening and education, vaccination administration, sub-acute nursing, long-term and short-term rehabilitation, home health nursing, and geriatric care.

Dean believes in providing excellent and culturally-competent community care and approaching every individual with compassion.

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Business Administration – Management

With over 20 years of experience in program management and leadership across diverse fields, including criminal justice, healthcare, and community services, Chris Almeida excels at developing and implementing impactful programs. At SDAIHC, Chris manages grant-funded initiatives promoting health, cultural, and social connectedness among the Native American community. He brings expertise in organizational restructuring, policy development, and public relations, consistently fostering collaborative environments that drive success. Bilingual in Spanish and skilled in outreach and media engagement, Chris’s dynamic leadership has been instrumental in creating healthier, more connected communities.

“Hacho”. . . My name is Larry Edmonds; I support our community by serving as the Youth Program Manager. I am a full blood Native American Indian from the Kiowa/Caddo tribe of Oklahoma. My role includes: Programming, outreach, and liaison to contractors and vendors. I am passionate about working with Native Americans and Urban Indian youth. I participate in the many Pow-Wows and cultural events. I feel my skills in graphic arts, property management, and parenting is beneficial to the position. I have completed courses in Behavioral Health: Cultural Competency, Introduction to Trauma Informed Care and various Children Youth and Families System of Care Trainings. I have two daughters that I have raised on my own and I am so proud of their accomplishments. I can relate with single parents because I did it too. I feel this job is “where I belong”. I look forward to each day helping to support Native youth in prevention and early intervention on their journey to adulthood.