Registration & Breakfast

1 hour

Opening Remarks and Welcome

20 min

Kimberly Barraza, DHCD&F Board President

The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Board recently appointed Kimberly Barraza as Board President. She has served as a senior district representative and policy advisor for State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. A resident in the District’s Zone 6, she will serve a four-year term. Barraza, who is knowledgeable about the state Legislature and budget process, brings […]

Donna Craig

For 22 years, Donna Craig has served the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation in integral roles that helped to advance its mission.   Soon after joining the staff as executive assistant to then-CEO Wayne Soucy in 2004, Craig was recognized for her grant-writing and other skills. In 2005, she was promoted to Chief Program Officer, […]

Transition Period

10 min

Alejandro Espinoza

Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]

Session A – Workforce: Building the Future Care Team: Addressing Healthcare Workforce Gaps in the Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley continues to face significant healthcare workforce shortages that impact access to timely, high-quality care across the region. Challenges in recruitment, training, and retention—particularly in rural and underserved areas—have placed increasing strain on providers and health systems. This session will explore innovative strategies to build and sustain the future care team, including education-to-career pathways, local training programs, workforce partnerships, and retention initiatives. Panelists will highlight collaborative efforts among healthcare systems, educational institutions, workforce agencies, and community partners to strengthen the regional talent pipeline. Attendees will gain practical insights into scalable solutions that address workforce gaps and support a more resilient healthcare system in the Coachella Valley.

1:10

Sheila Thornton

As President & CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley, Sheila Thornton is guided by its mission to assure all students succeed in college, career and life – expanding and enhancing the local workforce so that our youth and economy thrive. Prior to the formation of OneFuture Coachella Valley, Sheila served as Vice President of Workforce Excellence for the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership […]

Victor Cisneros, MD

Dr. Victor Cisneros is the Chief Community Health Officer at Eisenhower Health and an emergency medicine physician whose work focuses on health equity, population health, and expanding access to care for underserved communities throughout the Coachella Valley. He leads system-wide community health initiatives addressing social drivers of health, including food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, […]

Conrado Bárzaga, M.D.

Conrado E. Bárzaga, MD, is a healthcare executive, academic health leader, and community health systems strategist with more than 25 years of experience advancing health equity, developing healthcare workforce pipelines, building cross-sector partnerships, and leading nonprofit and public-sector healthcare organizations. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Academic Officer and Designated Institutional Official at […]

Sarah Fry

Sarah Fry, Acting Dean of Mathematics and Sciences, College of the Desert. This role encompasses oversight of programs in mathematics, sciences, nursing, and allied health.  A tenured faculty member since 2012, Fry brings extensive leadership experience to the position. She has previously served as Director of Nursing and Allied Health and Assistant Director of the Registered Nursing Program, […]

Moderator: Katie Boer

Katie Boer is the Emmy Award-winning journalist and evening meteorologist at KESQ News Channel 3 in Palm Springs with more than a decade of experience helping audiences understand complex topics through engaging, relatable storytelling. Recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Associated Press, her reporting […]

Session B – Housing: Integrating Housing and Healthcare Systems: Effective Approaches to Improve Stability and Health

Stable housing is a foundational driver of health outcomes, yet healthcare and housing systems often operate in silos that limit coordinated support for individuals and families experiencing housing instability. This session will explore effective strategies for integrating housing and healthcare systems to improve health, reduce avoidable utilization, and strengthen long-term stability. Presenters will highlight cross-sector partnerships, care coordination models, data-sharing approaches, and financing strategies that support whole-person care. Attendees will gain practical insights into how healthcare providers, housing organizations, managed care entities, and community partners can align efforts to address social drivers of health and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

1 hour 10 min

Espy Ortiz

Espy Ortiz is the Chief Program Officer at Martha’s Village & Kitchen, where she oversees a comprehensive continuum of programs serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as underserved and low-income populations throughout the Coachella Valley. She provides executive leadership for housing, homelessness prevention, emergency assistance, healthcare partnerships, workforce development, and other essential community services […]

Gabriel Maldonado

Gabriel Maldonado is an activist, long-time community organizer, founder and Chief Executive Officer of TruEvolution. Founded in 2007, TruEvolution is a health and justice organization serving LGBTQ+, youth, seniors, and people living with HIV in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.  Formerly a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS under President Barack Obama, Gabriel has worked in public, private, […]

Ian Gabriel

Ian Gabriel is the Executive Director of Lift to Rise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing housing affordability and advancing economic mobility across California’s Coachella Valley. Recognizing housing as a foundational driver of community health, Ian leads a regional housing affordability initiative made up of more than 80 partners, including residents, local governments, community organizations, […]

Monica Aitchison

Monica Aitchison serves as Housing Programs Manager at DAP Health, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit experience in social services.  In her role, Monica provides oversight and coordination of programs that support clients in attaining and maintaining their highest possible level of health, independent functioning, and housing stability. She works to connect clients with social services, community resources, […]

Moderator: Laurilie Jackson

Laurilie Jackson is an accomplished media professional and educator with extensive experience in broadcast journalism and higher education. She is an associate professor at College of the Desert, a guest lecturer at California State University, San Bernardino, and a fill-in anchor and reporter at KESQ News Channel 3.  Dedicated to preparing the next generation of media […]

Session C – Healthcare Access: Transportation and Health: Removing Barriers to Care

Transportation access is a critical component of health equity and an ongoing challenge across the Coachella Valley, where geographic distance, limited transit options, extreme heat, and economic disparities can make it difficult for residents to access healthcare services. This session will explore innovative strategies and partnerships that are helping remove transportation barriers to care throughout the region. Presenters will discuss how healthcare providers, transit agencies, managed care organizations, and community-based organizations are working together to improve access to medical appointments, preventive services, pharmacies, and supportive care for underserved populations. Attendees will gain practical insights into community-driven solutions that improve health outcomes and advance equitable access to care.

1 hour 10 min

Mona Babauta

Mona Babauta is a seasoned transit professional with over 27 years of experience servingcommunities across the Inland Empire, Bay Area, and the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. She currently serves as the CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency in Southern California, a recognized leader in clean transportation innovation, particularly in hydrogen fuel cell buses and supporting […]

Barbara Workman

Barbara Workman is a distinguished nonprofit executive whose career spans more than three decades of visionary leadership in California and Northern Virginia (DC area).  Barbara has served as Executive Director of multiple nonprofit organizations while also holding leadership positions in city and county governments, California Community Colleges and as a consultant specializing in fund development, strategic planning, governance and board […]

Cat Ferguson

Catherine Ferguson is a nonprofit executive and community development leader with more than 25 years of experience in strategic planning, grant development, donor relations, business development, and community engagement. She has secured more than $25 million in grant and philanthropic funding while helping nonprofit organizations strengthen operations, expand programs, and increase community impact. As Director […]

Moderator: Patrick Evans

Patrick Evans is News Channel 3’s Chief Meteorologist and host of Eye on the Desert. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia, with a degree in Environmental Science and Political Science. He moved to the Coachella Valley in 2002 after stints with WVIR TV in Charlottesville, VA; WDBJ TV in Roanoke, VA, and the Orange […]

Transition Period

10 min

Alejandro Espinoza

Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]

Session A – Behavioral Health: Early Intervention Matters: Advancing Youth Mental Health Through Prevention and Community-Based Supports

Youth mental health needs are rising across communities, making early intervention and prevention more critical than ever. This session will explore strategies to identify behavioral health needs early and connect youth and families to timely, effective, and culturally responsive supports. Panelists will highlight community-based approaches that strengthen resilience, reduce crisis-driven care, and improve long-term outcomes for children and adolescents. Discussion will focus on integrating schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand access to prevention services, reduce stigma, and build a coordinated system of care for youth mental health. Attendees will gain practical insights into programs and partnerships that support early identification, intervention, and sustained behavioral health support for young people.

1 hour 10 min

Seham Saba

Seham Saba is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Registered Psychological Associate, and Head of Mental Health Services at the Riverside Latino Commission. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, further expanding her expertise in psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment. Throughout her career, Seham has been dedicated to increasing […]

Dr. Jill Hingston, LMFT

Dr. Jill Hingston is a Health Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving as the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. With extensive experience spanning inpatient psychiatry, private practice, and community mental health, she is passionate about providing affirming, trauma-informed care to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.  For more […]

Kaela A. Adams, LMFT

Kaela A. Adams is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Riverside County Office of Education, where she serves as a Behavioral Health Therapist supporting at-risk youth throughout the Coachella Valley. She is passionate about increasing access to school-based mental health services and fostering environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.  Her work […]

Susan Kadel, BSN, RN

Susan serves as the Lead Nurse for the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD), where she is dedicated to advancing whole-child health, safety, and early intervention across the Coachella Valley. Working in close partnership with DSUSD’s mental health team, Susan bridges physical healthcare and behavioral health in the school setting. She is a certified trainer […]

Moderator: Thalia Hayden

Thalia Hayden is currently the morning anchor for NBC Palm Springs, and a veteran journalist with more than two decades experience in the business beginning in New York City. She frequently volunteers her time to emcee events, moderate panel discussions, or to speak in front of crowds on various topics ranging from her personal story, […]

Session B – Healthcare Access: Beyond the Clinic: Mobile and Community-Based Care

Access to healthcare extends far beyond traditional clinical settings, especially for individuals facing barriers such as transportation challenges, housing instability, and limited provider availability. This session will explore innovative mobile and community-based care models that bring services directly to people where they live, work, and gather. Panelists will highlight approaches such as mobile clinics, street medicine, community health outreach, and partnerships with trusted local organizations that expand access and build trust in underserved communities. Attendees will gain insights into how these models improve preventive care, chronic disease management, and health equity by meeting patients outside the walls of the clinic.

1 hour 10 min

Melanie Lewis

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2019, Melanie fostered a partnership between Breastlink and her retail team to fundraise for The Pink Journey Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on breast health and awareness. Through her own journey, Melanie felt passionate about educating others and providing a support system to all. Breast cancer inspired […]

Ed Gerber

Under the visionary leadership of Edward Gerber, Lestonnac Free Clinic transformed from a single-site operation into a robust network of 26 satellite clinics, with 14 actively serving communities across Southern California.    In addition to brick-and-mortar clinics, Ed championed the expansion of mobile medical and vision units, bringing care directly to underserved neighborhoods. This commitment to innovation […]

Elena Fernandez

Elena Fernandez, Chief Programs Officer at St. John’s Community Health (St. John’s), leads program development to advance the agency’s mission. She manages more than 11 integrated programs focused on social determinants of health, including Transgender, PRIME, Street Health, CalAIM, RISE, Domestic Violence, Behavioral Health, Mayor’s Fund, and Homeless services, all aimed at improving access to care.  […]

Dr. Gemma Kim, MD

Dr. Gemma Kim, currently the Chief Academic Officer for DPMG Health, moved from Texas to the Coachella Valley in 2013 with a vision to establish and grow Graduate Medical Education. During her time in the Coachella Valley, she held the position of Associate Professor at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, where she […]

Moderator: Hernán Quintas

Hernán Quintas is currently an anchor and reporter for Telemundo 15 news in Thousand Palms, Monday through Friday at 6pm and 11pm.   Before returning to the news field, Hernán served as press secretary and later as district director for Congressman Raúl Rúiz, representative in the United States Congress. During this period, he had the opportunity to work with community members, local, national and international leaders, […]

Session C – Housing: Shifting from Crisis Response to Prevention: Policy and Systems Strategies to Address Homelessness

Communities across the country are recognizing that homelessness cannot be solved through emergency response alone. This session will explore how policymakers, housing leaders, healthcare systems, and community organizations are shifting toward prevention-focused strategies that address the root causes of housing instability before individuals and families enter crisis. Panelists will examine cross-sector partnerships, data-informed interventions, upstream investments, and policy innovations designed to reduce inflow into homelessness while improving long-term housing stability. Attendees will gain insight into scalable systems approaches that move communities from reactive models to sustainable prevention frameworks.

1 hour 10 min

Michael Walsh

Michael Wash has more than 20 years of experience in the acquisition, finance and development of single family and multifamily affordable and permanent supportive housing. As Assistant Director for the Riverside County’s Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions, he oversees the work of the County’s Continuum of Care, Housing Authority, Workforce Development Department, Community Action Partnership, and Community and Housing Development Divisions.  Michael seeks to leverage public and private investments […]

Tamara Ruffin Martin

Tamara Ruffin Martin currently serves as the Executive Director at Starting Over Inc., a leading transitional housing and reentry services provider serving the inland region counties of Southern California and south Los Angeles County with a commitment to advancing systemic change at the local, state, and federal levels. In this role, she collaborates with a […]

Lieutenant Michael Torres

I am a Lieutenant with the Palm Springs Police Department and have proudly served in law enforcement for the past 19 years. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with several respected agencies, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Carlsbad Police Department, before joining the Palm Springs Police Department.  […]

Amanda Galindo

Amanda Galindo serves as Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), leading efforts to provide shelter, housing, outreach, recovery programs, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  With more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, mental health, outreach, and human services, Amanda recognizes the strong connection between housing stability and […]

Moderator: Kendall Balchan

Kendall Balchan was born and raised in the Coachella Valley and is the reporter and editor at The Palm Springs Post, a local independent news outlet and founder and editor of The Indio Post and The Palm Desert Post. Before joining The Post, she spent three years as a producer at NBC Palm Springs. In 2024, […]

Transition Period

5 min

Awards Presentation

15 min

Keynote Speaker – Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH

35 min

Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH

Dr. Angelica Geter is one of the nation’s leading public health experts, a keynote speaker, first Chief Health Officer of the City of Atlanta, and a champion for wellness-centered leadership, known for advancing equity through strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and data-driven innovation.  With more than 20 years of experience across government, healthcare, corporate, and community systems, Dr. […]

Expo and Lunch

55 min

Session A – Behavioral Health: Advancing Community-Centered Solutions for Behavioral Health Access

Communities across the country are facing growing behavioral health needs while continuing to navigate barriers related to access, equity, workforce shortages, and fragmented systems of care. This session will explore how community-centered approaches are improving behavioral health access through trusted partnerships, culturally responsive care models, and integrated support services. Panelists will discuss innovative strategies that prioritize prevention, early intervention, and whole-person care while centering the voices and needs of the communities they serve. Attendees will gain insight into scalable solutions that strengthen behavioral health systems, reduce disparities, and expand access to care in meaningful and sustainable ways.

1 hour 10 min

Dr. Steven Hytry, PsyD

Dr. Steven Hytry is the Market Chief Executive Officer for Acadia Healthcare in Southern California with responsibility over both Coachella Valley Behavioral Health in Indio and Pacific Grove Hospital in Riverside. A seasoned behavioral healthcare leader and Psychologist, he brings more than 30 years of experience leading hospitals and behavioral health organizations across California and […]

Chris Yingling

Chris Yingling is the CEO of ABC Recovery Center, one of the Coachella Valley’s longest-standing substance use disorder treatment organizations, where he has served for more than 10 years. With over 15 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, he specializes in SUD compliance, accreditation, strategic planning, risk management, and organizational leadership. Chris oversees an […]

Kraig Johnson

As Jewish Family Service of the Desert’s Executive Director, Kraig Johnson brings over 20 years of non-profit leadership experience to his current role.  Before joining JFS, he was a Program Director for Stars Behavioral Health Group, focusing on the provision of mental health services for transitional-age youth in Riverside County, and he was the Co-Chair […]

Marcus Cannon, LMFT

Marcus Cannon, LMFT is Deputy Director of Forensics for Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health. His responsibilities include leading programs that provide services to those who are homeless, formerly homeless, in need of social supports, and those involved in the civil and criminal court systems. His duties include the Homeless Housing Opportunities, Partnership & […]

Moderator: Lauren Del Sarto

Lauren Del Sarto is the founder and publisher of Desert Health®, the valley’s leading resource for health and wellness, now in its 16th year. Desert Health’s goal is to unite and celebrate our local health community, promote whole person care, and to educate and encourage readers to live their healthiest lives. Lauren is an active […]

Session B – Workforce: Advancing Community Health Through Employment and Career Pathways

Employment and economic stability are foundational drivers of community health and well-being. As organizations increasingly recognize the connection between workforce opportunity and health outcomes, cross-sector partnerships are emerging to create career pathways that support both economic mobility and healthier communities. This session will explore how healthcare organizations, workforce development agencies, educational institutions, and community-based partners are designing innovative employment strategies that expand access to quality jobs, reduce inequities, and strengthen local communities. Panelists will share lessons learned, promising practices, and scalable approaches for aligning workforce development efforts with broader community health and equity goals.

1 hour 10 min

Mihai Patru

Mihai Patru is the Executive Director of Blue Zones Palm Springs, where he leads efforts to create healthier, more connected, and resilient communities across the city. A former career diplomat and social entrepreneur, Mihai brings over a decade of experience in inclusive economic development, entrepreneurship education, and cross-sector collaboration. Before joining Blue Zones, he co-founded […]

Jason Tang

Jason Tang serves as a Development Manager for Riverside County Workforce Development overseeing the Business and Community Career Services units where the mission is to build our local workforce by nurturing strong industry partnerships and preparing individuals with the necessary training and skills required to thrive in today’s active job market.  Jason has served in […]

Melinda Cordero-Bárzaga

With 34 years of experience, Melinda Cordero-Bárzaga has dedicated her career to advancing community health initiatives and elevating community voices. A founding member of Visión y Compromiso, Melinda played a key role in the establishment of the organization in 2000, initially serving as the Director of its California Network of Promotoras and Community Health Workers (CHWs).     As the Associate Director […]

Liliana Davalos, MBA

Lilianna Davalos is a bilingual Business Counselor with the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC) at the Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center which is a Program of the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration, California State University, San Bernardino.  She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners build sustainable businesses through strategic guidance in marketing, branding, business […]

Moderator: Olivia Sandusky

Olivia Sandusky is an Emmy award-winning news anchor. She started working at NBC Palm Springs at the beginning of 2020 and is so thankful to call the Coachella Valley home. As a Southern California native, she enjoys reporting on issues that are important to the communities she grew up in. Olivia was a division one softball […]

Transition Period

10 min

Alejandro Espinoza

Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]

Call to Action Speaker – Dr. Takashi Wada

30 min

Dr. Takashi Wada, MD

Dr. Takashi Wada is the Vice President of Population Health and CalAIM at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) since June 2025. In this role, Dr. Wada provides clinical strategic leadership in developing and implementing IEHP’s population health efforts and fulfilling requirements under California’s CalAIM initiative. Previously, Dr. Wada served as IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer from […]

Closing Remarks

Donna Craig, Interim CEO, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation

20 min

Donna Craig

For 22 years, Donna Craig has served the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation in integral roles that helped to advance its mission.   Soon after joining the staff as executive assistant to then-CEO Wayne Soucy in 2004, Craig was recognized for her grant-writing and other skills. In 2005, she was promoted to Chief Program Officer, […]