AVHC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Member of the National Association of Social Workers
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She received a Bachelor's degree in Human Services through Saint Joseph's College of Maine and a Master of Social Work degree at California State University, Chico. Amanda has experience working at county Human Services and previously with an Integrated Health Clinic in the Behavioral Health Department. Amanda enjoys healthy living in the areas of physical fitness, family and friends, community involvement, nature and spirituality.
April has been a Registered Nurse for over a decade, working primarily in the inpatient care setting and as a Charge RN. She has resided in Mendocino County since... Click for Full Bio
April has been a Registered Nurse for over a decade, working primarily in the inpatient care setting and as a Charge RN. She has resided in Mendocino County since moving here from Orange County in 1996. She graduated from the Mendocino College RN program in 2011. She's excited to acquire ambulatory care experience at our rural health center. In her spare time April enjoys road trips and spending time with her children.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Clinical Social Worker
Aurelio is a mental health therapist. He received his Bachelor's degree and Master of Social Work degree at California State University, Chico. Click for Full Bio
Aurelio is a mental health therapist. He received his Bachelor's degree and Master of Social Work degree at California State University, Chico. He has experience working with different populations and in different settings. He enjoys helping people, giving back to his community, and making a positive impact in the lives of the people he touches. He loves running, playing soccer, and spending time with his family.
Autumn is a results-focused pharmaceutical management professional with 25 years of experience in global product development and market access strategies...
Job Titles:
- Lead Patient Services Representative
Carolina has been with AVHC since 2004 as a Patient Service Rep. She enjoys helping patients get an appointment as soon as possible . When she is not at work she loves spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Administration Executive
- Director
- Executive Director
Chloë has served as Executive Director of AVHC for 7 years. She was born and raised in Mendocino and studied Community Studies and Women's Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz, going on to receive a Master's in Public Health at University of California, Los Angeles. Chloë spent six years working in Public Health in the U.S. at Planned Parenthood and then with HIV positive youth at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Chloë's international experience began in Haiti in 1998 during college and was followed by work in Tanzania, Bali and 7 years living in rural and urban Haiti and the Caribbean (Jamaica, The Bahamas, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana (with Partners in Health and American Red Cross) . Amidst all that Chloë pursued a personal interest to study midwifery and apprenticed at Bumi Sehat in Bali, Indonesia and in Catskill, New York and has assisted in the delivery of 80 babies.
Chloë has served as Executive Director of AVHC since 2015. She was born and raised in Mendocino and studied Community Studies and Women's Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz, going on...
Job Titles:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Cindy Novella is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked at AVHC since 2007. Cindy is bilingual in Spanish. She got her nursing degree from... Click for Full Bio
Cindy Novella is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked at AVHC since 2007. Cindy is bilingual in Spanish. She got her nursing degree fromJohns Hopkins University and her Masters in Nursing from UCSF. It was her goal when she entered school to graduate and work in a small, rural, northern California town where she could raise a family in the same community she served. Anderson Valley is that reality. Cindy sees newborns through older adults and loves getting to work with multigenerational families. She manages chronic conditions as well as urgent care, prenatal care, and women's health. She currently splits her time between clinical practice and administrative responsibilities as Medical Director. In her free time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her two kids, running, gardening, backpacking, and exploring new corners of Mendocino County.
Clay has been visiting Anderson Valley for 10 years now and moved to Yorkville permanently five years ago. He has worked for various newspapers in Northern California for over 30 years as the Circulation Director managing budgets and people. He has also been an EMT and firefighter for the past 25 years. Currently he is the Assistant Manager for the Anderson Valley Ambulance and the training officer for the Anderson Valley Fire Department. He has a BS in Business Management and an MA in Organization Development. Click for Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Registered Dental Assistant
Crist Perez has lived in Anderson Valley her whole life as well as graduating from our local high school. She did chairside training Dental Assisting in the past with Dr.Tath from 2011-2013. She then went off to do different jobs and found herself missing dental work. She has recently returned to dentistry... Click for Full Bio
Crist Perez has lived in Anderson Valley her whole life as well as graduating from our local high school. She did chairside training for Dental Assisting in the past with Dr.Tath from 2011-2013. She then went off to do different jobs and found herself missing dental work. She has recently returned to dentistry and will pursue further education including RDA certification. Crist enjoys nothing more than good laughs and family time. She has a son and daughter who currently attend the same school she did. She is one of thirteen siblings and is very proud to have come this far and go further. Crist looks forward to working with our newest dentist and being able to help our community as much as possible.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Clinical Social Worker
- Health Therapist and Associate Clinical Social Worker
Cyd Bernstein is a mental health therapist and Associate Clinical Social Worker. She is passionate about hiking, parenting, universal health care and protecting wild places. Cyd grew up in Anderson Valley and completed her BA at UC Berkeley in Development Studies and Spanish. She has a Masters in Social Work, with an emphasis in rural social work, from Cal Poly Humboldt. Click for Full Bio
Daisy has lived in the Valley for over 15 years and graduated High school in 2012. After high school she went... Click for Full Bio
Daisy has lived in the Valley for over 15 years and graduated High school in 2012. After high school she went to Mendocino College and graduated with an AA in Allied Health and is hoping to become a Nurse. On her down time Daisy enjoys spending time with her family.
Donna Sherwood,has lived and worked in Mendocino County since 1982.I feel very fortunate to live in Mendocino County with all the county has to offer. Donna previously worked at AVHC back in 2011 doing some job share with another FQHC.Donna is glad to be back, working with the staff and community. Click for Full Bio
Dr. Lea D Queen completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and women's studies at University of California at Santa Cruz, subsequently pursued graduate training in clinical psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, Ca, and completing a doctorate in clinical psychology in 2004. For a number of years, Dr. Queen had a private practice in the Berkeley, Ca., but over time became aware of the exceptional need for mental health care in rural settings where health care providers were few and far between.
Dr. Queen made the move to Mendocino County in 2012 and began working at Anderson Valley Health Center in 2019. She was immediately drawn to the approach of providing whole person care with the combined team of medical, dental and behavioral health care providers. Current research suggests that there is significant correlation between better overall health when people are able to access their providers at the same location, especially when a team approach is employed. Dr. Queen works collaboratively with the team at AVHC to provide the best care for each patient. Her clinical interests include the dynamics of how people are affected by all the factors of daily living; including but not limited to trauma, acute and chronic medical illness, socioeconomic conditions, issues related to disenfranchisement and equity, healthy food availability, exercise, positive self-care, creating and maintaining healthy social and family relationships. Dr. Queen works to understand how all factors of a person's life may be affecting their mental health, and collaborates with her patients to help them live their best lives. She uses a broad range of evidence based psychodynamic and behavioral techniques in the psychotherapy and counseling process.
In her time outside of work she likes to garden, cooking healthy food, and she likes to hike the surrounding hills and at the coast, enjoying all that Mendocino county has to offer.
Dr. Lea D Queen completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and women's studies at University of California at Santa Cruz, subsequently pursued graduate training in clinical psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA, and completing a doctorate in clinical psychology in 2004. For a number of years, Dr. Queen had a private practice in the Berkeley, Ca., but over time became aware of.... Click for Full Bio
Eric has been a resident of Anderson Valley since 1977. He and his wife Kathy live in Philo and have two grown children who were born and raised in Anderson Valley. A strong believer in maintaining a community health center, he joined the Health Center board in 1980 and has remained on the board ever since. He practiced law in Mendocino County until 1982, at which time he was elected justice court judge of the Anderson Valley Judicial District. He retired from Mendocino County Superior Court in 2007, after 24 years on the bench. He has also been a board member of the Anderson Valley Ambulance Service and Mendocino County Public Radio. Click for Full Bio
Fabiola Perez has been working here at Anderson Valley Health Center since 2007. She was an Americorp Volunteer while in high school and worked at AVHC for her term. She then continued her education at Mendocino College and returned to AVHC as a full time employee doing data entry. She is now the COO at AVHC.
Job Titles:
- Patient Services Representative
Heidi grew up in Saudi Arabia and attended the German Film and Television Academy in Berlin. Working internationally for over 40 years as an independent documentary filmmaker with a focus on social and environmental issues, she has also directed several films in Mendocino County and mentored high school students. She is a book author, translator, and former director of an international environmental film festival and media institute in Germany. In 1999 she moved to Anderson Valley where she lives full time with her husband Henry. Click for Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Medical Assistant
- Certified Medical Assistant
Jennifer is a Certified Medical Assistant. She was born and raised here in Anderson Valley and graduated from Anderson Valley High School in 2011. Jennifer... Click for Full Bio
Jennifer is a Certified Medical Assistant.She was born and raised here in Anderson Valley and graduated from Anderson Valley High School in 2011. Jennifer attended the Medical Assistant Program at the Mendocino County Office of Education and completed her Medical Assistant externship with AVHC in December, 2013. In January 2014, she was hired and really enjoys working at AVHC because she gets to help people in our community.
Job Titles:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Jess Dawdy is a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has been an FNP since 2021 and an RN since 2012. He has a Nursing degree from SRJC, Master of Science degree from Dominican University of California as a Clinical Nurse Leader, and a post graduate certificate from Sonoma State University as a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has prior experience in many fields including working as an EMT/Firefighter... Click for Full Bio
Jess Dawdy is a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has been an FNP since 2021 and an RN since 2012. He has a Nursing degree from SRJC, Master of Science degree from Dominican University of California as a Clinical Nurse Leader, and a post graduate certificate from Sonoma State University as a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has prior experience in many fields including working as an EMT/Firefighter and driving truck cross country. These adventures have led him to all corners of our beautiful country. In his free time, Jess enjoys working with his hands on a diverse projects such as woodworking, construction and electronics. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter as well as being a caregiver to his elderly mother who lives with him. Jess loves working with kids but works with patients of all ages and backgrounds. He has experience with pain management, behavioral health and general medicine. Jess grew up rurally and his goal has always been to practice in a rural clinic like AVHC.
John grew up in a small, rural logging town, and his grandparents were cattle ranchers, so this area has a familiar feel. After becoming... Click for Full Bio
John grew up in a small, rural logging town, and his grandparents were cattle ranchers, so this area has a familiar feel. After becoming an Internist in the Navy in the early 90's, John worked as a Hematologist/Oncologist for many years, in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, the Northern Marianas Islands, and most recently Fort Bragg. For many years John has noticed the difficulties with primary care access, and feels that coming back to my primary care roots is the best way to serve my community and my own work ethic. John greatly enjoys the collaborative approach of the AVHC clinic staff to provide patient-centered, holistic care to this thriving community.
Juan graduated from Anderson Valley High School. He attended Mendocino Community College and graduated with an AA in Business Management. He worked in sales and customer service for ten years before.... Click for Full Bio
Juan graduated from Anderson Valley High School. He attended Mendocino Community College and graduated with an AA in Business Management. He worked in sales and customer service for ten years before graduating from Sonoma State University in 2022 with a Bachelors in Liberal Studies. Juan looks forward to making sure patients feel welcomed and respected when visiting the Anderson Valley Health Center. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and playing Disc Golf with friends and family all over Mendocino county.
Kathy's experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras, where she trained "campesina" women to become the health care providers in their villages. She earned a Masters In Public Health from UC Berkeley. After working for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, she and her family moved to Anderson Valley in 1981. She worked at the Health Center for eight years as the Health Educator. In 1991 she earned a teaching credential and began teaching Spanish, ESL and Health at Anderson Valley High School until 2011. Upon retirement from AVHS she taught Spanish for two years at Mendocino Community College. She resides in Boonville. Her and her husband Jerry have two daughters and six grandchildren. Click for Full Bio
Linda is a registered nurse. She received her Associate degree in Nursing at City College of San Francisco, and also studied nursing at Sonoma State University. Click for Full Bio
Linda is a registered nurse. She received her Associate degree in Nursing at City College of San Francisco, and also studied nursing at Sonoma State University. Linda has extensive experience in community clinic nursing, women's health, and substance abuse rehabilitation. She began her career as an EMT and emergency department nurse. Born in San Francisco, she has recently relocated to the Anderson Valley after 20 years of nursing in New York. She and her husband love the valley. They enjoy hiking in the redwoods and at the coast.
Lucy was born in Jacona, Michoacan Mexico. She worked for two years giving vaccines to children under 5 yrs of age and pregnant women in Michoacan. Lucy Moved to the USA with her family when she was a teenager. She started High School without a word in English. She feels so blessed to be part of the AVHC board so she can be more involved with our community. Lucy has an AA in Child Development, AS in Social Work, a certificate in Child Development and has started her BA in Liberal Arts. She is certified in all levels of Triple P (positive parenting program) and does workshops with parents that need extra help with their children's behavior. I work for Anderson Valley Adult School teaching the Citizenship class and Spanish Literacy and assisting the ESL class. Click for Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Patient Services Representative
I came to Anderson Valley when I was 7 years old, attended and graduated from our local high school. In late 1989 I started working for Anderson Valley Health Center. I first was a receptionist and then slowly worked my way up to billing. Now I am the lead in Patient Financial Services. I was also the treasurer for the Communidad Mexicana Committee, which brought us our local park across from the clinic. I truly enjoy being able to help our community with many of their medical insurance needs.
I came to Anderson Valley when I was 7 years old, attended and graduated from our local high school. In late 1989 I started working for Anderson Valley Health... Click for Full Bio
Mayra grew up in Anderson Valley and graduated High School in 2013. Mayra has been working... Click for Full Bio
Mayra grew up in Anderson Valley and graduated High School in 2013. Mayra has been working here at Anderson Valley health center since 2017. Mayra became a Dental Assistant in 2019 and is has become an expert in her field. With her extensive experience and dedication to our patients, she is an excellent Dental Office Manager. Mayra loves being able to help her community and spending time with her family.
Melanie Fuller is a Licensed Acupuncturist and has been practicing Chinese Medicine since graduating from Five Branches University in 2012. She is licensed nationally by the NCCAOM and the California Acupuncture Board. She has post-graduate training in Sport Medicine and Orthopedic Acupuncture and... Click for Full Bio
Melanie Fuller is a Licensed Acupuncturist and has been practicing Chinese Medicine since graduating from Five Branches University in 2012. She is licensed nationally by the NCCAOM and the California Acupuncture Board. She has post-graduate training in Sport Medicine and Orthopedic Acupuncture and can help patients with recovery from acute injuries and pain. Melanie is happy that Acupuncture offers safe, holistic and effective intervention for many chronic pain sufferers. Acupuncture is beneficial for women's health issues and is safe for children too. A native of coastal Mendocino, Melanie is glad to have settled here in the 'deep end' of the valley with her furry family. She enjoys gardening, hiking, mountain biking and is an enthusiast of fine teas.
Michael received his Pharmacy degree from University of Wisconsin - Madison. He has been practicing Pharmacy for over 30 years. Prior to staffing at AVHC, Michael has been an Inpatient Hospital Pharmacist. Michael feels fortunate to be in a position to serve the patients of Anderson Valley. Click for Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Nurse Manager
- Registered Nurse
- Planning Health Worker
Michelle is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Family Planning Health Worker. Michelle received a B.A. in American Studies from Chico State University in 2003 and an Associate's Degree in Nursing from Mendocino College in 2014. Michelle is a certified Audeometrist. Michelle was born and raised in Mendocino County and is delighted to be working at the Anderson Valley Health Center. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her children.
Mike works for the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services... Click for Full Bio
Rachel was raised in Mendocino County in the communities of Redwood Valley and Laytonville. She received a Bachelors in Community Studies from UC Santa Cruz and continued her education in Human Resource Management at Sonoma State...Rachel lives in Redwood Valley with her husband and two children. In her free time Rachel enjoys live music, hiking, and spending time with animals and family.
I have served on the Board of Directors of the Anderson Valley Health Center since 2009, when my wife, Alice, and I moved to the valley full time... Click for Full Bio
Rubi grew up in Anderson Valley and graduated from High School in 2007. She moved to San Diego in 2009. Rubi worked at a Community Home for Mentally Disabled people. She wanted to broaden her skills and decided to attend UEI Graduate School in San Diego California. She graduated from the Medical Assistant & Phlebotomy Program in 2011. She is also a Certified Enrollment Counsellor for Medi-Cal, CalFresh and ACA. She has been working with AVHC since August of 2016.
Rubi grew up in Anderson Valley and graduated from High School in 2007. She moved to San Diego in 2009. Rubi worked at a Community Home for Mentally Dis... Click for Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Lead Medical Assistant
Sarah is a certified medical assistant and 2003 graduate of the Mendocino County of Education's ROP Medical Assistant Program. She has been working in the field for 15 years and finds a lot of joy in helping people. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Certified Medical Assistant
Sarah Rossi is a certified medical assistant and 2003 graduate of the Mendocino County of Education's ROP Medical Assistant Program. She has been... Click for Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Administrative Medical Assistant
Stephanie has been in the medical field for about 5 years. She graduated MA school out of MCOE in 2018. She has done some volunteer work with the traveling AMEN clinics and Children Fairs held at Grace Hudson. After Graduating MA School, Stephanie explored..... Click for Full Bio
Stephanie has been in the medical field for about 5 years. She graduated MA school out of MCOE in 2018. She has done some volunteer work with the traveling AMEN clinics and Children Fairs held at Grace Hudson. After Graduating MA School, Stephanie explored many different offices such as, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Cardiology, Oncology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, and Womens Health/OB in Ukiah. She then went back to get her Nation License in Phlebotomy also through MCOE, Graduating in 2020. Stephanie is well experienced and enjoys meeting patients, hearing about their experiences, and helping them on their road to better health. On her down time she likes to spend time with her daughters, crafting, cooking, going to family events and traveling.
My name is Tricia Anguiano Rubio, and I am a junior at Anderson Valley Jr./Sr. High School... Click for Full Bio