VECINO HEALTH CENTERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Program Development
Alix CaDavid leads Vecino's efforts to increase capacity and enhance services via grant projects and program partnerships. She brings more than 20 years of experience to the position.
Alix CaDavid is an accomplished professional serving as the Director of Program Development at Vecino, where she spearheads efforts to expand capacity and enhance services through grant projects and program partnerships. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she brings valuable expertise in managing, developing, and improving health and social services. Ms. CaDavid joined Vecino in 2019.
Education - Ms. CaDavid has an MA in Social Psychology & Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Houston-Victoria and a BS in Political Social Work & Economic Planning from the National University of Costa Rica. She has certifications in Family Development from Cornell University, Asset Based Community Development from the ABCD Institute, Appreciative Inquiry from the AI Center, Youth Development from Rainbow Days, Outcome-based Program Evaluation from United Way, and Federal Grant Reviewer from the US Department of Health & Human Services.
Background - Ms. CaDavid is the author of curricula and training modules in health promotion, social-emotional learning, and community development. Her expertise includes non-medical drivers of health, integrated care, and collective impact for systems change. She has a track record of building partnerships to increase capacity in the community via collaborative efforts and multi-year grant projects. As part of her volunteer work, she has been a board member of the Hispanic Health Coalition and the Texas Rural Leadership Program. Ms. CaDavid grew up in a missionary family, which allowed her to live in the three Americas; as a result, she has a paradoxical appreciation of diversity and the common human experience across all types of borders.
Growing up in Houston's Denver Harbor community, Angela Trautman has firsthand experience of what it means not to have access to a doctor. It's one of the reasons she was drawn to make a difference with a career in healthcare.
A dedicated healthcare leader and licensed vocational nurse in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing, Angela has extensive experience in service quality, process optimization, and performance management. She is the clinical documentation and coding specialist for AllCare IPA and a member of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Committed to her community, she has been a guardian ad litem through Harris County Child Advocates and is currently a foster parent with close ties to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice Chair
Ms. Kadala's legal expertise is a valuable asset to Vecino Health Center's board of directors, as is her experience facilitating public-private medical ventures.
A clinical professor and the Chair of Clinical Sciences at the University of Houston, College of Medicine, Dr. Brian Reed is a family medicine physician with nearly two decades of service in communities throughout Houston and Harris County. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and joined the board of directors in 2016.
A family physician with years of service in our local communities, Dr. Reed serves on the board of Vecino Health Centers to support greater access to care.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Director
- Director / Attorney, Gibbs & Bruns, LLP
Charles Rosson is an attorney in civil practice with the Houston-based law firm of Gibbs & Bruns, LLP, where he devotes his time to complex commercial litigation disputes. He joined the Vecino board of directors in 2016 to donate his valuable legal expertise. He also works to strengthen Vecino's leadership and funding as a member of the board's Development Committee.
Mr. Rossin donates his valuable time and legal expertise to Vecino, serving on the board of directors and the development committee.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Board of Directors
- Program Manager, Board Governance
Cherry Pierson strongly advocates for quality healthcare services for all individuals and populations. As program manager for the Harris Health System Board of Trustees, she keenly understands the importance of making care available to Houston's underserved populations. She joins Vecino's board of directors in 2023, bringing strengths in problem-solving, communication, and strategic support.
Cherry is grateful for the opportunity to contribute and impact lives through her involvement with the board of directors.
As a strong advocate for quality healthcare services for all individuals and populations, Cherry Pierson is grateful for the opportunity to impact patients' lives through her contributions to the board of directors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Counseling Services
Clara Rosenzeweig's bilingual and bicultural background in counseling and behavioral health has been instrumental in establishing services to meet the needs of Vecino Health Center patients.
Clara Rosenzweig, M.Ed., is an accomplished professional serving as the Director of Counseling Services at Vecino Health Centers. Her bilingual and bicultural background in counseling and behavioral health has been pivotal in establishing services tailored to meet the unique needs of Vecino's diverse patient population.
Education - Rosenzweig completed her undergraduate studies in clinical psychology at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She furthered her education by earning a Master's of Education in Counseling degree from the University of Houston, honing her expertise in the field of counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Approved Supervisor in the state of Texas.
Background - With extensive training in trauma-informed therapies, Mrs. Rosenzweig brings an integrative approach to her practice, drawing from interpersonal, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, attachment, and trauma-focused strategies, to provide patients with the best possible care.
In addition to her work at Vecino, Mrs. Rosenzweig actively contributes to the counseling field through her academic involvement. She has been a guest lecturer at the University of Houston, sharing her expertise in areas such as trauma, cross-cultural counseling, and family therapy. Furthermore, she has served as a leader for an experiential training group in the therapy process, guiding and mentoring Master's-level counseling students.
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Officer
Dan Gillett has been in the computer field for more than 20 years. He holds various certifications, including MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), MCP, A+ and Network +.
Mr. Gillett is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the fields of computers and information technology. He holds multiple certifications, including MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), MCP, A+, and Network+.
Education - Mr. Gillett received his Associate of Applied Science from Lee College, graduating on the dean's list.
Background - In addition to his expertise in technology, Mr. Gillett has a passion for various interests outside of work. He is an avid cook and enjoys experimenting with different culinary creations. Furthermore, he has honed his skills in web development and takes pleasure in building websites. During his free time, Mr. Gillett cherishes moments spent with his wife and their pugs.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- the Visionary Founder
Daniel Montez founded Vecino Health Centers with local pastors in the Houston community of Denver Harbor in 2001. At that time, most 20,000 residents had limited access to medical care and were resorting to emergency rooms for basic healthcare needs.
Mr. Montez is the visionary founder of Vecino Health Centers, establishing the organization in 2001 alongside a group of local pastors in the Houston community of Denver Harbor. Together, they shared a commitment to address the pressing issue of limited access to medical care faced by the community's 20,000 residents, who were often forced to rely on emergency rooms for basic healthcare needs.
Education - Mr. Montez's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, providing him with a strong financial and analytical skill set that he applies to healthcare leadership.
Background - Before his work to establish Vecino, Mr. Montez amassed over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. Notable positions include serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Universal Health Plan, a Medicaid Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and fulfilling various roles for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. During his tenure with the university, he was Assistant Director for the Sponsored Projects Office and served as the Administrator/CFO for UT's Houston Recovery Campus, the largest substance abuse facility in Harris County.
In recognition of his contributions to Houston, Mr. Montez has been honored with the 2005 St. Luke's Leadership Award from St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities in Houston, the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Award in 2007, and the 2009 University of Texas School of Public Health Leadership Luminaries in Public Health Award.
A retired law enforcement officer and Vietnam War veteran, Dario Arellano is a strong activist for quality healthcare in the Denver Harbor community. He provides a critical community perspective to Vecino Health Centers as a long-standing board member.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President
- Vice Chair
- Chairman / Executive Vice President, Bank of Houston
With decades of banking experience in commercial and community investing, David Webster is Executive Vice President and President - Galleria at Bank of Houston. The Bank is locally owned and is committed to helping communities succeed. Mr. Webster has master's and a bachelor's degree (Cum Laude) in Business Administration from the University of Houston.
Committed to giving back at a local level, David has also served on the Board of Trustees at Goodwill Industries since 2005 and joined the Vecino Board of Directors in 2018.
The depth of Mr. Webster's banking and community investing experience is matched only by his heartfelt commitment to service.
Director of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) Deepa Narayanareddy oversees facility-wide operations related to quality assurance, patient safety, and clinical excellence initiatives.
Devin Rogers brings a decade of experience in commercial real estate to the Vecino Board. Formerly Vice President and Director at Jones Lang LaSalle, an international commercial real estate firm, Mr. Rogers founded Hrothgar in 2018 to continue to meet the needs of his clients.
Mr. Rogers previously assisted Vecino in assessing its real estate holdings and prospective future locations before being invited to join the Board in 2019 where he now serves on the Finance Committee.
Devin Rogers brings a decade of experience in commercial real estate to the board of Vecino Health Centers.
Job Titles:
- Chief Medical Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Dr. Enjoli Benitez leads the medical staff of Vecino Health Centers. Having spent the majority of her career at Vecino, she brings to the position a strong commitment to quality standards and a passion for community health advocacy.
Dr. Benitez is an esteemed medical professional who leads the medical staff at Vecino Health Centers. With a significant portion of her career dedicated to Vecino, she brings an unwavering commitment to upholding quality standards and a passion for advocating for community health.
Education: Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Benitez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas HSC Houston. Additionally, she holds a Masters in Public Health with a focus on community medicine, demonstrating her dedication to addressing public health issues. Dr. Benitez completed her family medicine residency at Houston Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency, which is housed at Vecino's Denver Harbor Family Health Center.
Background: Dr. Benitez joined Vecino Health Centers in 2013, initially serving as an attending physician at the Denver Harbor Family Clinic. During the same year, she became a faculty member of the Houston Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program and held the position of Adjunct Assistant Professor at Texas A&M. Within Vecino she has taken on various leadership roles, including Program Evaluation Committee Chair and Faculty Leader for the Denver Harbor Clinic Prenatal Program. In recognition of her dedication and contributions, Dr. Benitez received the esteemed New Faculty Scholar Award from the Society of Teachers in Family Medicine in 2017.
Assuming the role of Chief Medical Officer at Vecino in 2019, Dr. Benitez now leads with her wealth of knowledge, experience, and a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional medical care and advancing the mission of Vecino Health Centers.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Director of Pediatrics
- Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Dr. Juan Olivares leads pediatrics at Vecino Health Centers. His accomplished background includes a long-term commitment to pediatric medicine, addressing the health disparities of underserved populations.
Dr. Olivares is an esteemed medical professional leading the pediatric staff of Vecino Health Centers. His career is marked by a profound commitment to pediatric medicine, focusing on addressing health disparities among underserved populations.
Education: Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Olivares earned his medical degree in 2008 from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. In 2011, he completed his residency at The University of Texas Medical School in Houston, further honing his expertise in providing compassionate care to children and adolescents.
Before his medical training, Dr. Olivares attended Trinity University, graduating Cum Laude in 2004. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Religion.
Background - Dr. Olivares is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Texas Pediatric Society. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and recognitions for his exceptional contributions to the medical community. In 2011 he was honored with the Gold Foundation Resident Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. In the summer of 2005, he served as the Community Health Research Fellow. Additionally, he received the Resident Teaching Award in 2009 and 2010, underscoring his commitment to medical education and mentorship.
Dr. Olivares is fluent in English and Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Associate Director for Houston Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
- Associate Director, Houston Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program
- Associate Director, Houston Methodist Family Medicine Residency Program at Vecino 's Denver Harbor Family Health Center
Dr. Anderson serves as Associate Director for Houston Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, housed at Vecino's Denver Harbor Family Clinic, where she is responsible for clinical and educational oversight of residents. She brings a strong background in academic and community medicine to the position.
Education - Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Anderson was awarded her medical degree by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She completed a residency with Family Medicine of Southwest Washington Residency Program.
Background - Dr. Anderson joined Vecino in 2016, as a faculty member for the Houston Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Program until accepting the position of Associate Director. Before joining Vecino, she served as Medical Director for Fair Haven Community Health Center in New Haven, CT, as well as Assistant Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Lecturer in Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Sharon Anderson serves as associate director for Houston Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, housed at Vecino's Denver Harbor Family Clinic.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Paralegal at Gibbs & Bruns
- Secretary / Paralegal, Gibbs & Bruns, LLP
Jeanie Loper serves as a paralegal at Gibbs & Bruns, LLP, a law firm that focuses on complex commercial litigation. Ms. Loper is enthusiastic about improving patient outcomes in Houston, especially in Denver Harbor and Aldine/Northside where she maintains close involvement and community connections.
Karen Baker-Sonier brings a strong commitment to innovative leadership and more than 20 years of experience in healthcare administration, including ten years of front-end operations.
Karen Baker-Sonier is a dedicated professional who joined Vecino Health Centers in 2012 as Operations Manager and assumed the role of Director of Operations in 2014. With a strong focus on maximizing patient flow and ensuring the delivery of quality services at all levels of the organization, she brings a wealth of experience in healthcare administration spanning over twenty years. Notably, she has a decade of front-end operations expertise, further enhancing her ability to drive operational excellence.
Education - In 2011, Ms. Baker-Sonier earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Belhaven University. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Prairie View A&M University, which she attained in 1986.
Background - Before joining Vecino, Ms. Baker-Sonier served in various leadership roles at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She is an active member of both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Top Ladies of Distinction. She previously served as PTO board president for Harmony School of Ingenuity and on the school's Biomedical Advisory Board.
Job Titles:
- Dental Director
- Public Health Provider and Administrator
Dr. Wade Engel brings significant experience as both public health provider and administrator to her role as Dental Director of Vecino Health Centers.
Education - Dr. Wade Engel received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University Of Texas School Of Dentistry, Houston, and is a National Network of Oral Health Access member. After twelve years in private practice, she continued to explore her interest in public health through studies at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and the University Of Texas School Of Public Health.
Background - Dr. Wade Engle's interest in public health programs led to a sixteen-year career managing school-based health programs as Assistant Director of Community and Personal Health at the City of Houston Health Department, where she provided dental clinical care.
For Dr. Wade Engel, every day at Vecino Health Centers is a pleasure, driven by her genuine passion for patient care and improving oral health outcomes. Her unwavering commitment to addressing patient needs and creating positive experiences exemplifies her leadership as the Dental Director.
Dr. Martha Wade Engel brings significant experience as both public health provider and administrator to her role as Dental Director of Vecino Health Centers.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Board of Directors
- Research Operations Manager, Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration / Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center / Houston Methodist Research Institute
As a Latina with more than 17 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Nelcy Ramírez has an unwavering commitment to giving back to her community through her expertise.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Administrator
Mr. Solis is a seasoned Human Resources Administrator with over a decade of dedicated service, having joined the organization in 2011.
Education - Mr. Solis earned a Master of Science in Organizational and Human Resources Development from Abilene Christian University in 2010. Before that, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston - Downtown in 1997. Moreover, Mr. Solis holds the Professional Human Resources (PHR) designation from the Society for Human Resources Management in 2003.
Background - Mr. Solis brings a wealth of experience in human resources, having honed his expertise in various industries, including engineering, retail, and healthcare.
Phil Solis brings many years of human resources experience from various business segments, including the engineering, retail, and healthcare industries.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Shelia Latting-Young is an accomplished accounting and financial leadership professional with over 25 years of experience. As the Chief Financial Officer for Vecino Health Centers, she brings expertise in managing multi-billion dollar budgets. Ms. Latting-Young has a proven track record of developing high-performing teams, overseeing audits, and fostering collaboration. Her deep understanding of cost analysis, expense control, and implementing best practices contributes to enhancing overall return on investment (ROI).
Education - Ms. Latting-Young holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Concordia University. She has also completed several specialized training programs, including TACHC Leadership Training, NACHC CFO Institute CFO Certification Training, Texas Fiscal Officer's Academy AFR Manager Training, and Public Purchasing & Workforce Training.
Background - With prior experience as CFO for two health centers in Houston, Ms. Latting-Young is well-versed in the unique opportunities and challenges community health centers face. She has been actively involved in professional affiliations throughout her career, including serving as Vice Chair of the Accounting Career Awareness Program at the National Association of Black Accountants from 1990 to 2002. Additionally, she co-founded the Accounting Career Awareness Program Youth College Prep Program from 1990 to 2001.
With over 25 years of diversified professional accounting and financial leadership experience in multiple industries, Shelia Latting-Young brings specialized expertise in overseeing financial accounting management to Vecino.