PROVIDERS

Dr. Lopez earned her Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, Tennessee, in 2015.  Dr. Lopez completed her medical residency in family practice at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in 2018. She worked as a Medical Director at Mountain View Community Center, an FQHC in Kern County, from 2018 to January 2022.  Dr. Lopez made CLCHC her home as of February 2022, and speaks Korean and English.

Dr. Lopez has gained years of experience in outpatient care and family health, and focuses her efforts on providing care to the underserved. Dr. Lopez is also experienced in inpatient hospital acute care settings, including pediatric and adult medicine.

Dr. Samir Ahmad is American board-certified in Internal Medicine with Fellowship in Geriatric Medicine with over 22 years of experience at reputed medical centers. Dr. Ahmad trained in Internal Medicine at the Capital Health regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey, and Geriatric Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston.

Dr. Ahmad has held a faculty position as Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston as Director of Hospitalist for the Rapid Decision Unit, where he refined his expertise and fostered innovation in patient care.

Dr. Ahmad moved to California in 2019 and worked as an Outpatient care Internist at various reputed healthcare entities and Community Care Clinics, bringing his wealth of experience and unwavering dedication by providing expertise to various healthcare entities, as driven by his passion for comprehensive care.

Dr. Samir Ahmad joined CLCHC in 2023 as Director of the Primary Care Department. His commitment to providing effective, safe, and compassionate healthcare continues to shape his practice. Dr. Ahmad speaks speaks English, Arabic, Bulgarian, and medical Spanish.

Dr. Sabrina Cooley, MD, first attended Cornell University for her Bachelor’s degree before continuing on to Ohio State University for medical school. Dr. Cooley completed her Residency at Kaiser Permanente Family Medicine, and has also received a certificate degree in Academic Medicine Leadership and Education. Dr. Cooley served for four years in the United States Navy as a Medical Officer, for one year at the County of San Diego Psychiatric Hospital, and for four years at the Urgent Care with MemorialCare Medical Group before advancing to become the Site Medical Director at ShareOurselves Community Health Center.

In 2021 Dr. Cooley brought her wealth of knowledge and experience to Celebrating Life Community Health Center, where she pursues her passion of providing whole-person care (physical, emotional, spiritual) to underserved communities. Dr. Cooley is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine Physicians (AAFP) and is Board Certified in Family Medicine. She enjoys the arts, Zumba, paddleboarding, and spending her free time with her loved ones and her pets.

Dr. Siamak Nabili comes to us as a dual board certified physician in Internal Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. He earned his medical degree from St. George’s University and completed his residency training at Alameda Medical Center in Oakland in 2004. In pursuit of a broader understanding of healthcare, he had already obtained a Master of Public Health from UCLA in 1996. With nearly two decades as a hospitalist, Dr. Nabili has vast experience taking care of acutely ill hospitalized patients.  Since 2010, he has served as a hospice and palliative care medical director providing compassionate care for patients with terminal diseases.  Dr. Nabili speaks fluently in English and Farsi, and comfortably in medical Spanish.  Throughout his career, he has prioritized patient advocacy, consistently demonstrating a genuine dedication to improving the lives of those he serves, making him a respected and valued member of the medical community. Dr. Nabili has joined CLCHC in 2023.

Dr. Sevitlana Safaei has been practicing medicine for more than 16 years. Her choice to pursue this profession was solidified many years earlier. As a child, she was very close to her grandmother and watched her through many ailments. These were defining moments for Dr. Safaei as she promised her grandmother that she would become a physician and help others to maximize their quality of life and provide the best care possible.

Dr. Safaei takes pride in her studies and journey in the medical field. She graduated with a degree in nursing which provided the opportunity to learn the art of active listening, genuine compassion, bedside manner, and a sense of service. She further continued her medical studies in graduate school to become a physician. Dr. Safaei graduated from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed Internal Medicine Internship at New York Medical College and completed Internal Medicine Residency at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, a teaching affiliate of Stanford University. In addition, she completed independent studies in nutritional and food science, clinical homeopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine for physicians through academy of research, an affiliate of University of California, Irvine, and University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine.

Dr. Safaei provides her patients comprehensive care; she treats the whole body with an integrative approach to health through creativity and individuality. She believes in practicing medicine with sound medical knowledge, evidence-based medicine, and educating and empowering patients to make the best medical decisions for themselves.

Dr. Safaei is fluent in Farsi, English, and speaks medical Spanish. She enjoys cooking clean and fresh foods, practicing yoga, traveling, and dancing.

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Dr. Sidhom graduated from The University of Alexandria in 1977 and moved to Long Beach California in 1984. After completing his Pediatric Residency, Dr. Sidhom shifted toward Private Practice in Visalia, CA. Today, Dr. Sidhom is a Board Certified General Pediatrician with special expertise in Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis. Dr. Sidhom is a proud husband and father of two, and in his spare time enjoys spending time playing bridge, traveling, or lounging at the beach with his family. He speaks English, French, Italian, and Arabic.

Dr. Shahla Heshmati, MD is a Board Certified pediatrician with over 25 years of extensive experience in pediatric and adolescent care. Dr. Heshmati received her Medical Doctor degree from Shahid Chamran University, Iran. She is also a graduate of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, in Chicago, where she conducted her training in pediatrics. She is both a mother and a passionate pediatrician.

Dr. Heshmati believes very strongly in the quality of care that every child should receive. She believes that her patients, as well as their parents, should always feel that they have been listened to and that their problems have been addressed with both skill and compassion. She wants to be sure that her patients will have easy access to the pediatrician when they have questions or need to be seen.

Dr. Heshmati joined Celebrating Life Community Health Center in 2023, and she is fluent in English and Farsi.

Aida Medawar is a Family Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about patient care. She has worked at HOAG Orthopedic Institute as a bedside registered Nurse assisting patients during their post operative phase of recovery following total joint replacement and complex spine surgeries. Aida also worked at Cal. Rehab & Sports Therapy in Anaheim as a Physical Therapist Aide. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Cal. State Fullerton and Completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Azusa Pacific University. She is devoted to providing comprehensive care for patients which is why she later pursued her Master of Science in Nursing and chose to specialize in family Medicine.

In her spare time, Aida enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also enjoys going to amusement parks, traveling, and going hiking with her dog.

Dr. Hanna Zameni graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Family Nurse Practitioner’s Master’s degree, and is a current doctorate candidate for nursing practice. She is certified with ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Nurse Executive (NE-BC). Dr. Zameni has a background in community medicine, nursing management, rheumatology, and post-surgical care. She is currently a contributing member of the Quality Improvement Team, and has over ten years of experience working in healthcare. She joined CLCHC in 2020, and speaks Korean and English.

Helen Hughes’ journey began in a small town, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of accessible healthcare on individuals and families. From a young age, she harbored a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her educational path reflects her dedication to nursing and healthcare. Helen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a reputable university, where she excelled academically and demonstrated a natural aptitude for clinical practice. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a commitment to lifelong learning, she pursued a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner. Helen then went on to pursue her Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) degree to reflect her commitment to advancing her practice and making a broader impact in healthcare. With a focus on evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and advanced clinical skills, the DNP program perfectly aligned with Helen’s professional goals.

Helen has embraced diverse opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills throughout her career. She has worked in various settings including community clinics, hospitals, and private practices, encountering a broad spectrum of patient needs and healthcare challenges. Each experience has enriched her clinical acumen and reinforced her commitment to patient-centered care. Helen is bilingual in English and Vietnamese.

Earl Trinidad is an accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner with a diverse background spanning over two decades in healthcare. Earl has demonstrated expertise across various settings, including acute care, primary care, and palliative care. With a Master of Science in Nursing from California Baptist University, Earl’s career trajectory showcases a commitment to serving communities in need, evident from his extensive experience with organizations such as Share Our Selves, Elite Hospitalists, and Vitas Healthcare. Throughout his tenure, Earl has excelled in managing acute and chronic illnesses, promoting wellness, and providing compassionate care to diverse patient populations.

Earl’s proficiency extends beyond clinical practice, as evidenced by his involvement in disaster relief efforts, volunteer nursing, and leadership roles within community organizations like Saddleback Church. Earl’s dedication to his profession is underscored by his continuous pursuit of knowledge and professional development, as seen through his active memberships in professional associations and his commitment to maintaining certifications in ACLS and BLS.

In addition to his clinical acumen, Earl possesses strong interpersonal skills and a deep-rooted passion for holistic patient care. His comprehensive approach to healthcare, coupled with his unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes, positions him as a valuable asset in any healthcare setting. As Earl continues to make meaningful contributions to the field of nursing, his unwavering commitment to excellence and compassion remains steadfast, embodying the true essence of a healthcare professional dedicated to serving others.

Bassam Aziz, a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the healthcare field. With a diverse background encompassing roles as an Emergency Room Physician in Egypt and extensive nursing experience in various clinical settings in the United States, Bassam’s commitment to patient care is evident. Fluent in English, Arabic, and conversant in Spanish, he effortlessly communicates with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Currently completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Bassam’s passion for continuous learning underscores his dedication to providing the highest standard of care. Whether managing acute and chronic diseases, promoting preventive care, or educating patients on healthy lifestyle habits, Bassam’s positive attitude and genuine compassion leave a lasting impact on those under his care. Known for his personable nature and adaptability, he thrives in fast-paced environments. Outside of his professional endeavors, Bassam cherishes family time with his young children and wife in Huntington Beach.

Ms. Monica White Garcia is an experienced Family Nurse Practitioner who joined the CLCHC team in 2023. After earning her MD overseas in Colombia, and later specializing in Anesthesia in Argentina, Ms. Garcia moved to the United States in 2011 to pursue a career in medicine. Ms. Garcia felt strongly that nursing was the perfect fit for her, having had a lifelong passion for the care of others. She received her Masters in Nursing Science and got FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) certification in 2021 by the AANP.

Ms. Donna Ball, NP, began her career as Family Nurse Practitioner in December o 1978, and has been practicing ever since. Ms. Ball’s first job as a Nurse Practitioner was at Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Clinic in Norwalk, where she stayed for six years. She then spent 19 years working at Recovery Solutions of Santa Ana under Dr. Michael Mumford, specializing in addiction medicine, before going on to work at Sano Medical (now CLCHC-Sano). Ms. Ball is proud to have worked at Sano for 18 years under the guidance of Dr. James Stirbl serving the communities of Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, California. Ms. Ball joined Celebrating Life Community Health Center in 2023 and looks forward to working with us for many years to come.

Meinrado Cedeno, CPNP-PC, immigrated from the Philippines at just sixteen years old. From a young age, he found a passion for assuring the health and well-being of others. Dedicated to his passion, Mr. Cedeno graduated with his Masters of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach. After gaining ten years of experience in pediatric nursing, Meinrado further advanced his career and became a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. CLCHC welcomed him to the team in 2020, and speaks English and Tagalog.

Mr. Cedeno values respectful partnership and collaboration with families and is committed to honoring the diversities of families from all racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In his time away from work, Mr. Cedeno loves to explore new restaurants, follow NBA games, go for long walks, and spend time with his family.

Eveline Jho, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, CPN, is a dedicated and compassionate board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. With a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach, Evelyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her extensive clinical experience includes placements in primary care, specialty care, and community health settings, where she has provided comprehensive care to children of all ages.

Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Evelyn honed her skills as a Registered Nurse at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach. Outside of her professional roles, Evelyn is deeply engaged in volunteer work, including mentoring college students interested in nursing and participating in medical missions to underserved communities.

After receiving her Bachelors in Nursing at California State University, Long Beach, Ms. Claudine Yamaoka, NP, worked as a Registered Nurse at Children’s Hospital Orange County as well as at Children’s of Los Angeles. She then returned to academia by attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and received her Masters in Nursing as well as her PNP. She also served as a school PNP for the Irvine Unified School District.

Most of her career, however, has been in private practice pediatrics seeing infants to adolescents. NP Yamaoka also served as a clinical instructor for UCI graduate students for four years teaching pediatrics, and has preceptored students from Cal. State Long Beach and UCLA for many years. She has been a part of the team here at CLCHC since 2021, and enjoys caring for patients of all ages from infants to adolescents in well and sick care.

Ms. Shawnna Morrison, NP-C, is an experienced Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Ms. Morrison completed her education first at Vassar College and then at Cal. State University, Long Beach. She speaks English and Spanish fluently, and brings many years of practical experience to our team at CLCHC where she joined in 2023.

Amanda MacAllister, PA-C, brings a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to her role as a Physician Assistant, with an impressive 17-year journey in healthcare. Fluent in Spanish and English, she serves as a bridge, ensuring that language is never a barrier to accessing quality care, particularly within underserved communities. Amanda’s commitment to her patients is matched only by her advocacy for equitable healthcare practices. A Master’s graduate of Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, she blends her academic prowess with a compassionate touch in her approach to medicine. Outside of her professional endeavors, Amanda enjoys dancing and playing video games.

Mr. Randall Perkins, PA-C is a psychiatric physician assistant who graduated from Boston University School of Medicine with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program. He is a current doctoral candidate (DMSc) at SIU School of Medicine as well as a fellow in the primary care psychiatry fellowship at UCI School of Medicine. He is certified with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Mr. Perkins has a background in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and behavioral health. He is passionate about mental health promotion and believes in a two-pronged approach implementing psychotherapy and pharacotherapy if and when appropriate to address different conditions. He joined CLCHC in 2023.

Susan Elftman received her PA degree in 1980 from Alderson-Broaddus University. She went on to earn her Masters in Public Health from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1990. Ms. Elftman is a PA in Family Medicine, with additional experience in OB-GYN and Urgent Care settings.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Elftman enjoys spending time with her family, reading, puzzling, and cooking. An aunt to 18 and grandaunt to 13, Susan loves to spend her free time with her husband visiting Disneyland or enjoying a good book and some decadent chocolate.

Dr. Sherine Botros is a Board-Certified Dentist licensed in both California and New York. Dr. Botros received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University (NYU) in 2011, where she graduated with Honors. After graduating, she further enhanced her experience by joining a General Practice Residency program at Nassau University Medical Center in New York, where she performed general dentistry in a hospital setting. Subsequently, Dr. Botros worked in Jamaica Hospital in New York as an Attending and lead Dentist. She has also worked in several private practice dental practices.

In 2020, Dr. Botros moved back to California where she grew up. She has gained years of experience working in community health clinics in both New York and California. She focuses her efforts on providing care to the underserved, and is happy to serve as the Dental Director at Celebrating Life Community Health Center.

Dr. Botros enjoys spending time with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, painting, playing music, relaxing at the beach, or getting involved with volunteer work and church activities. Dr. Botros speaks English and Arabic.

Dr. William Wang was born and raised in Orange County. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California, Irvine. After that, he studied dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with Honors distinction.

Dr. Wang values compassion and care in his work, and patients appreciate his warm chair-side manner and gentle hands. He looks forward to helping you achieve your best smile. In his free time, Dr. Wang enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. His hobbies include surfing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.

Dr. Vinh Ngo is a California-licensed dentist at Celebrating Life Community Health Center, offering comprehensive oral healthcare services to patients of all ages. With a commitment to community well-being, he volunteers at various health fairs and organizations such as Care Harbor LA and the California Dental Association, Molina Healthcare, and VPASC health fairs. Dr. Ngo brings extensive experience as a clinic provider, having overseen operations at Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles.

Before transitioning to dentistry, Dr. Ngo worked for a decade as an engineer, holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. He later pursued his passion for dental care, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California’s (USC) Ostrow School of Dentistry. His professional journey includes providing dental services at esteemed practices like Accu Dental Group, SmileDay Dental, SmileBrands Dental, and SmileCare Dental.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Ngo enjoys gardening like grafting and air layer trees, particularly cultivating tropical fruits, as well as tinkering with computers and electronic equipment. He enjoys hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors. Dr. Ngo’s diverse interests reflect his multifaceted approach to life and dedication to continuous learning and growth.

Dr. Mariam Mott earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Medicine from the University of San Diego and San Diego State University in 1991. She has more than 30 years of administrative and clinical experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. Her experience includes teen substance abuse, therapeutic foster care, youth group homes, educational settings, and private practice. Dr. Mott’s theoretical orientation is primarily behavioral and cognitive-behavioral, although she uses techniques from other disciplines as appropriate to meet her clients’ needs. She also incorporates her Christian values into counseling when welcomed by her clients and their families. Dr. Mott provides a caring, nurturing environment for youth to explore their strengths and areas of development. gain insights, and discover their full potential.

Ms. Thach is a Masters of Social Work graduate (2008) at the University of Southern California (USC) – “GO TROJANS”! Ms. Thach emphasizes a dynamic approach to patient care where results and measurable outcomes are key to success in mental health services treatment. Ms. Thach’s attention to detail through comprehensive assessments cultivates a higher standard of care at CLCHC. She has been a member of the CLCHC team since 2022, and speaks English and Khmer.

Ms. Thach specializes in faith-based therapy, trauma-informed care, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Asian-Americans, geriatrics, and the veteran population. With over 20 years of experience working in 17 programs, Ms. Thach will take your care to the next level.

Melisa Nicholson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a Master’s in Social Work from California State University, Fullerton. Melisa has experience working as a medical social worker for the County of Orange’s Child Protective Services, as a mental health clinician in community wraparound teams, and in residential care for unaccompanied refugee minors. Melisa joined CLCHC in 2022.

She is Spanish- and English-speaking, EMDR trauma therapy-trained, and very passionate about providing a safe space for teens and adults to tell their stories and begin their healing journey.

Rowena Fernandez received her Masters in Social Work from UCLA and has over 25 years of experience working within various levels of behavioral health care. Most recently, she worked as a Psychiatric Emergency Triage clinician at Mission Hospital for 16 years evaluating high risk adults and older adults.

Throughout her career, she incorporated a private practice specializing in mood and anxiety disorders, supervised MSW graduate students and enjoyed educating families and the community about mental illness as a N.A.M.I. (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) volunteer facilitator.

Ms. Fernandez is client centered and utilizes a psychodynamic and solution-focused approach. She values collaborative treatment planning with an emphasis on overall wellness of mind, body, and spirit.

She joined CLCHC in 2023 and speaks Tagalog and English.

Maria Raine received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver. Maria has experience working with children, adults, and families in various treatment settings and has worked extensively with clients in family preservation and family reunification services through CPS. Maria is well-versed in working with clients in a wide variety of issues including relationship difficulties, life changes, parenting, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Maria joined CLCHC in 2023. She subscribes to a strengths-based, client-centered approach and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and structural therapy techniques with her clients. Maria is passionate about the social work model and meeting her clients where they are at to achieve mental health growth.

Maria Garcia, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2019. Her focus is to walk with patients through every phase of life. Marisa believes firmly in creating a strength-based, safe, welcoming setting for her patients. She is experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), though she adjusts her therapeutic methods based upon her patients needs. Marisa’s priority is helping her patients meet their goals. She is comfortable working with patients through a variety of complex troubles, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma. Marisa joined CLCHC in 2023.

Alyssa Mason is an Associate Clinical Social Worker and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work from California State University, Long Beach. Alyssa has experience working with children and families as a counselor, discharge planning and case management in a locked rehabilitation center, and assisting and providing basic need resources and housing to children, families, and veterans.

Alyssa joined CLCHC in 2023. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and a client centered approach. She provides a safe welcoming environment for clients to explore their area of needs, improvements, capabilities, and strengths. Alyssa is passionate about establishing a collaborative process and achieving health, wellness, and growth.