Stephanie Huerta Alvarez, MPH
Manager, Office of Health Career Pathways
Stephanie Huerta Alvarez grew up in the small, rural farm town of Caruthers, CA and is an alumnus of the first DA cohort at Caruthers High School. In 2016, she joined UCSF Fresno initially as an Academic Program Coordinator and served as the Education Director in 2022 and 2023 before being promoted to Manager of the Office of Health Career Pathways in September 2023. As a first-generation student and teen parent, she graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Biology with a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies. She also became the first in her family to complete a graduate degree and has a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of California, Berkeley. Stephanie’s personal and professional work experiences has shaped her efforts to identify and bridge the gaps in the K-16 health career pathway for future health professionals, increase educational attainment in rural and urban communities in the Central San Joaquin Valley and diversify the health care workforce. Along with her husband, who is also an alumni of the Doctors Academy, she enjoys spending her free time traveling to hers kids’ sporting events, crafting and finding new local restaurants and small businesses.
Education and Training
- University of California, Santa Cruz, BS, Human Biology and minor in Latin American and Latino Studies
- University of California, Berkeley, MPH with a concentration in Community Health
Angela Allison, MA Ed
Supervisor, K-12 Programming - Junior Doctors Academy & Doctors Academy
Angela Allison, a proud native of Sanger, California, brings a wealth of dedication and expertise to her role as Supervisor of College Prep Health Pathways at UCSF Fresno. Joining the UCSF Fresno LaCMER team in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant, Angela quickly established herself as an invaluable resource. Her commitment to student success and program excellence led to her promotion to Academic Program Coordinator in 2019 and, most recently, Supervisor in November 2023. In her role, Angela is the driving force behind key program elements, including recruiting and scheduling inspiring guest speakers and coordinating impactful senior summer shadowing experiences. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students to explore health careers and supporting the growth of the JDA and DA programs. Outside of work, Angela treasures quality time with her husband and adult children. Angela often enjoys the thrill of treasure hunting at yard sales or adventures in the great outdoors. A lifelong learner, she continuously seeks ways to blend her interests into creative and enriching experiences for others.
Education and Training
- California State University, Fresno, MAEd, Curriculum and Instruction
- California State University, Fresno, Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Technology
- California State University, Fresno, BS, Business Administration Marketing
- Kings River Community College, AA, General Studies
- Youth Mental Health First Aid | Certified Trainer
- Teen Mental Health First Aid | Certified Trainer
Sydney Farnesi, MS
Supervisor, College Health Pathway - San Joaquin Valley - MedBridge (SJV-MedBridge) Program
Sydney serves as the Supervisor of the San Joaquin Valley Hub for the California Medicine Scholars Program, regionally known as the San Joaquin Valley – MedBridge Program. In this role, she provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight to ensure the successful implementation of the program's initiatives. Prior to her current position, Sydney served as a program coordinator and academic advisor for the San Joaquin Valley PRIME Program (SJV PRIME), where she supported medical students through their pivotal third-year and clinical rotations. A proud Fresno native and former community college student, Sydney is deeply committed to the San Joaquin Valley, its community, and the advancement of student success pathways. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for creating opportunities and bridging educational gaps in the region. Sydney firmly believes in the potential of every student to succeed and feels privileged to contribute to UCSF Fresno and the SJV-MedBridge Program. Through her work, she strives to enhance access to education and foster opportunities for community college students throughout the Central Valley. Outside of working hours, Sydney enjoys spending time with her husband and family, trying new recipes, hiking and exploring our national parks.
Education and Training
- Clovis Community College Honors Program, AA, Liberal Studies
- California State University, Fresno, BA, Liberal Studies with a concentration in Counseling and a minor in Mass Communication and Journalism
- California State University, Fresno, MS, Student Affairs and College Counseling
Paz Delsid
Administrative Officer II
Born and raised in Fresno, Paz Delsid is the department's Administrative Officer. Her role is to coordinate the efforts of the California Health Professions Consortium (chpc.ucsf.edu), support the educational program teams and assist leadership. She is excited to support middle school, high school and college students, in an established program, to reach their goals of eventually practicing medicine in the Central Valley. Having worked in education for over 15 years, she formerly worked at a charter high school and with school library services; consulting, conducting training workshops and supporting their program goals. She loves pink and abhors squirrels. Life is sometimes too busy to cozy up with a traditional book, so she reads subtitles, articles, blogs, and picture books a lot.
Education and Training
- Fresno City College, AA, Liberal Arts
- San Diego Office of Education, Instructional Media Resource Associate Certification
- Fresno Pacific University, BA, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
Summer Connery
CME Event Specialist
Summer is a San Joaquin Valley native and an alumna of Clovis High School. Though her education and career have taken her from San Diego to San Francisco, she returned to Central California in 2019 to help build the Continuing Medical Education program at UCSF Fresno. Summer has worked in the field of Continuing Education for the past 9 years in both Law and Medicine. She is experienced in program development, content creation, event management, and marketing. She joined the Office of Health Career Pathways to assist with outreach and events in 2023. Prior to working in education, she served individuals with developmental disabilities as a social worker. In her free time, Summer enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, and doing hot yoga.
Education and Training
- Fresno City College Honors Program, AA, Liberal Arts
- California State University, San Marcos, BA, Communication
Tony Santos
Project Specialist
Tony joined the UCSF Fresno team as a Project Specialist in 2022. A first-generation college graduate, Tony earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration with a minor in Business Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Before joining UCSF, Tony worked in healthcare administration back in North Dakota. He's excited to continue his career in healthcare and contribute to UCSF Fresno's mission. In his free time, Tony enjoys outdoor activities and exploring California.
Education and Training
- Minnesota State University Moorhead, BS Health Services Administration, minor in Business Management, and an emphasis in Long-term Care Administration
Karina Reyes Banuelos, MA Ed
Academic Program Coordinator, K-16 Collaborative
Karina grew up in the farming community of Selma, California, and is an alumnus of the UCSF Fresno Doctors Academy Program at Selma High School. As a first-generation college student, Karina credits Doctors Academy with providing the mentorship and resources that helped her pursue higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish, followed by a Master of Arts in Education, with a focus on Educational Leadership and Administration, from California State University, Fresno. With a unique background that gives her a deep understanding of the needs of students and their families, Karina has dedicated her career to supporting students through their transition to college. Since joining UCSF in 2019, she has enjoyed helping students achieve their personal, academic, and career goals. She is eager to help and support local school districts enhance their current health pathways, providing students with the tools and resources to succeed academically and professionally in healthcare fields. In addition to her work in education, Karina has a passion for florals and home styling, blending creativity with function. She also loves traveling, fishing, and exploring the Sierra National Forest with her husband, cherishing time spent outdoors and with loved ones.
Education and Training
- Fresno Pacific University, BA, Political Science and minor in Spanish
- California State University, Fresno, MA Ed, Educational Leadership and Administration
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Maiah Madrigal, MS
Academic Program Coordinator, Junior Doctors Academy
Born and raised in Fresno, CA, Maiah is a proud alumnus of the Junior Doctors Academy and Doctors Academy. Maiah gives credit to the programs for the vast amount of support and guidance one needs through middle school and high school to be college and career ready. After high school, Maiah pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Fresno. After she obtained her Masters of Science in Sociology from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Throughout the years, she has built her capacity in a variety of ways in the field of education, from being a teaching fellow, peer mentor, and student representative with the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at CSU, Fresno. Maiah enjoys helping students, staff, and families navigate and work together in order for everyone to succeed. During Maiah’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
Education and Training
- California State University, Fresno, BA, Sociology
- Texas A&M University-Commerce, MS, Sociology
Marisol Vargas, MEd
Academic Program Coordinator, Doctors Academy
Marisol Vargas (her/ella) grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and Central Valley. She graduated from Golden West High School, where she was a participant in college preparatory programs, such as AVID. Marisol is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Education and Psychology. She received her Master of Education from the University of Southern California, where she focused on Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs. Marisol is a proud first-generation Latina professional. She is an equity champion and higher education innovator focused on outreach and retention, striving to improve educational diversity on college campuses. Her commitment to racial and educational equity stems from her experiences navigating higher education and professional spaces as the first in her family to graduate from college, as a daughter of Mexican immigrants, and as a product of the Central Valley. Marisol has 8 years of experience supporting and leading college preparatory programs. She is dedicated to building a pipeline of first-generation scholars to not only thrive in postsecondary institutions but also thrive in professional spaces and is very excited to serve as a resource and guide the next generation of students. When Marisol is not supporting students, she enjoys going to the gym, hiking, reading, trying new foods, and photographing people in her community. Marisol enjoys traveling, & spending time with her family, friends, and her four dogs.
Education and Training
- University of California Santa Barbara, B.A Chicana/o Studies with a focus in Education and Psychology
- University of Southern California, M.Ed. Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
Melissa Kent, MA, PPS
Program Coordinator/ Advising Counselor, CMSP San Joaquin Valley - MedBridge (SJV-MedBridge) Program
Melissa joined the UCSF Fresno Office of Health Career Pathways team in 2025 and serves as the Program Coordinator/ Advising Counselor for the California Medicine Scholars Program San Joaquin Valley – MedBridge Program. In this role, she helps in the design, planning, and implementation of the CMSP SJV-MedBridge curriculum and program activities. She also provides counseling support for pre-medical students attending community colleges in our Central SJV region as they navigate the academic complexities of higher education within the healthcare pathway. Her unwavering commitment to provide equitable counseling services and support for disproportionately impacted students is what fuels her purpose in education. Melissa has over 20 years of experience with counseling students in K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Prior to her work in education, she was a journalist at a local news station. A Fresno native and former first-generation college student, Melissa’s roots run deep in the Central Valley—she graduated from schools all within the city of Fresno (Hoover HS, Fresno City College, Fresno State, and Fresno Pacific University), and most recently spent the past 11 years counseling at her alma mater, Fresno City College (Go Rams!) Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering in her daughter’s school, watching documentaries & sporting events with her husband, trips to the beach, and cheering on her beloved Los Angeles Dodgers (2024 World Series Champions!)
Education and Training
- Fresno City College, AA, Liberal Arts
- California State University, Fresno, BA, Mass Communication & Journalism
- Fresno Pacific University, MA, Education - Counseling
- Fresno Pacific University, Pupil Personnel Services Credential (School Counseling)
Margarita Gonzalez
Development Coordinator, CMSP San Joaquin Valley - MedBridge (SJV-MedBridge) Program
Margarita (she/her/ella) was raised in Riverdale, CA, a small town where some joke that there are more cows than people. Growing up in a small, farm working community allowed her to become acutely aware of the gaps to accessible health care, education and community resources. As a first-generation college graduate, Margarita understands the process and challenges of persevering through an academic career. She is passionate about contributing to work that addresses these gaps, with the goal of creating bridges that will benefit future generations. In her current role as development coordinator for the CMSP SJV MedBridge program, Margarita aims to make use of her previous academic and work experiences in education as a teaching assistant and tutor/mentor. She is committed to cultivating meaningful program initiatives that will support students pursuing careers in medicine. Outside of her professional goals, Margarita enjoys trying new recipes, going on walks, and reading.
Education and Training
- University of California, Davis, BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Hope Delgado
Program Liaison, Doctors Academy and Junior Doctors Academy
Hope grew up in the close-knit agricultural community of Caruthers, California, and graduated from Caruthers High School’s Doctors Academy in 2016. As a first-generation college student, the Doctors Academy introduced her to the field of medicine and sparked her passion for health equity. Hope went on to attend UC Berkeley, where she double majored in Chicano Studies and Molecular and Cellular Biology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at UC Berkeley, with aspirations to integrate public health practices into her medical career. Now as Program Liaison, she supports outreach events and recruitment efforts for the Office of Health Career Pathways. With a deep appreciation for the impact the Doctors Academy has had on her life, Hope is dedicated to returning to Caruthers to serve as a health provider. She aims to address social determinants of health and inspire local students to pursue higher education. In her free time, Hope enjoys exploring nature and participating in her book club.
Education and Training
- University of California, Berkeley, BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a concentration in Medical Biology and Physiology
- University of California, Berkeley, BA in Chicano Studies
- University of California, Berkeley, MPH, Interdisciplinary