About Us
Student Wellness Services South
1239 Arden Rd.
Pasadena, CA 91125
(626) 395-6393
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm
Closed on Institute Holidays
Meet the Team
- Maria Lopez
- John Tsai, MD
- Justin Levy, MD
- Divina Bautista, RN, MN, FNP
- Trudy S. Egan, RN, MSN FNP-C
- Edith Montes
- Christian Paraguya, LVN
- Gloria Palomino
- Nari Shin, PMP
- Stacy De La Torre
- Karen Hernandez
- Randy Akasaka
Maria Lopez
Operations Director for Student Wellness Services
I am the Operations Director for Student Wellness Services and provide administrative support to the center's professional staff. My responsibilities are to do the many tasks required to keep the office running smoothly. I have a background in the medical field doing Administrative/Secretarial work and as a Surgical Scrub Tech. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family.
John Tsai, MD
Medical Director
Pronouns: he/him/his
Education: M.D. Thomas Jefferson Medical College 1989
B.A. Brown University 1985
Professional Affiliations: North American Taiwanese Medical Association
Professional Interests: Young Adult Medicine
Hobbies/Self-Care: Marathon running
Wellness Tip: Health involves physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellness. All of these aspects should be addressed.
Dr. John Tsai is a family medicine physician and has been in practice since 1992. He completed undergraduate studies at Brown University in 1985 and graduated from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in 1989. He completed a family medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente Fontana in 1992. He has worked for Kaiser Permanente, Claremont Colleges and California State University at Pomona. He has a special interest in young adult medicine and desires to contribute to their academic success helping students stay healthy.
Justin Levy, MD
Physician
Pronouns: he/him/his
Education: Creighton University School of Medicine, Class of 2015
Professional Interests: Adolescent Health, Hospital Medicine
Hobbies/Self-Care: Spending time with my wife and young daughter, basketball, travel
Wellness Tip: "The greatest wealth is health." - Virgil
Divina Bautista, RN, MN, FNP
Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education: BSN degree from Saint Louis University
Master of Nursing from the University of the Phillippines
Post Grad Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern California
Her nursing background prior to Caltech was in nursing research, education, patient care, and management.
Professional Affiliation: American College Health Association
Professional Interest: Transcultural Health Care. She volunteers at various free clinics for the underserved population in Los Angeles.
Hobbies/Self-Care: Solitude for the soul, and traveling for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She relishes the various cultures in music, dance, and food.
Wellness Tip: "When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied." - Herophilus 335 BC
Trudy S. Egan, RN, MSN FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education: Masters of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner - California State University Los Angeles
Baccalaureat of Science in Nursing - Notre Dame College of Ohio
Associates Degree in Nursing - Los Angeles City College
Professional Affiliation: Legislative Chair, Greater Pasadena Chapter
California Association for Nurse Practitioners
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Professional Interest: Health promotion, wellness
Hobbies/Self-Care: I enjoy being outside - gardening, going for walks and short hikes, and camping. I live with my husband, 2 cats, one dog, and several Eastern box turtles and goldfish.
Wellness Tip: Take the necessary time to care for yourself - you can't take care of anyone else if you aren't healthy. Enjoy exercise and eat a healthy diet (really). Don't forget to spend time with the people you care about.
Edith Montes
Medical Assistant
I am a medical assistant and phlebotomist. I've been in the medical field since 1989, working in private practice, community-based clinics, and the California Correctional Facility before coming to Caltech. On the weekend, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren.
Christian Paraguya
Licensed Vocational Nurse
I am a licensed vocational nurse. I've worked previously in a small community clinic and in an Alzheimer's and dementia unit. I look forward to representing Caltech to the fullest and getting to grow within the community. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and gaming.
Gloria Palomino
Referral Coordinator
I am the Referral Coordinator for Student Wellness Services. Previously, I was a part of Caltech's Covid Management Team where I got to meet a wide array of people on campus every day. I am excited to continue meeting new people through this position. In my free time, I like to listen to music and take care of my many reptiles and insects at home.
Nari Shin, PMP
Special Projects Manager
Nari Shin is the special projects manager. Prior to coming to Caltech, she worked at UC San Diego, providing administrative support to departments, scholars, staff advisors, and the director. Working at an international office, she is well-versed in cross-cultural communication and loves working with students and departmental contacts from all backgrounds. In her free time, Nari enjoys serving the youth and children, volunteering at developing countries, and spending time with her community.
Stacy De La Torre
Office Assistant for Student Wellness Services
I am the Office Assistant for Student Wellness services. I am happy to be a part of Caltech, to work with wonderful people who help support and bring our Caltech community together. My professional background has allowed me to wear many hats to naturally fulfill the everyday administrative tasks.
Karen Hernandez
COVID Lead & Front Office Support
I am the COVID Management Team Lead and Front Office Support. Prior to Caltech, I was an early childhood educator for over 10 years. I am passionate about social justice and look forward to working in the public health field. I am an avid concert goer, love listening to music, spending time with friends and reading good books.