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
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.
Stephanie Long, MD, FAAFP, MPA
Medical Director
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education:
BA, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dartmouth College
MD, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
MPA, Executive Program, Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington
Professional Affiliations:
California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP)
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
Society of Family Planning (SFP)
Professional Interests: I am a family medicine provider with an emphasis in sexual and reproductive health. In my years in practice, I have worked as a provider, leader, and designer in diverse environments such as academic medical centers, hospitals, large outpatient clinic practices, specialty family planning and gynecology clinics and in the digital healthcare space. I am passionate about empowering and partnering with patients to navigate their own journeys in health and wellness. I strive to create inclusive and affirming healthcare spaces.
Hobbies/Self-Care: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my spouse as well as our friends and family. I'm an amateur but enthusiastic sailor who loves being on or near the water so you can find me near the ocean. On land, I love hiking and bike riding. I'm an avid reader and enjoy having a wonderful local public library nearby my house.
Wellness Tip: Cultivate ways to move for joy and be outdoors.
John Tsai, MD
Physician
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.
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 Affiliations: American College Health Association
Professional Interests: 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
Brianne Medina, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education:
University of California at Los Angeles - Masters of Science in Nursing
Mount St. Mary's University - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Colorado at Boulder - Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Bachelor of Studio Art in Photography
Professional Affiliations:
California Association of Nurse Practitioners (CANP)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Professional Interests: I have a passion for patient education and shared decision-making. I am interested in whole patient care - understanding that health is affected by unique physical, environmental, and psychosocial factors. I believe that health is not merely the absence of disease, but the promotion of wellness. I have experience in cardiology, aesthetic dermatology, women's health, pediatrics, urgent/emergency care, and primary care.
Hobbies/Self-Care: I love to be in nature - hiking, camping, snowboarding, surfing. My happy place is the mountains. I love: traveling, gardening, audiobooks, coffee, live music, good company, and most importantly spending time with my partner and two sons.
Wellness Tip: "If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness." - Joyce Sunada
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.
Picture coming soon!
Stephanie Cornejo
Medical Assistant
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
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education:
University of California, Los Angeles - Currently pursuing a Masters in Health Administration
Project Management Institute - PMP Certification
University of California, San Diego – B.A. in Political Science - International Relations
Professional Affiliations:
Project Management Professional
American College Health Association
Professional Interests: As a project manager, I love planning and delivering SWS programs via predictive, hybrid, or agile approaches. Oftentimes, you'll find me collaborating with campus partners and piloting new, fun ways to integrate wellness into students' lives (i.e. Mocktail Carnival, wellness workshops, panel discussions). I am passionate about student well-being, and I envision Caltech's definition of "wellness" growing beyond physical health and mental health. I'm always open to meet, listen, and chat about the 8 dimensions of wellness, so please do not hesitate to reach out. Your voice matters.
Hobbies/Self-Care: I enjoy serving the youth and children, volunteering in developing countries, and spending time with my community. For self-care, I eat, sleep, travel, watch Korean dramas, listen to diverse genres of music, play my vinyl records, and catch up with friends and family over food. I certainly love (I know; love is a strong word) food!
Wellness Tip: Occasionally, stop to spend some time in meditation and reflection. Ask yourself questions like "Why do I love what I do?" Refresh and refind joy and purpose in your job, relationships, hobbies, and more.
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.
Randy Akasaka
Surveillance Testing Coordinator