Our Team
The Trans Health & Wellness Center has moved from a board of cisgender persons to a board of governance that better reflects the community that it serves. The board’s purpose is to review policy, improve quality of care for patients, and review financial records to ensure compliance. In keeping with the staff that we employ at each of our locations, the new board is comprised of those who are either Transgender, Gender Non-conforming, or Intersex.
Due to the lack of support for Trans-led organizations across the nation, it is more difficult to receive donations than would be the case were it still led by a cisgender board. Transphobia and a general lack of understanding adversely impact the relationships within the broader LGBTQ community, inhibiting avenues for success in fulfilling our mission. This is why raising funds has become all-the-more urgent; as we seek to help those in need amongst Southern California’s TGI population. The board of governance will continue to be convened to ensure the success of the organization. We thank you for being a part of our important endeavor.
Austin Pittman
They/Them
Chair/President
Austin identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Austin lives in Kentucky with their fiancé and two fury babies. When not working, they enjoy playing video games, reading, and doing crafts like cross-stitching and embroidery. Austin is currently working on their bachelor’s in social work and hopes to work with children who struggle with substance abuse and mental health. They have worked in the healthcare industry for the last 5 years as a utilization review specialist, ensuring that insurance is approved for the client’s stay when they come to rehab for treatment. Helping people is something Austin is very passionate about, and they hope to continue their advocacy for people in our community.
Alexander Maltby
he/him/his
Secretary
Alexander Maltby (he/him/his) first came out as queer when he was 15 years old. In the past he has volunteered for TransFamily Support Services—an organization dedicated to helping transgender and nonbinary individuals and their families.
Currently he’s working towards his PhD in Classical Studies—a field concerned with the culture, languages, history, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome— where one of his main research interests is queerness in ancient Greek literature.
Jenny Meza
She/Her/Hers
Treasurer
Jenny finished her studies in Méxicali Baja California Norte, graduated as a professional technician in quality control at CETIS and working at Bodegas rural Conasupo as a supervisor and manager on duty. Jenny then moved to the United States and started as an employee in a landscaping company and was promoted to general supervisor. Jenny continued studying and finished her GED and applied for a new job in the city of Indio as a supervisor in the public areas of the city, doing this while continuing studies for citizenship of the United States. Jenny continues her studies and works as a general building contractor. She loves serving as an Evangelist, which she graduated as minister and helps with a group called Beyond the Four Walls. She must travel frequently to help with Beyond the Four Walls. Jenny is honored to serve as treasurer for Transgender Health & Wellness Center. Transgender Health & Wellness Center speaks to her heart as she is a transgender woman. Her lived experience helps her see the needs of other gender groups.
Executive Team
Thomi Clinton
She/Her/Hers
CEO, founder, and community elder Transgender Health & Wellness Center
Thomi Clinton has been on the forefront of national and regional efforts to secure health care and support services for transgender communities for decades. She is considered an Elder in the Inland Empire by many of the large non-profits and county and city agencies. She has served in an advisory capacity on national policy under two different administrations: the Biden Administration’s LGBTQ+ Health Policy, and the Bush Administration’s Prison Rape Elimination Act, or PREA. Ms. Clinton founded the nonprofit Transgender Community Coalition which contributed to the City of Palm Springs being awarded the best tourist location for LGBTQ+ persons by Expedia. Transgender Health & Wellness Center in 2018 with only $10,000. This now network of Southern California Centers has over a million-dollar budget and employs the most Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming and Intersex (TGI) people of any Southern California nonprofit. She has also worked with Riverside County police departments to implement training and policies to protect TGI people. As a critical consultant on TGI health and wellness policies for the Inland Empire Health Plan, Borrego Health, and DAP Health, she is a regional and national leader and popular speaker on policies related to TGI health and wellness.
Scott Nass, MD MPA FAAFP AAHIVS
He/Him/His
Director of Medical Services
Scott Nass is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and HIV Specialist™ whose clinical practice focuses on enabling affirming care for transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex people. He is certified in the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care and currently holds the position of Chief Medical Officer for the Transgender Health and Wellness Center in Palm Springs, Riverside, and San Diego.
He is immediate past president for GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, where he has served on the board of directors since 2014, and a member of the Medical Advisory Group for interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth. He also serves as Regional Medical Director for Aledade, Inc., where he helps independent primary care practices and community health centers achieve positive patient outcomes through a health equity approach.
Previously, he was Family Medicine residency program director for Eisenhower Health, where he was responsible for the development of curricula and treatment protocols, and a core faculty member with Emanate Health, where he practiced and taught within a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Dr. Nass earned his MD at Charles R. Drew University and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA following an MPA at Indiana University-Bloomington. He went on to complete Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center, followed by fellowships in faculty development at UNC-Chapel Hill, health equity leadership at The George Washington University, and primary care psychiatry at UC-Irvine. He holds academic appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Van Ethan Levy
Director of Behavior Health
They|Elle
Van is a queer, non binary, trans, socialized as female, Latinx, Egyptian and Jewish, who is autistic and has dynamic disabilities amongst many more historically excluded identities. They are dually licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT 11831) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC 8269), Van is passionate about holding space for all intersections of one’s identity(ies). Van is dedicated to social justice & believes it is vital to cultivate an awareness of our own internal strengths, specifically our resilience as we continue to grow and discover ourselves. Van believes it is important to trust and validate our experience(s) & journey(s). Van aims to use a trauma informed lens and hopes to help you learn ways to help support yourself in the best way possible. Van also provides trainings on trans and non binary identities, is author of the interactive book Exploring My Identity(ies) (2020), produced a Documentary called Do Something: Trans & Non Binary Identities (2021), put on an international conference called Do Something: Identity(ies) (2022) (with the recordings available for purchase) and developed No More GateKeeping app that provides trauma-informed questions for the provider to use during the assessment with the clients and populates a letter, and the founder of No More GateKeeping national list of providers who all agree to provide assessments & write letters in one assessment.
Jocelyn Kennedy:
She/Her/Hers
Director of Operations
Born in California and raised in New Hampshire, Jocelyn first moved to the Coachella Valley nearly 30 years ago. Studying history at UCLA showed her how transitory and hard-earned human rights and dignity can be, and her early attempts to transition taught her how inadequate and often hostile the healthcare system can be at meeting the needs of TGI+ people. This has informed a deep desire to improve the adequacy of care and resources available to the TGI+ community, one which she has been fortunate enough to pursue in her years with the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. She oversees our policy committee for the Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
Renae Punzalan:
She/Her/Hers
Director of Youth Services
Renae, a native Chamorro from Guam, has been a steadfast advocate and creative force since joining the Transgender Health & Wellness Center in 2021. Her journey with the organization began as a Trans Navigator then as the Director of Outreach, and has recently ascended to the role of Director of Youth Services. Her ambition led her to Los Angeles, where she pursued her dreams as an actor, dancer, and writer, and worked as a freelance Entertainment Journalist for Reuters Television, interviewing stars like Jennifer Lopez and Robert Downey Jr.
Her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, which started in Guam, gained momentum in Los Angeles, where she volunteered with organizations like Gender Justice L.A. and the L.A. LGBT Center. In 2020, she embraced a new chapter in the Coachella Valley by joining AsiaSF Palm Springs, an all-Trans cabaret dinner show, furthering her mission to uplift Transgender and gender diverse individuals.
At the helm of the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center, Renae provides essential resources and services to queer, trans, and allied youth. Her influence extends into education as she is the Community Advisor for the GLOW (Gay, Lesbian or Whatever) Club at Palm Springs High School and liaises with the GSA Club at Coachella Valley High School, ensuring that her advocacy continues to resonate within the community. She also actively participates and facilitates significant events such as Trans Pride, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), and Trans and Non Binary Tuesday, creating celebratory and supportive spaces for the community. Her dedication to the cause since 2021 has been instrumental in advancing the rights and visibility of transgender, gender non conforming, and intersex individuals..
Michael Bay:
He/Him/His
Chief Financial Officer
Born in California and was raised in Downey, California. Mike is our Chief Financial Officer. He has his bachelor’s degree in business management from Whittier City College. Mike is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and an advocate for homelessness. He has two dogs named Savannah and Tessa. Mike spent over 25 years in the corporate world and worked for a major food ingredient distributor. Michael oversees our finance committee with the Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
City of Palm Springs
Briana Garcia:
She/Her/Hers
Registered Nurse for Palm Springs
Born in California and raised in Coachella. Briana is the Registered Nurse for the Palm Springs TH&WC location. She is an avid reader and volunteers at the Coachella Library.
Daniella Pineda:
She/Her/Hers
Trans Navigator for Palm Springs
Daniella was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. in 2005 when she was seven years old. She grew up in Beaumont, California, where she graduated from High School in 2017. Her hobbies include dancing and interior design.
Daniella graduated from Crafton Hills College with honors, earning an associates degree in both communications and sociology. Her goal is to pursue a career in social work, where she aspires to make an impact in the Trans community.
At the Transgender Health and Wellness, Daniella aims to continue the legacy that Thomi Clinton has created. Her role as Trans Navigator is to maintain and manage the Palm Springs front office, ensuring the proper functioning of the location, and realizing the vision of the organization. For Daniella, Trans wellness means hope. With the help of the center, she has been able to help others in their journey while becoming the person she was always meant to be.
Jaime Parris:
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born in Georgia and raised in Western United States. Jaime is an avid movie watcher and enjoys learning new information. She is one of the Palm Springs TH&WC electrologist and she graduated from electrology school in 2022. She is a person with a disability and a disability advocate. She identifies as a Lesbian and has written and performed comedy. She loves to write.
Samantha Yoshida:
She/Her/Hers
Senior Electrologist for Palm Springs
Born in California and was raised in the Bay area. Samantha is Japanese and Caucasian decent. She has a wife and four kids. She graduated electrology school in 2021. She identifies as a lesbian and support lesbian and gender rights. She and her wife enjoy supporting the LGBTQ+ youth and has a 12-year-old daughter that identifies as transgender female. Her 13-year-old daughter identifies as Queer and Lesbian. She is a gamer, and her favorite game is Zelda. She has three cats named River, Damsel and Lilly, and a bearded dragon named Vecna (named after her favorite show Stranger Things).
Marylin Hannan:
She/Her/Hers
Outreach Coordinator
Born in San Diego and raised in multiple states. She is our Outreach Coordinator for the County of Riverside offices. She enjoys politics and policy development and is a big advocate for LGBTQ+ human rights and outreach to marginalized communities. She has degrees in theater, mechanics, and cosmetology. She is a person with disabilities and a disability advocate.
Marisol Leos:
She/Her/Hers
Grants Manager
Born in Texas and was raised in Indio, California. Marisol is our grants manager for the organization. Marisol began her career as a grant’s writer and researcher with CommonSpirit Health before expanding her scope of work into management and compliance at the Transgender Health and Wellness Center. She has extensive experience in the coordination and implementation of federal and private grants throughout their life cycle. Her areas of focus include behavioral health, healthcare, and supportive services. She oversees our Grant Committee for the Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
Elizabeth Angulo
She/Her/Hers
Medical Billing and Accounting
She was born in Pomona, California and raised in Coachella Valley. She has two daughters, a son and one granddaughter. Her fury-friend is a German Shepard named Armani. She loves makeup and try new delicacies. She loves to travel and see new and exciting things.
Skylar Swift Kardon
He/Him/They/Them
Communications & Social Media manager
Skylar Swift Kardon (he/him/they/them) is an transmasculine artist, creative director, and graphic designer. They specialize in graphic communications and diverse storytelling centering LGBT+ lives and experiences. Raised in Portland, OR, Skylar relocated to Southern California in 2020, and when not working, enjoys painting outside in the Cali sun.
Mark Tarlowsk
Donor Development Associate
He/Him/His
Mark brings a wide array of skills and experience to TH&WC. For four years, he was the senior operations manager for one of the largest mental health and recovery centers in Southern California. A native of Boston, for over twenty years, he has been a professional fitness trainer at gyms on both the East and West coasts. His passion to help the Transgender community began with a compassionate Trans woman named Tiffany, who looked after him and his brother during their teenage years. Her devotion to the family has inspired him to give back. Other members of the LGBTQ community have played a pivotal role in Mark’s life—including his best friend, Drew, and his twin brother, Michael who came out as gay at 13. During trying times, Drew showed Mark that there was a better life worth living. This lesson has stayed with him ever since. If it was not for Drew, Mark is convinced that he would not be alive today.
Leesa Maltby
Registered Nurse
She/Her/Hers
Leesa Maltby has been a nurse for 32 years. Her son is Transgender. Since beginning his journey in 2016, he has been the source of her passion in supporting Trans rights. Being a nurse is a huge part of Leesa’s life. Inspired by the need for further medical knowledge, she recently earned a BSN Degree, to better equip her to contribute to the cause.
Leesa likes to travel and spend time outdoors with her husband of thirty years, and enjoys spending time with her 18-month old granddaughter, Lucy-Jean.
Thomas Lewandowski also known as Taylor Vaughn
Registered Nurse
Out of drag: He/him/his
In drag: She/her/hers
Taylor, originally from the Midwest, has found his home in Southern California for over two years, settling in Cathedral City. With over a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse across various specialties such as Emergency Room, Medical/Surgical, Home Health, and Hospice, Taylor is now pursuing a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner. His goal is to focus his career on serving the LGBTQIA+ community exclusively.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Taylor has a rich passion for drag performance, spanning nearly 25 years. In his leisure time, he delights in the company of friends, discovering new and captivating destinations, and indulging his love for cooking.
Healing Rainbows
Alyssa Tate
She/Her/They
Skylar, a Coachella Valley native, has directly witnessed the evolution of the valley’s queer and trans culture over the past several decades. Having attended high scool locally and being the first in her family to attend college and receive a bachelors degree, she is has first hand experience with the common barriers that trans and queer individuals face in their daily lives, particularly within the Coachella Valley. Skylar has a deep a passion for communication and sociology, and is dedicated to creating safe and welcoming environments by providing meaningful, tangible resources to local trans and queer communities.
When not working or volunteering, she can be seen frequenting the DIY punk and metal music scene in Indio, representing and building recognition for queer and trans identities in local music scenes.
– Skylar Berry
– Healing Rainbows Office Manager/Front Desk
– She/Her/They
Alyssa Tate
She/Her/Hers
DSVA Program Assistant
Alyssa is an avid gamer, golfer and a lover of anything that can challenge her mind. She is a computer nerd and foodie who loves to cook and try new things.
Aria
She/Her/Hers
Trans Navigator
Aria is 64 years old and very active in the transgender community. She serves on the Homeless committee for LGBBTQ+ community, homelessness. She has a passion to assist those that are in TH&WC’s housing and food crises to help them succeed. She has a commercial driver’s license and assists in the client shuttle for food and basic necessities.
Nell Smith:
She/Her/Hers
Senior Crises Case Manager Primarily Inland Empire
Nell is a case manager and housing coordinator for the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. Originally from the Philippines, she spent her years growing up in Oahu, where she attended the University of Hawaii. Nell later transferred to California State University at Dominguez Hills, where she completed a bachelors in communications, and eventually earned a masters in behavioral science. Nell oversees our homeless programs committee for Transgender Health & Wellness Center.
After graduating from college, Nell was a professional journalist (and editor-in-chief) at the online travel publication, eTurboNews. The experience afforded her the opportunity to travel to 70 countries. Having a global perspective equipped her for her vocation helping Trans people realize their dreams—serving her community with an open mind and open heart.
Archie Harper:
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Archie moved to Palm Springs seeking better opportunity after a long hardship in Central California. She settled with her partner in Morongo Valley to start their new life where she discovered Transgender Community Coalition which is now Transgender Health & Wellness Center. She began her new life volunteering which allowed her to connect to the Transgender community in Palm Springs. She worked in the hotel and restaurant industry until she was nominated to by the Transgender Health & Wellness Center to go to the Electrologist Academy to start her new career as an electrologist. She is an avid animal lover and loves gemstones. She loves nature and hiking and is known for her dance moves on the dance floor.
Conrad Watkins:
He/Him/His
Electrologist
City of San Diego
Laurie Merritt
She/Her/Hers
Senior Register Nurse
She was born in West Bend, Wisconsin and raised in Wisconsin and Texas, and she moved to California in 2011. She went to Nursing School in Carolina. She began to volunteer as a laser nurse for Transgender Health & Wellness Center in 2019 and now is a full employee that oversees our nurses as all locations. She is an avid plant nurd and animal lover and advocate. She has three fur-kids, with two left, all are rescues named Sadie (14), DaisyMaye (4) and beloved Hurley (14) whom she lost recently. She has over 30 years of nursing experience ranging from critical care to home health. She loves working at the Transgender Health & Wellness Center because it is the only job she truly loves and doesn’t feel like work. She oversees our Health Equity Committee which reviews and creates policies and procedures for TH&WC with other licensed medical professionals.
CeCe Collins:
She/Her/Hers
Register Nurse
Cece Collins works with the TH&WC providing complimentary laser hair removal services. Volunteering to spend over 200 hours giving this essential gender-affirming care to clients with economic or social barriers to access care. She has been a Registered Nurse for 14 years and works at the Veterans Affairs Hospitals in many different areas including Emergency, Oncology, and Critical-Care. She has certifications in Chemotherapy (Oncology Nurses Society), and Critical care with a subspecialty in cardiac medicine (CCRN-CMC). Through this experience with thousands of patients, she sees that lives can be saved in many ways other than basic resuscitation alone and is proud to provide gender affirming care while expanding Trans visibility; role-modelling a thriving, successful, professional. After a life-long struggle with self-acceptance, she found a community in San Diego. Other Transgender healthcare-professionals demonstrated the importance of visibility and helped her first transition from shame to pride. And, although she has less than 1 year of undergoing medical transition, she is committed to giving back as a caregiver to the community, to extend her success to others struggling in their own ways. Pride, visibility, and community are the tools for building understanding, acceptance and greater community integration. Nothing makes her prouder than the work she does for the TH&WC.
Celesta Le:
She/Her/Hers
Senior Electrologist for San Diego
Celesta Le has been a licensed electrologist for 7 years. In her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling and scuba/snorkeling. She became interested in electrology after having permanent hair removal on her face. She graduated from the EAU Claire Institute of Electrology in Wisconsin and eventually made her way to San Diego. She has a particular interest in medical based electrolysis for transgender/gender non-conforming patients as well as individuals with PCOS.
She is passionate about fighting the insurance companies that often impose difficult barriers to transgender and gender non conforming people to access gender affirming care.
Angie Dominguez
They/Them/Theirs
Office Manager
Angie was born and raised in Southern California and recently moved to San Diego to find more community and opportunities. She is very passionate about the LBGBTQ+ community and holds events to bring the community together during her free time. Angie loves to be creative and to be surrounded by nature. Some of their hobbies include making art, going to concerts and spending time with their cat, Willow. They are so excited to work with TH&WC and provide a positive experience for the patients in San Diego!
Ariel A.
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born in San Diego and raised in Mexico City. She is a Bilingual Trans Latina and has a degree business management and skin care therapy. She is one of San Diego TH&WC’s electrologist. She enjoys dancing and is currently focusing on undocumented persons access to gender affirming care. She enjoys grant writing and outreach with TH&WC to increase services for those in need.
Sila
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born and raised in San Diego, Sila is a licensed electrologist at TH&WC. When she’s not working, Sila enjoys playing music, going to shows, playing video games, riding her bike, and spending time with her dog. Recently she has also been enjoying baking vegan pastries at the local co-op. Sila is beyond excited to be helping other LGBTQ+ people reach their hair removal goals.
Valencia Lopez
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born in Washington DC and raised in Maryland. She is a Bilingual Trans Latina and Indigenous. She is an avid activist for LGBTQ+ community. She loves to apply makeup and help others be beautiful with their makeup skills. She enjoys fashions shows. She is an advocate for Indigenous people.
VAATX has requested her photo to not be posted as she transitions but, we found something adorable that matches her personality.
VAATX
They/Them
Electrologist
Born and raised Arizona free spirit. I got my electrolysis license in 2022, and have been with TH&WC for the entirety of my career to date. In my off time I’m usually at the beach or playing Xbox
Casey Bagnall
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Casey received her bachelor’s at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, in 2006. After getting her B.S. she decided to get certified in electrolysis, and has since practiced in Massachusetts, North Carolina, and California. In the summer of 2019, she had some medical scares and moved to San Diego, leaving electrolysis altogether. As time passed, Casey decided she wanted to get back to what she enjoyed and was able to connect with TH&WC as a part time electrologist. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, animals and dancing.
Eryn Lang
They/Them/Theirs
Born and raised throughout the San Diego area, Eryn has always been dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ community inside and outside professional settings even from a young age. As a queer neurodivergent person, they understand just how important it is for folks to have a supportive circle of professionals and friends. This spark they had of wishing to dedicate themself to helping other queer people only grew more and more when they interned at Positive Images, a LGBTQ+ resource center in Santa Rosa, where they were able to do just that.
Along with their internship, they also have a comprehensive background in academia with both an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Palomar College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in English from Sonoma State University. While at Sonoma State University specifically, they made several academic achievements: from being inducted into the International Honor Society in Psychology to being on the Dean’s List several times in a row.
When not planning events and getting the Transgender Health and Wellness Center involved in the San Diego community, they can be found sewing anything from costumes to bags, reading whatever books they can get their hands on (though they have a particular interest in old epics), writing about the many fantasy worlds they have conjured up, or hanging out with their kitty Juna (whom they love more than anything else).
Alirio Romero
He/Him/His
Alirio Romero is a first-generation Mexican American son born in Los Angeles County, California. He is passionate about creating a better and safer world. Alirio aims to facilitate dialogues that allow for healing to happen on the emotional and spiritual level within all members of the transgender community. With a background in art and education, Alirio hopes to provide safe spaces for the community to explore their divine expression and sacred uniqueness through art and creativity. In the office and beyond, Alirio aims to provide compassionate, service-oriented, quality care and gentleness to the transgender community. He enjoys meditation, art, self-care, and introspection.
Circe Terry
She/Her/Hers
A Jacqueline-of-all-trades, I’ve been a martial arts instructor, pâtissière, and even bus driver. After a decade-long struggle to find myself, I nervously booked my first electrolysis session, ready to zone out. When I told the beautiful Electrologist I assumed was cis, “I’m excited, but not looking forward to it,” she revealed she was just like me—and an unexpected ease turned my wariness into warmth. From patient to provider, with the opportunity offered by TH&WC, I now have the pleasure of giving back to our community. If I can provide a fraction of the comfort I felt during my own hair removal journey to another—whether they are trans or cis—it will bring me heartfelt joy.
Casey Mays
She/They
Casey is a dedicated electrologist at the Trans Health and Wellness Center, where she brings enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to their work. With a passion for providing high-quality electrolysis services, she is dedicated to giving back to the community. Outside of her professional life, Casey enjoys a variety of outdoor activities that enrich her well-being and offer a respite from her busy schedule. An avid hiker, they are often seen exploring trails with her beloved rescue dog, Sega. She also cherishes time spent camping, finding tranquility and inspiration in nature. Additionally, Casey is passionate about fire dancing, which she practices both as a form of artistic expression and a way to connect with her creative side.
Riverside 1
Mads Irving
They/Them
Mental Health Trans Navigator
Mads (they) is white, queer, nonbinary, and neurodivergent and is the mental health trans navigator here at TH&WC. They are passionate about community work, support, collaboration, and social justice. They are also a dancer and filmmaker and love to make art under a queer neurodivergent lens. They did work with P.L.A.C.E. Performance from 2021-2023, which is a non-profit based in Riverside dedicated to creating performance opportunities for upcoming artists in the Inland Empire. They also briefly worked with The Service Center for Independent Life to help facilitate their Social Connection Workshop for autistic adults. They are really happy to be a part of TH&WC and look forward to continue helping serve our community.
Amber Butak
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
She was born in Redlands and raised in Yucaipa, California. She is an avid book reader with a favorite series being The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir and The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. She enjoys active forms of weightlifting, hiking and indoor boulder climbing.
Lina Nunez
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born and raised in Orange County. She enjoys raising her two little girls. She loves to cook and try new recipes. She enjoys trying different cultural foods. She enjoys bike riding and hiking.
We are still waiting for a photo from Taylor. So we found something adorable to distract in the meantime.
Taylor Rosario-Price
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Bio Coming Soon….
Sol Latzke
They/Them
Sol is a transmasc non-binary lesbian born and raised in the Inland Empire. They are passionate about community and all forms of social justice, and have been vegan for seven years. They have experience volunteering and working with local trans and queer communities, including working at Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance. Sol is excited to serve the trans community through outreach. They enjoy playing guitar, going to concerts, bike riding, cooking, and reading. .
City of Riverside
Shama Patel
She/Her/Hers
Register Nurse for Riverside Offices
Born and raised in California. Presently Registered Nurse. Going to school to become Nurse Practitioner. Her goal is to provide long lasting relationships with the patients and quality care. Her favorite food is Mexican and loves to watch basketball. She loves to cook a wide variety of foods and takes care of her grandma.
Meika Grimm
She/Her/Hers
Office Manager
Meika Grimm is a conservatory trained audio/video engineer by trade and a proud LGBTQ healthcare advocate. Due to her difficulties in acquiring long term gender affirming healthcare, she understands the struggle it can be and loves being able to connect community members to services and resources. She is active in promoting harm reduction practices in the SWer and transgender communities. She also has a passion for animals and volunteers when she can at the local shelters and rescues, which has also turned into fostering litters during kitten season. In her free time, she loves writing and listening to music, reading, going to shows, playing video games, playing and watching ice hockey ,long bicycle rides, and camping and hiking adventures.
Lilly Rangle
She/Her/Hers
Senior Electrologist for the Riverside Locations
Born in Los Angeles and raised in raised in Mexico and is our Senior Electrologist. She enjoys 3D Printing and sewing. She loves to hike and helps the community. With her employment she assists her mother father in Mexico.
Ida Dagher
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born in Syria and then lived in California. She loves to cook, and is a people person. Her primary focus is her family and her job.
Jennifer Figueredo
She/Her/Hers
Electrologist
Born and raised in Los Angeles County. She speaks fluent English and enjoys being a mom to her children. She enjoys helping others and she is also a licensed Esthetician. She considers herself a lifetime learner and enjoys learning new things.
Kim Perkins
She/Her/Hers
Case Manager
Kimberly had lived in the Antelope Valley for over thirty years where she married her husband, and have four amazing sons. Through raising the boys, and working full time she managed to have a successful career.
When she started in the Food Industry, she quickly earned her way into the Banking Industry, She spent seventeen years helping folks improve their finances, and she created a program to teach Financial Literacy in the local schools and for several Non-Profits.
In 2018 she found a very exciting opportunity to join Valley Oasis as their new Domestic Violence Regional Coordinator. Being a survivor herself, she felt compelled to take on this new and very important role. Fastword, she moved to Riverside County where she began a career in the Mental Health field. This was a new and exciting field, and she embraced it. While continuing to have the desire to make a difference in people’s lives, she remained in search of what she would call “the perfect place”.
She is excited to join the Transgender Health & Wellness Center with her many years of experience and training as their new Case Manager