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MCHC Scholarship Application

Frank Bejarano
D.B.H., L.P.C. - Nogales
Education:
Doctor of Behavioral Health, Arizona State University

Masters in Counseling, Chapman University, Davis-Monthan AFB

Licensed Professional Counselor

Hometown: Nogales, Arizona

What I do for fun: Golf, baseball, softball, hunting, karaoke.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The weather, the open spaces, the diversity in culture and the opportunity for growth.

What I like about MCHC: The patients and staff and the opportunity to grow.

Christina Alvarez
R.D.H. - Nogales/Rio Rico
Education:
Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene: Pima Community College

Hometown: Born in Tucson, raised in Nogales, AZ

What I do for fun: Spending time with my family going hiking and running.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: Our beautiful sunsets

What I like about Mariposa: Our wonderful and appreciative patients.  Our staff’s team spirit.
Cynthia Badilla
R.D.H.

Education:
Pima Community College: Applied Science in Dental Hygiene

Hometown: Born in California, raised in Nogales, AZ

What I do for fun: Traveling and exercising

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The people and the culture

What I like about Mariposa: The patients and staff

John Betz
D.D.S., Chief Dental Officer - Nogales/Rio Rico
Education:
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Bachelor of Science, University of Minnesota

Bachelor of Arts, University of Minnesota

Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan

What I do for fun: Hiking, watersports (kayak, raft, canoe, power boating), gardening and being with the family.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: In addition to the people, I enjoy the beautiful mountain views, hiking trails, mountain lakes, variety of birds, wildflowers and wildlife.

What I like about MCHC: Working with friendly, committed and professional staff makes it enjoyable to come to work.

Providing care for appreciative patients is rewarding. The supportive and progressive Mariposa leadership is beneficial to providers, support staff and patients.
James Duncan
D.M.D. - Rio Rico
Education: 
Doctor of Dental Medicine, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene,

Northern Arizona University Certificate in Dental Assisting, Pima Community College

Hometown: Kingman, AZ

What I do for fun: Tennis, running, spending time with family and cooking

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The nice people, moderate climate, and the beautiful stars at night

What I like about Mariposa: I enjoy the culture of both patients and staff. There is a high level of professionalism throughout every department at Mariposa Community Health Center. I am proud to be a part of an outstanding organization that places the patient’s and community’s needs first.
Frank F. Gonzalez
D.M.D. - Nogales
Education:
Doctor of Dental Medicine, Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine

Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Arizona

Hometown: Sahuarita, Arizona

What I do for fun: I very much enjoy fly fishing the rivers in Montana. I love flying and have a private pilot license. I am an aspiring cuisine chef.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: What is very gratifying and remarkable for me about Santa Cruz County is to come back to an area where I grew up and be able to provide for the people that I grew up with.

What I like about MCHC: Mariposa Community Health Center provides a fun and welcoming family atmosphere to work in, and our patients are just terrific and appreciative.
Swati Patel
D.D.S. - Nogales/Rio Rico
Education:
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Indiana University School of Dentistry

Bachelor of Science, Biology, Indiana University

Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana

What I do for fun: Reading, hiking, watching movies, travel.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The beautiful mountains, great weather and friendly people.

What I like about MCHC: It is a great work environment and I love the patients.
Veronica Borbon
F.N.P. – Nogales (MNW)

Family Medicine

Education:
2012- Masters in Science of Nursing with Distinction/ Family Nurse Practitioner- Northern Arizona University
2007- Masters in Science of Nursing with Emphasis in Leadership in Healthcare Systems- Grand Canyon University
2005- Bachelors in Science of Nursing- Northern Arizona University
2004- Registered Nurse Licensure
2003- Associates degree in Nursing- Pima Community College

Hometown: Born in Tucson, AZ raised in Nogales, AZ

What I do for fun: Enjoy reading, listening to music, learning, watching movies, spending time with husband, children, and family. Traveling and visiting new places.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: Nogales is home! I love the culture, love the people!

What I like about MCHC: Mariposa is welcoming to all!

Teresa Colunga
F.N.P. - Tubac

Family Medicine
Education:
Master’s Nursing Education and FNPC

Hometown: Nogales, Arizona

What I do for fun:  ATV rides, hiking, camping.

What I like about Santa Cruz County:  The beautiful scenery and sunsets.

What I like about Mariposa: Family atmosphere.
Mary Garcia-Kumirov
M.D. – NOGALES

Family Medicine
Education:
BS in Physiology, University of Arizona, 2010

MD, The Ohio State University, 2015

FM Residency, University of Arizona, 2018

Hometown: Yuma, AZ

What I do for fun: I like exploring new eateries, enjoying the Tucson wilderness and spending time with my husband and pet dog Annabelle.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The cooler temperatures and the scenery.

What I like about Mariposa: All the great people that work here, the patient population we serve and all the delicious Mexican food options.

Sonia Guerrero
F.N.P. – Nogales

Family Medicine
Education:
Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Arizona

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Grand Canyon University

Master of Science in Nursing, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Hometown: Nogales, Arizona born and raised!

What I do for fun: I love spending time with my family and friends, I have three nephews and a niece and they mean the world to me. I am an animal lover, so I spend a lot of time with my two dogs, Zeke and Sophie.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The PEOPLE. The culture. This community is small, and a very caring one. Everyone looks out for one another and genuinely cares.

What I like about MCHC: The passion and dedication staff have to ensure quality patient care is provided and resourcefulness in obtaining services underserved communities would otherwise not have access to.

Greta Lopez
N.P. - Nogales

Adult Medicine

Education:
Florida International University

Hometown: Miami, Florida

What I do for fun: I enjoy hiking, camping, playing the piano, and yoga.

What I like about Santa Cruz Country: I like and enjoy the weather, mountain views, and definitely the culture.

What I like about Mariposa: I like the focus and involvement Mariposa has with the community to help. People and staff are very warm and polite. Great to work with.

Timothy Penniston
F.N.P - Patagonia

Family Medicine
Education:
Masters in Nursing, Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner, Albany State University

Bachelors in Nursing, Albany State University

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

What I do for fun: Scuba diving, hiking, swimming, water sports and I enjoy working in the yard.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The weather.

What I like about MCHC: Mariposa has a lot to offer in one place such as lab, radiology, pharmacy, WIC services, etc.

Lydia Rivera
F.N.P. – Nogales (MNW)

Family Medicine

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Grand Canyon University

Masters of Science in Nursing - Northern Arizona University

Hometown: Kremsmuenster, Austria

What I do for fun: Gardening and yard work, hiking, cooking and baking, traveling.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The Hispanic Culture with its cohesive families, beautiful nature and being able to live in the country.

What I love about MCHC: The variety of services available to the community, the opportunity to grow, and the culture of respect and appreciation among the staff..

Leo G. Stinnett Jr.
M.D., F.A.C.S. – Nogales (MNW)

Education:
Undergrad:  BA Biology  Austin College | Doctor of medicine Baylor College of Medicine | Residency General Surgery University of Texas San Antonio.

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

What I do for fun: Spending time with my family, golf, skiing & travel.

What I like about Santa Cruz: My wife’s hometown, family ties, great weather.

What I like about Mariposa: In my 26 years of practice with many groups, this is the only group that puts patients ahead of profits.

Emily Roth
WHNP-BC, RNFA - Nogales
Education:
Undergraduate degree: Millsaps College

Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

What I do for fun: I love to run, play soccer and spend as much time as I can outside. Also, I love spending quality time with my family.

What I like about Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz County is the friendliest community.

What I like about Mariposa: The supportive and positive attitudes of all the individuals involved in the care of our patients.
Crystalynn Woodard
M.D. – NOGALES
Education:
Undergraduate degree in Anthropology - University of Chicago, Illinois

Medical degree - University of Wisconsin, Madison

Training - Residency in OB/GYN at University of Cincinnati, Ohio

Hometown: San Diego/North County, CA

What I do for fun: I love to garden, cooking and I like doing small projects with my children.

What I like about Santa Cruz: The friendliest county I’ve ever lived in and beautiful landscape.

What I like about Mariposa: Primary focus is actually patient care. Mariposa has a strong partnership with the community.
Margie Hartfield
M.D. - Nogales
Education:
Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine

Residency Training : Rush Presbyterian St Luke’s Medical Center

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

What I do for fun: Entrepreneurship, Zumba

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The weather and the people.

What I like about MCHC: The patients, staff and community outreach.
Tanya Henry
M.D. - Nogales
Education:
Doctor of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, magna cum laude, Texas A&M University

Residency in Pediatrics, University of North Carolina Hospitals and Baystate Medical Center, Massachusetts

Hometown: Southfield, Michigan

What I do for fun: I love music! I play the piano, occasionally play the violin, and am learning how to play the guitar. I also like to read and watch movies.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The beauty of the mountains, the amazing sunrises and sunsets, the wide expanse of limitless blue sky. I love it all!

What I like about MCHC: The people are amazing! People really enjoy working here, and it shows in the smiles on their faces, their laughter, and their eagerness to do their best to take care of the children in our community.
Edith Hernandez
M.D. - Nogales
Education:
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (medical school),

New York Medical College at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital,

New Jersey (internship and pediatric residency)

Hometown: Ica – Peru

What I do for fun:

Spend time with family, watch movies, walk, and travel, try to cook/bake

What I like about Santa Cruz County:

The friendly people (I have awesome neighbors), beautiful backgrounds, peaceful neighborhood and city and excellent weather like my hometown in Peru.

What I like about Mariposa:

Mariposa has made me feel I belong here, my colleagues and co-workers are very nice, friendly, and helpful; and my patients are the best, they are very kind and cooperative. I feel Mariposa and all its workers have the same objective of striving for excellence and providing the best care to our patients, working every day on this enthusiastic environment is challenging and at the same time is comforting, I could not ask more.
Gonzalo Ibarra
M.D. - Rio Rico
Education:
Doctor of Medicine, Universidad La Salle Facultad Mexicana De Medicina, Mexico City

Bachelor of Science, General Biology, University of Arizona

Residency in Pediatrics, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Texas A&M, Corpus Christi, Texas

Hometown: Hermosillo, Sonora. Raised in Miami, Florida.

What I do for fun: Spending time with my beautiful wife and three wonderful children, running (16 marathons and 7 half marathons), aviation, classic autos, music.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: Its bi-cultural roots, awesome weather year-round, the scenery, the food, close proximity to major metropolitan areas and a safe place to live and raise a family.

What I like about MCHC: Great to be part of this Peds/support/administrative team who are committed to providing excellent health care to our little patients, and the Mariposa family who have made me and my family feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
Alise Magnuson
M.D. - Rio Rico

Education:

Doctor of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ

Pediatric Residency, University of Arizona College of Health Science, Tucson, AZ

Bachelors of Science, Accounting, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Hometown: Lyndhurst, NJ

What I do for fun: I love to play tennis, hike, bike, read, watch movies and spend time with family and friends.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The wide open spaces, the sunrises and sunsets,  and the friendly, family-oriented community.

What I like about MCHC: My fellow employees who are dedicated to helping each other provide quality health care to our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a member of such an amazing group of people.

J. Philip Williams
M.D. - Rio Rico

Education:
Doctor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine

Bachelor of Science, Biology, cum laude, Xavier University of Louisiana

Residency in Pediatrics, Advocate Christ Medical Center/Hope Children’s Hospital

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

What I do for fun: I like photography, playing guitar and piano, and riding motorcycles.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The wonderful weather, beautiful geography and the nice people.

What I like about MCHC: The opportunity to provide first class advanced medical care to a deserving patient population.

Michael Castillo
RPh., Senior Director of Pharmacy - Nogales
Education: 
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, University of Arizona

Hometown: Ajo, Arizona

What I do for fun: Fly fishing, 4-wheeling, watching sports

What I like about Santa Cruz County: I love the people and the beautiful desert views.

What I like about Mariposa: The objective of helping the community receive the healthcare they need regardless of their ability to pay.
Rick Connors
RPh., Pharmacist - Nogales
Education:
Bachelor of Pharmacy, Idaho State University

Pennsylvania State University

Hometown: Albion, Pennsylvania

What I do for fun: Hiking, reading, spending time with family

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The warm, friendly people and the diverse beauty of the landscape

What I like about Mariposa: The great people and team approach to patient care
Heeya Ju
Pharm.D., BCACP - Nogales

Education: 
College of Pharmacy at the University of Arizona, PGY-1 community pharmacy residency trained

Hometown: Nogales, AZ

What I do for fun: workout, knitting and crochet

What I like about Santa Cruz County: PEOPLE.

What I like about MCHC: The people I work with and our patients.

Matthew Mcculloch
Pharm.D., Pharmacist in Charge – Rio Rico
Education: 
University of Arizona | Pharm.D.

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

What I do for fun: Star Wars fanatic.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The closeness of the community.

What I like about MCHC: Family-like environment where people care about people, both patients & employees.
Jabbar Mendivil
Pharm.D. – Nogales

Education: 
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas

Hometown: Nogales, Arizona

What I do for fun: Mountain biking and spending time with the family.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: I grew up in Santa Cruz county and graduated from Nogales High, my connection to this community runs deep and I have always wanted to give back to my hometown that gave me so much growing up.

What I like about MCHC: I like working for Mariposa because of their positive impact on the community. It is important that all are involved in the health and growth of Nogales.

Carol Nickerson
RPh., Pharmacist - Nogales
Education: 
Registered Pharmacist, Washington State University

Hometown: Tacoma, Washington

What I do for fun: Ride horses, garden and travel.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: The beautiful weather and the people.

What I like about MCHC: The patients, the staff and the rural area.
Jeanna M. Szablicki
Pharm.D., CDCES - Nogales
Education: 
State University of New York at Buffalo | Pharm.D.

Hometown: Buffalo, New York

What I do for fun: In my spare time I love to read, jog with my husband and play with my kids.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: I love this community: the people, the culture, the warm winters & the food.

What I like about MCHC: I really enjoy working as part of a team at Mariposa.
Vincent Tsang
Pharm.D., Pharmacist - Nogales

Education: 
Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Arizona
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Arizona State University

Hometown: Hollywood, Florida

What I do for fun: Restoring/working on cars, hiking, traveling, exploring new cuisine, spending time with family and friends.

What I like about Santa Cruz County: Love the scenery, people, food and the small-town feeling.

What I like about MCHC: The friendliness of every staff member, especially the amazing support staff I work with.