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Mario Oritz completed his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice at Rosalind Franklin University and is credentialed through the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. He chose to work in a community health center because he believes health care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of patients’ insurance status or socioeconomic background. He treats his patients the way he would want his family to be treated. As a husband and father of three, he understands how important it is to build strong, quality relationships with his patients. He treats each patient with kindness, respect, and dedication so that they are empowered to make the best decisions for their health and well-being. Outside of work, Mario enjoys spending time with his family, staying active outdoors, and playing board games. He is fluent in Spanish.  

Lauren Mann earned her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She is credentialed through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed through the state of Illinois. Lauren chose to work in a community health center to help improve health equity in Chicago and give back to the community. She takes a patient-centered approach to care and makes sure her patients feel comfortable and their families are confident in their care plans. Lauren was inspired to work in pediatrics by her mother, who is a pediatric home health nurse. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys jogging, reading, and embroidery.  

Kyunghoon (Daniel) Rhee, MD earned his medical degree from Chungnam National University in Daejeon, South Korea and earned a Master's of Science in Health Systems Management at Rush University in Chicago. He completed his internal medicine residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Rhee is Board certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rhee is committed to advancing health equity through quality, data-informed care. As a provider, he works to build long term, trusting relationships with his patients and deliver evidence based, holistic care. Outside of work, Dr. Rhee can be found going to the gym, spending time with family and friends, or watching a soccer or basketball game. He is fluent in Korean.  

Zehra Kanji-Ghaziani received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Family Medicine at DePaul University and also holds a Masters of Science in Nursing. She is credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Prior to receiving her doctorate, Zehra was a labor and delivery nurse. She is committed to providing patient-centered, holistic, and equitable care to all her patients. Zehra is drawn to community health care because she wants to ensure that all members of her community have access to care. When not at work, Zehra enjoys spending time with her husband, Esmael, and their dog, Railey. She is fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Megan Bravo received her Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and is a certified Nurse Practitioner through the National Certification Corporation. Born and raised in Chicago, Megan believes everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay or where they live. She strives to treat the whole person using a holistic approach to health care. She is especially interested in women’s health. After falling in love with labor and delivery, Megan became a certified doula. In her spare time, she volunteers with friends and family who are expecting to help them through the journey of pregnancy and delivery. Outside of work, Megan enjoys crafting and reading.

Catherine Bach received her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan and completed her residency at McLaren Greater Lansing. Dr. Bach is credentialed through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP) and chose a career in community health care because she grew up being taken care of community health centers and the providers there. As an Osteopathic physician, Dr. Bach believes that the body is capable of self-regulation. Her goal is to educate patients in order for them to be the healthiest they can be. She’s passionate about preventative and evidence-based medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Bach is spending time with her family and going on culinary adventures. She is fluent in Thai.

Sonia Antony received her medical degree from Government Medical College in Nagpur, India and completed her residency at Rush Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Antony is certified through the American Board of Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She believes in providing high quality, compassionate care to children while involving their families and guardians in their care. Dr. Antony chose to work at a community health center because she believes that all people, regardless of their background, deserve access to quality patient-centered care. Outside of work, Dr. Antony enjoys music, reading, and traveling. She is fluent in Spanish, Hindi, and Malayalam.

Lorelei earned her nursing degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is credentialed by the American Midwifery Certification Board. She is also a member of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Lorelei recognizes the difficulty that underserved populations go through to access care, and she wants to help make a difference in that area. She believes in listening to women and tailoring their health care plans to fit their needs and lifestyles. ​When not working, Lorelei enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and sports.   

Jessica Munoz earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Illinois Chicago after completing her practicum at the Gads Hill Center and Community Counseling Centers of Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Jessica believes that every individual deserves access to mental health services as an essential part of one’s overall health care. In her practice, she provides a safe and supportive space for all individuals and empowers them to create a life they envision. When not at work, Jessica can be found trying new recipes, exploring new places, and spending time with her family. She is fluent in Spanish.

Jovan Chandler received his master’s degree from Roosevelt College in Chicago. He is drawn to community health because he has a desire to give back and serve those around him. He feels that everyone has a voice and important perspective that deserves to be heard. Jovan’s approach to care is through consideration of the whole person and not just addressing the specific problem at hand. Outside of work, Jovan enjoys reading, traveling and sports.

Lisa Ziems received her Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago. She is licensed by the state of Illinois and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Lisa is committed to providing high quality behavioral health services to her patients, as a means of empowering them and their families. She finds that working on a community level is a great way to provide crucial resources and information. When not working, Lisa enjoys spending time with family, singing and playing basketball. Lisa is fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Aurea P. Thomas received her medical degree in the Dominican Republic and completed her residency at Lincoln Medical and Health Center, New York. She is licensed by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Thomas is fluent in Spanish. In her spare time, Dr. Thomas enjoys reading and traveling.   

Michelle Ubau received her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Illinois at Chicago. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Michelle strongly believes that a community is only as strong as its members, which is why she is compassionate about community health and providing the best care possible to her patients. She sees herself as a partner, working with individuals on goals for achieving their optimal health. In her spare time, Michelle loves running, trying new restaurants, spending time with her family and friends, and watching the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks games. She is also an adjunct faculty member with Elmhurst College’s Nursing and Health Sciences department.

Dr. Gerena received her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed her residency at Lutheran General Hospital. She is licensed by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Gerena is fluent in Spanish and when not working enjoys reading cooking and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Gerena is committed to providing quality care to all her patients.

A Chicago native Mary Jean Mendizabal received her bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and completed her physician assistant and master's in medical science degrees from Malcolm X College and Saint Francis University. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is also a member of the American Association of Physician Assistants. "My philosophy of care is to focus on preventive medicine" she says. Mendizabal is fluent in Spanish. In her free time she enjoys painting and wood working.