Meet The Team

Kevin joined SDAIHC in November 2019. Kevin has expertise in the implementation of culture-focused performance improvement in clinics, ambulatory surgical centers and hospitals. He is skilled in identifying performance gaps, defining strategy, and creating measurable change. Kevin has a focus on integrating systems and culture to align behaviors to achievements in safety, patient experience, and cost containment. He is also a community-minded leader with a lengthy history in serving refugee populations through the non-profit organization he founded in 1999 focused on leadership development and project-based learning for underrepresented refugee communities. This includes a month-long annual medical outreach abroad.

Education: Six Sigma Black Belt, Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Minor in Organizational Behavior/Development), Master’s in Public Administration, Doctorate of Education in Leadership.

Kevin previously served as National Director of Care Experience, Patient Safety & Risk for Kaiser Permanente, Consulting Advisor for Press Ganey & Associates, system Director of The Sharp Experience, The Sharp University, and Consumer Research at Sharp HealthCare, Director, Support Operations at Scripps Health, and continues to serve as an Adjunct Professor at National University. Kevin also served as a police officer and served as a publicly elected school board member.

Tami brings with her 10+ years of expertise in FQHC Finance. Tami is detail oriented, driven, and highly regarded for her leadership with exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to deliver comprehensive reports. Accustomed to managing multiple projects and multiple departments simultaneously in a fast-faced, deadline-driven environment. Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, Tami is a valuable asset!

Dr. Melinda Astran provides her expertise & expansive experience as both a Board Certified Family Physician and as a Physician Administrator. Serving as Colorado River Service Unit (CRSU) Clinical Director, she received a Commendation Medal for her outstanding leadership in the delivery of medical, dental, optometry, emergency department, pharmacy & inpatient services for the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT), Hualapai Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, and Moapa-Paiute Tribe providing clinical supervision of 1 hospital and 5 clinics in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies and programs to maximize quality patient care service while optimizing Quality Assurance and Compliance measures was critical in her roles as CRSU Clinical Director, Immigration Customs Health Service Corps (IHSC) Clinical Director, CRSU Outpatient Medical Director, CRSU Acting Emergency Department Director, and Medical Director of La Paz Regional Hospital Rural Health Clinics. Partnering with Tribal Leadership, County, State, and Federal agencies to identify healthcare disparities and health inequities and to collaboratively develop innovative policies, programs, and strategies to achieve measurable and impactful healthcare goals.

Serving as a Family Physician in numerous different practice settings – Emergency Department, private practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Community Health Center in rural Florida, rural Arizona solo practice, Medical Director of Arizona Rural Health Clinics, Dr. Astran has found it incredibly rewarding to provide medical services in under-served communities for over fifteen years. Her passion lies in nurturing the doctor-patient relationship via patient partnership and patient empowerment. She believes one must never take for granted this phenomenal privilege to practice the “art of medicine” described by Hippocrates: “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity…Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always.”

Dr. Astran’s passion for medicine, her innovative and collaborative leadership style, her tenacious work ethic coupled with her diverse experience and outstanding interpersonal skills serve as invaluable assets to the San Diego American Indian Health Center Leadership Team. She strives to embody the words of Sir William Osler: “The practice of Medicine is an art, not a trade; a calling, not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head.”

Dr. Chelsea Richardson is the dental director for the San Diego American Indian Health Center. She received her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, San Diego prior to attending dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in Mesa, Arizona. Dr. Richardson also earned a certificate in public health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her dental practical training in Southwest Florida, Colorado, Maine, and at the Winslow Indian Health Care Center for the Navajo Tribe.

Dr. Richardson is certified by the Western Regional Examining Board, is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and is recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists Sullivan Schein Pre-doctoral Achievement Award.  She enjoys world travel, has taught English in Thailand, practiced archaeology in Jordan, and studied Spanish in Costa Rica. She currently enjoys being active with her husband and two young children.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Dr. Clement was born and raised in San Diego. He received his BA in American Studies with an emphasis in Ethnic Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz. He received his first MA in Education with an emphasis in multicultural counseling at San Diego State University Community Based Block Program. Dr. Clement earned his MA and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Multicultural Emphasis at Alliant International University. Prior to becoming a psychologist he was a middle school teacher and an Assistant Director at UCSD’s Early Academic Outreach Program.

Dr. Clement has been working in the mental health field for 10 years now. Prior to coming to SDAIHC he was a clinical psychologist at Indian Health Council in Valley Center, CA for close to 4 years. Over the course of his career he has worked with a diverse group of clients: individuals, couples and families in both English and Spanish. He’s always felt honored and blessed to assist clients in their journey to building the life that they are proud to live. While not working he enjoy’s time with his family, the beach, visiting tropical locations, trying new foods, and kayak fishing.

Maamoon Majeed grew up in Iraq and moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2007, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. After coming to the United States in 2015, Maamoon earned his master’s degree in healthcare.

Maamoon began his focus in helping patients to receive better care and utilize his knowledge and experience to help improve the delivery of quality health care. Maamoon has experience in the continuum of care to include Hospice operations for over five years. In addition, Maamoon earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and is passionate about performance improvement using data analytics.

Maamoon’s hobbies include his zest for life, and lifelong personal and professional growth. His physical fitness includes practicing Martial Arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other physical activities. He enjoys photography, hiking, and snowboarding.

Katie Perry serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner graduating from Azusa Pacific University, her undergraduate work at Saint Louis University. Katie has great experience and is passionate about women’s health and pediatrics. Katie is a great listener and believes in patient and family centered care.

Veronica “Ronnie” Whitehorse (Dine’) is a Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse, and the Manager of Disease Control and Prevention at the San Diego American Indian Health Center.  Ronnie was born at Ft. Defiance, Arizona and her family soon afterwards relocated to Los Angeles. She previously worked in student affairs at the University of California, San Diego, and California State University, San Marcos, before completing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at San Diego State University.

As Clinic Manager at SDAIHC, Ronnie supervises a busy staff and is in charge of the Women’s Health, Diabetes, and Childhood Immunization programs. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and in her free time enjoys sewing, traveling, and attending Pow Wows.

Optimistic, hopeful people view barriers and obstacles as problems to be solved and not as the reason to give up or turn back. Positive people never, ever give up. – Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee

As a Behavioral Health Case Manager, Dean serves our clients within Behavioral Health and Substance connecting them to resources that can improve their quality of life.

As a Registered Nurse and Public Health Nurse for more than 10 years, Dean has provided a variety of care to members of the San Diego community, including community health screening and education, vaccination administration, sub-acute nursing, long-term and short-term rehabilitation, home health nursing, and geriatric care.

Dean believes in providing excellent and culturally-competent community care and approaching every individual with compassion.

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Business Administration – Management

Jennifer Aquino is proud to be part of the team at SDAIHC. Once a member of the COVID-19 Mobile Outreach team, she is thrilled to now serve as our Public Health Registered Nurse Case Manager. Jennifer is one of 6 children whose parents were immigrants. Having been raised in a large family, surrounded by a close knit community of neighbors and extended family, caring for others with compassion and understanding from little ones to elders was the norm. From the excellent teamwork to sharing a common goal throughout the health center of aiming to deliver quality care and treating our patients with kindness and understanding, SDAIHC’s values truly resonate with Jennifer.

Dr Bob Henley, a licensed California Psychologist PSY#15291 has worked in the Behavioral Health field professionally since 1988. He has provided counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples and groups addressing a variety of issues including improving coping and communication skills, effectively managing trauma, managing serious mental illnesses, and helping to manage co-occurring substance use and mental illness issues safely. Dr Henley has worked the last 8 years as a psychologist and manager for the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s Wellness Center and as Director of Behavioral Health for the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe. He has over 12 years’ experience as a manager and supervisor, plus has authored or co-authored 14+ articles in professional journals on “enhancing resilience processes” as a program evaluation specialist. He was originally licensed as a Psychologist in Colorado in 1993, then licensed in California in 1997, and is also certified nationally as a psychologist with the Association for State & Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

On his free time Bob does pottery, is learning to paint, is learning Spanish, enjoys spending time with friends, likes to take road trips, listens to music, takes long walks and loves to go to the beach. Dr. Henley is very happy to be a member of the SDAIHC team!

Dr. Peter Tilton, MD is a Psychiatry Specialist and has over 49 years of experience. He graduated from New York Medical College in 1973. He joined SDAIHC in 2020.

Dr. Carino Diokno received her BA in Psychology and MA in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling at San Diego State University. She received her MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego. Dr. Carino Diokno has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and a university counseling center. She has worked with clients on a wide range of presenting concerns such as anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and multicultural issues.

Dr. Carino Diokno is committed to helping clients achieve their therapeutic goals in a safe and supportive environment. She uses a client-centered approach, using various interventions to meet the individual needs of clients. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, nature, and gardening.

Kelly M. Scott MSN, BSN, PMHNP is Board Certified. Kelly grew up in Ohio, recently moved to the San Diego area. Kelly obtained her Bachelor’s and Masters Degrees at Kent State University. Kelly as an extensive background working with individuals in recovery for substance use and mental health.  Kelly works with adults and their families. Kelly believes in a holistic approach and collaboration with each person, helping individuals on their journey towards recovery.

Corina Manzo Serves as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner graduating from Maryville University, her undergraduate work at San Diego State University.  Corina has broad experience as an avid patient advocate having been a bedside nurse for over 12 years in the areas of telemetry, med- surg and critical care.  She comes to us from UCSD where she has worked as a transplant coordinator with both adult and pediatric organ donors supporting their families through the process of grief and end of life. Her standard of practice aligns with the elements of compassion and empathy towards those entrusted in her care.

She was born in San Diego she enjoys road trips, chocolate strawberries and Keith Urban concerts.

Richard brings with him 18 years of experience working inpatient and outpatient with teens, military veterans, adults, geriatrics, certified in EMDR and 5 years experience with with Native Americans. Richard is a strong advocate for his patients.

Jennifer holds a Master of Education in Cross Cultural Teaching, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and School Health Education. Jennifer’s mission is to empower children and families to improve their lives and the lives of others by providing a pathway to success. Success encompasses many areas, including health, well-being, financial literacy, safety and job skills – as well as personal fulfillment and an ability to give back to the community, and across our borders.  Jennifer brings strong organizational development skills, excellent team leadership, volunteer coordination, event management and a partnership-based approach.

Nay Htoo has a patient for outreach. His background includes coming to the USA as a refugee from the Thai/Burma region. He shares he passion to be resilient and positive in life. He brings with him mentoring experience and his skill in photography, video and social media that he provides classes for within our youth program.

“Hacho”. . . My name is Larry Edmonds; I support the community by working as the Youth Program Coordinator. I am a full blood Native American Indian from the Kiowa/Caddo tribe of Oklahoma. My role is to assist with transportation, programming, outreach, and liaison to contractors and vendors. I am passionate about working with Native Americans and Urban Indian youth. I participate in the many Pow-Wows and cultural events. I feel my skills in graphic arts, property management, and parenting is beneficial to the position. I have completed courses in Behavioral Health; these are Cultural Competency, Introduction to Trauma Informed Care and various Children Youth and Families System of Care Trainings. I have two daughters that I have raised on my own and I am so proud of their accomplishments. I can relate with single parents because I did it too. I feel this job is “where I belong”. I look forward to each day helping to support Native youth in prevention and early intervention on their journey to adulthood.

Ethan was born in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Ethan was raised in a small village called Htoolar near the city of Dawei, which is about 600 km from Yangon. Myanmar has eight different ethnic groups. I was born into the ethic group Karen, often referred to as Kayin by the people of Myanmar. Ethan brings his passion for wellness that includes healthy eating, active lifestyle, resulting in improved quality of life for everyone.  Ethan is skilled at leading gentle stretching, balance, mobility, for all ages. Ethan earned his certification as an Exercise & Aging Specialist in 2023. His hobbies include travel, hiking, spending time at the beach and lifting.

Dr. Dorin is passionate about dental health with a focus on raising awareness through health education for each patient. She is a staff writer for the San Diego County Dental Society and has been an amazing edition to our team.

Dr. Naeem has practiced since 2012. She is a very dedicated and highly motivated professional passionate about providing exceptional care for her patients. Dr. Naeem is a great edition to our team!

Dr. Harjot Chawla is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist. He completed his bachelor studies in Neuroscience at UCLA prior to attending USC School of Dentistry. He completed his Pediatric Dentistry residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York.