| Laura Elizabeth Lopez, Executive Director |
Laura Lopez (previously Laura Perez - name changed as of November 2009)
is the Director of the Street Level Health Project and a founding member of the
Oakland Workers' Center Consortium. Laura immigrated to the US at the age
of 18. Working as a housecleaner and childcare worker in these early years
gave her firsthand experience of the challenges and discrimination faced by
low-wage and immigrant workers. In 1999, Laura moved to California and
began working in the health field. She began working for the UCSF
Community Occupational Health Project in 2003 as a Clinic and Outreach
Coordinator, and organized a highly successful outreach program to janitors
and nail salon workers.
is the Director of the Street Level Health Project and a founding member of the
Oakland Workers' Center Consortium. Laura immigrated to the US at the age
of 18. Working as a housecleaner and childcare worker in these early years
gave her firsthand experience of the challenges and discrimination faced by
low-wage and immigrant workers. In 1999, Laura moved to California and
began working in the health field. She began working for the UCSF
Community Occupational Health Project in 2003 as a Clinic and Outreach
Coordinator, and organized a highly successful outreach program to janitors
and nail salon workers.
In 2005, she assumed the Directorship of the Street Level Health Project and has been a driving force in
expanding the program’s free health screening clinic and in developing a range of case management,
mental health, nutritional, social and advocacy programs for under-served urban immigrants. In honor of
her tireless work in the community, Laura was the recipient of the Community Justice Award presented by
Centro Legal de la Raza and the Barbara Lee Special Congressional Recognition for Community Justice.
In September 2007, Laura was selected as one of the top 10 Community Health Leaders across the
country by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Laura's story was recently highlighted in the San
Francisco Chronicle. Read more here.
expanding the program’s free health screening clinic and in developing a range of case management,
mental health, nutritional, social and advocacy programs for under-served urban immigrants. In honor of
her tireless work in the community, Laura was the recipient of the Community Justice Award presented by
Centro Legal de la Raza and the Barbara Lee Special Congressional Recognition for Community Justice.
In September 2007, Laura was selected as one of the top 10 Community Health Leaders across the
country by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Laura's story was recently highlighted in the San
Francisco Chronicle. Read more here.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Wallin served as a
Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal, and then spent several more years
studying Buddhist Meditation and traveling through Asia. He received his
M.D. from the University of Minnesota medical school and completed his
family practice residency at San Francisco General Hospital. While
serving in the National Health Service, he set up a non-profit medical clinic
50 miles from the nearest hospital. After residency, he worked as a
physician serving residents of Alameda County in the psychiatric wards,
county jail, Fairmont inpatient wards, and all six of the Community Medical
Clinics where he specialized in the care of refugee and immigrant patients.
Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal, and then spent several more years
studying Buddhist Meditation and traveling through Asia. He received his
M.D. from the University of Minnesota medical school and completed his
family practice residency at San Francisco General Hospital. While
serving in the National Health Service, he set up a non-profit medical clinic
50 miles from the nearest hospital. After residency, he worked as a
physician serving residents of Alameda County in the psychiatric wards,
county jail, Fairmont inpatient wards, and all six of the Community Medical
Clinics where he specialized in the care of refugee and immigrant patients.
His patients have come from countries throughout the world, but especially Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam,
Nepal, China, and Central and South America. He has had additional training in hypnosis, family therapy,
post traumatic stress disorder and acupuncture. Dr. Wallin speaks medical Spanish and some Nepali
and strives to provide care that addresses both the medical and emotional concerns of his patients.
Nepal, China, and Central and South America. He has had additional training in hypnosis, family therapy,
post traumatic stress disorder and acupuncture. Dr. Wallin speaks medical Spanish and some Nepali
and strives to provide care that addresses both the medical and emotional concerns of his patients.
| Gerelmaa Bataa, Mongolian Health Coordinator, Mongolian Health Access Project |
Gerelmaa Bataa came from Mongolia to the Bay Area in 2003. In Mongolia, she
was an ESL teacher and worked for the Peace Corps. A graduate of the Health
Interpreter Program at City College of San Francisco, and a recipient of training as
a Community Health Worker, Ms. Bataa works as a health navigator and is funded
by California Endowment. MHAP partners with Street Level Health Project to provide
free general health screening, treatment, referrals and health navigation for
Mongolian immigrants. MHAP's mission is to improve the health and well-being of
uninsured people in the Mongolian Community in the Bay Area through
collaboration with other local health care organizations.
was an ESL teacher and worked for the Peace Corps. A graduate of the Health
Interpreter Program at City College of San Francisco, and a recipient of training as
a Community Health Worker, Ms. Bataa works as a health navigator and is funded
by California Endowment. MHAP partners with Street Level Health Project to provide
free general health screening, treatment, referrals and health navigation for
Mongolian immigrants. MHAP's mission is to improve the health and well-being of
uninsured people in the Mongolian Community in the Bay Area through
collaboration with other local health care organizations.
| Kim Barstow, Manager of Health Access Program |
Kim grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and moved to Oakland in 2003, with a
desire to continue working in the areas of community health and youth
education. Kim came to Street Level as a volunteer in February 2008, and
volunteered in the health screening clinic before joining the staff in October
2008. Kim worked for 3½ years at the Women’s Choice Clinic in downtown
Oakland, as a healthworker, clinic coordinator, office manager, and laboratory
coordinator. This work has helped make Kim passionate about putting healthcare
back into the hands of community members, by valuing each person’s knowledge
and expertise about their own body and health, and by empowering communities
through mutually respectful health education.
desire to continue working in the areas of community health and youth
education. Kim came to Street Level as a volunteer in February 2008, and
volunteered in the health screening clinic before joining the staff in October
2008. Kim worked for 3½ years at the Women’s Choice Clinic in downtown
Oakland, as a healthworker, clinic coordinator, office manager, and laboratory
coordinator. This work has helped make Kim passionate about putting healthcare
back into the hands of community members, by valuing each person’s knowledge
and expertise about their own body and health, and by empowering communities
through mutually respectful health education.
Doris Molina emigrated from Mexico City to the United States in 2003. She
graduated from the Iberoamericana University (U.I.A) with a Bachelor's degree
in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Orientation and Development of
Couples. Looking for a support group, she found La Clinica de la Raza where
she volunteered as a Health Promoter for three years, giving health, mental and
personal development trainings to the Latino community. During these three
years, she discovered that there was not enough mental health assistance and
information for Spanish speakers, that members of the Latino community
suffered from loneliness, isolation, and rejection, and that they did not know
when to ask for help with mental health issues. At the same time, she became a
Certified Rape Crisis Counselor and volunteered at BAWAR, counseling
immigrants who suffered from sexual assault and rape.
graduated from the Iberoamericana University (U.I.A) with a Bachelor's degree
in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Orientation and Development of
Couples. Looking for a support group, she found La Clinica de la Raza where
she volunteered as a Health Promoter for three years, giving health, mental and
personal development trainings to the Latino community. During these three
years, she discovered that there was not enough mental health assistance and
information for Spanish speakers, that members of the Latino community
suffered from loneliness, isolation, and rejection, and that they did not know
when to ask for help with mental health issues. At the same time, she became a
Certified Rape Crisis Counselor and volunteered at BAWAR, counseling
immigrants who suffered from sexual assault and rape.
| Rosendo Aguilar, Coordinator of Community Connection and Empowerment Program |
Rosendo Leon Aguilar Carrillo is a Mam-Mayan Indigenous man from
Guatemala. He graduated from Colegio Americano as a Bilingual Teacher. In
February 2005, he arrived in the United States and started working as a day
laborer. He has attended meetings and trainings about Immigrants’ Rights
and Community Development with different organizations, such as the East Bay
Sanctuary Convent and Alianza Latinoamericana por los derechos de los
inmigrantes. In 2007, he found an immediate connection with the community
by working for Volunteers of America as a Community Outreach Person. He
has been an interpreter for Mam- and Spanish-speaking individuals for over 2
years. In his spare time, Rosendo dances in an Aztec Dance group in Oakland
(Danza Azteca) that promotes cultural awareness throughout the Bay Area.
Guatemala. He graduated from Colegio Americano as a Bilingual Teacher. In
February 2005, he arrived in the United States and started working as a day
laborer. He has attended meetings and trainings about Immigrants’ Rights
and Community Development with different organizations, such as the East Bay
Sanctuary Convent and Alianza Latinoamericana por los derechos de los
inmigrantes. In 2007, he found an immediate connection with the community
by working for Volunteers of America as a Community Outreach Person. He
has been an interpreter for Mam- and Spanish-speaking individuals for over 2
years. In his spare time, Rosendo dances in an Aztec Dance group in Oakland
(Danza Azteca) that promotes cultural awareness throughout the Bay Area.
In 2007 she met Laura, and volunteered for SLHP giving support to immigrants who were experiencing
personal crisis and depression. After eight months of being a volunteer for SLHP, she became part of
the staff as the Coordinator of the Mental Health Program, where she planned, organized, and facilitated
a program called “A Better Way of Living.” This program was created to offer new strategies to
immigrants for improving their mental health, valuing their own abilities, and developing their capacity to
keep a positive attitude under challenging circumstances.
personal crisis and depression. After eight months of being a volunteer for SLHP, she became part of
the staff as the Coordinator of the Mental Health Program, where she planned, organized, and facilitated
a program called “A Better Way of Living.” This program was created to offer new strategies to
immigrants for improving their mental health, valuing their own abilities, and developing their capacity to
keep a positive attitude under challenging circumstances.
| Maria Vigil, Office Manager and Financial Assistant |
Maria is interested in the medical field and aspires to one day become a
pediatrician. In November 2006 she was given the opportunity to volunteer at
Street Level Health Project, and soon became a member of the staff. Maria
manages the office, assists with the finances, and acts as a Spanish-language
interpreter. “Every day is a new beginning here at Street Level Health Project,”
says Maria, “every day brings something new to learn.”
pediatrician. In November 2006 she was given the opportunity to volunteer at
Street Level Health Project, and soon became a member of the staff. Maria
manages the office, assists with the finances, and acts as a Spanish-language
interpreter. “Every day is a new beginning here at Street Level Health Project,”
says Maria, “every day brings something new to learn.”
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| Doris Molina, Mental Health Program Coordinator |
| William Wallin, M.D., Medical Director |
| Olivia deBree, Manager of Health Leadership and Education |
Olivia started with Street Level as a volunteer in the health screening clinic, and
volunteered for almost a year before joining the staff. She also works part-time
as an organizer for TransForm. Previously Olivia worked as a Researcher for
UNITE HERE, the hotel workers' union, tracking new hotel developments and
doing strategic research. She recently co-authored a report for the East Bay
Alliance for a Sustainable Economy about sustainable development practices in
Emeryville. Olivia also worked for Faith Works in Contra Costa County organizing
labor-faith-community campaigns for tenants' rights and affordable housing and
has done union organizing in a variety of contexts. She holds a Master's degree
in Sociology from Northwestern University. Olivia lives with her partner in
Oakland, is an activist in labor and Palestinian struggles, and loves working in
such a close-knit community of folks.
volunteered for almost a year before joining the staff. She also works part-time
as an organizer for TransForm. Previously Olivia worked as a Researcher for
UNITE HERE, the hotel workers' union, tracking new hotel developments and
doing strategic research. She recently co-authored a report for the East Bay
Alliance for a Sustainable Economy about sustainable development practices in
Emeryville. Olivia also worked for Faith Works in Contra Costa County organizing
labor-faith-community campaigns for tenants' rights and affordable housing and
has done union organizing in a variety of contexts. She holds a Master's degree
in Sociology from Northwestern University. Olivia lives with her partner in
Oakland, is an activist in labor and Palestinian struggles, and loves working in
such a close-knit community of folks.
| José Cabrales, Outreach Worker |
José Cabrales is from Durango , México and arrived in Oakland in 1979. Back in
México, José worked in the fields, but always wanted to improve his life and be free
from the serious difficulties his family faced. One of his goals was to learn English,
so he decided to immigrate to the United States; moving to the U.S. was a huge
challenge, and José faced a great culture shock upon arrival. He started working
as a dishwasher for a Mexican restaurant, but later on become a food prep
assistant, a food preparer, a line cook, a cook and so on. José’s dedication to his
work made him love it more and he worked for many years at Mexican, American
and Japanese restaurants, and worked for several years as a janitor as well.
México, José worked in the fields, but always wanted to improve his life and be free
from the serious difficulties his family faced. One of his goals was to learn English,
so he decided to immigrate to the United States; moving to the U.S. was a huge
challenge, and José faced a great culture shock upon arrival. He started working
as a dishwasher for a Mexican restaurant, but later on become a food prep
assistant, a food preparer, a line cook, a cook and so on. José’s dedication to his
work made him love it more and he worked for many years at Mexican, American
and Japanese restaurants, and worked for several years as a janitor as well.
José learned about Street Level in September of 2007 and started volunteering whenever he could, and a
little over a year later he started cooking for the Day Laborer Lunch program. In the spring of 2009, José
participated in Street Level’s Mental Health Leader program (Promotores de Salud Mental), and graduated
in May 2009 as one of SLHP’s first male community Mental Health Leaders. In June of 2009, José became
an employee of Street Level.
little over a year later he started cooking for the Day Laborer Lunch program. In the spring of 2009, José
participated in Street Level’s Mental Health Leader program (Promotores de Salud Mental), and graduated
in May 2009 as one of SLHP’s first male community Mental Health Leaders. In June of 2009, José became
an employee of Street Level.
Kim also spent 4 years working with Cycles of Change, an East Bay youth bicycle education organization,
and ran programs for middle schoolers about bicycle repair, riding safety, and bicycle field trips. Kim rides
a bike to Street Level Health Project every day, no matter what the weather is, and loves to ride and fix
bicycles in the community.
and ran programs for middle schoolers about bicycle repair, riding safety, and bicycle field trips. Kim rides
a bike to Street Level Health Project every day, no matter what the weather is, and loves to ride and fix
bicycles in the community.
| Amy Lam, Ph.D., Program Director |
“It is a privilege to work with people who have such an amazing passion to serve
their community,” says Amy. Amy has been involved with Street Level since 2005,
when she first met Laura and Kathy Ahoy at a Nail Salon Collaborative meeting.
She served as Board Chair for 2 years and is now the Program Director for the
organization.
Amy was born in Canada to parents from Hong Kong, but grew up in New York
and strongly identifies with her New York upbringing, calling herself a
chinariqueña. Having a multicultural upbringing, Amy has always had a passion
and commitment to promoting health and wellness across diverse communities.
their community,” says Amy. Amy has been involved with Street Level since 2005,
when she first met Laura and Kathy Ahoy at a Nail Salon Collaborative meeting.
She served as Board Chair for 2 years and is now the Program Director for the
organization.
Amy was born in Canada to parents from Hong Kong, but grew up in New York
and strongly identifies with her New York upbringing, calling herself a
chinariqueña. Having a multicultural upbringing, Amy has always had a passion
and commitment to promoting health and wellness across diverse communities.
Before working at Street Level, Amy was involved in integrating health research, social justice, and
community organizing with various organizations, including the National Asian Pacific American Women’s
Forum, Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center, and Kaiser Permanente. Her background is in cultural and
health psychology.
Amy's dream for Street Level is that it continue to be a welcome home for newcomers and remember to
“not be concerned with proving ourselves to anyone, but in making a contribution to all of us, in this Our
shared humanity."
community organizing with various organizations, including the National Asian Pacific American Women’s
Forum, Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center, and Kaiser Permanente. Her background is in cultural and
health psychology.
Amy's dream for Street Level is that it continue to be a welcome home for newcomers and remember to
“not be concerned with proving ourselves to anyone, but in making a contribution to all of us, in this Our
shared humanity."