Monthly Archives November 2025

Gabriella Alvarez grew up in Compton and is a proud mom of one. She first came to Gracelight Community Health as a temp at our East 3rd clinic. What started as a short-term position quickly became something more. “I just connected with the people and the mission here,” she said. “It felt like a place where I could really grow.” Now part of the Westlake North team, Gabriella works as a Medical Assistant and has experience across several areas, including lab, pediatrics, and podiatry. She’s also stepped into lead roles before and hopes to continue moving forward in her career.
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Merly grew up in Glendale and has been married for 20 years with three kids who keep her busy and grounded. She joined Gracelight Community Health three years ago, drawn to the opportunity because it was close to home and near her children’s schools. Since then, Merly has grown into her role as Lead Medical Assistant at our Westlake North clinic. She started in pediatrics and gradually expanded her skills to support both lab and adult care. “I’ve learned so much by being open to new experiences,” she said. “Every area teaches you something different about teamwork and patient care.”
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Long before he ever stepped into a clinic or delivered his first baby, Dr. Eric Chan learned what compassion looked like. As a child growing up in Hong Kong in the 1960s, he watched families do their best with limited access to medical care. Those early memories stayed with him. They planted the idea that one person, showing up at the right moment, could change someone’s life. With more than 35 years in women’s health, Dr. Chan says that calling has only grown stronger. His work at Gracelight Community Health remains one of the most meaningful chapters of his career.
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Some people find their calling. Others inherit it in a way that feels almost destined. For Angie Mendoza, her journey into healthcare began long before she ever stepped into a clinic. It started with her mom — a woman who always wanted to help others but never had the opportunity. Angie picked up that dream and carried it forward, shaping it into a purpose that has only grown stronger over her eight years as a Medical Assistant at Gracelight Community Health. “I’ve always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” Angie shared. “Science and problem-solving interested me, but what
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Elizabeth Pacas joined Gracelight’s Echo Park clinic in 2021, seeing an opportunity to give back to the neighborhood she grew up in and still calls home. Becoming a nurse wasn’t just about finding the right job. It was about showing up for her community in a meaningful way. From the start, she was eager to learn and grow. She spent her early days working alongside a seasoned nurse who helped guide her and set the tone for what strong, team-based care looks like. “I was lucky to be trained by someone so dedicated. I learned how much nurses really support
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Evelyn Pulido didn’t just want another job. She was looking for a place where she could grow, feel supported, and make a difference. Now a few months into her role as a medical assistant at our Westlake North clinic, she is settling in and already thinking about what comes next. Born into a family of ten siblings, Evelyn was raised in a household that valued opportunity and perseverance. Her family moved to the United States to build a better life for their children, and that motivation continues to shape her work ethic today. While browsing job opportunities online, Evelyn came
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At Gracelight Community Health, compassionate care isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a commitment lived out by providers like Dr. Cecilia Mitchell, our dedicated Dental Director. With 18 years at Gracelight and a career spanning decades in community health, Dr. Mitchell has made it her mission to provide high-quality dental care to those who need it most. Dr. Mitchell’s journey into dentistry was shaped by an early influence—her sister, who was dating a dentist at the time. “She told me what a great profession it was for women,” Dr. Mitchell recalls. At the time, she was torn between medical school and dental
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Carlos Quinonez has been part of the Gracelight family for two years as a Registered Dental Hygienist, but his experience in the dental field spans more than two decades. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Carlos is proud to serve his community, especially the Latino patients who come through Gracelight’s doors. One of the things Carlos enjoys most about his job is the chance to build real connections with his patients. “Being able to speak Spanish with them helps break down barriers,” he says. “It’s not just about making them comfortable—it’s about creating trust. They know we’re here to
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If you’ve ever visited the Hollywood Clinic and met Dr. Kraig Golden, you can feel right away that he brings something special to the room. It is not just his experience or the way he explains things with calm clarity. It is the heart he brings to every interaction, the sense that he is truly there for you. After more than 25 years in internal medicine, that level of care has become second nature to him. Dr. Golden has spent the last eight years serving patients in Hollywood, guiding families through everyday concerns and complex health needs. As the clinic’s
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