Jacquelin Guzman: A Mother’s Faith in Care That Lasts

Ten years ago, Jacquelin Guzman brought her son Angel to Gracelight Community Health for the first time. She was looking for a place that felt reliable and close to home. What she found was a care team she could trust with her son’s health through every stage of his growth.

Since that first visit, Angel has received care across multiple services at the Hollywood clinic, including pediatrics, podiatry, and dental. For Jacquelin, each appointment has reinforced her decision to keep coming back.

“Ever since my son has been assigned to Gracelight, our experience has been exceptional,” she said.

She describes the entire process as smooth and supportive. From the front desk to the medical assistant to the provider, each part of the visit has felt welcoming. “The staff is friendly, and that means a lot when you’re bringing your child in,” Jacquelin shared. Angel is currently under the care of Dr. Penissi, his Primary Care Provider. Both Dr. Penissi and Dr. Ra have been involved in Angel’s care over the years, and Jacquelin appreciates the consistency and attention they bring to each visit.

It’s easy to see how passionate both providers are about their work. Dr. Penissi especially brings a special energy when caring for children. He is known to light up when talking about pediatrics, and that kind of enthusiasm helps create a space where patients and families feel supported. Angel having him as his main provider speaks to the strong level of trust Jacquelin and her son have in the pediatric team at Gracelight.

“As a mom, I look for providers who can build emotional trust with my child,” she said. “When Angel feels comfortable, it lowers his anxiety and makes the whole visit easier.”

After a decade of care, Jacquelin still feels just as confident in her decision as she did on day one.

“I will never take Angel anywhere else,” she said. “Gracelight is excellent at what they do.”

Story Seeker: Lead Medical Assistant Mayra Manzo for Hollywood