Speech-language Pathologist, Craniofacial Department
What’s your role at UCSF and what is your favorite part about it?
I am a speech-language pathologist on the craniofacial team at Oakland Children’s hospital. My favorite part of this role is providing weekly speech therapy to help patients improve their communication. Speech therapy is meant to be fun and motivating for children so sessions can get a bit goofy and are tailored to fit the child’s interests. It’s also a really special way to develop relationships with the entire family and provide support through the triumphs and struggles of the therapy process.
If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
I would go to Barbieland.
What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently?
I’ve been enjoying the TV show Heartstopper recently.
Why did you decide to join Women of UCSF’s team of volunteers?
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Director of Grant Management, Institute for Global Health Sciences
Heidi's Bio:
I work to improve the operational and administrative efficiencies within the Institute for Global Health Sciences at UCSF where we strive to reduce health inequities. I champion a team of professionals who support the financial management of global health initiatives impacting pandemic preparedness and response, HIV, malaria, and maternal and child health. I believe I have a unique role in creating change within the Institute through my engagement in diversity, equity, inclusion, wellness and community.
If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go?
I’d visit my site in Paraguay where I was a Peace Corps volunteer.
What’s on your reading list?
I’ve been reading mostly non-fiction lately. On my stack is Endemic: A Post-Pandemic Playbook by Monica Gandhi and Hella Town: Oakland’s History of Development and Disruption by Mitchell Schwarzer. We’ll be discussing Dr. Gandhi’s book at the end of the month at the Institute for Global Health Science’s Book Club.
Anything you are excited about – professionally or otherwise?
I get excited about bringing people together both personally and professionally. I’m excited about the pre-trick or treating Halloween party we will have with our neighbors and the volunteer event I am planning for my department with Project Open Hand in November.
Why did you decide to join the Women of UCSF...
Stroke Program Manager, Neuroscience Service Line
What do you like to do outside of work?
Anything that makes my dog happy – hikes and long walks in the Presidio, Fort Funston, etc. I also love going to stand-up comedy shows – you can probably find me at Cobb’s or Punchline on most weekends.
What advice would you give to a woman entering your field today?
Don’t be afraid to speak up! Voice your opinions, share your ideas during meetings, and never forget to advocate for yourself and celebrate your achievements.
What brought you to healthcare? Can you tell us about your professional journey?
After getting my degree in psychology, I first worked on a mobile mental health crisis team in Tucson, AZ. This ended up leading me to a research management role in Psychiatry and Neurosciences at UCLA. The combination of my intrigue in the medical field and the discovery of the skills I possessed in operations made me realize that roles in Healthcare Management were the most appealing to me. I have now been at UCSF Health for nearly 6 years - from managing...
Director, Telehealth Programs, Telehealth Resource Center
Here is what Linda’s nominator had to say about her:
“Linda and I have worked together several times over the last few years as UCSF's telehealth strategy transformed during covid and continues to mature in new strategic ways. She is fun to work with and always looking for creative ways to add value to our patients, providers, and staff. Most recently we have served on a national Telehealth group through the AAMC, and she has quickly become a voice of innovation with them as well.”
Nominator: Bess Wildman
Linda's Bio:
I joined UCSF in 2014 as the founding Director of Telehealth. My team and I have implemented programs for ambulatory video visits, online remote second opinions, and inpatient care both within UCSF hospitals and clinics and with our affiliates. It has been very exciting to see UCSF go from a health system that did not do telehealth at all to being a leader in the field, especially among academic medical centers.
What has been an important success in your career?
I will always be proud of the speed at which my team and I were able to expand use of video visits in response to COVID in March of 2020, and in the way our providers and clinics have maintained much of that growth. In February of that year, we had done 3600 video visits, which was record-breaking for us, and very exciting! In April, we did over 66,000. Even now, with the worst of COVID behind us, UCSF providers do about...
Patient Experience Business Partner, Division of Health Experience Excellence
Here is what Marlene’s nominator had to say about her:
“Amy is an incredibly dedicated member of the UCSF community. She was my manager several years ago when I first started at UCSF, and she supported me in my professional growth and development, which has led me to an amazing role now. Years later, I still think back to my time reporting to her and how fortunate I was to have her as a manager and mentor. UCSF is most certainly a better place because Amy is here, and I hope her hard work, commitment, and incredible work ethic are recognized across the institution. Not only is Amy an incredible employee, but she is also an incredible woman with so much to give. She puts others - especially her staff and patients! - first and is an inspiration to so many, especially. To boot, she's a great baker and lots of fun. :)”
Nominator: Sara Beck
Amy's Bio:
My journey at UCSF started in Patient Relations and I have a strong belief that were it possible to do so, every single employee should spend 2 weeks to a month in that department. It’s a HUGE learning experience about what matters to...
Department Business Manager, Clinical Technologies, UCSF Health
Here is what Lauren’s nominator had to say about her:
"Lauren is one of the single most important individuals within our Clinical Technologies Engineering department. She is responsible for the Business Administration of our whole department and her work far exceeds the traditional responsibilities of someone with this job description. She has been an anchor and mentor helping to develop many team members whether they be our young woman and men as new employees as well as our experienced members in assisting them in developing new skills. She provides so many intangible contributions to the whole department with her steadfastness, positive disposition, patience, and dedication to our institution. A true example for the department, I cannot stress how important Lauren is to our continued success. Be it hiring and interviewing, working on brand new standards and practices, developing never thought of off the cuff ideas, which are not only for UCSF but also for the whole of the organizations in the state. Her budget management and training are provided to new managers as they develop into their new positions and roles. Working with project managers, vendors, UCSF customers, and integration ideas are just normal day to day for Lauren. Her willingness to participate and be involved with all aspects of the purchasing process and sharing during meetings to the departments outside of her scope is invaluable and brings the whole picture of the Clinical Technologies...
Nurse Practitioner, GU Medical Oncology, Misson Bay
Here is what Stephanie’s nominator had to say about her:
“Stephanie is hard-working and kind. She goes above and beyond for her colleagues and her patients. She exemplifies UCSF's values of patient-centered, evidence-based care, and I am proud to work with her."
Nominated by: Iva Colon
Stephanie's Bio:
Stephanie Feng is a nurse practitioner who cares for patients with genital or urinary cancers, such as prostate, kidney, or bladder cancers. With a profound passion for wellness and self-care, Stephanie is not only a strong advocate in her field but also a mentor who empowers women to discover their true passions and prioritize their well-being.
While earning her bachelor's degree in public health sciences at the University of California, Irvine, Feng discovered that she enjoyed population health (examining how to improve the health of communities) and caring for vulnerable groups. She earned a master's degree in nursing and completed her nurse practitioner training at Samuel Merritt University. Stephanie's deep-rooted belief in advancement of care, coupled with her love for the Bay Area's beauty, eventually brought her to UCSF, where she continues to contribute significantly to research efforts that evaluate new and innovative treatments for genital and urinary cancers.
Additionally, she is an advocate for informatics and is dedicated to enhancing clinical care workflows through advancing health care...
Neurosciences Improvement Specialist, Neurosciences Service Line, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Here is what Caroline’s nominator had to say about her:
“Caroline is an educator who brings a wealth of knowledge about a variety of topics such as autism, diversity and inclusion, education and improving systems that support those who work with patients. She is an accomplished problem solver who helps others to support those they work with including students, staff, and patients. During her career she has worked in a variety of settings to support those who are at risk and unable to support themselves. Caroline is also a mentor to many and helps others to understand their potential and strive to do their best work."
Nominated by: Karen Mixon-Martin
Caroline’s Bio:
I have an extended history of working in both the hospital/healthcare and education industries for over 25 years. I began my career in education as a Montessori teacher and supporting children at risk of trauma. These opportunities led me into wanting to expand my knowledge in these topics. Therefore, I obtained a dual bachelor’s in education and Child & Family Sciences with a concentration in Child Life Studies. The first job I obtained after graduating provided extensive opportunities to help individuals with neuro diversities and language limitations. I felt unprepared to support these populations although I held two degrees at the time. I then obtained a triple master’s in special education/Varying Disabilities with a concentration on autism...
Manager of Administrative Operations, UCSF Health, Cancer Services
Here is what Andrea’s nominator had to say about her:
Andrea was nominated for the Women of UCSF Health Spotlight by 11 colleagues: Diana Lu, Nihari Patel, Paula Chung, Jennifer Dille, Isidra Gomez, Sam Sandhu, Xueni Zhong, Lena Mouton, Cherie Adrian, Christa Sundberg, and Laurel Bray-Hanin. Some highlights from their comments:
“Andrea is simply Incredible. She is a real life superhero. She's hardworking, extremely intelligent, and relentlessly kind. her oversight is massive and yet she always makes time to help those who reach out to her. She's a "safe-place" - always there to listen and offer sound advice on even the most challenging of personnel issues. Over the last 6 years working with her in several capacities, I have watched her grow into a Director role and mentor her direct reports to be just as wonderful as herself! She has been the backbone of the Cancer Center- guiding us all through some pretty heavy times. I have enormous respect for this exceptional woman.”
- Isidra Gomez
“Andrea goes above and beyond every day in her role and supporting the staff in her department and all the Administrative Directors, Managers, and Supervisors in every department in the Cancer Center. She brings a professional and positive attitude to every situation, even in the most difficult scenarios. She always makes our new hires and everyone in the Cancer Center feel welcome and that they matter. She sends recognitions to her staff and others...
Join our Events Committee! Learn more below.
Purpose of Events Committee
The Events Team aims to increase engagement for UCSF staff, clinicians, learners, faculty and overall community for education, networking, organizing and promoting events across campuses and departments. We develop a events schedule and plan at the start of the year, and then work out details and implement the events throughout the year. Past events have included In-person roundtable networking events, fireside chat with Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, Catherine Lucey, and EVCP Executive Director, Clarice Estrada, panel discussion on Women’s Mental Health Resilience, Pelvic Health workshops, and Professional Profile Pictures at various UCSF campuses.
Frequency of meetings
The Events team meets via zoom for 25 minutes twice a month to organize and plan for upcoming events and/or review recent events. The team also attends the monthly virtual meetings of the larger Women of UCSF Health Committee. Meetings occur during work hours.
Time involvement
In addition to 1-2 hours of meetings each month, tasks specific to the Events Team may require additional time that varies during the year in order to execute event-related tasks (e.g. research, attend/host events). We ask members commit to 1 year (Oct-Oct) of service that may include in person or virtual participation.
Responsibilities may...