We Are Healthcare Pathway Advocates
At Healthcare Pathway Advocates we emerged from the pioneering work of Health Science Career Pathway Advocates, an ambitious initiative launched in 2019 under the leadership of Paul DeBaldo and Rick Damelio. Established to address the critical healthcare workforce gap in California’s Mother Lode Region, our organization has grown through the dedication of school and business leaders committed to transformative change. Today, we continue to expand our impact by creating and sustaining comprehensive health science career pathways—empowering students with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to pursue meaningful careers and strengthen the future of healthcare in our rural communities
Our Mission
To transform the future of rural healthcare by equipping and empowering students from underserved communities with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to launch successful allied health careers. We break down barriers, foster innovation, and build sustainable pathways that connect education to meaningful employment—creating a diverse, locally rooted healthcare workforce that strengthens our communities.
Our Vision
We envision thriving rural communities where every young person has the opportunity and support to pursue a fulfilling, high-impact career in healthcare. Through innovative partnerships, hands-on learning, and unwavering advocacy, we aim to become the leading model for building equitable, seamless pipelines from classroom to career—ensuring health, opportunity, and hope for generations to come.
Irene Espinoza, MA, Executive Leader in People Systems | DEI Strategist | Project Development Management Expert | Economic and Workforce Consultant
Irene Espinoza is an innovative leader with over 20 years of experience in workforce development, strategic partnerships, and program management. As Economic and Workforce Consultant for Health Science Career Pathway Advocates, she collaborates with educational institutions, employers, and community partners to design and implement scalable programs that align with the governor’s vision for technical advanced degree pathways and meet the evolving needs of the health science industry.
Irene’s expertise in building industry partnerships, integrating emerging technologies, and fostering youth career development has consistently resulted in increased job placements, enhanced program outcomes, and expanded opportunities for students.
With a strong background in organizational leadership and a passion for continuous improvement, Irene has led initiatives that improve operational efficiency, program effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Her commitment to bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce demands ensures that students are prepared for high-demand health science careers, while her leadership in staff development and change management supports sustainable growth and innovation within organizations.
Paul De Baldo, MBA
Retired Business and Market Developer
Paul is a retired Business and Market Developer, with decades of Accomplished Partnering in the US and European Markets. After receiving his Masters Degree (MBA), in 1962 at Michigan State University; Paul spent 15 years with IBM, in New York State..... in Sales, Product Development, and Market Creation.
In the late 70's he was asked to join IBM's new Subsidiary Satellite Business Systems to manage advanced digital markets and new business development. In this Context, his major role was to introduce Video Conferencing Technology in the US and Europe. In the 80's Paul was recruited to join a Start - Up Video product company in San Jose Ca. as VP Marketing & Sales for their digital Compression technology products.
Paul has chosen to leverage his Marketing and Partnering experiences, along with his Passion for Career Health Pathway Development for our 21st Century youth in California's Rural Mother lode region.
Rick Damelio, Retired Educator
Health Science Career Pathway Advocates, Founder
Rick Damelio is a native of the Boston, Massachusetts’s area and attended public schools K-12. He is a 1965 graduate of Salem State University, received his master’s degree in School Administration from Keene State University, Keene, NH in 1969. In 1989, he graduated from the University of San Francisco with a doctorate in School Leadership. Rick began his educational career as a classroom teacher and then became a school principal. For 15 years, he
was an elementary and middle school principal on both the East and West Coast.
In 1989 Rick was selected to be the Superintendent of Schools and served the San Mateo City School District in
that capacity for 12 years. In 2001, he joined the Bay Area School Reform Collaborative (BASRC) as Director of
School Reform. In this role, he worked with school district superintendents and school principals on the district
wide reform efforts and helped guide the work of school districts desiring to make system wide educational
changes.
In 2005, Rick became State Administrator for Vallejo City Unified School District. The bankrupt school district taken over by the state in 2005.
Get to know our Board Members
Lonnie Mills
Experiential Learning Expert
With over two decades of dedicated service as a nurse and a proven track record as an instructor in an Associate Degree in Nursing program, boasting an impressive 97% NCLEX pass rate. Lonnie brings unparalleled expertise across a wide spectrum of nursing specialties.
These include Critical Care, Medical-Surgical, Psychiatric, Cardiac, Respiratory, Nutritional, Pharmacological, and Immunological domains. She is passionate about empowering aspiring healthcare professionals, guiding them through the rewarding world of healthcare to unlock their highest potential and achieve lasting impact in their careers.
In her role as a leader in Experiential Learning, Lonnie upholds the utmost standards of quality and safety while excelling at orchestrating intricate logistical operations with seamless efficiency and meticulous attention to detail.
Above all, she remains steadfastly committed to fostering organizational excellence, driving growth, and inspiring teams through her deep well of knowledge and unwavering dedication.
Doug Archer
President & CEO/Dignity Health
Mark Twain Medical Center
Doug Archer leads Mark Twain Medical Center with a strong commitment to delivering compassionate, high quality health care to the communities of Calaveras County.
Under his leadership, the hospital continues to expand access to critical health services, foster innovation in rural care, and strengthen partnerships that support the well-being of local residents.
Doug’s focus on patient-centered care and community collaboration reflects Dignity Health’s mission to provide “human kindness” in every aspect of health care.
With decades of experience in hospital administration and community health development,
Doug has played an instrumental role in advancing rural health initiatives throughout the region. His leadership emphasizes sustainability, workforce development, and equitable access to care, ensuring that families in the Motherlode Region have the resources and support they need to live healthier lives.
Kimberly M. Brinkman
Director, Career Technical Education Patterson Unified School District
Kimberly M. Brinkman serves as the Director of Career Technical Education (CTE) at Patterson High School, where she is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful careers through hands-on learning and real world experience.
Her leadership has been instrumental in developing programs that connect classroom education with local industry needs, empowering students to explore pathways in health care, technology, and skilled trades.
With a deep passion for student success and workforce readiness, Kimberly fosters partnerships that bridge education and employment opportunities throughout the Central Valley.
She is committed to ensuring every student graduates with the skills, confidence, and professional connections needed to thrive in today’s evolving job market.
Michele Theisen
Workforce Development
Michele Theisen brings a wealth of experience and heartfelt dedication to our Board, blending professional expertise with a deep commitment to community and family. With a BS degree in Business, focused on Human Resources and Accounting,
Michele’s career spans nearly 15 years in public sector Workforce Development and close to a decade in accounting roles across both public and private sectors.Michele’s professional journey is matched by her devotion to supporting those around her.
Over the past ten years, she has prioritized caring for her family while also making a lasting impact through volunteerism. Michele has been an active presence in her son’s classroom, a dedicated participant and executive board member (1 year) of the PTA, and the steadfast scorekeeper for her daughter’s high school basketball team for four years.
Her unique blend of business acumen, public service, and hands-on community involvement exemplifies the spirit of leadership our organization values. We are honored to have Michele’s unwavering passion, experience, and commitment guiding our mission.
Ana Rowe
Bilingual Human Resources Administration and Operations
Ana Rowe brings over a decade of dynamic leadership in Human Resources (HR) administration and operations, with a strong emphasis on organizational efficiency, compliance, and employee engagement. Based in Modesto, California, Ana is a bilingual (English/Spanish) HR professional with extensive experience spanning healthcare, corporate, and franchise environments. Her expertise uniquely positions her to advocate for healthcare workforce development and operational excellence.
Ana’s career highlights include spearheading HR Information System (HRIS) implementations and upgrades, streamlining onboarding processes, and fostering workforce compliance. She has successfully supported cross-functional teams for organizations such as American Medical Response and Varni Brothers Corporation, where she has been instrumental in improving data integrity and enhancing employee relations. Ana's robust skill set encompasses payroll and benefits administration, workers' compensation management, recruitment, and employee training, ensuring all aspects of HR align with organizational goals.
Ana is particularly passionate about fostering workplace inclusivity and optimizing HR systems to elevate employee experiences. Her bilingual capabilities have allowed her to connect with diverse communities, furthering her impact within the organizations she serves. As a board member, Ana leverages her wealth of experience to champion the enhancement of healthcare pathways and advocate for the development of sustainable, people-centric solutions in the healthcare sector.
Ana holds an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Chabot College and remains committed to ongoing professional development. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with her strategic vision, makes her a vital asset in advancing healthcare workforce initiatives and inspiring systemic improvements.
Kristi Galapon
Student Services Coordinator and Staff Services Analyst for the California Department of Rehabilitation
Kristi Galapon is a dynamic and accomplished professional with over two decades of experience spanning government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Her extensive background in workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and community outreach uniquely positions her as a powerful advocate for healthcare pathways and career readiness programs.
Kristi currently serves as a Student Services Coordinator and Staff Services Analyst for the California Department of Rehabilitation. In this role, she coordinates and authorizes employment and vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, including high school and post-secondary students. Her work focuses on empowering students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans by teaching them critical employment, self-advocacy, and training skills to secure meaningful employment and thrive in the workforce.
Her prior experience includes serving as a Trade Act Specialist and Disabled Veterans Outreach Coordinator at the Employment Development Department, where she managed programs like the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and Youth Employment Opportunity Program (YEOP). Through these initiatives, Kristi developed and enforced state and federal policies, provided training and development, and led community outreach efforts to connect underserved populations with employment opportunities.
Kristi’s expertise extends beyond workforce development into areas such as strategic planning, program development, legislative relations, and leadership. She has a proven ability to design and implement impactful programs that address labor market trends, support economic growth, and promote equity in employment. Her career also includes roles in marketing, public relations, and community relations, showcasing her versatility and commitment to building strong networks that drive change.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies and an Associate’s degree in Child Development, Kristi’s education reflects her passion for advocacy, mentorship, and empowering individuals to achieve their potential. Her certifications, including Work Incentives Planning from Cornell University, further underscore her dedication to creating pathways for underserved and marginalized communities.
As a board member, Kristi brings her wealth of experience, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to advancing equitable access to healthcare pathways. Her leadership and advocacy make her a vital contributor to initiatives that inspire systemic change and create sustainable opportunities for future healthcare professionals.
Victoria Arellano
Student Services, Volunteer Service Coordinator at Mercy Medical Center, Merced – Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit Health
Victoria Arellano is a dedicated and highly skilled leader in volunteer coordination and workforce development, with a proven track record of strengthening healthcare programs and fostering community partnerships. Based in Merced, California, Victoria combines her background in healthcare volunteer management, human resources, and grant stewardship to make a meaningful impact on healthcare pathway advocacy and workforce readiness initiatives.
Currently serving as the Volunteer Services Coordinator at Mercy Medical Center, Merced – Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, Victoria oversees a robust team of over 200 active volunteers. In her role, she manages full-cycle onboarding, compliance documentation, and cross-departmental coordination to ensure adherence to hospital and regulatory standards. By identifying and implementing workflow improvements, she has enhanced both volunteer engagement and organizational efficiency. Her ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail has earned her recognition as a trusted liaison between volunteers and leadership teams.
With a solid foundation in program management, strategic planning, and policy development, Victoria has consistently demonstrated her ability to build sustainable, mission-aligned volunteer programs that enhance the patient experience while increasing organizational capacity. Her expertise in database management, HIPAA compliance, and infection prevention further underscores her commitment to maintaining excellence in healthcare operations.
Victoria also brings leadership experience from her service in the California Army National Guard, where she honed her skills in recruitment, human resources, and workforce readiness. Her military background, coupled with her Bachelor of Science in Management and Business Economics from the University of California, Merced, equips her with a unique perspective on leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration.
As a passionate advocate for healthcare pathways, Victoria leverages her experience to inspire systemic change, foster community partnerships, and develop talent pipelines that empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her dedication, expertise, and strategic vision make her a valuable asset to advancing healthcare workforce initiatives.
we value
We value education, community, diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
We believe
We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities.
we embrace
We embrace diversity and recognize the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings to the table.
we encourage
We encourage innovation and creativity in finding solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare industry.
We Believe
We believe that collaboration is essential to achieving our goals.