Resident Physician Profiles

Medical School: A.T. Still University

Hi! I'm Helen, and I grew up in San Gabriel, CA with my parents, sister, maternal grandparents, and 11 parakeets. I got my undergraduate degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies and completed my masters degree in Global Medicine at USC, before continuing on my medical journey at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. I am so thankful to have matched at Marian Regional Family Medicine's residency program because I immediately felt at home and welcomed by all the residents and faculty here. Before medical school, I taught piano with my sister to a combined 60+ students and volunteered in the local nursing home that my grandpa stayed in his last months of life, and from those experiences I developed a love for creating meaningful connections with families and people of all ages, from young kids to seniors who have lived unique walks of life. Family medicine was a natural choice for me as I hope to continue building life-long relationships with people. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, movie nights, game nights, watching live theater productions, singing in choir, and spending quality time with family and friends!

Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hello! My name is Shirley, and I grew up in Arcadia, California. I studied Physiological Sciences at UCLA and obtained my medical degree at Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. During my time in undergrad, I found the human body fascinating and was amazed at the interconnectedness among the body, mind, and the environment. This led my journey to an osteopathic medical school, and I was grateful to have been chosen as one of the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Scholar/Fellow at Midwestern, where I was able to enhance osteopathic skills through clinical practice, teaching fellow students, and research. I am drawn to family medicine because you get to be the patient’s first defense while maintaining the human component at the core. My current interests in family medicine are OMM, dermatology, and integrative medicine. During my free time, I love to go outdoors for an endorphin-surged run overlooking the ocean, explore new trails, and cuddle with my animals!

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)

Hi everyone! My name is Alexis and I was born and raised in Orange County, California. I attended UC Irvine for undergrad and WesternU in Pomona for medical school, and am incredibly excited to now explore the beautiful central coast! I chose a career in family medicine because of the unique opportunity to stand by my patients' sides through every stage of life and the ability to create a lasting bond. I like to say that family medicine is not only about treating every member of a family, but also about becoming part of a family with our patients, and that is exactly the type of experience that Marian Family Medicine offers me. My career interests include mental health, preventative medicine, and overall holistic care for my patients. In my free time, you can find me at the beach, dancing my heart out, exploring new places, or baking for my wonderful Marian family!

Medical School: Michigan State University

Hi, my name is Alex and I grew up near Detroit, MI with my family and my retired racing greyhound, Coach. I received my undergraduate degree in Human Biology from Michigan State and my Osteopathic medical degree also from MSU. I am enthused to become part of the Marian Family Medicine family and look forward to making connections with the Santa Maria community. Family Medicine is a perfect fit for me because it provides the opportunity to care for people of all ages and to build lifetime relationships with families from all walks of life. I look forward to exploring the fields of Integrative Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulation therapy, and Preventative Medicine to develop ways to support the long term health care of my patients. In my spare time, I like to play and watch basketball, go to the beach, and enjoy all the great outdoor activities which Central California has to offer.

Medical School: Chicago Medical School

Hello! My name is Nicole, but most people call me Nikki. I was born just outside of Chicago, Illinois before my family found their way to sunny San Diego, California where I grew up. I received my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from UCLA, my masters degree in Medical Sciences from Boston University, and my medical degree from Chicago Medical School. After a few too many snowy winters, I'm so excited to finally call the beautiful Central Coast home! What I love about family medicine is that it gives me the chance to create long lasting relationships with my patients as we navigate their health journey together. In my free time, I can be found spending time with my family, exploring new parts of town, and testing my skills on DIY projects around the house.

Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno

Hello! I studied biology at Oregon State University-Cascades before attending University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. I chose family medicine because of the variety and the unique long-lasting connections with patients of all ages. In my down time I love being out in nature backpacking, rock-climbing, paragliding, hiking, surfing, yoga, painting, playing piano, baking, eating and spending time with my adorable pup. I'm excited to be here and look forward to partnering in your healthcare!

Medical School: Chicago Medical School

Hello, I'm Katrina. I studied Biology and Literature at UC San Diego and completed my master's and medical degrees at Chicago Medical School. I chose Family Medicine because I am passionate about preventative medicine, health education, and providing evidence-based care. My career interests include geriatric and academic medicine. My hobbies revolve around dance, books, travel, graphic design, and my 2 cats.

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Greetings! My name is Jennifer, but most people call me Jen. I grew up in Southern California, went to medical school in Colorado, and am so happy to now call the Central Coast my home. There were many things that drew me to the Family Medicine residency program here at Marian Regional Medical Center but among the most important are: the supportive learning environment, diverse patient population, unique pathology, and family-like atmosphere. We challenge and push each other to grow and learn new things every day. Outside of work I love outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and going to the beach.

Medical School: University of Florida

Hi! I'm Reagan--a transplant to the Central Coast after growing up and attending undergrad and med school in Florida. My passions are for integrative medicine, lifestyle and preventive medicine, providing holistic care for my family medicine patients, and promoting wellness for health care professionals. Along that path, I've also been a yoga teacher and done lifestyle coach trainings and am the first MD resident at Marian to join the Osteopathic Manipulation Track. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exercising, yoga, water sports, cooking, and music. 

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth

Hello everyone, my name is Andrea Omonte! I was born in La Paz, Bolivia but grew up just outside of Washington DC in Falls Church, VA. I studied in Southern California for undergrad at Pomona College and attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. My interests within family medicine include community/global medicine, maternal-child well-being, improving access to care for underserved populations and mentorship. In my time off, I enjoy spending as much time as possible in the outdoors and you can find me exploring hiking trails with my dog, swimming, going to the beach, and traveling to different places.

Medical School: Pacific Northwest University

My name is Thomas Rehder and I was born and raised right here in the Central Coast - my hometown being Nipomo and having attended St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria. I went to University of California, Merced for undergraduate education and attended Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, WA for medical school. My interests include Sports Medicine, diagnostic and procedural ultrasound, and LGBTQ+ health. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, kayaking, and camping.

Medical School: Touro University

Greetings! My name is Anthony, and I attended medical school at Touro University in Vallejo, California. Although I grew up in the Bay Area, I also spent some time living in the mid-west and in southern California. I am very excited to now call the beautiful Central Coast my home. I am passionate about pediatrics, geriatrics, and preventative medicine. One of my favorite quotes is from a Navy Seal named David Goggins who once said, “It’s not about what you do. It’s about the conditions that you do it in.”

Medical School: Western University of the Health Sciences (WesternU)

Good day everyone - I am a California native originally from the SoCal area, but now happily living in SLOcal! I pursued an undergrad education in Neuroscience at UCLA and followed my path to becoming a physician at WesternU. During my time in medical school, I applied and was chosen to complete a Pre-Doctoral Teaching Fellowship in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM). The additional year allowed me to take a deep dive into osteopathic care and teach the hands-on medicine I plan to offer my patients. My passion for family medicine stems from the truly holistic nature of the field, the physician's ability to stand side-by-side with a patient through the years, and ultimately develop a relationship that will last a lifetime!

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences

Hi everyone, I’m Derin. I grew up in Huntington Beach, California and Istanbul, Turkey and went to undergrad at UC Irvine, majoring in political science. After completing a pre-med post-bacc program, I went to medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. I enjoy family medicine because of the broad scope of practice and the ability to establish long-term relationships with people of all ages. In my free time, I enjoy reading, photography, and all-things related to aviation.

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)

Prior to becoming a physician, I was thriving in a career as an Outcome Analyst for Stanford Healthcare and as adjunct faculty for San Jose State University. Making a choice to make a major career change to pursue medicine has been challenging, but rewarding in so many ways. I chose to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine because of the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine skill set that I would be able to use to help my patients heal. I chose to come to MRMC for my residency because of the culture of collaboration and respect, their Osteopathic Recognition, and their integrative medicine track. I felt that my skills as a physician would become well-rounded and well-honed through my training here. I am passionate about helping people achieve their optimal health and find their voice. I believe that building health partnerships with patients is a powerful tool to improve lives. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, five children, and three dogs. I love being near the ocean and the beautiful hiking trails all around us in the central coast.

Medical School: Loyola Medical School

I grew up in Santa Paula, California, two hours south of Santa Maria. I attended Thomas Aquinas College, where I met my wonderful wife, Francesca. Between undergrad and med-school I worked a number of jobs: construction, beach lifeguarding, football referee, medical scribe, and wilderness EMT. Then in 2015, my wife and I and our two children moved to Chicago to attend Loyola Medical School, and when we came back to California in 2019, we brought a third child with us! I love the variety I see working in Family Medicine, and in my off time I enjoy bike riding, surfing, spearfishing, SCUBA diving, camping, painting, playing guitar, motorcycling, reading, building model airplanes, board games, carpentry, and family time.

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)

Hello! My name is Kathy and I am from Fremont, California. I was born in China and immigrated to the Bay Area with my parents when I was 10 years old. I completed my undergrad at UC Berkeley and medical school at WesternU in Pomona. I am very grateful to be a part of this residency program with such supportive staff, faculty, and residents. My area of interest include geriatric care, preventative medicine, mental health, and integrative medicine. During my free time, I love hanging out with my cat Waffle, spending time with friends and family, and being a big foodie. I am really enjoying the central coast; the weather and scenery is just unbeatable!  

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU)

Hello and welcome to our residency program! I was born and raised in San Jose, CA. I attended UC San Diego for undergrad and Western University in Pomona for medical school. I am passionate about underserved medicine and making a lasting impact on the community. During my free time, I like to play video games/board games, build model kits, and try out new restaurants. The Central Coast has been an awesome place to live with amazing weather and tons of fun activities!

Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Hi! I’m a Central Coast transplant originally from Cleveland, OH. I went to Case Western Reserve University for my undergraduate degree and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for medical school. I choose family medicine because it gives you the opportunity to do a little bit of everything and pursue what you are truly passionate about.  I am specifically interested in the intersection of social justice, underserved medicine, and how we as doctors can advocate for our patients. I am really enjoying the beautiful Central Coast weather and easy access to ocean. Marian has been a great place to balance my career aspirations and my overall well-being.