Center for Elders’ Independence PACE East Oakland

I joined Center for Elders’ Independence as a social worker in spring 2012 and continue to treasure the richness and uniqueness of each participant under my care. I was thrilled to be promoted to Center Director in 2020 as I can have a more direct impact on the positive outcomes for our seniors.

The PACE healthcare model inspires me to do the best I can to contribute to the bettering our seniors’ lives. I serve as a bridge between the seniors and the social service system. The uniqueness of the PACE model inspires me as it covers every single aspect of their day-to-day life.

Born in Cuba, I earned my Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from Havana University. I moved to California in the beginning of the 1990s and immediately I found myself working in a variety of settings as an advocate and services manager for homeless youth and families. Inspired by the people I worked with, I decided to earn a Master’s in Social Work at California State University East Bay. After graduation, I worked with HIV positive, homeless youth in San Francisco and eventually moved to working directly with seniors at On Lok for five years as a social worker. While at On Lok, I fell in love with seniors while guiding them in group therapy sessions on spiritually, life purpose and meaning.

When I’m not working at the Center, I take pleasure in spending time at home with family and friends cooking Cuban specialties. I currently live in Berkeley and have my beloved Cuba, in my heart.