MEET OUR PROVIDERS

Cielito Blanco-Capistrano completed her Doctorate of Medicine at the Manila Central University in the Philippines where she also practiced as a medical physician for several years. She then completed her Masters of Science degree and Family Nurse Practitioner at Charles Drew University School of Nursing in Los Angeles, California. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a clinical instructor for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at California Baptist University. She works in conjunction with our physicians to enhance our team approach to patient care and is fluent in English and Tagalog.

Philosophy: “I am passionate about understanding the needs of each of my patients in order to help them manage their physical and emotional health. Each patient is a member of a family, and a member of a larger community with their own individual experiences, and my goal is to support each of my patient’s values and preferences throughout the clinical process.”

Lori Gallagher is a Registered Nurse. She earned her degree in 2011 and began her career working as a hospice nurse. From there, she moved to Palliative care in both the home and hospital setting. Lori enjoys working with the patients as well as families. She believes the key to a successful nurse/patient relationship is trust and works hard to build that rapport.

Philosophy: “My personal core values and beliefs as an individual are faith, kindness, honesty, persistence, lifelong learning and family. I believe that the core of nursing is caring, knowledge, integrity and trust. I strive to be the nurse I would want as a patient.”

Dr. Ivanova attended medical school at the Academy of Medicine in Sofia, Bulgaria. She completed her internship at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky and stayed at the university to complete her residency as well. She then earned a Geriatrics Fellowship at the University of California in Irvine, California. Dr. Ivanova speaks fluent English and Bulgarian. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine and is Board Qualified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Ivanova is also certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Benjamin Mahdi attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. He completed his Family Medicine internship and residency at the Eisenhower Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Benjamin T. Mahdi is Board Certified by the American Academy of Family Medicine.

Mariza Ramos graduated from Riverside Community College in 2003 from a Licensed Vocational Nurse Program. Mariza has years of experience working with geriatrics in various settings. Mariza’s main passion is nursing but she also enjoys hiking and spending time with her daughter. Mariza is continuing to pursue higher education by obtaining her RN BSN degree. She strives to provide the best nursing care and service to her patients.

Nestor J Sanchez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He earned his M.S. degree from California State University, Northridge and has focused his career on helping patients in underserved communities. Nestor has years of experience in Los Angeles and Riverside working with children, teenagers, elders, and families. He has assisted many who have dealt with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, family of origin issues, domestic violence and PTSD. Nestor utilizes a warm and personal approach to serve his clients and believes that therapy should be a collaborative process. Nestor believes in the power of self-awareness in helping individuals achieve an authentic, satisfying way of life. He hopes to provide a therapeutic experience that is enlightening and empowering to all patients.

Philosophy: “I believe that success in therapy is when a therapist “works themselves out of a job” which focuses on the value each session can have and the importance of finding resolution to return to the life each person deserves.”