Our Staff

Samantha Barron
Samantha (Sam) is the Valley Natural Health Program Coordinator, responsible for the daily operations, strategic coordination and integrity of the continuum of care for the patients she serves. Sam is a graduate of Clovis High School, she earned her Medical Assistant certification with on-the-job training and holds a CNA certificate from Reedley college and entered the medical field over 10 years ago. Sam is proud that the majority of her knowledge is learned in the field or self taught through extensive research and mentorship, she never stops learning and teaching others. Sam is an outdoors person and has been playing soccer since she was six, she also enjoys cycling and playing a variety of other sports.

Kristina Kawahata
Kristina (Tina) is a registered nurse (RN). Tina can be seen around the office coordinating with patients, helping other team members, assisting Dr. Patel in delivering a quality and depth of care hard to find elsewhere, and always greets everyone with a smile. Prior to working at  Valley Natural Health, Tina worked for Community Regional Medical Center in the emergency department and consulted for a special needs facility. When she isn’t at Valley Natural Health Tina enjoys cooking, exercising but most of all, playing soccer. If she has the time, Tina loves the great outdoors and seeing new things with her family (she has a twin sister!) like camping and traveling.

Alma Garcia, LVN
Nurse
Alma is a Licensed Vocational Nurse, and earned her degree from Clovis Adult School; she also holds a degree in biological sciences from reedley college. Prior to working for Valley Natural Health Alma was Medical Support Staff at First Steps Recovery center. Alma says her greatest passion is her son, her family and helping others. As the youngest of 8 siblings Alma loves being around a big family, spending time and travelling with them. When she isn’t at work she can be found playing soccer, hiking, running and weight lifting.

Telina Mena
Medical Assistant
Telina is a certified Medical Assistant and has a background in customer service which helps her attention to patients and their needs. Telina, her pup and her spouse love to go hiking or camping, anything outdoors. This year Telina made a new year resolution to learn the ukulele and has been practicing her chords!

Jackie Davidson 
Medical Assistant
If Jackie isn't spending quality family time on weekends, she's pursuing her passions of running and exercising. She might also be cooking up something fantastic, whether it's for a family get-together, a holiday, or maybe just for an evening meal. Jackie has an Associates Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and was a medical assistant at My Time Recovery before joining Valley Natural Health.

Angelita is the first smiling face patients see when they come to Valley Natural Health. She is vocationally trained at Cesar Chavez Adult School and worked in primary care before coming to Valley Natural Health. Angelita enjoys traveling and checking out the local yard sales and swap meets on the weekends. Angelita is always opening up her home to friends and family, cooking for them and hosting events.

Ashley Encizo
Medical Assistant
Ashley came to Valley Natural Health after working in Occupational Medicine. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology from UC Davis and is currently a BSN student. Ashley is a dog lover (she has two German Shepherds) and loves to snowboard. To top it off, Ashley is ambidextrous!

Victoria Hernandez
LVN
Victoria is a trained and certified licensed vocational nurse  (LVN) with and AS as a medical assistant. She does everything from take your blood pressure to assess your needs before you meet with Dr. Patel. Before coming on at Valley Natural Health, Victoria worked for B-Alive Vitamins. She loves spending quality time with family and relaxing at the coast. Victoria is a happy and calming face at Valley Natural Health, always ready to answer your questions and make you feel right at home.

Daniela
Medical Assistant / Receptionist
As receptionist and medical assistant, Daniela is the smiling face that will greet you when you first arrive and help you get settled before seeing Dr. Patel - she does it all, always willing to help. She received her medical assistant certification and high school diploma from local organizations and is the busy mother of two girls. She enjoys traveling and seeing new sights. Before joining the Valley Natural Health team, Daniela worked in  customer service for a trucking company.

Natalie Aguilera 

Neurofeedback Technician
Natalie is another face of Valley Natural Health, one you will see the moment you walk in to the door. She is currently in school, soon to be a psychology major and was previously a patient transporter  at Saint Agnes Medical Center. Natalie can be found playing slow pitch softball on the weekends, visiting family or at the bookstore. Writing is one of her hobbies and she is currently writing a poetry book. 

Carrie Anderson, LMFT 114740
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 
Carrie is a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a masters of science in counseling and marriage and family therapy. Carrie believes strongly in using a  humanistic approach and helping others. She currently also works at Exodus Recovery, a crisis stabilization center for both minors and adults, and prior to Valley Natural Health she worked for the  County of Fresno, Department of Behavioral Health. When Carrie isn’t helping others she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and mother. Carrie has many talents including being able to play the French horn, and  was a part of her high school marching band.

Rosemary Lozano
Human Resources Manager 
Rosemary is a graduate of Fresno City College with an Associate of Science Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Social Work. She also possesses a Professional in Human Resources Certification from University of Phoenix. Before coming to Valley Natural Health, Rosemary was the office manager for The Vernal Group. Football is one of her passions, and she loves attending NFL games. Rosemary also loves reading, traveling, and spending time at the beach. One of her main loves is meeting new people.

Alicia Rodriguez
Registered Dietitian 
Alicia fills a very important position as our Registered Dietitian, since keeping our patients healthy through proper diet and nutrition is an integral part of our approach to natural health.  Alicia holds a a Bachelors in Food and Nutrition along with a certificate of advanced studies in Diabetics from Fresno State University. She is also a Certified Diabetes Educator through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. Alicia is an avid hiker and backpacker, she thoroughly enjoys spending the Summer months in the sunny outdoors. A few years ago, she even climbed Mt. Whitney!