Achieving Better Health Together Since 2009

Sarah has worked for nonprofit organizations for over 25 years, engaging in advocacy, and serving people with disabilities and other marginalized communities. She gained her grassroots advocacy experience with The Arc of Maryland, supporting both families and people with disabilities to speak up and create needed change.  Most recently she was the Executive Director of Independence Now, a resource and advocacy center that promotes independent living and equal access for people of all ages with all types of disabilities living in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Leading Independence Now gave Sarah the opportunity to launch new programs, work on housing advocacy at the state and local level as well as continue valuable work in moving people from Nursing Facilities back to the community.  Sarah holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Sarah spends her free time raising two bold, smart, and social justice-driven teenagers as well as one extremely naughty chocolate lab. She is also very involved with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia.

Dr. Angeline Lazarus is a pulmonologist who became the Medical Director in 2022. Previous to this position, Dr. Lazarus served on the Board of MKHC, and also the Reach Board for many years.  She graduated from Madras University in Madurai, India before emmigrating to the U.S. where she completed her internship and residency, joined the United States Navy, and completed her fellowship in pulmonary and critical medicine at the National Naval Medical Center. After leaving the Navy at the rank of Captain, Dr. Lazarus continued academic practice at Walter Reed. She retired in 2019 and now practices as a volunteer physician. She is a Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) at Bethesda, MD and continues to be active in teaching. Dr. Lazarus received the  Jane F. Desforges Distinguished Teacher award from the American College of Physicians (ACP), James Leonard Teaching Excellence award from USUHS, and other teaching awards. She received her Mastership by the ACP.

Carmen is a seasoned administrative healthcare professional with a rich background in health care outreach and partner relations. In her role as Managing Director, she not only leads the administrative staff but also serves as a crucial liaison to the medical team, fostering collaboration and communication essential for providing comprehensive care. With an MBA in Management and a strong foundation in economic theory, Carmen brings a unique blend of analytical prowess and strategic acumen to her role. She excels in identifying opportunities for improvement, developing innovative solutions, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive sustainable growth and success.

Prior to joining MKHC, Carmen honed her skills at Adventist Healthcare, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the organization's mission to care for the medically underserved. Beyond her managerial duties, Carmen's community engagement builds strong relationships with local communities, government agencies, and healthcare partners alike. Carmen's financial acumen is instrumental in managing resources efficiently and securing funding through grants and donations to sustain operations and expand services. Originally from Venezuela, Carmen is fluent in both English and Spanish. Her diverse skill set, positions her as a dynamic leader who drives a positive change within the healthcare landscape.

Mark is a Nurse Practitioner at MKHC. He is originally from the Philippines and has worked as a registered Pharmacist in one of the country’s top hospitals. He migrated to the United States in 2008 where he transitioned to work as a nurse, gaining several years of experience in the emergency department and home health settings. His passion has always been in healthcare, so he obtained his family nurse practitioner degree in 2019 and has worked in multiple settings as a provider, including as a wound consultant and a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation consultant for several skilled nursing facilities. Mark is actively involved in his local religious ministry and is actively focused on helping poor children in the Philippines go to school. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and travelling. He also loves to stay active as he enjoys biking, hiking, playing pickleball and snowboarding in the winter.

Dany Montano is an internationally educated Registered Nurse with experience working in gynecology and obstetrics, pediatric, medical-surgical, and critical care units. She has worked in the US healthcare field for over 5 years, providing excellent patient care for people of all ages and backgrounds. At MKHC, she supervises all nurses and medical assistants, and ensures appropriate nursing coverage is available, develops policies and procedures to provide high quality care.

Reina is a Medical Assistant at MKHC, where she plays a vital role in both clinical care and front desk operations. With a strong focus on patient-centered service, Reina helps with clinic duties, administers medications and vaccines, assists with in-house procedures and labs, and provides patient education during discharge. In addition to clinical duties, Reina helps manage front desk responsibilities—scheduling appointments, coordinating lab visits, retrieving medical records, and responding to patient inquiries.

Ana Porquin joined MKHC in 2022. As a certified Medical Assistant, she is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. With a solid foundation in both administrative and clinical tasks, Ana excels in managing medical records, scheduling appointments, and assisting in examinations. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she also helps with translation during appointments to ensure better patient care.

Maria Duarte is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with over 20 years of management experience. Renowned for her hardworking attitude, exceptional organizational skills, and quick adaptability, she is trilingual in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Currently serving as a Front Desk Receptionist at MKHC, Maria expertly manages front desk operations, schedules appointments, and verifies patients’ eligibility for Montgomery Cares, Medicare, and Medicaid, while ensuring compassionate and professional patient care.

Vanessa joined the MKHC team in 2025. A very artistic person with a deep passion for art, dance, her interest in helping others began when her father suffered a cerebral stroke—seeing the compassion and dedication of medical professionals inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. She is truly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and continue striving to grow both personally and professionally every day.

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As a Patient Navigator at MKHC, Angel helps patients access the care and resources they need to live healthier lives. With a compassionate and solutions-focused approach, she guides individuals through the healthcare system—coordinating appointments, assisting with insurance and referrals, and connecting patients to vital community services.

Dr. Donna Perry is a retired pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist with a distinguished career in military and public health service. She served as Director of Adolescent Medicine at the National Naval Medical Hospital in Bethesda and later became Division Chief following the merger with Walter Reed Army Medical Center. From 1992 to 2002, she also directed the Triservices Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, providing care for military dependents. After retiring from the Navy, Dr. Perry spent nearly 13 years with Indian Health Services in Chinle, Arizona, where she served as Chief of Medical Staff and consultant for preventive medicine. Since returning to Rockville in 2015, she has served on the boards of the Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic and the Primary Care Coalition. Dr. Perry is active in Rockville United Church and enjoys traveling and fitness activities.

Judy Ackerman is the retired Vice President and Provost of the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College, where she also served as a professor of mathematics and dean during her distinguished career in higher education. Under her leadership, students supported Community Reach through initiatives such as winter coat drives and contributing artwork to the Clinic. Judy has served on the board of the Rockville Science Center and volunteered with organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Oasis. In retirement, she has pursued her passion for photography, often capturing moments at Reach events to help nonprofits tell their stories visually. She is also Co-President of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation. Judy lives in Bethesda with her husband, Michael, and enjoys visiting her children and grandchildren in Atlanta and Pittsburgh.

Ryan Bertoli is a research fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, focusing on leukemia. Originally from northwest Connecticut, he moved to Maryland in 2019 and began volunteering at the Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic to fulfill fellowship requirements and connect with the local community. Inspired by the clinic’s mission and the dedication of its team, Ryan significantly increased his volunteer hours. His contributions have had a meaningful impact on patients and deepened his own sense of purpose. In June 2022, he joined the MKHC Board to further support the medically underserved. Ryan continues to be an advocate for accessible, compassionate healthcare.

Rae Pearl Canizares brings over 40 years of teaching experience in diverse educational settings, beginning with Biblical Studies in rural Philippines in the 1970s. After moving to the United States in 1987, she taught at the Gifted Child Resources Center in Gaithersburg and held roles as a Montessori teacher, Red Cross instructor, TESOL educator, and homeschool teacher. Her community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Board of Commissioners for Rockville Housing Enterprises and volunteering extensively in Montgomery County Public Schools. She has coordinated fundraising efforts, led guidance volunteer programs, and advocated for educational equity. Rae Pearl is also a frequent speaker, organizer, and community advocate, known for her dedication to service and education. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering others through learning and civic engagement.

Dr. Van S. Hubbard is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized leader in clinical nutrition who spent nearly four decades at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), retiring from federal service in 2015 after serving as Director of the NIH Division of Nutrition Research Coordination and Associate Director for Nutritional Sciences at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Over his distinguished career, he held multiple leadership roles, including Senior Advisor on obesity to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and chaired the NIH Nutrition Coordinating Committee. A Rear Admiral and Assistant Surgeon General in the U.S. Public Health Service before transitioning to civilian service, he also contributed to military medicine through the establishment of a joint-service cystic fibrosis clinic at the National Naval Medical Center. Dr. Hubbard has been widely recognized for his service and scientific contributions, receiving numerous federal honors and prestigious awards from leading nutrition and medical societies. His research has focused on clinical nutrition, obesity, cystic fibrosis, and disease risk, and he continues to serve as Professor of Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

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Dr. Angeline Lazarus is a pulmonologist and the current Medical Director of the Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, a role she assumed in 2022. She previously served on the boards of both MKHC and Community Reach. A graduate of Madras University in India, she completed her medical training in the U.S., joined the Navy, and completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the National Naval Medical Center. After retiring as a Navy Captain, she continued her academic practice at Walter Reed and now volunteers as a physician. Dr. Lazarus is a Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and has received numerous teaching awards, including the Jane F. Desforges Distinguished Teacher Award and Mastership from the American College of Physicians. She remains active in medical education and mentorship.

Jackie Lobien is a retired RN and healthcare leader previously employed as the director of Capital Region Research (CAPRES) at Johns Hopkins University. She played a key role in developing CAPRES, which expanded research opportunities across the Johns Hopkins Community Hospitals. Jackie earned her BS in Nursing from Valparaiso University and is a Certified Research Professional. She remains active in professional organizations and participates in advocacy efforts with NAMI and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She is involved in her church, The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, where she serves on the Global Mission Team, the Parish Nursing Team, and the Mental Health Committee. In her free time, Jackie enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling.

Dr. Deborah Miller-Young is a New York native and a Rockville resident. She is a faculty member at the University of Maryland, School of Dentistry. She graduated from the dental school in 2004 and got her bachelors in Communications at University of Pennsylvania in 1998. Deborah brings knowledge of general dentistry and interprofessional healthcare, as well as community involvement with Washington Hebrew Congregation and two children in MCPS.

Susana Najera is a fellow at the FDA, researching the immunogenicity of gene therapy, with a long-standing commitment to healthcare and community service. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Cell/Molecular Biology and Spanish Literature from SDSU, and a double MS from Johns Hopkins University. Her academic journey has included research fellowships at Harvard Medical School and the NIH/NCI, focusing on mitochondrial disease and therapeutic small molecules. Susana joined MKHC in 2022, bringing over five years of experience as a certified medical interpreter in California and Maryland. She is an active member of the American Association for Cancer Research and a dedicated community volunteer. Her guiding principle is, “Quien no vive para servir, no sirve para vivir” (“Whoever’s purpose is not to serve, serves no purpose”).

Lourdes Parry is a seasoned healthcare and education professional with over two decades of experience in public health, clinical services, and quality improvement. She holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a medical degree with an OB/GYN specialty from top universities in Peru. Lourdes has led healthcare programs for underserved communities, notably serving as Senior Director of Healthcare Services at Catholic Charities DC, where she oversaw medical, dental, and specialist networks. In addition to her healthcare leadership, she teaches English as a Second Language to low-income immigrants, empowering them to advocate for themselves and navigate daily life with confidence. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Lourdes brings a deep commitment to equity, education, and culturally responsive care to her board service.

Kate Stradar, MBA, RN, is an experienced healthcare leader with over 30 years of clinical and business leadership. She currently serves as Associate Vice President at Adventist HealthCare, where she leads the Care Navigation program to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Previously, she held senior roles at CareFirst and Virginia Hospital Center and worked as a healthcare consultant with The Advisory Board Company. Kate began her clinical career in emergency departments at Children’s National Medical Center and The George Washington University Hospital. She holds a BS in Nursing from Georgetown University and an MBA from The George Washington University. Kate is active in her community and volunteers with the Department of Community and Human Services in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dr. Stephanie Kuhn Wright is a Professor Emerita at the George Washington University School of Nursing. Dr. Wright has combined a career in education with an active clinical career as a pediatric and family nurse practitioner. Dr. Wright has also worked internationally, coordinating a USAID-funded project for nurses in East Central Europe, as well as participating in projects in Eritrea, Equador, and Australia. She currently also serves as a volunteer nurse practitioner at the Kaseman Health Clinic.