I am originally from El Salvador, but my family and I moved to the United States when I was five years old. We emigrated during the civil war in El Salvador to seek a better future for my siblings and me. It was a challenging time, but the move was necessary for our safety and opportunities.

After settling in the United States and graduating from school, I began my career at the YMCA in West Phoenix. I was a Health and Fitness Coordinator for about eight years and had the opportunity to work with ASU’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention on a community health and wellness research program called, “¡Viva Maryvale!” While working on this program, I met someone who was very familiar with Mountain Park Health Center, and they encouraged me to join the team.

A Wonderful Career Discovery

It’s now been several years since I joined the team at Mountain Park as a promotora working alongside the registered dieticians at our Maryvale Clinic. Like the other teams at Mountain Park clinics, our program offers nutrition and exercise classes for people of all ages. I’ve discovered that my involvement in this program is really fulfilling, and it has boosted my interest in community health and wellness.

As a health and wellness promoter, or promotora, my work involves coordinating various health classes, like “Every Step Counts,” and other resources for our community. A typical day might include anything from assisting patients learning about their new continuous glucose monitors to participating in food distribution events. The latter is something we started during the pandemic and have continued due to the ongoing need in our community.

Working closely with patients, I’ve seen firsthand how our integrated healthcare model makes a difference. Patients often come for regular visits and end up benefiting from additional services like behavioral health support or nutrition counseling, all in one appointment! It’s rewarding to see how surprised they are to learn that these extra services are often included at low- or no-cost, making healthcare more accessible.

A Resident and Advocate of Maryvale

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and being part of the community where I grew up. Seeing how our neighborhood has evolved over the years, has strengthened my drive to support the area and my community. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is the connections I’ve built. Recently, a patient who experienced gestational diabetes came back to the clinic with her baby, thanking us for the support and care she received during her pregnancy. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

I hope more people in our community take advantage of the classes and resources we offer. There is so much valuable information that can help them manage and prevent conditions like diabetes, leading to healthier lives. My goal is to ensure that these benefits reach as many people as possible.