BAIHP STAFF
Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) is a Public Health Case Management and Referral Program that focuses on improving the access and utilization of quality health care services for the urban American Indian population of Bakersfield, California. Our Team is committed to this purpose.
Johnny Delgado
Human Resource Associate/Administrative Assistant
M. Angel Galvez, BS, MAOL
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Mr. Angel Galvez was born and raised in Woodville Labor Camp, California. He has worked in the Indian health field with a vision of serving everyone with dignity and respect, starting as Chief Operating Officer for the Tule River Indian Health Clinic-Tule Reservation, and eventually serving as the CEO of the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project. Angel’s impeccable background in finances, leadership, management and development; his well-rounded experience in organizational oversight and accountability, has prepared him to bring parity to the unserved and underserved population. Angel earned a Master in Administration Organizational Leadership degree from Fresno Pacific University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology with an emphasis in Victimology. Angel is married, has three children; two daughters and a son. The family loves to participate in church, involved in youth sports and activities, serves on boards, and community.
Rhonda Garone, AMFT (Choctaw)
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. Rhonda graduated with her Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy.
Donna Cubit
Substance Use Disorder Counselor II (CADCII)
Donna attended California State University Bakersfield Extended Studies to earn her credential in Alcohol and Substance Use Counseling. She has been working in the helping field for over 20 years.
She is the first generation Californian most all of her ancestors are from Arkansas; she comes from a long history of farming. Hard work is in her blood. Father’s family includes Cherokee/Choctaw/Creek Tribes Mother is of German and Irish descents. Donna enjoys her family, traveling, gardening, cooking and camping.
Monique Simmer
Youth Coordinator
Monique was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She has worked in the Indian community for over 13 years, starting as an Administrative Assistant for Owens Valley Career Development Center’s Vocational Education Department, Tribal TANF, and Family Literacy programs. She recently joined the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project Team as the Youth Coordinator and Community Health Representative. Monique is an enrolled tribal member of the Chalon Indian Nation, currently serving as the Vice Chairperson of the Tribal Council. The Chalon Indian Nation are descendants of the Chalon and Esselen survivors of Mission Soledad. Their traditional homelands encompass significant portions of Monterey and San Benito counties, including all of the present-day Pinnacles National Park. Monique is married, has three grown daughters and two young grandchildren, that she loves to watch playing soccer.
Carrie Smith
Public Health Nurse
Carrie was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She is of Cherokee and Choctaw descent. She graduated from California State University Bakersfield and began nursing career in hospital ICU work then moving on the Public Health Nursing where she worked for 15 years. It was during this time she obtained her Certification as a Lactation Consultant and worked extensively with first time parents. She has worked at Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) as the Medical Department lead for 12 years. Carrie’s focus at BAIHP is that all people receive the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental support in a respectful manner that will lead to optimal well-being for our Native community. She loves to travel and is passionate about spending time with her family, her mother, son, and four beautiful grandchildren.
Brenda Renteria
Data Coordinator
Brenda was born in Los Angeles, California she moved to Bakersfield when she was twelve. She has worked in the Indian health field for over 5 years. She is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and is fluent in her native language Spanish. Outside of the office, Brenda enjoys spending time with her four kids, and fiance. Once they tie the knot, together they will have seven children. On Monday nights you can catch them watching her favorite football team the Dallas Cowboys.
Ventura Ruiz
Registrar
Ventura was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She has worked in the Indian Health field for over 14 years. Ventura is an enrolled member of the Tejon Tribe. Ventura is married, and has 3 children.
Jessica Valero
Receptionist
Jessica began her time here at BAIHP as a volunteer. Being born and raised in Bakersfield, she is passionate about helping out the community. Her position here at BAIHP allows her to have one on one time with our clients to better understand and meet their needs. She has just begun her journey in servicing the Native American Community. On her free time she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures.
Penny Stuck, BS
Bookkeeper
Penny has over 20 years of experience in Bookkeeping / Accounting field. Penny has a bachelor in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She has been with BAIHP since January 2012. Penny has had the honor of having learned so much about the Native Communities since she has been working for BAIHP. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with friends and family, reading, dancing, hiking and spending time in the mountains or at the beach.
Sarah Gilani
Finance Assistant
Sarah was born in Bakersfield, California. She has been with BAIHP since June 2019. She has two associates’ degrees in accounting, as well as business administration. She plans to continue her education at California State University Bakersfield. Sarah is married, has four young daughters. She likes to cook, hike, and travel.
Johnny Delgado
Staff
Johnny was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. He has years of administrative experience with a focus in Human Resources. Johnny is married and has 2 boys and 2 girls, his wife and children are Paiute. Johnny joined the BAIHP team to honor the culture of his wife and kids by helping the BAIHP team provide services to the Native community. In his free time Johnny likes to do puzzles, listen to music, and read. His favorite books are Plato’s Republic, The Four Agreements, and The Samson Syndrome.
Laura Juarez
BAIHP Board
Laura Juarez has over two decades of experience working at several Kern County Departments including Public Defender, Child Support Services, Juvenile Probation, and the District Attorney’s Office. Presently, she is employed with the Kern County Aging and Adult Services Department as a Senior Office Services Specialist and provides services to our aging seniors and persons with disabilities. Laura has experience in project management, project coordination, supervision, fundraising, and event planning. In her current capacity, she works closely with the Director and members of the Kern County Commission on Aging, and the In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee. She is also a California Notary Public. Laura has done voiceover work for “The Kids Count Show,” produced by Kern County Child Support Services, and was selected to serve on Child Support’s Steering Committee. Laura was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. She graduated from a private high school, and attended Bakersfield College where she studied Administration of Justice. Laura is an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation (Nʉmʉnʉʉ). Laura always strives to be open and receptive to new ideas and enjoys sharing resources with others for the betterment of our community, especially for our children and elders. One of her favorite sayings is “Many hands make light work.”
Pam Keller
Diabetes Coordinator
Pam was born in Illinois but moved to California with her family when she was three years old. She has lineage in the Blackfoot Tribe. She began her nursing career after graduating from California State University Bakersfield. After graduation she worked the medical/surgical floor in the hospital and then home health care in the Fresno, California area. She switched to Public Health Nursing in Kern County and found her passion there where she remained for twenty years. She loves to cook and is excited to be a part of the Bakersfield American Indian Health project as the Diabetes Coordinator.