KAdua Internship and Associate Program

KAdua Internship Program

[KAdua internship description here]

KAdua Associate Program

[KAdua associate program description here]

FMHI-SF Clinical Programming Team

Alexis A. David

Director of Clinical Programming & Mental Health Internships

Judith Lucia
I. Albano

FMHI-SF Clinical Supervisor

Erin Mausisa Bolick

Group Clinical Supervisor,
SFUSD Partner

Geraldine Punzalan

Individual Clinical Supervisor, SFUSD Partner

FMHI-SF Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Associates

Rachel Lastimosa

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Expressive Arts Therapist

Raju Desai

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Jessica Ponce

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

FMHI-SF Interns

Aura Sule

Jasmine Congress

Karen Mukai

Noelle Trinidad Taylor

Riss Myung

SFUSD SIT Specialized Filipinx Interns

Kristin Allyson Lim

Nate Chomel

Patricia Chiu

FMHI-SF Clinical Supervising Team

Languages Spoken: English, Basic Filipino
Affiliations: Kababayan SFUSD; Amado Khaya Initiative

Alexis A. David, LCSW, PPS (she/her/siya)

Director of Clinical Programming & Mental Health Internships
[email protected]

Alexis A. David (she/her/siya) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working as a Clinical Supervisor in San Francisco Unified School District. She has a private practice in clinical supervision and consultation supporting BIPOC clinicians. She is a daughter of immigrants from Tarlac and Batangas, Philippines. Alexis was born and raised in Yelamu, Ramaytush Ohlone Territory. She is a mother to three brilliant beings. She is an alumni of San Francisco State University for both her Masters in Social Work (MSW) and undergraduate studies in Asian American Studies and Criminal Justice. She has worked in various capacities in Education through school social work; crisis and mental health consultation; teaching Ethnic Studies and Filipinx/a/o Studies; working with youth and families in foster care and youth impacted in the juvenile justice system; youth substance abuse treatment and prevention; youth development and community organizing.

Alexis is one of the founding members of the Filipino Mental Health Initiative-San Francisco (FMHI-SF) launched in 2012 and leading therapeutic programming to the community in the SF Bay area. In 2023, Alexis joined the Amado Khaya Initiative Advisory Board to support the legacy of community organizing and activism from the late Amado Khaya Canham Rodriguez. Alexis believes that promoting mental and community wellness in the Filipinx community creates access points to collective healing and lays pathways of compassion for ourselves and one another.

Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog (Understands Fluently)

Judith Lucia I. Albano (she/her)

FMHI-SF Clinical Supervisor
[email protected]

Judith Lucia I. Albano, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 13 years of experience supporting individuals navigating their mental health wellness.

As a Filipina therapist and the child of immigrant parents, Judith brings an understanding of the cultural dynamics that can shape how mental health is experienced, talked about, and supported. She is especially attuned to the impact of family relationships and the ways parent–child dynamics and intergenerational patterns can continue to show up over time.

In her role as a clinical supervisor, Judith values creating a space where clinicians feel supported in their growth and able to reflect more deeply on their work. She approaches supervision with curiosity and collaboration, and supports clinicians in building confidence, developing their clinical voice, and deepening their understanding of the therapeutic process.

Judith currently maintains a private practice in San Francisco and San Mateo and is certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Affiliations: San Francisco Unified School District; Kababayan

Erin Mausisa Bolick, ASW (she/her)

Group Clinical Supervisor, SFUSD Partner
[email protected]

Erin is mixed with Filipina and white. Her mom was born in Manila, Philippines and her father is from New Jersey. Erin’s mother immigrated to San Francisco with her older sister when she was six years old, being separated from her mother for several years.

Erin grew up with the Filipina side of her family in their family’s house in Haight Ashbury. Starting at the age of twelve Erin suffered the loss of three young tragic deaths in her family in a span of four years, including one suicide. Being raised in a Filipino Catholic family and trying to heal from the impacts of young death, and specifically suicide, brought Erin years of pain. It was the process grieving and healing from the loss by suicide, along with her work with children and their famlies that led her to move into the mental health profession.

After eleven years as a classroom teacher in both elementary and high school, Erin began her journey towards becoming a therapist when she made a transition into Restorative Practice, working with the Social Worker in the School Wellness Center. Erin found the need to be part of leading and creating healthy and restorative school communities, which became a passion of hers. Her professional and personal experience influenced her decision to return to grad school to complete her Masters in School Social Work. Erin is starting her nineteenth year in San Francisco Unified School District. This is her third year as a School Social Worker.

I was raised around a lot of religion and spiritual influences. My father is a Buddhist and my Lola, a devout Catholic. My Lola was a widow, single mother, and immigrant before she turned forty. She also lost three children of her own. Death was a big part of her young life. Like my Lola, death was and is a big part of my life. Growing up I lived in my Lola’s home, where she kept many altars all over her house. Stories of the dead, and keeping them alive were part of my childhood. I have incorporated these practices into my mental health work.

I found Aztec dance when my Lola died in 1998, and I have taken that on as my spirituality and “church.” In addition to my dance prayer I found my own healing through different somatic modalities; therapy, yoga, copal, altars, story telling, and working with youth and families. I believe that there are many non-traditional modalities of therapy that can be incorporated with talk therapy. Connecting with our ancestors, and building on our strengths and personal experiences through these modalities can be one way to start healing and creating a stronger sense of self.

Languages Spoken: English
Affiliations: San Francisco Unified School District

Geraldine Punzalan, ASW

Individual Clinical Supervisor, SFUSD Partner
[email protected]

Born and raised in the Avenues aka the Sunset District until I was 12, I went to Ulloa ES and AP Giannini MS before moving to Daly City and continued at Ben Franklin MS and went to Westmoor HS. I am a 2nd generation child of immigrant parents from Batangas, PI and the youngest of 3 siblings. I will always be an SF Giants fan, I love pretty much anything ube. I am a proud Pinay School Social Worker, and this is my 10th year working in SFUSD. I am also navigating life as a wife and mom of two small but fierce pinay warriors growing up in these wild times!

FMHI-SF Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Associates

Languages Spoken: English, minimal Ilokano and Tagalog
Affiliations: AGASAN

Rachel Lastimosa (she/they/siya)

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Expressive Arts Therapist
[email protected]

Rachel is a second generation Pinay with Ilokano, Kalinga and Ifugao roots. With a concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy, she utilizes different creative modalities to support therapeutic processes. Rachel's approach is person centered, trauma informed, multicultural and collaborative. They integrate cultural humility in their practice and create a therapeutic space that is based on consent, where you are the expert in your life. They use polyvagal and somatic techniques for an embodied connection to thoughts and feelings, specializing in Narrative Therapy.

Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog, Spanish
Affiliations: CAMFT

Raju Desai (he/they/siya)

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
[email protected]

Raju (he/they/siya) is a second-generation Indipino American with ancestral ties to Cavite and Batangas. He is an educator and emerging therapist committed to healing justice and cultural liberation. For over a decade, his work has centered on co-creating spaces with BIPOC, immigrant, foster, and LGBTQ+ youth to reclaim voice, belonging, and possibility in the face of systemic inequities.

Born and raised in the Excelsior District of San Francisco, Raju’s lived experiences with family migration, community displacement, and educational inequities inform his commitment to walking alongside others as they navigate trauma, identity, and life transitions.

He got his Master’s in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University, and seeks to bridge scholarship, practice, and community healing—guided by kapwa, relationality, and collective liberation. Outside of therapy, he finds joy in cultural rituals, dance, music, storytelling, and spending time with family, community, and the natural world.

His therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and liberation-centered—honoring how colonization, systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, and migration histories shape our stories and sense of self. Drawing from Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Liberation Psychology, he supports clients in re-authoring their lives through storytelling, ancestral connection, and practices of collective care. He integrates research on educational equity, identity development, and community resilience into his lens, offering space where grief, joy, survival, and transformation can coexist.

What it’s like to work with me: In our sessions, my goal is to create a space where you feel grounded, affirmed, and free to bring your whole self. I don’t see therapy as me “fixing” you—I see it as us walking together through the layers of your story. I’ll bring warmth, humor, and deep listening, along with a willingness to sit with pain, complexity, and uncertainty. I’ll also invite us to notice the strengths, cultural wisdoms, and community practices that can support your healing. Many clients describe my style as collaborative, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Whether you’re working through trauma, identity questions, life transitions, or simply looking for a place to rest and be seen, I’ll hold space for all parts of you to arrive.

Languages Spoken: English

Jessica Ponce (she/her)

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
[email protected]

I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, identity development, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the complexities of balancing culture, family expectations, and personal growth. As a first-generation Filipino and Vietnamese American Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about creating an affirming and culturally responsive space for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI), and other historically underserved communities.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in the belief that every client’s story is shaped by their relationships, culture, and lived experiences. Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years in nonprofit leadership and community mental health, developing culturally grounded wellness programs, advocating for equitable access to mental health resources, and supporting diverse communities throughout San Francisco. These experiences continue to guide my commitment to providing compassionate care that honors each client’s unique journey.

As a former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I student-athlete, I understand the pressures of balancing performance, academics, personal expectations, and well-being. This experience informs my work with athletes, high achievers, and individuals navigating burnout, perfectionism, identity exploration, and major life transitions. Whether you are working through stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, family dynamics, trauma, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I aim to provide a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

FMHI-SF Interns

Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog
Affiliations: University of San Francisco

Aura Sule (she/her)

[email protected]

I came to the U.S. as a first-generation immigrant when I was 15. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education from SF State. I began my teaching career in 2000 and have held different roles since then. As an educator, working with students and their families has always been fulfilling for me, but I’ve always felt a strong connection to the mental health field. Now that I’m in a position to pursue this passion, I’m back at school, at the University of San Francisco, as a graduate student in Counseling Psychology.

I’m eager to leverage my background as an Educator, and now, as a Clinical Counselor, combining my skills and experience to stay involved in the school system and also in clinical settings like community mental health clinics and hospitals.

Education is a significant part of who I am, but I’ve always seen myself as a “student of life.” Learning isn’t confined to the classroom; our experiences mold our identities, values, and perspectives. These experiences are vital for personal growth, and maintaining good mental health is essential, as it empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, strength, and wisdom.

Languages Spoken: English
Affiliations: University of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District

Jasmine Congress (she/her)

[email protected]

As a current graduate student in Marriage and Family Therapy, I aspire to provide culturally competent and authentic care to individuals and families that fosters self-efficacy and awareness, emotional resilience, and improved coping skills.

I am extremely passionate about mental health awareness and strive to be an advocate for the underserved and unspoken populations.

Languages Spoken: English, Japanese
Affiliations: University of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District

Karen Mukai (she/her)

[email protected]

Karen Mukai (she/her) is a Marriage and Family Therapy Trainee (MFTT), currently completing her Masters degree in counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco (USF). She graduated with a bachelors in psychology at USF.

Karen was born in Tokyo, Japan to parents from Kamakura and Iida. Moving to Manila, Philippines at three years old and growing up there until University. Attending International School Manila for elementary, middle, and high school. She was fortunate enough to grow up in a diverse and multicultural environment where she was surrounded by people of many different backgrounds. Shaping her appreciation and respect for different cultures, perspectives, and continues to influence the way she connects and learns from others.

Karen values creating a welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive environment where every child feels comfortable expressing themselves and developing their identity and confidence. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to complete my traineeship within a Filipinx community organization, where she can contribute to, learn, and give back to the community that has cared and nurtured her into the person she is today.

Languages Spoken: English, Basic Tagalog
Affiliations: California Institute of Integral Studies

Noelle Trinidad Taylor (she/her/siya)

[email protected]

Noelle Trinidad Taylor (She/Her/Siya) is currently pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in the Department of Community Mental Health (CMH). Through her years of experience in the workforce, she's witnessed the intersection of community, social justice, and mental health. Her ambition is to become a licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional clinical counselor, a career dedicated to fostering well-being in individuals and families. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to the United States at age eight and has proudly called the Bay Area home for over 25 years. The friendships she formed here have become her chosen family, enriching her life in countless ways.

San Francisco has provided her with immense opportunities, and she is passionate about giving back to this vibrant city. She believes in the power of compassion and support, and she strives to help others feel empowered, comfortable, and cared for. She's thrilled to begin her journey as a trainee at the Filipino Mental Health Initiative, where she will engage with the community and contribute to meaningful change. Together with FMHI-SF and the community, she can create a nurturing environment that uplifts everyone.

Languages Spoken: English
Affiliations: San Francisco State University

Riss Myung (she/her)

[email protected]

My name is Riss Myung (she/her) and I'm a Chinese-Indonesian and Korean 2nd generation eldest daughter of immigrants. With my background in Public Health, Social Work, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I desire to build a world where health prevention, holistic care, and our ancestral medicine is accessible and celebrated. I have come to understand that the harms and intergenerational traumas my family and communities experienced lies at the intersection of systemic violence and colonization. I bring this systemic perspective to my work while also honoring our ancestral wisdom and love.

My professional background includes consulting with nonprofits to develop their onboarding and organizational processes that is multi-media and youth-centered; facilitating and managing programs for youth at-risk of commercial sexual exploitation; providing case management, crisis interventions, and accompaniments for survivors of sexual violence; and developing and leading trainings on nutrition, sexual health, and body positivity.

As a Certified Mind-Body Coach with different trauma-informed training in somatic work, I value connecting with our bodies to connect with our ancestors (especially as a way to feel our emotions that our ancestors may not have had the chance to express due to survival). Another form of embodiment I value is expressive arts: whether performing playback theater, overcoming perfectionism through improv, dancing to any live music, or writing my newsletter, I thoroughly love practices that center my joy and creativity.

In my downtime, I love tea ceremonies, taking long, slow walks, reading romance novels, and finding ways to bring alive my inner child. I currently reside in San Francisco, California. I am honored to find a home to deepen in my heart-work and ancestral assignment with FMHI-SF. I am grateful to walk alongside you.

SFUSD SIT Filipinx Specialized Interns

Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog
Affiliations: SFUSD SIT, San Francisco State University

Kristin Allyson Lim (she/her)

Email in progress

Kristin Allyson Lim is a first-year graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) master’s program at San Francisco State University. She recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and previously worked in case management, supporting older adults and adults with disabilities. She will now be completing her clinical training as an MFT intern with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and as part of the Specialized Filipinx Internship.

Originally from Olongapo City, Philippines, Kristin grew up witnessing the stigma and lack of open conversations surrounding mental health in Filipino communities. After moving to the United States in 2019 to pursue her education, she became increasingly interested in mental health and the ways culture, community, and lived experiences shape how people understand and access care.

Her experiences have inspired her to pursue a career in counseling and to advocate for accessible, culturally responsive mental health services, particularly for Filipinx communities and other underserved populations. Kristin hopes to create a safe and supportive space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and empowered in their mental health journeys.

Languages Spoken: English
Affiliations:

Nate Chomel

Email in progress

Bio in progress

Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog
Affiliations: SFUSD SIT, George Washington High School

Patricia Chiu (she/her)

Email in progress

Patricia (she/her) is a first generation daughter born to Hong Konger and Burmese immigrant parents. She was born and raised on the unceded ancestral homeland of Ramaytush Ohlone peoples, who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. She is thankful for this opportunity to pursue her second career; she is currently in her second and last year at USF in her pursuit of a master of arts degree in counseling psychology with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. Prior to this, she experienced a decade-long career in finance. She has a bachelor of arts degree in English from UC Irvine (zot zot!). Once upon a time, she was a SFUSD elementary and high school student and a paraeducator. She is excited to be returning to SFUSD to continue her learning.

She enjoys reading for fun, working with her hands like writing postcards to loved ones, eating all kinds of foods, resting, and experiences. She is committed to this lifelong journey of learning about herself and fellow humans.

Past KAdua Internship and Associate Cohorts

2025-2026

FMHI-SF Marriage and Family Therapy Associates: Rachel Lastimosa, Raju Desai
FMHI-SF Interns: Kendrick Hester, Nikki Landayan, Sabrina Belara
SFUSD SIT Specialized Filipinx Interns: Frederick Barga Fajardo, Jessy Zapanta, Lauren Lopez, Marcelle Jalate Valdez, Sam Marco

KAdua