Our Team

With more than 35 years of experience in healthcare and Human Resources, Sheri Yamamoto is passionate about developing and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. For the past 10 years, she has led Future Workforce Development initiatives focused on creating meaningful opportunities for youth, young adults, and neurodivergent students, particularly those from underserved communities, to explore and experience healthcare careers firsthand.

As Director of the Healthcare Career Academy, Sheri is dedicated to inspiring, mentoring, and empowering students to discover their strengths, explore their potential, and envision a future in healthcare. She believes that meaningful experiences, mentorship, and access to opportunity can open doors, build confidence, and help shape the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.

Outside of her professional work, Sheri enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult sons, exploring the outdoors, walking along the beach, and traveling.

Jose Perez is a San Diego native with over 10 years of experience in the education industry. After earning a BS in Business Administration from San Diego State University, Jose worked at a local non-profit focused on college access. There he supported first-generation students across San Diego County prepare for higher education and collaborated with organizations to develop programs and curriculum that support the social and emotional well-being of youth and families. As Supervisor of Youth Development Programs, Jose is excited to expand access to educational and career enrichment opportunities for underrepresented youth interested in healthcare. Outside of work, Jose enjoys making pottery, spending time with his dog, exploring the outdoors, reading, and running.

Alicia Wood was born and raised in Seattle, WA but came to California in 2003 to attend Chapman University. She majored in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. After college, Alicia worked at the Braille Institute in Anaheim running an after school program for blind and visually impaired children. After moving around Orange County and Long Beach for several years, she transferred to Braille Institute in San Diego where she worked until 2016. In June 2016, Alicia graduated from CSU Long Beach with her Master’s in Emergency Management and in June 2017, she got married and started working at Rady Children’s Hospital. She is currently working as the Lead Student Career Specialist supporting the FACES for the Future and Medical Academy programs.

Joycelin completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health Policy at the University of California, Irvine, as well as a Master of Public Health degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science at San Diego State University. Her prior career experiences include working at a clinic, health insurance agency, and college campus. She lived in Los Angeles County and Orange County before moving to San Diego in 2021 for graduate school and joined Rady Children’s Hospital in 2022. She looks forward to working with today’s youth and young adults by empowering them to make choices that support their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Assigned Sites:

Crawford High School

Nikki comes to Rady’s with 16 years of experience working in various community non-profit programs in Fresno and San Diego, CA. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Nikki completed her bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a focus on Victim Services at Fresno State University in 2007 and her master’s degree in Education Counseling at San Diego State University in 2017. Over her career between the Central Valley and San Diego, Nikki has worked as a clinical case manager focused on unhoused adults and transitional age youth. She has provided mentorship, advocacy and education on life and wellness skills, and was previously appointed as a Behavioral Health Court Liaison.

Nikki strives to continue her social justice work with the most vulnerable and underserved populations and looks forward to working with the FACES program to increase equity and improve outcomes for young people seeking to reach their highest potential.

Assigned Sites:

Hoover High School

Madeleine Moran is a Community Health Programs and Alumni Coordinator at the Center for
Healthier Communities within Rady Children’s Hospital. Her educational background includes a
Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Public
Health degree from San Diego State University. Her prior career experiences involved working
with diverse populations in community-based research, government public health programs, and
clinical research. She is a public health advocate skilled in program implementation, program
evaluation, outreach and engagement, health communication, and research methods. She is
very excited to empower and support youth throughout their involvement in FACES for the
Future and as alumni from the program.

Assigned Sites:

Kearny High School

A San Diego native and first-generation college graduate, Mayerling earned her Bachelor of Arts in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health from Yale University, graduating with distinction. Prior to joining the FACES team, Mayerling gained experience in a variety of educational, clinical, and research settings. At Yale, she served as a Peer Liaison for La Casa Cultural and as a First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) Ambassador through the Yale College Dean’s Office, where she developed programming and community initiatives to support Latine and FGLI students. She also conducted research on reproductive endocrinology at the Perry Lab and worked exploring the intersections of healthcare, policy, and social justice through her senior thesis. Mayerling is passionate about expanding access to healthcare and education for underrepresented youth. In her role with FACES, she is excited to empower students as they explore careers in health and medicine. In her free time, Mayerling enjoys going on runs along the beach, exploring San Diego’s vibrant food scene, and spending time with friends and family.