We are thrilled and proud to introduce our six JEDI TLs (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Trainee-Liaisons) for the 2024-25 year. We encourage all MHTP trainees to connect with any or all of them to discuss ideas, questions, or concerns related to JEDI initiatives.
Anthony Lucas (he/him) is a proud first-generation Latino and member of the LGBTQ+ community, currently serving as a Doctoral Intern in Clinical Psychology at Kaiser Permanente Antioch. Anthony is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive environment and working toward health equity, particularly within addiction medicine and recovery services. He is a PsyD candidate at The Wright Institute and holds master’s degrees from The Wright Institute and the University of Southern California in psychology and applied psychology, respectively. Throughout his training, Anthony has served diverse communities, with a special focus on culturally responsive care for those affected by substance use and trauma. Outside of his clinical work, he co-hosts a podcast supporting LGBTQ+ people in recovery and has led community-based DEI initiatives to promote inclusivity in mental health spaces. If Anthony wasn’t a psychologist, he’d pursue a life dedicated to writing, community organizing, and exploring global cultures.
Sasha Zients (she/her) is a Post Master’s fellow at Kaiser Walnut Creek. Sasha completed her master’s degree in social welfare at University of California, Berkeley in May 2024. While at UC Berkeley, Sasha co-facilitated spaces for fellow white-identified colleagues to reflect on how their identities were showing up in the work they were doing. She previously trained at the VA’s outpatient behavioral health clinic in Martinez, CA, where she contributed to initiatives to improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion trainings. Sasha identifies as Queer and is passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ identified patients of all ages. She believes firmly that examining one’s own privilege is a lifelong pursuit and must be central in mental health work.
Alex Garcia is a Latino, first-generation doctoral intern in the Adult Generalist Track at Kaiser Permanente, Oakland. He attends Palo Alto University, where he is pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in trauma, a field he is passionate about. Dedicated to working with adults navigating complex life challenges, Alex is committed to fostering healing and resilience in his clients. Drawing on his cultural background, he brings a unique perspective to his work, aiming to create inclusive and culturally responsive care. Outside of his professional role, Alex finds peace in nature and is an avid music enthusiast, appreciating the ways both passions contribute to his well-being and self-care.
Julia Gordillo (she/her), a Latinx queer woman, is working at Sacramento Addiction Medicine Recovery Services as a Post Masters Mental Health Fellow and is incredibly excited to be a part of the JEDI-TL team. Julia recently graduated in May from Sacramento State’s Counseling program with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Julia attended UC Davis where she received her degree in psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies. Since then, she has been a fierce advocate for marginalized groups and brings her passion for social justice into her personal and professional life. Julia has worked at both the Sacramento LGBT Center and the Sacramento Gender Health Center and is particularly passionate about prioritizing gender affirming care in mental health spaces. Julia has extensive experience working with individuals in treatment for eating disorders and hopes to include the issues of fatphobia, weight stigma, and weight bias that exists in society and in the medical community into her work as a JEDI-TL.
Sumra Afzal is a Pakistani American, first-generation, who grew up in a multigenerational Muslim household. She is a Doctoral Intern at Kaiser Permanente, Roseville in Psychological Assessment, Trauma Informed Care, and Adult Outpatient services. She attends California Northstate University. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Davis, where she also joined the UC Davis M.I.N.D Institute. She is dedicated to offering compassionate and empathetic support to individuals, drawing on her background in psychological assessments and experience at a neuropsychological assessment center. She is especially committed to reducing health disparities in mental health within the South Asian-American community. Sumra is looking forward to promoting a JEDI-centered values approach in her work.
Sikeza Chandra Fowlks identifies as a Black and Indo-Fijian womxn native to San Jose. With over 5 years of experience as an educator to students with disabilities and English-Language Learners, Sikeza has always demonstrated a commitment to expanding inclusivity and equity in every professional setting she enters. A recent graduate from San Jose State University where she received her M.A. in Counseling and Guidance, Sikeza is a proud APCC Post-Master’s Mental Health Fellow at the San Jose Kaiser Permanente Child Psychiatry Clinic. She is excited for the chance this year to enhance her work and the work of others by incorporating JEDI values into practical interventions through collaboration and meaningful discussions. During her practicum her clinical interests revolved around trauma, self-compassion, client empowerment, and the use of cultural strengths as a vehicle for post-traumatic growth in adults. Her love of music, food, travel, and popular meme culture reflects her existential and humanistic orientation towards her work and the world around her.
Contributed by: JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Trainee-Liaisons
