Jason Beers, President and CEOjason(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0068
Jason hails from Massachusetts, but California has been home and Operation Access his dedication for two decades. He loves teaming up with people who care deeply, bring their own perspective and strengths to their work, and seek to be the change the world needs.
Education: B.A. Latin American Studies, Wesleyan University
"I didn't come to convince the convinced, nor preach to those who feel defeated. I came to share with those who understand that our work begins at home." - Ana Tijoux
Ali Balick, Program Directorali(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0062
Originally from Philadelphia, Ali has worked with Operation Access since 2008. She loves speaking Spanish and spending time with her husband and cat.
Education: B.A. Spanish and Latin American Studies, Smith College
"It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the world in which we live." - Dalai Lama
Scott Benbow, Development Directorscott(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0059
International lawyer with experience in Ethiopia, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
Education: B.A. Political Science, University of Maine; JD, Law, Columbia University
"When you get, give. When you learn, teach." - Maya Angelou
Janice Cheung, Administrative Assistantjanice(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0051
Born and raised in the Bay Area and never really left. She enjoys eating, doing arts and craft, reading and sleeping during her free time.
Education: B.S. Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Antoine de Fridman, Operations & IT Managerantoine(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0073
Before joining Operation Access in 2010, Antoine worked at the Consulate General of Venezuela serving the Venezuelan Community on the West Coast. He enjoys learning about everything. He finds chess beautiful. And he is learning how to play the guitar and other instruments, and dreams of having a family band with his two sons, although they don't know it yet.
Education: B.A. Business Administration, Universidad Metropolitana, Venezuela; M.A. English Composition, San Francisco State University
"Since all is empty, all is possible." - Nagarjuna
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Ben DeSnyder, Impact Specialistben(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0087
Joined the Operation Access team in 2016. Born and raised in Holliston, Massachusetts, he has called California home for the better part of the last decade. He is in love with the outdoors and can be found exploring the West Coast's world-class skateboarding, rock climbing, and skiing at every opportunity.
Education: B.A. Spanish Language and Cultures, Pitzer College
"You cannot, you cannot use someone else's fire. You can only use your own. And in order to do that, you must first be willing to believe that you have it." - Audre Lorde
Dennise D. Garcia Leon, Program ManagerSan Francisco, San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties
dennise(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0085
Dennise has spent most of her upbringing in both Mexico and the Bay Area. She grew up serving as a language aid for her parents when migrating and has found great satisfaction in helping her Latinx community who deal with similar barriers. She hopes to become a nurse practitioner in the future and join Doctors Without Borders in order to help the most needed. Dennise loves traveling, dancing,and spending time with her loved ones.
Education: B.A. Health Education, emphasis in Community Based Public Health. Minor in Women's Health and Gender Studies, San Francisco State University
"May we dance in the face of our fears." - Gloria E. Anzaldúa
Angelica Gutierrez, Program Manager Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
angelica(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0080
A San Francisco native, Angelica's passion to help people led her to complete Community Health Worker and Medical Interpreting programs at City College of San Francisco. She has had a variety of positions throughout her professional career both in the US and in Nicaragua. She draws from these experiences to make a difference in her community. As a member of the Aztec Dance group Xitlalli - Xolotl she is able to embrace tradition and cultural awareness that further drives her desire to improve the quality of life for those in need.
Education: B.A. Global Business and Finance, Ave Maria College; AA - Liberal Arts, Skyline College; Community Health Worker Certification, City College of San Francisco; Health Care Interpreter Certification, City College of San Francisco
"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community ... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." - Cesar Chavez
Elise Hilsinger, Program ManagerMarin & Solano Counties
elise(at)operationaccess.org/ ph: (415) 733-0079
Elise is a Bay Area native who graduated from Pitzer College with a B.A. in Human Biology and Spanish, with a focus on health & healing of indigenous peoples in the community. She also studied healthcare systems & health accessibility while living and studying in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, and as a former volunteer for OA. Prior to joining the OA team full time, she lived and worked as a Marketer/Coordinator and English teacher in Santiago, Chile. Elise enjoys cooking and eating, spending time outdoors, swimming, yoga, and dance, and spending time with loved ones.
Education: B.A. Human Biology and Spanish, Pitzer College
"Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world." - Dolores Huerta
Kimberly Martinez, Program Assistantkimberly(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 520-3110
More Information Coming Soon
Yesenia Ortiz, Program CoordinatorSan Francisco, San Mateo & Santa Clara Counties
yesenia(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0055
Originally from San Diego, Yesenia moved to SF back in 2016. She is currently in the Healthcare Interpreting Program at CCSF and hopes to become a certified interpreter and break the language barriers between patients and providers. In her free time, she enjoys painting and watching criminal and medical documentaries and shows.
Education: B.A. Psychology, San Francisco State University; A.A. Social and Behavioral Sciences. MiraCosta College
"Each of us has a unique part to play in the healing of the world" - Marianne Williamson
Marisol Ponce de Leon, Communications, Finance, & Administration Managermarisol(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0279
Marisol is responsible for financial reporting and accounting, hr, communications, IT support, and can usually be found behind a camera at events and surgery sessions. Prior to joining OA, she served as a Staff Assistant/Donor Services/Intern Coordinator for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, DC. Marisol is a Massachusetts native, and has a B.A. in International Relations from Carleton College, Northfield, MN. She has lived in the SF Bay Area for over 10 years, and enjoys going to shows, spending time with family and friends, photography, cooking and making up cocktail recipes, and relaxing in the park or at a café with a good book, and a pour over coffee.
Education: B.A. Political Science, International Relations Track, Carleton College
"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Daniel Rabkin, Senior Program Manager Napa & Sonoma Counties
daniel(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0004
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Guatemala, 2005-2008, Food Security), experienced in volunteer management and community development. Daniel enjoys being active outdoors and can often be found running through the park to the beach.
Education: B.A. Hampshire College
"Never explain what you do. It speaks for itself. You only muddle it by talking about it." - Shell Silverstein
Dede Rosales, Program CoordinatorMarin, Napa, Solano & Sonoma Counties
dede(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0054
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Dede has always enjoyed the diversity and welcoming atmosphere of the Bay Area. Giving back and serving underprivileged communities, like the Latinx community, is one of her main goals. Breaking language barriers is something she is more than happy to assist in whenever needed. Dede loves going to concerts, eating delicious food, and spending time with her loved ones.
Education: B.S. Health Education with an emphasis in Community Based Public Health and Spanish & B.A. Spanish, San Francisco State University
"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver." - Mahatma Gandhi
Fernando Salazar-Miralles, Program Manager
fernando(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 520-3125
More Information Coming Soon
Marilyn Sanchez, CHITM, Senior Program Coordinator Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
marilyn(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0278
Born and raised in Pittsburg, California where she serves her community through her church and parish St. Peter Martyr in Pittsburg empowering youth through ministry, Marilyn loves spending time with her family and is quite the dancer.
Education: B.A. Sociology, Cal State East Bay
"The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it" - Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Jasmine Torres, Program Coordinator
jasmine(at)operationaccess.org / ph: (415) 733-0082
Jasmine moved to San Francisco from Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue her education and started at OA as an SFSU intern. Shortly after, she joined the team full time and enjoys working with her community to promote health equity. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, music and good food.
Education: B.S. Health Education, Minor in Holistic Health Studies, San Francisco State University
"Without community, there is no liberation" - Audre Lorde
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