Meet our Staff

Nurse Practitioner

Rubi received her Bachelor of

Science Degree in Nursing in 1986. Registered Nurse for 37 years with more than 30 years’ experience in Intensive Care Unit/Coronary Care Unit (ICU/CCU). She has her Master of Science in Nursing and achieved a degree of Family Nurse Practitioner in 2020 from Walden University.

Board Certified through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioner (AANP). She has been working for MHA since January of 2022.

Nurse Practitioner

Wilma received her Bachelor of Science

degree in Nursing at Saint Louis University, Philippines in 1989 and her Master’s degree in Family Nurse Practitioner at Walden University in 2021. She brings in over 30 years of Intensive Care Nursing experience focused on various illnesses including cardiac and respiratory. She is currently certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She has been at Merced Heart Associates since 2021.

Certified Nuclear Technician

Derek graduated from the Loma Linda University Nuclear Medicine Program in 2001. He specialized in radiation safety and took special effort to ensure a safe and friendly environment.Derek has been in the medical field for 10+ years.

Echo Sonographer/CNA

Marina received an Academic Associates of Science Degree in Cardiovascular Sonography from Smith Chason College, she has 5+ years in the medical field.

Director of Operations 

Danaelle works to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. With over 10 years of experience as an executive assistant, she’s built a strong foundation in organization, communication, and problem-solving. She’s passionate about creating a positive environment for both patients and staff and takes pride in supporting a team dedicated to top-notch cardiology care.  

Staffing Manager

Lucy went to the Merced College Medical Assistant Program where she received her Medical Assistant certificate. She has 5+ years experience in the Medical Field and has been with Merced Heart Associates since 2015. Lucy was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2022.

Billing Manager

Brook attended San Joaquin Valley College where she achieved her National Certificate for Medical Assistant, she has over 5 years of experience in the medical

field and has been with Merced Heart Associates for 5 years.

Nuclear Medical Assistant

Isela attended Merced College Career Academy where she received her MA certificate and has 6+ years’ experience in the medical field while at Merced Heart Associates.

Receptionist

Flor, who attended UC Merced, has 1+ years of experience in the customer service industry and 1+ years of experience in the medical field.

Medical Assistant

Jazmin attended Merced College Medical Assistant Program where she achieved a Medical Assistant certificate in 2022. She has almost 2 years of experience in the medical field and has been with Merced Heart Associates since she graduated Merced College.

Medical Assistant

Jazmin attended Merced College Medical Assistant Program where she achieved a Medical Assistant certificate in 2022. She has almost 2 years of experience in the medical field and has been with Merced Heart Associates since she graduated Merced College.

Medical Assistant

Anayeli attended the Merced College Medical Assistant Program and achieved a certificate for Medical Assistant, she has 2 years of experience in the medical field while at Merced Heart Associates.

Medical Assistant

Jackie has been at Merced Heart Associates since 2022 and is

planning to pursue a Medical Assistant certificate with hopes to become a 

Medical Assistant for Merced Heart Associates. She has been in the administrative medical field for almost 2 years. 

Referrals Clerk

Sarah attended the Cal Regional Medical Assistant Program in 2025 and achieved her certification as a Medical Assistant. She now serves as the Referrals Clerk at Merced Heart Associates.

Medical Biller 

 Beatriz is a Claims Scrubbing and Denial Coordinator at Merced Heart Associates. She has worked in office since February 2025.Beatriz graduated from San Joaquin Valley College with a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding.

Medical Biller

 Cecile is a graduate of Merced College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social & Behavioral Science. She further advanced her education at the Institute of Technology-Modesto, obtaining a certificate in Medical Billing & Office Administration, with over 6 years of experience in customer service and one year in the medical field.

Receptionist

 Yuliana attended Merced College Medical Assistant Program where she achieved a Medical Assistant certificate in 2022. She has 3 years of experience in the medical field.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Specialist 

Rida Mirza attended CalRegional and received her certification as a Medical Assistant. She has 2+ years of experience in the medical field and 3+ years in scientific research.

Medical Assistant 

Noemi Villegas Villagomez/Certified Medical Assistant: Noemi went to First Lady Permanente and received her CNA certificate, she has 2+ years in the Medical field and has been with MHA for 2 years.