Free Clinic of Simi Valley Promotes Lupita Gonzalez to Clinic Administrator

Lupita Gonzalez is promoted to Free Clinic of Simi Valley Clinic Administrator.

SIMI VALLEY, CA (September 2, 2015) – The Free Clinic of Simi Valley announced that it has promoted Lupita Gonzalez to the position of Clinic Administrator. Gonzalez assumed her new role on August 24. The Clinic Administrator position is responsible for operational support of the Medical, Legal and Counseling programs of the Clinic. One of the most important responsibilities of the position is to triage to the clients that come to the Clinic and match their needs with the resources of the Clinic. Gonzalez will also administer the Clinic’s “Ask A Nurse” Program. Gonzalez assumes the position after longtime Clinic Administrator, Adriana Parsons assumed a position with Ventura Community College. Olga Lafflitto is the Administrator of the Clinic’s Dental Program.

Ten years ago, Gonzalez was working at a gas station located up the street from the Clinic. She had no idea her how her future would become entwined with the Clinic as she sold a soda one day to Fred Bauermeister, Executive Director of the Free Clinic. Bauermeister noticed Gonzalez’ friendly demeanor and warm personality with customers, both using English and Spanish. Bauermeister asked her if she had ever thought about possibly volunteering at the Free Clinic or a career in medicine. As it turned out, Gonzalez was laid off from the gas station a week after the encounter. Gonzalez decided to volunteer at the Free Clinic in her free time. After two weeks, Lupita joined the staff and within two years, Gonzalez acquired certification as a Medical Assistant. Gonzalez has been the Clinic’s Medical Assistant for nine years.

During her time at the Free Clinic, Gonzalez reorganized the reception area to make it more accessible and improve service delivery. She is equally comfortable working alongside physicians as they provide needed care, and high school students as they learn healthcare delivery. Gonzalez also helped transition the Clinic from paper charts to electronic health records.

“Lupita is a person with great humility and an enormous heart. She is deeply committed to serving our patients with high quality services and ensuring that our volunteer providers have everything they need to do their good work, said Fred Bauermeister.

Gonzalez and her husband, Jesus, and daughter, Melissa, live in Simi Valley. Gonzalez’s passion for medicine has inspired her daughter Melissa. Melissa is a volunteer for the Free Clinic when she is on break from her Pre-Med studies at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

About The Free Clinic of Simi Valley
The Free Clinic of Simi Valley has provided continuous service since its establishment in 1971 as a non-profit, volunteer-based charitable community service organization. The mission of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley is to provide medical care, counseling, dental, and legal assistance to individuals and families in need, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes those of all ages, ethnicities, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds, who are unable to use traditional sources within the community.  The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is a GuideStar Gold Exchange participant, a status awarded for exemplary nonprofit transparency, and is also a 2014 Top-Rated Nonprofit according to GreatNonprofits.org, based on multiple 5-Star User Reviews.  For more information, visit: www.FreeClinicSV.com and follow the Free Clinic on Facebook and on Twitter