HealthForce Partners California

HealthForce Partners California Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from HealthForce Partners California, Nonprofit Organization, Stockton, CA.

HealthForce Partners California is a nonprofit, multi-regional healthcare sector partnership, catalyzing career pathway opportunities for local residents and growing a skilled and diverse workforce for the industry. HealthForce Partners California is a multi-regional healthcare sector partnership catalyzing career pathway opportunities for local residents and growing a skilled and diverse workforce for the industry.

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨ Elizabeth Pineda is completing the final 250 hours of her Master of Social Work internship at San J...
04/17/2026

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨ Elizabeth Pineda is completing the final 250 hours of her Master of Social Work internship at San Joaquin County Justice and Community Integrated Division.

Elizabeth returned to school at Stanislaus State with intention and purpose, driven by a desire to better serve her community. As she puts it, “I chose to return to school to gain knowledge and educate the people in my community about mental health and seeking services.”

As a bilingual future clinician, she is especially passionate about expanding access to care: “I would also like to use my bilingual skills to empower my community, break the language barrier, and bridge gaps to the Spanish-speaking community.”

Following graduation, Elizabeth plans to apply for her Associate Clinical Social Worker license and pursue a Mental Health Clinician I role with San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, with a long-term goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( ) focused on therapy, advocacy, and advancing equity in underserved communities.

Her practicum experience has reinforced a core principle that will guide her career: “the importance of meeting clients where they are and recognizing that every case will be a different journey.” Along the way, she has learned to apply theory in real-world settings, build trust through empathy and cultural awareness, and stay grounded in flexibility—“sometimes you just have to roll with the changes and adapt with patience and professionalism.”

Elizabeth encourages incoming students to stay open and embrace the learning process: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes.” She also emphasizes the importance of self-care, noting that it’s essential to “continue to show up fully for your clients and yourself.”

Her journey is especially powerful. After a 10-year educational gap, she made the decision to return—and followed through. As Elizabeth reminds us:
“It’s never too late to pursue your professional goals…with dedication, you can accomplish your dreams at any stage in life.”

🚑💙Hello Health Careers Expo = SUCCESS! 💙🚑On April 6th, Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center opened its doors to in...
04/10/2026

🚑💙Hello Health Careers Expo = SUCCESS! 💙🚑
On April 6th, Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center opened its doors to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals—and what an incredible day it was!
Over 200 local students from Cesar Chavez High School, Aspire Langston Hughes, Aspire Secondary Academy, Aspire Benjamin Holt, Linden High School, Weber Institute & Health Careers Academy joined us for a hands-on look at careers in healthcare.
Students connected with local education partners including Stanislaus State and San Joaquin Delta College to explore real pathways into the medical field—right here in our region.
From stepping into mock emergency scenarios in the simulation lab, to trying out real medical equipment, to even using ultrasound technology to view their own arteries—students got a firsthand glimpse into the exciting world of healthcare. 🩺
They also had the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from professionals across multiple hospital departments—bringing classroom learning to life in a powerful way.
👏 Huge thank you to all of our partners and volunteers who made this experience possible and continue to invest in our future healthcare workforce!

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨Ziana Quintero is a first-year student at Stanislaus State and a proud first-generation Latina fro...
04/06/2026

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨
Ziana Quintero is a first-year student at Stanislaus State and a proud first-generation Latina from Stockton. As the oldest of three, she shares she has “always naturally stepped into the role of helper and guide.” Alongside school, she works at a skilled nursing facility—balancing it all with determination (and coffee!).

Her path to social work comes from “a mix of life experience, identity, and heart.” She was inspired by seeing how systems impact families and knew she wanted to be “someone who listens deeply, shows up authentically, and creates space for people to feel seen, safe, and supported.”

Through her practicum with CAPC of San Joaquin County in Stockton, Ziana has learned that “healing can start with something as simple as presence and the power of listening,” while growing in self-awareness, boundaries, and staying “curious rather than judgmental.”

Looking ahead, she’s focused on building her clinical skills, strengthening trauma-informed practice, and learning how to care for herself while caring for others.

Her advice for future social workers:
“Start where you are. Your lived experiences matter, your empathy is a strength, and your voice is needed.”

On Thursday our team members Becky Sanders, Tabitha Rodgers, and Kristin Shinn had the opportunity to serve as panelists...
04/04/2026

On Thursday our team members Becky Sanders, Tabitha Rodgers, and Kristin Shinn had the opportunity to serve as panelists for mock interviews at Stockton Health Careers Academy. They met with sophomore students who came prepared for their first panel interview experience and were truly dressed to impress. It was a privilege to offer real-time feedback and encouragement to Stockton’s aspiring healthcare professionals as they take their first steps toward their future careers.

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨ Bailey Ramberg is a first-year Master of Social Work student at Stanislaus State and a proud reside...
04/01/2026

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨ Bailey Ramberg is a first-year Master of Social Work student at Stanislaus State and a proud resident of Tuolumne County, where she has lived for the past decade after growing up in the Bay Area. She is deeply committed to serving her community and aspires “to provide top-tier social work to residents of Tuolumne County.”

Her journey into social work is rooted in lived experience and a desire to give back.

“Having been the recipient of life-changing help myself, I am excited to pay it forward,” Bailey shares. “Armed with a master’s degree and life experience, I will be uniquely qualified to help folks.”

Through her practicum with Stanislaus State’s Basic Needs Program, Bailey supports fellow students experiencing food, housing, and financial insecurity.

“I’ve learned to walk shoulder to shoulder with other students to assist in difficult times,” she explains, reflecting her commitment to empathy and peer-centered support.

Looking ahead, Bailey is focused on continuing to grow as a practitioner.

“I hope to gain hands-on experience in case management, working with diverse populations, advocating for clients, and applying the NASW Code of Ethics in real-world settings.”

She encourages aspiring social workers to stay grounded and intentional:

“Pursue volunteer opportunities, build your empathy and problem-solving skills, and prioritize self-care and boundaries. Also, seek out mentors—you don’t have to navigate this work alone.”

Bailey’s passion for service and dedication to her community exemplify the impact of purpose-driven social work.

National Doctors’ Day is a moment to recognize physicians with the dignity the profession deserves. Their work is equal ...
03/30/2026

National Doctors’ Day is a moment to recognize physicians with the dignity the profession deserves. Their work is equal parts expertise and presence. It’s judgment under pressure, steady communication, and the daily responsibility of earning a patient’s trust.

At HealthForce Partners California, we’re proud to honor and support physicians in their service.

We’re so proud of this class as we part with them accomplishing their Basic Life Saving Certification. Aspire Academy st...
03/30/2026

We’re so proud of this class as we part with them accomplishing their Basic Life Saving Certification. Aspire Academy students have made a great impression on our San Joaquin County Career Navigator, Tabitha Rodgers, as their instructor for our Health Professions Pathways Program. All 13 students demonstrated the competencies of our curriculum and are on their way toward long-term success!

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners in celebrating the opening of Willow Hall at the Stanislaus State Stockton C...
03/30/2026

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners in celebrating the opening of Willow Hall at the Stanislaus State Stockton Campus.

This new facility represents a major investment in the future of healthcare in our region—expanding access to education, hands-on training, and career pathways for students right here in the Northern San Joaquin Valley.

From collaborative classroom spaces to clinical training environments, Willow Hall is designed to prepare students for real-world care—and to help ensure they can build careers close to home.

At HealthForce Partners, we believe in a “grow your own” approach—connecting education, workforce, and healthcare employers to strengthen our local talent pipeline and improve access to care in the communities we serve.

We’re grateful to partner with Stanislaus State, Health Plan of San Joaquin, Health Net, and so many others working to make this vision a reality.

Together, we’re building a stronger healthcare workforce—locally.

Read more about this exciting new facility at Stan State Stockton: https://www.csustan.edu/news/stockton-service-willow-hall-prepares-students-transform-their-communities

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨ Nancy Ochoa Cervantes is a first-year student at Stanislaus State gaining practicum experience wi...
03/25/2026

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨
Nancy Ochoa Cervantes is a first-year student at Stanislaus State gaining practicum experience with Legacy Alliance Outreach and Franklin Healthy Start Family Resource Center.

Nancy grew up in Stanislaus County and is a first-generation college graduate with a deep commitment to serving her community. While her long-term goal is to work in child welfare, she remains open to exploring the many paths within social work.

Her journey into the field was shaped by a passion for service and a transformative experience volunteering abroad.

“Volunteering in Eswatini with the Peace Corps showed me the impact of support, advocacy, and empowerment,” Nancy shares. “That experience really solidified my decision to pursue social work as a long-term career.”

Through her placements at Legacy Alliance Outreach and Franklin Healthy Start Family Resource Center, Nancy has developed critical skills in building trust with clients, applying strengths-based approaches, and practicing cultural humility.

“I’ve learned how important it is to build trust with clients and meet people where they are,” she explains. “Using a strengths-based approach and practicing cultural humility has been essential in supporting families effectively.”

She has also gained hands-on experience in assessment, outreach, and connecting families to vital resources—work that directly supports children and families across the region.

Looking ahead, Nancy is focused on continuing to grow both professionally and personally.

“I want to strengthen my clinical skills in engagement, assessment, and case management, and build more confidence working with diverse populations,” she says. “I’m really focused on learning how to apply theory in ways that truly support families in real-world settings.”

✨ PROGRAM MILESTONE ✨Today marked the bittersweet conclusion of our first cohort with the incredible students from San J...
03/25/2026

✨ PROGRAM MILESTONE ✨
Today marked the bittersweet conclusion of our first cohort with the incredible students from San Joaquin County Office of Education’s one.Program: Medical Assistant Pathway.
We wrapped up the day with CPR certification training and proudly awarded each student their Health Professions Pathways Program (HPPP) certificate—a meaningful milestone that reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to a future in healthcare.
This cohort represents exactly what HPPP is designed to do: create real, supported pathways into healthcare careers for local students, while strengthening the workforce in our communities.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what this group has accomplished—and even more excited for what comes next in their journeys.” - Xitlalic Cintora, Career Navigator with HealthForce Partners California.
🙏 Special thanks to the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) for its continued support of this work in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨Arionna Stepney is a second-year MSW student at Stanislaus State who has called Stockton home since ...
03/24/2026

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨

Arionna Stepney is a second-year MSW student at Stanislaus State who has called Stockton home since 2020. With a clear vision for her future, Arionna aspires to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( ) and eventually open her own private practice. Along the way, she has developed a strong interest in forensic social work - and plans to explore both paths as she builds her career.

Long-term, Arionna is also driven by a deeply personal mission: to develop a program alongside her mother that supports individuals impacted by foster care and the juvenile justice system.

Arionna’s path to social work is rooted in both lived experience and a deep commitment to justice. Her early work with children and families exposed her to the realities of systemic inequities, racial bias, and the barriers faced by BIPOC communities.

“My interest in social work began when I realized that acknowledging injustice isn’t enough - you have to actively challenge the systems that create it,” she shares.

Inspired by a family deeply connected to child welfare and criminal justice work, Arionna credits her upbringing - and especially her aunt’s journey to earning a doctorate in social work - as pivotal in shaping her direction. She carries with her powerful guidance from her family, including the reminder: “Don’t let your attributes become your identity - you are more than what you do, what you have, or what you struggle with.”

Through her clinical practicum at Be Smooth, a Stockton-based community organization providing specialized case management services for children, Arionna has gained meaningful, hands-on experience supporting youth and families. She has learned that no two clients are the same, and that effective support requires adaptability, patience, and trust-building.

Her experience has also reinforced the critical role that safe, supportive environments play in a child’s development.

“Many children come to school to escape trauma at home - but when school doesn’t feel safe, it can become another trigger,” she explains.

Arionna has seen firsthand how cultivating belonging, ensuring children feel seen and heard, and connecting families to broader community resources can significantly impact outcomes.

As she continues her journey, Arionna is focused on deepening her clinical knowledge and strengthening her ability to support vulnerable populations. She is particularly interested in understanding how trauma manifests in young children, improving her clinical documentation skills, and expanding her professional network through collaboration with other clinicians.

For Arionna, social work is more than a profession - it is a calling grounded in advocacy and action.

“Social work is not just a career - it’s a lifestyle. It’s a commitment to justice, compassion, and empowering those who are too often overlooked.”

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨Francisco “Frankie” Hurtado is a member of the Class of 2027 at Stanislaus State, where he has been ...
03/20/2026

✨ INTERN SPOTLIGHT ✨
Francisco “Frankie” Hurtado is a member of the Class of 2027 at Stanislaus State, where he has been studying since 2024. An Iraq War veteran, husband, and father of three, Frankie brings a deep sense of purpose and lived experience to his journey in social work. His long-term goal is to work with at-risk youth and make a meaningful impact in their lives.

Frankie’s path to social work wasn’t linear. He began his academic journey in criminal justice before earning his undergraduate degree in psychology. Over time, he realized his true calling was rooted in helping others in a more direct and meaningful way.

“Social work became a clear choice as I developed a clearer picture of what I wanted to do as a career.”

Frankie is currently completing his clinical practicum at Sierra Vista Child & Family Services, where he is gaining firsthand experience supporting individuals and families across a range of needs. Through this work, he has developed a broader understanding of the field and its impact across the lifespan.

“The need for social workers is critical. People have different needs that are vital for survival, and social work plays a role from birth through end of life.”

As he continues his internship, Frankie is focused on strengthening his communication skills and learning how to effectively support individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

“I’m hoping to develop new skills that help me better communicate and be effective in supporting people of all dynamics and cultural backgrounds.”

For those considering a career in social work, Frankie offers advice grounded in both conviction and lived experience:

“If you feel a sense of purpose in helping people—regardless of background—this is the path to choose. It’s an incredibly rewarding field.”

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