Student Health Services Staff

David Brown, MD

I (he/him) have been employed at the PCC Student Health Center since 1993. My specialty is diagnosis & treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions since I am Board-certified in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. In addition, I have background medical training in Sport's Medicine.

Valli Cohen, MSN, NP

I (she/her) received my nursing degree from University of San Franciso, worked as a Public Health Nurse in South Boston before attending the University of Rochester in New York to obtain my Masters Degree in  Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner.  My main emphasis has been in Women's Health. I have worked in many Student Heath Centers from UCLA, to Connecticut, landing here at PCC in 2013.

I enjoy bike riding, more now than ever with my e-bike.  I am learning to play the ukelele, and have begun dabbling in watercolors. I am always looking for new adventures. Buy me a plane ticket, my bags are already packed.

Rodrigo Molina-Chicas, RN, BSN

Rodrigo Molina-Chicas, RN, BSN, (he/him) is the newest Registered Nurse to join the Student Health Services Family. Originally a student here at PCC, Rodrigo graduated from West Coast University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. After graduating, Rodrigo worked as an RN Supervisor/Charge Nurse at Monrovia Convalescent Hospital in Duarte, CA for 2 years where he was first able to put his nursing skills to use. He then went on to work at the LA County Men’s Central Jail  for the next 7 years where he became proficient in the use of Naloxone (Narcan) for reversing opioid overdoses, treating injuries, administering first aid, wound care, and emergency services to the patients there. In July of 2022, Rodrigo joined Student Health Services, where he now provides the students of PCC with the highest level of care and service. Rodrigo believes that mental and physical health are connected, and that both need to be maintained in order to excel in all aspects of life. A fun fact: Rodrigo was the team captain of the 2019 Correctional Health Services running team, the only medical team to participate in the LAPD’s famous Baker to Vegas relay race.

Jonalyn Than, MSN, FNP-BC

Jonalyn (she/her) has been caring for PCC students in the Student Health Center since 2013. She graduated from UCLA School of Nursing in 2005 as a family nurse practitioner, and since then, has worked primarily in women’s health and college health.

Mindy Throop, MSN, FNP-C

Mindy Throop MSN, FNP-C (she/her) has spent her career first as a Nurse and then as a Nurse Practitioner caring for patients across the lifespan. She began in the hospital with new moms and babies and then spent several years in internal medicine, thoroughly enjoying caring for all ages. She has spent the last 5 years in college health, first treating students and staff at Mt. San Antonio College and Citrus College and then as Director of Student Health Services at Pasadena City College. She has recently returned to patient care as adjunct faculty in the clinic at PCC and outpatient internal medicine to care for adults with acute and chronic disease.

Over the years Mindy’s passion for health and education has taken her to care for patients in Kenya, Mexico and Peru. She loves to travel, participating in the diversity of communities and cultures both in and outside of the USA. When not at her kids sporting events, she spends her free time hiking, biking and swimming along with many other outdoor activities that nourish the body and clear the mind. When time allows you will find her in the mountains. Healthy living throughout life is what she strives for personally, at work, and in leisure.

Mindy earned her BS in Kinesiology from Westmont College,  BSN and MSN and Nurse Practitioner Certification at Azusa Pacific University and is working towards a Board certification as Health and Wellness coach. She is originally from Colorado but has lived in the San Gabriel Valley for 20+ years with her husband, Adam Throop, two children, Sawyer and Cheyenne, and dog, Moema. Mindy loves to learn and educate about all things health and wellness.

Carmita Veliz, RN, MSN

Carmita Veliz, RN, MSN, (she/her) is a licensed Registered Nurse (RN).  She graduated the RN Program from Glendale Community College (GCC).  She then enrolled at the California State University of Northridge (CSUN) to obtain her Bachelor’s degree with a School Nurse Certificate, however this was interrupted by the 1994 earthquake.  Carmita then transferred to the University of Phoenix where she completed her Masters in Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Education.  Carmita has worked in the Hospital setting, Community Health Setting, and worked as a Certified Case Manager. She returned to GCC and worked at their Student Health Center, at the Nursing Lab, and served as the Chairperson for the Health & Safety Committee. In 2001, Carmita started part-time at Pasadena City College (PCC) at Student Health Services (SHS), and in 2009 was hired full time (this was the first time PCC had hired a full time RN to work at SHS).  Through patient education, Carmita incorporates preventative medicine and finds the students here at PCC in a learning mode which facilitates health care and maintenance.  In addition, Carmita has an interest in individuals who are underserved in the Health Care arena, and has been involved in multiple volunteer jobs and walks for various causes.  Carmita enjoys the outdoors, traveling and when possible spends time with family and friends. If you want to brighten Carmita’s day, you won’t go wrong with anything purple or chocolate.

Ann Walker, MD

Ann Walker M.D. (she/her) is a licensed Medical Doctor who graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in North Carolina and completed an Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. She worked for 10 years in a multispecialty group  practice doing in- and out-patient adult medicine in southern New Jersey. Relocating with family to Los Angeles in 2000, she transitioned to Community College Student Health for a better work-life balance. She enjoys helping students explore their options for directing their own healthcare and believes the most powerful tools students have are their acceptance of themselves and their confidence in their ability to make change and advocate for themselves. Outside of work she stays busy with quilting, origami and turning her lawn into a California native plant garden.

Daisy Huynh

Daisy Huynh (she/her) is a PCC Alumni who completed her transfer requirements at PCC and transferred to Cal State LA where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an option in Human Resources Management. She has worked at PCC for 20 years. You can find her at the front desk assisting students, talk to her on the phone when you call with questions and or receive email replies from her when you email medicalshs@bagmakerblog.com for assistance. During her free time, she stays busy with her children and family.

Karen Gonzalez

Karen Gonzalez (she/her) is an Intermediate Clerk II. In her role, she provides administrative support for the Student Health Center handling the reception area which includes assisting students in-person, by telephone or by e-mail. Karen is also a primary administrator of Student Health's electronic medical record system. She has been with Student Health Services since October 2013 originally as a student worker and then transitioning into her full-time role in May 2015. Karen is also a Pasadena City College alumnus having completed a Certificate of Achievement for the Medical Assisting Administrative program in 2013. She also graduated with Associate Degrees in Sociology, Psychology, Child & Adolescent Development, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology at California State University, Chico and will graduate in May 2024. Karen is considering graduate school but is still deciding between Public Health, Social Work or Health Services Administration. Outside of work, Karen enjoys reading from physical books vs. e-books and has been working on creating a home library. She also enjoys listening to music, playing Terraria, spending time with her family, and laughing at the antics of her cat, Kenji.

Amanda Freeth

Amanda Freeth (she/her) is the Health Educator at Student Health Services.  She attended Mt. San Antonio College and received an A.A. in Kinesiology & A.A. in Communications. She then finished her education at Cal State San Bernardino with a B.A in Human Development-Life Span.  She has been a Health Educator for 15 years and enjoys helping students connect to the right resources to further their education and better their future. In her free time, she enjoys traveling,  country music, cooking, outdoor activities, and spending time with her children, family and friends.

Ron Chico

Hey there, I'm Ronald "Ronny" Chico (he/him), a native of the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. These days, I call Monrovia, CA, home, but my journey has taken me far and wide.

Back in the spring of 2023, I proudly walked across the stage at PCC, clutching my associate degree in paralegal studies. That was just the beginning. Now, I'm deeply involved as a part of the Health Education Team at my alma mater's Student Health Services, where I work to promote well-being and support my fellow students.

But that's not all. I've got my sights set on even bigger things, currently juggling coursework at National University as I work towards earning my bachelor's degree. Learning has always been a passion of mine, and I'm not one to shy away from a challenge.

Before entering academia, I spent nearly thirty years as a bus and train operator for LA Metro. Those years taught me the importance of dedication, reliability, and serving my community.

When I'm not hitting the books or helping out on campus, you can find me out on the field, coaching football. There's something incredibly rewarding about guiding young athletes and helping them reach their full potential.

Oh, and did I mention I love to cook? It's been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember. Fun fact: Back in the late 80s, I even worked as a cook at the Playboy Mansion. Talk about a unique experience!

With each new chapter, I'm embracing the opportunities that come my way, striving to make a positive impact wherever I go. Whether it's through education, community service, or simply sharing a delicious meal, I'm committed to leaving my mark on the world.