Our Team
-
Jocelyn Freeman, MD | Founder and CEO
Dr. Freeman was an undergraduate at UC Berkeley and attended medical school at the University of Southern California. She trained in Emergency Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Jacobi/Montefiore Emergency Medicine Residency Program in New York, serving as chief resident during her final year. She is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician who, after completing her residency, obtained a Masters in Science in Epidemiology from Cornell University. Dr. Freeman is currently an attending physician at Alameda County Medical Center- Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.
-
Asha Vitatoe, MPH | Executive Director
Asha Vitatoe is an experienced non-profit leader with over 17 years of experience in the field. Since graduating with her Bachelor's degree from Emory University, Asha has worked in education and youth development roles, primarily serving youth of color. Much of her experience has focused on empowering youth through post-secondary education, career guidance, and support. In that time, she has spearheaded the development of innovative programs tailored to engage young men of color, probation youth, community college students, and individuals attending alternative educational schools. Ms. Vitatoe also has her Master in Public Health from UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.
-
Yolanda "Yoli" Fuentes-Saraspi | Program Manager
Yolanda "Yoli" Fuentes-Saraspi was born and raised in El Salvador, San Salvador, and moved to the Bay Area at 13. She attended the Peralta Community College and then transferred to UC Davis, where she earned a BS in Global Disease Biology. Yolanda conducted research while an undergraduate at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating in 2020, Yolanda started working at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), worked with the unhoused population of East and West Oakland, and later transitioned to a clinic supervisor for a school-based health center in the East Oakland community.
-
Jennifer Hernandez | Program Coordinator
Jennifer Hernandez was born and raised in the Bay Area. She attended UC Berkeley for undergrad and received her B.A in Sociology. In addition to working at MIMS, she is also a health coach at Highland Hospital. Her goal is to become a physician and help those in her community.
-
Taryn Trotter | Program Coordinator
Taryn Lloyd-Trotter received her B.S. in Healthcare Administration from Hampton University and is a proud MIMS alumna. As an undergraduate, Taryn developed a strong passion for youth outreach and development and is committed to combating disparities in the medical field for people of color. As an Oakland native, Taryn is honored and excited to be back in the Bay Area, helping young people pursue and achieve their career goals in the health field.
-
Jale Certain | Administrative Assistant
Jale Certain is a dedicated administrative professional with over six years of experience in administrative operations. She specializes in organizational efficiency, communication, and technical skills, contributing to the success of the MIMS mission. Jale has held diverse roles, including Executive Assistant for a local government entity and HR professional at Amazon. She earned an Associate of Science in Business from Fresno City College and continues to pursue advanced training and certifications in administrative work. Outside of work, Jale enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with family. She is also an active volunteer with the WeLoveU Foundation, supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities worldwide.
-
Denae Reed, PA-C | Mentoring and Shadowing Coordinator
Denae Reed has been a Physician Assistant for 18 years with a focus in Emergency Medicine and Forensic Examinations for Sexual Assault Victims. For the past 15 years, she has worked at Alameda Health System, Highland Hospital in Oakland, California. Her other areas of clinical practice have included Women’s Health, Adolescent, and Geriatric Care in the Bay Area. Mrs. Reed graduated from the 32nd PA Class at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science, in Los Angeles, after receiving her B.S. in Health Science, with a Minor in Human Biology from CSU, Hayward.
-
Marco Antonio Parra, MPH | Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program Manager
Marco Antonio Parra was raised in Watsonville, CA, by teenage parents that sacrificed a lot to provide him with better opportunities. Sports have always been a central part of his life, especially rugby, which he played through college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Cal State Monterey Bay and a master’s in Public Health from Cal State Los Angeles. After working in private healthcare and feeling unfulfilled, he discovered his true passion in community health while serving at-risk youth and individuals with substance use disorders in Los Angeles. Outside of work he enjoys reading, and training in Muay Thai.

