Even in our 30th year, CommunityHealth continues to grow.
Throughout 2023, our clinic has onboarded 10 new staff members so far.
As a volunteer-based free clinic serving at-risk and vulnerable populations living without insurance, cultural competency is the foundation of our care.
It is our priority that our providers and admin alike represent the communities that we service.
Meet the new staff who make us More Than A Free Clinic…
Angélica Gómez (she/her)
“Angélica is a lifelong Chicagoan and 1st generation Mexican American. She has studied, worked, and lived in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Angélica has experience working and volunteering in hospice/palliative care, immigration, urban farming, mental health, and youth development. She is a multi-sport athlete, loves the outdoors and spends time with her family/friends and pup adventuring in the Forest Preserves hiking and hunting for bugs!”
Meghan Gauthier (she/her)
“My name is Meghan Gauthier and I have recently graduated from UIC with a Masters in Public Health Epidemiology. As a recent graduate, I am excited to embark on this new role with CommunityHealth and learn from my colleagues. Outside of work I love to read, travel, train for triathlons, and walk my dog, Oslo!”
Angelica Solano (she/her)
“My name is Angelica Solano but I go by Angie too. So please feel free to call me either. I am the Behavioral Health Counselor. Three quick fun facts about me. I LOVE coffee, scary movies, and chocolate. I am very excited to be working for Community Health Clinic with everyone! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to say hi, ask any question you may have or share your favorite scary movie!”
Daniel Espinoza (he/him)
“My name is Daniel, from Monterrey, Mexico. I like to watch movies and, of course, soccer!!! I like to travel, mainly to LA, and spend time with my family. Two of my newfound passions are photography and filmmaking. But when I’m not doing that, I am fixing or building computers!”
Lis Silva (she/her)
“My name is Lis (pronounced like “lease”). I am a Chicago native but lived in Puebla, Mexico for 24 years. I recently returned to Chicago only 2 years ago. In my free time, I love spending time with my family (husband and son) and exploring new places around the city. One of our favorite things to do is to try new foods and discover hidden gems in different neighborhoods. I am thrilled to be apart of this team and look forward to contributing to the organization’s success.”
Olivia Metsa (she/they)
Events & Communications Manager
“I studied Gender Women’s Studies, Communications, and Religion at the University of Denver where I supported entreprenuerial spaces of wellness, music, and arts. My advocacy background is in the intersection of holistic and mental health, with a focus on suicide prevention. Outside of work, I craft jewelry, practice aerial fitness, and camp at music festivals! My last name translates to ‘People of the Forest’ in Finnish so you can always find me where the trees are when I am not managing CommunityHealth’s campaigns.”
Daniela Acacio (she/her)
Health Education & Outreach Manager
“I recently moved to Chicago from Oklahoma City but am originally from Venezuela and have lived in Houston the majority of my life. I have two bachelor’s degrees in Decision Science and Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. My hobbies include reading, pottery, and hanging out with my 3 year old lab mix pup – Cleo. I also love food/travel and enjoy experiencing new cultures through food!”
Katie O’Connor (she/her)
Volunteer Services Coordinator
“My name is Katie O’Connor and I joined the CommunityHealth team in January as Volunteer Services Coordinator. I primarily work with our interpreter, pharmacy, and dental volunteers, as well as onboarding and volunteer engagement. I’m originally from Lombard, IL, but attended Albion College in Michigan the past few years studying Political Science and Women’s Studies. While I was in school, I was lucky to work closely as a volunteer, intern, and student organizer with Planned Parenthood, which grew into a huge passion for working with volunteers and being in the healthcare accessibility space. I now live in Oswego with my partner. We have four pets – a horse (Teddy), two cats (Cleo and Cricket), and a Collie dog (Shiloh). We spend most of our free time wrangling the animals, but also love to travel and be outdoors. I have visited 24 national parks and counting!”
Marzena Zagata (she/her)
“I reside in New Lenox with my husband, two sons, and our dog named Rosie. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from Governors State University. During my time at GSU, my interest in public health grew. This phase ignited my determination to npursue a career in community health, aiming to assist the most underserved segments of the population in accessing the necessary care. I immigrated to the United States from Poland at the age of 14. Since then, I have been helping my family, friends, and neighbors by translating documents, scheduling doctor’s appointments, and completing applications. I believe that my new position at CommunityHealth is a natural extension of the work I have been doing my whole life. As for my hobbies, I enjoy reading books, particularly Game of Thrones, tending to my garden, and listening to good music.”
