Medical
CALEB LUSK, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Caleb Lusk is a California licensed, board-certified physician at Harbor Community Health Centers who is motivated by a strong desire to provide access to high-quality and affordable healthcare to all.
Dr. Lusk has a particular interest in expanding access to substance use disorder treatment. He completed an Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the Yale Program in Addiction Medicine and is focused on integrating primary care and substance use treatment into patient-centered medical homes.
Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Lusk received his master of public health and doctor of medicine degrees from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training and served as chief resident in the Riverside Community Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program. He also has a master of arts in biology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and a bachelor of science in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
In his spare time, Dr. Lusk enjoys rooting for the L.A. Clippers and L.A. Chargers and enjoys spending time with his dogs Coffee and Espresso.
JUDITH KRAFT, MD
Physician
Dr. Judith Kraft is a California-licensed physician at Harbor Community Health Centers. She is board-certified in family medicine and has performed a wide variety of patient care in that capacity, focusing on community health and care for the underserved in both Maryland and Southern California for more than 20 years.
Fluent in English and proficient in Spanish, Dr. Kraft is also experienced in urgent care and occupational health. For eight years, she was the medical director of the Wilmington Community Clinic (WCC) in Wilmington, California, where she performed a full spectrum of medical administrative duties, quality improvement, and clinical duties.
Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Kraft attended Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri, and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. She also has a bachelor of arts in biology/biochemistry from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
In her spare time, Dr. Kraft enjoys spending quality time with her family, gardening, swimming, hiking, and vegetarian cooking. Her overall objective is simple: “My goal is always to treat my patients with the same care and respect I wish for myself and my own family.
EVELYN M. DESSER, RN, MN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Evelyn M. Desser is a California licensed, board-certified nurse practitioner at Harbor Community Health Centers, where she provides a wide range of healthcare services to patients of all ages. Since 1990, she has been a primary care provider for various patient groups, including college students, veterans, the general public and underserved communities.
A highlight of Desser’s experience was her 20-plus years of work in a student healthcare setting at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, where she was directly responsible for certified medical assistants and allergy/immunization nurses and clinics. She was also an active member of clinical operations, infection control and various communications committees. As an “expert level” outreach coordinator, she planned and implemented health fairs and flu shot clinics in multiple campus settings and also functioned in a variety of specialty areas such as triage and health clearance assessment.
Desser gained a wide range of medical and nursing experience at the UCLA Center for Health Services and at the Alta Bates Hospital and Herrick Hospital and Health Center located in Berkeley, California. She has been certified in lifestyle medicine since 2021, a certification that includes training on whole food, plant-based nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, smoking cessation, promotion of mindfulness and other stress management techniques, as well as training in counseling around behavior change projects. Ideally, Desser’s preference is always to be mindful of a patient’s preferences while considering adjustments to lifestyle and habits for improvements prior to using medications and surgery.
Her current memberships in professional organizations include the American College Health Association, the American College of Nurse Practitioners and the California Association for Nurse Practitioners. Desser has a master of nursing in primary ambulatory care and a bachelor of science in nursing, both from UCLA.
AHMED KHALIFA, MD
Physician
Dr. Ahmed Khalifa is a California licensed physician at Harbor Community Health Centers, with a broad spectrum of medical care experience.
Dr. Khalifa’s certifications and professional memberships are numerous. He is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as internal medicine. In addition, he has a subspeciality in geriatric medicine. His professional organization memberships include the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Physicians and American Geriatric Society. For 10 years, he was also an assistant professor at the University of Southern California Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Khalifa has practiced medicine at various locations locally, including the Long Beach Medical Center’s Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center of Long Beach, PIH Health Hospital in Downey and California Hospital in Los Angeles.
Throughout his career, Dr. Khalifa has given presentations and conducted research on topics related to his expertise for which he has received national recognition. He presented an unusual case of hypothyroidism at the Florida Geriatric Society and was an award winner at the Missouri Chapter of the American College of Physicians for the first case report of combined retinitis pigmentosa and Gitelman’s syndrome in the same family.
Dr. Khalifa spent his initial residency in medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri, and had obstetrics and gynecology residencies at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine in Los Angeles, and Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California, where he was also the administrative chief resident. His geriatrics fellowship was from the University of South Florida.
BELINDA K. KHOU
Physician Assistant
Belinda K. Khou is a California licensed physician assistant at Harbor Community Health Centers. As a trilingual English-Khmer-Spanish speaker, she assists HarborCHC physicians in providing a wide range of health services for family medicine and urgent care to all patients at the center. Her experience includes providing chronic, acute, and preventative care for underserved and diverse patient populations. She also organizes lectures on healthy eating habits to engage the community and help diabetes patients make healthy lifestyle choices.
Assisting with treatment involving dermatologic conditions has been a specialty for Khou. At the Ventura Institute of Dermatologic Arts, she worked closely with physicians to assist with skin cancer surgery, biopsies, skin exams, pre-op and post-op counseling, and cosmetic procedures that include dermal fillers and bio-stimulatory agents. Additionally, she has administered photodynamic therapy for patients with widespread, precancerous lesions.
Khou has cardiac experience as well. As an undergrad researcher and experiment leader, she performed a cardiac pacing assay to analyze the relationship of exercise and dietary stress on cardiac arrest and conducted microscopic analyses of Drosophila melanogaster for pre-and post-electrical shock heart conditions.
Khou earned a physician assistant certificate and master of health sciences from Duke University and a bachelor of science in biology from the University of California, Irvine.
In her spare time, she enjoys surfing, hiking, film photography and cooking.
KEVIN I. METZGER, DO
Physician
Dr. Kevin Metzger is a California licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine at Harbor Community Health Centers with experience treating a wide variety of patient acuity and case types.
His professional memberships include the American Osteopathic Association and Society of Hospital Medicine. He has also been affiliated with the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine. In numerous medical positions and locations locally, which include family practice, his experience comprises intensive and critical care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and more.
Military service has been an important component of Dr. Metzger’s medical experience. For seven years in the Air Force National Guard, he served as both an independent duty medic and aeromedical specialist.
Dr. Metzger has also served the community through volunteering with the Laurel Heavy Rescue Squad, where he performed motor vehicle and fire-heavy rescues.
Dr. Metzger spent his internship and initial residency in medicine at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach and a second residency at Chino Valley Medical Center. He earned a doctor of osteopathic medicine from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona and a master of health sciences from George Washington University in Washington, DC.
PARISSA MORADI, MD
Physician
Dr. Parissa Moradi is a California licensed physician at Harbor Community Health Centers specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Moradi is trilingual in English, French and Farsi and has several certifications and professional memberships. She has received her board from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a diplomate of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is an associate professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine in Los Angeles. In addition, for several years, she was district vice president of the Los Angeles Medical Association.
Based on her expertise, Dr. Moradi has written articles for several publications, including the Medical Journal of the United Arab Emirates and the Journal of Medical Sciences of Azad University. She has also been published by the United Nations for conducting a study and preparing a report on standardizing the medical emergency needs related to earthquakes.
Dr. Moradi spent her initial residency in medicine at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and a second residency at Martin Luther King, Jr./Charles R. Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. She received her medical diploma from Tehran University of Medical Science in Tehran, Iran, and conducted her pre-medical studies at Montpellier Medical School in Montpellier, France.
CRISTHIAM SANTOS
Physician Assistant
Cristhiam Santos is a California licensed physician assistant at Harbor Community Health Centers and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. As a bilingual English-Spanish speaker, he assists HarborCHC physicians providing a wide range of health services for family medicine and urgent care to all patients at the center. His experience includes providing adult care for a wide array of chronic and acute conditions including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, drug and alcohol addiction, dermatologic conditions, and more.
Adding to his overall clinical experience are his past rotations at prominent local hospitals and clinics such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, California Hospital Medical Center and several others. Working in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, and internal medicine are just a few of the medical disciplines that have contributed to his professional knowledge.
Santos also has more than two years of experience as an emergency medical technician. Rendering care to ill and injured patients in Los Angeles County, he transported patients via ambulance to hospitals and performed high-level CPR and first aid to assess patient conditions and help establish a course of treatment.
“I chose to pursue primary care practice as a means to connect with and serve my community,” says Santos. “I practice upstream medicine and try to focus on preventing disease before it happens.”
Santos earned a physician assistant certificate and master of health science from the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, and a bachelor of science in health science from La Sierra University in Riverside.
In his spare time, he has enjoyed doing volunteer work for Schools on Wheels as a tutor and the Tena Foundation for homeless outreach. He also enjoys mountain hiking, bike riding, and rock climbing.
HIND BENNANI, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Hind Bennani is a California licensed physician at Harbor Community Health Centers specializing in adult and pediatric podiatry.
Dr. Bennani is experienced in the treatment of a wide variety of podiatric conditions, including wound care, surgery, and working with the special needs of diabetic patients. Her services also include treating severe heel pain, ingrown toenails causing infection and/or weakness, severe pain associated with calluses and corns, infection-producing toenail fungus, and more.
Dr. Bennani is American Board of Podiatric Surgery qualified and holds a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery as well as a master of science in biomedical sciences from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. She also earned a bachelor of science in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she graduated with college honors cum laude and departmental honors.
LINDSEY KIM, DNP, FNP-BC, CEN, TNS
Nurse Practitioner
Lindsey Kim is a California-licensed nurse practitioner at Harbor Community Health Centers with a solid background in trauma care and a strong focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare to patients with a variety of illnesses and injuries.
Prior to joining HarborCHC, Kim attained more than 13 years of nursing experience at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, much of which she acquired in the hospital’s emergency department. In her roles as a trauma nurse specialist and certified emergency nurse, she managed to care for trauma patients and served as a charge nurse in the evenings. She also served as a nurse preceptor to educate and evaluate newly hired nurses and was a member of the medication safety committee and the hospital’s council to monitor the overall quality of service.
As part of her nurse practitioner status, Kim’s wide-ranging experience is enhanced by several certifications that include trauma nurse specialist, certified nurse specialist, family nurse practitioner, and emergency communication registered nurse.
Kim earned her doctorate of nursing practice at Loyola University in Chicago, where she also earned a master of science in nursing as a family nurse practitioner with an emergency subspecialty. She also holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois, and a bachelor of science in community health planning and administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Dental
ELAINE NGUYEN, DDS
Dental Director
Dr. Elaine Nguyen is a California-licensed dentist at Harbor Community Health Centers who provides general dentistry treatment through preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral healthcare to patients of all ages.
Prior to joining HarborCHC, Dr. Nguyen worked as a staff dentist at different Federal Qualified Health Centers in Southern California. Dr. Nguyen’s passion is to help patients and treat them like family.
Dr. Nguyen earned a doctor of dental surgery from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and a bachelor of science in dental hygiene, also from the USC School of Dentistry.
MAILE OSBORNE, MS, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Maile Osborne is a California-licensed dentist at Harbor Community Health Centers who provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral healthcare to patients of all ages.
Prior to joining HarborCHC, Dr. Osborne was very active in dental programs at the University of Southern California (USC). As a Special Patients Clinic selective member, she provided dental treatment with modifications to medically compromised patients. She was also a core member of the USC Mobile Dental Clinic and Community Dentistry Program.
A highlight of Dr. Osborne’s dental experience has been her local and international community outreach and volunteer participation. In recognition for her outstanding and compassionate patient care, Dr. Osborne was awarded the Behavioral Dentistry Award from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.
Dr. Osborne earned a doctor of dental surgery from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, a master of science in global medicine from the USC Keck School of Medicine, and a bachelor of arts in biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
In her spare time, Osborne’s interests and activities include surfing, swimming, and traveling.
HOANG T. THAN, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Hoang Than is a California-licensed dentist at Harbor Community Health Centers who provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral healthcare to patients of all ages.
Dr. Than has been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years with an emphasis on providing care to underserved populations. Prior to joining HarborCHC, he provided dental services at AltaMed in Los Angeles, and at Abrazar Community Dental Clinic in Westminster, CA. He also previously practiced pediatric dentistry at the Children’s Dental Building in Artesia, CA.
Dr. Than earned a doctor of dental surgery from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry, and two bachelor of arts degrees, in psychology and social work, from the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Than’s interests and activities include reading, collecting and customizing toy figures, online gaming, marksmanship, traveling, and martial arts.
VINH NGO, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Vinh Ngo is a California-licensed dentist at Harbor Community Health Centers who provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral healthcare to patients of all ages. He frequently volunteers his services at the Care Harbor LA, California Dental Association, Molina Healthcare, and VPASC health fairs.
Dr. Ngo’s experience includes clinic oversight at Celebrating Life Community Health Center and Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles. Prior to joining HarborCHC, Dr. Ngo also provided dental services at the Accu Dental Group in Long Beach, CA, SmileDay Dental in Garden Grove and Santa Ana, and SmileBrands Dental and SmileCare Dental in Los Angeles.
Dr. Ngo earned a doctor of dental surgery from the University of Southern California’s Ostrow School of Dentistry.
HO VIET, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Ho Viet is a California-licensed dentist at Harbor Community Health Centers who provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic oral healthcare to patients of all ages. His career is characterized by improving dentistry with new technologies such as stem cell and electromagnetic therapy, and providing dental services to groups who need them, including Medicaid patients, pediatric patients with behavior management needs, offices with low staff due to COVID, assisted living and psychiatric nursing homes during lockdown, and underserved Indigenous populations.
Prior to joining HarborCHC, Dr. Viet provided dental services to offices across California and in Las Vegas and owned a practice in Huntington Beach for three years.
Dr. Viet earned a doctor of dental surgery from the University of Southern California’s Ostrow School of Dentistry and studied as a Fulbright scholar at Oxford University’s Trinity College. He also obtained a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Virginia.
Dr. Viet served in the U.S. Army Dental Command and under Operation Iraqi Freedom, receiving several commendations including a Star for dental service under combat fire and a Meritorious Service Medal. In 2015, he opened the largest drone retail store in Orange County, CA, assisting enthusiasts with flying classes, pilot certification, and FAA registration.
Behavioral Health
MAYRA GONZALEZ, LCSW
Director of Behavioral Health
Mayra Gonzalez serves as the Director of Behavioral Health at Harbor Community Health Centers. Gonzalez is responsible for planning, developing, and managing all services of the behavioral health services (BHC) department including mental health, substance use, and social services.
Gonzalez is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 11 years of experience working with diverse communities providing mental health services to young children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Mayra has worked within a variety of settings including foster care, probation, family preservation, substance abuse treatment facilities, transitional residential programs, outpatient, and inpatient mental health organizations. Gonzalez’s experience in diverse roles within the social services field has driven her holistic and collaborative approach to promoting positive outcomes for the most vulnerable children, youth, and families in our communities. Gonzalez is an empathetic professional who combines clinical knowledge and compassion for helping others obtain optimal mental health.
Additionally, Gonzalez has worked as clinical lead for behavioral health programs. Prior to joining HarborCHC, Gonzalez worked as a wraparound program manager where she provided clinical and administrative oversight to ensure that youth who were at risk of entering the child welfare system received timely and individualized mental health services. Moreover, Gonzalez has collaborated with organizations to develop training curriculums and workshops on crisis intervention, harm-reduction techniques, and other topics relevant to community-based mental health services.
Gonzalez holds a master’s degree in social work from California State University Los Angeles and master’s degree in business administration from Pepperdine University.
DIANNE BOHÓRQUEZ, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Dianne Bohórquez is a California-licensed clinical psychologist at Harbor Community Health Centers. Since February 2020, she has been the HarborCHC director of behavioral health. As a bilingual English-Spanish speaker, she provides individual psychotherapy for adults, as well as multidisciplinary consultation with medical providers and directors, case managers, and social workers. She also collaborates in her professional capacity with various community organizations. Dr. Bohorquez has specialized in working with victims and survivors of domestic violence, and in maternal mental health. She has trained with the Department of Mental Health in evidence-based treatment models.
Prior to joining HarborCHC in September 2012, she was a clinical psychologist at the Institute for Multicultural Counseling and Education and provided a full range of psychotherapy to individuals of all ages, including families, and utilized the process of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Bohórquez also has experience in conducting geriatric psychotherapy in skilled nursing facilities.
Providing support to cancer patients and survivors has been a specialty for Dr. Bohórquez. At the City of Hope National Medical Center (CHNMC), she was part of a research team that implemented a psychoeducational behavioral intervention for breast cancer survivors that promoted prevention, follow-up medical care, and lifestyle changes for health promotion. In various settings and capacities over the years, including the Ted Mann Family Resource Center and the Center for Culture and Health, both at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Dr. Bohórquez has been actively involved in providing support for individuals diagnosed with cancer and their family members.
Also at CHNMC, she was a project coordinator for the Latina participants of the Center of Community Alliance for Research and Education. Additional duties included program development, assistance in grant writing, manuscript preparation, and training of project coordinators.
Utilizing her skills and background in psychotherapy, Dr. Bohórquez has frequently acted as a supervisor and in-service trainer to social workers, program directors, nurses, physical therapists, research assistants, and graduate students, among others.
Dr. Bohórquez earned a doctorate in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Alhambra, California, and a bachelor of arts in psychology from UCLA.
JOHANNA H. TERRONES, MSW/LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Johanna H. Terrones is a California-licensed clinical social worker at Harbor Community Health Centers specializing in behavioral health. Working and interacting with diverse multicultural and socioeconomic populations, she has extensive experience with conflict management and counseling trauma survivors of all ages in groups and individual settings.
Prior to joining HarborCHC, Terrones’ professional experience reflected her continuing advocacy for prison mental health reform. As a youth mental health therapist with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) in Los Angeles, she provided individual, conjoint, family, and group psychotherapy. For more than three years prior to ARC, she worked in a similar capacity for ChildNet Youth and Family Services in Long Beach. Previously, she was also a case manager and community service specialist for Pacific Asian Counseling Services in Long Beach.
In 2023, Terrones was appointed to the Sybil Brand Commission for Institutional Inspections by the Los Angeles County Board for Supervisors, representing the fourth district. In this capacity, she conducts inspections and evaluations of the conditions, effective administration, cleanliness, discipline and comfort of the county’s jail, lockup, probation and correctional facilities. Terrones remains committed to making changes and raising awareness that ensure basic needs, access to mental health and vocational/educational services for inmates in the county jail system are met.
Terrones has an extensive internship background. She completed a master of social work (MSW) internship at the Los Angeles Federal Public Defender Office. She also performed a psychiatric social work internship for Los Angeles Unified School District and was a human services intern for the Long Beach Health Department’s Prenatal Care Clinic.
Terrones earned an MSW from California State University, Los Angeles and a bachelor of science in human services from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She also holds an associate of arts in psychology from Los Angeles Harbor College, and is fluent in English and Spanish.
SANDRA PADILLA, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sandra Padilla is a California-licensed clinical social worker at Harbor Community Health Centers specializing in behavioral health. Sandra is passionate about making a positive impact within the community. Sandra has extensive experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages, specifically with populations that have been historically disenfranchised. Sandra is bilingual in English-Spanish.
Prior to joining Harbor Community Clinic, Sandra worked as a Behavioral Health Therapist at a non-public school. In her previous role as a Behavioral Health Therapist at an FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center), Sandra provided therapeutic services to adults ranging in age from 20 to 95 years old. Additionally, she has served as an advocate for residents in long-term care settings.
Sandra holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan, with concentrations in Aging Families in Society and Community Organization, and a minor in Interpersonal Practice. She also obtained a bachelor's degree in social work from Marygrove College, along with certificates in gerontology and child welfare.
Sandra’s interests include gardening, camping, learning about herbalism, and finding creative ways to upcycle.
ANTHONY JACKSON, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Anthony (Tony) Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) at Harbor Community Health Centers specializing in behavioral health. His experience includes providing individual psychotherapy to adults living with anxiety, depression, adjustment changes, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ issues, sexual health and gender identity, men’s issues, sex/intimacy/relationship concerns, and behavioral change. Anthony utilizes modalities that are strength-based and solution-focused. Anthony is experienced in practice models such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and is a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP). Anthony provides emphasis on client empowerment, positive motivation, and self-reflection utilizing a holistic approach to assist in building and developing positive coping techniques to meet personal objectives.
Prior to joining HarborCHC, Anthony worked in Orange County as a clinical supervisor and psychotherapist at an Intensive Outpatient Program for KPC Health: Anaheim Global Medical Center. Anthony also operates as a psychotherapist in private practice and in his previous role as a psychiatric social worker at Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital & Community Mental Health Center.
Anthony has a substantial internship background: he completed master of social work (MSW) internships as a clinician for a CalWORKs program in Long Beach and as a children’s social worker for Orange County Children & Family Services. He was also an intern for an adult mental health day program at Together: UK in London, providing mental health support to adults in the community.
Anthony holds a master's degree in social work from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a concentration in community mental health. He also obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology, with a concentration in social work and minor in human services from California State University, Fullerton and an associate’s degree in sociology from Cypress College.
In his spare time, Anthony enjoys cooking, swimming and teaching hot Pilates.