Toro Health Pathways

Purpose

To inspire and prepare students for careers in health professions through training, mentorship, and support.

Goals

  • Providing culturally and linguistically responsive programming
  • Creating clear pathways to healthcare careers
  • Incorporating high tech, high touch approach for student success
  • Strengthening educational partnerships

Support includes:

  • Paid summer internships for undergraduate students
  • Paid fellowship opportunities for post-undergraduate students
  • Peer mentoring and health professions workshops
  • Career and major exploration and advising

Toro Health Pathways is funded by the Department of Health Care Access and Information.

Mission

The Toro Health Pathways Program inspires and prepares students for rewarding careers in health professions by providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and educational support. We foster strong partnerships between high schools, community colleges, and workforce preparation entities, while delivering culturally and linguistically responsive programming. Our mission is to empower underrepresented students by offering clear pathways to healthcare careers, facilitating their educational goals, and cultivating a culture of excellence, equity, and lifelong learning.

Vision

The Toro Health Pathways Program aims to be a transformative force in healthcare education, aligned with the College of Health, Human Services & Nursing’s vision. We strive to develop knowledgeable professionals who champion lifelong health and wellness, adaptability, and social justice. By creating innovative and equitable educational experiences, fostering a culture of care, and building strong community connections, we envision a future where our program serves as a pillar of the community and empowers students to thrive as local and global citizens.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of the program, students will be able to:

  • Build personal and professional relationships among peers, faculty, and staff.
  • Identify a clear career pathway that aligns with their personal and professional goals.
  • Successfully locate and search tools and resources for careers in healthcare
  • Establish lifelong learning practices in career exploration and personal development.
  • Cultivate culturally responsive experiences fostering strong community relationships.

The Toro Health Pathways (THP) program focuses on ensuring the success of underrepresented students who wish to pursue careers in health professions. THP will provide valuable support, guidance, and mentorship to students to help them navigate their college path and pursue careers in health. The goal of the Toro Health Pathways is to inspire and prepare students for careers in health professions to develop a more culturally and linguistically competent healthcare workforce.

Meet the Team
Dr. Ana Maria Barrera

Dr. Ana Maria Barrera

Director, Toro Health Pathways

Edgar Roa

Edgar Roa

Peer Leader
Undergraduate in Clinical Science

Daniel Castillo

Daniel Castillo

Peer Leader
Undergraduate in Health Science

Jessica Uribe

Jessica Uribe

Peer Leader
Undergraduate in Clinical Science

Marissa Manai

Marissa Manai

Peer Leader
Undergraduate in Human Services

Alessandra

Alessandra

Peer Leader
Undergraduate in Kinesiology

Linda Lepe

Linda Lepe

Peer Leader
Undergraduate in Child Development

Alumni Highlight
Andrea Cocjin

Andrea Cocjin

Fellowship Intern 2024-2025
B.A. in Physical Education: Pre-physical Therapy ‘24

Joanna Ramos

Joanna Ramos

THP Peer Leader 2024
B.A. in Physical Education: Pre Physical Therapy ‘24

Mireya Isidro Mateo

Mireya Isidro Mateo

THP Peer Leader 2024-2025
B.S. in Health Science: Community Health ‘24

For more information about the THP, contact Dr. Ana Maria Barrera, Program Director, healthpathways@csudh.edu