Purpose & Dedication
HAND IN HAND...IMPROVING LIVES!
We exist to create experiences in which hands come together with purpose and dedication. To do this, we make it a point of staffing the CBAS with a highly educated, well-trained team of individuals...whose value is honored and supported.
Professional Inter-disciplinary Team
Christina Llewellyn, MSW
Program Director
Program Director Christina Llewellyn has been with Helping Hands for Better Living for over fifteen years. Her study in social work and proven leadership have provided a solid foundation for our program.
Vanessa Tatum, MD
Staff Physician
Ashley Tatum, BSN, RN, PHN, MBA, CPT-1
Assoc. Program Director & Staff R.N.
Ashley is a dedicated healthcare professional with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an MBA, bringing over five years of experience in program direction and nursing. Currently serving as a Registered Nurse at Helping Hands for Better Living, Ashley excels in coordinating patient care and overseeing nursing services in an Adult Day Health Care setting.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Ashley is passionate about arts and crafts, enjoying activities like sewing, painting, and crocheting. She maintains an active lifestyle through hiking, jogging, and indoor rock climbing, and finds joy in gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, and solving complex puzzles.
Ashley is committed to continuous learning, whether it’s honing her culinary skills, improving her leatherworking, or upgrading her PC. With a strong focus on fitness and helping others, she aims to create meaningful impacts in her community while pursuing professional growth in the nursing field.
Nick Salinas, RN
Registered Nurse
Hello, I’m Nurse Nick! I really enjoy working at Helping Hands Hands for Better Living and getting to know our participants and their families. Everyday is so different and I’m always learning something new. Outside of work, I love spending time with my friends and family, trying out new recipes, and just going out to explore!
Le Chi Vu, LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Markrins Fallorina, LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Laura Toda, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Laura completed her Master of Science in occupational therapy at California State University Dominguez Hills. In addition to her degree, Laura is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. When not working with participants at Helping Hands for Better Living, Laura spends her time working with home health clients. Laura loves empowering her clients to live safely at home.
In her spare time, Laura loves to spoil her pit bull, Bonnie. On most weekends, Laura will hike by the ocean or bake up a storm.
Anna White, MPT
Physical Therapist
Anna graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles with a Master of Physical Therapy Degree. She spent many years working with pediatric clients in the home, outpatient, and
hospital settings before moving on to work with geriatric clients, in skilled nursing and home health settings. Anna loves spending time with her family and making pottery in her free time.
Lucy Ledezma, DCN, RD, CNSC
Staff Registered Dietitian
Krista Tolo, MS CCC SLP
Speech & Language Pathologist
Over the last 18 years, Krista has worked in many schools, hospitals, and medical settings. Her experience with people ranges from birth (newborns) to the end of life, including centenarian (people 100 and over!) She has had the pleasure of working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school aged children and adults on a daily and weekly basis.
Krista has always had a special place in her heart for people and she enjoys helping others to improve their communication skills.
Krista grew up and attended school in the blazing hot desert of Arizona….Go Wildcats! She loves California’s diversity and excitement. There is always something interesting to do, a new adventure to be had.
On her days off, Krista enjoys spending time with family, hiking, exploring new places, new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes from around the world. She also loves to cook and eat!
Mark Curtis, MA Ed.
Activity Director & Educator
Mr. Mark’s professional adventures with Helping Hands for Better Living Adult Day Health Care Center (ADHC) began over sixteen years ago during his role as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Shortly after the completion of the student-teaching requirements for his Master’s Degree in Education, he was promoted to the position of Activity Coordinator by founder, L. Jeanette Tatum. For the past 12 years, Mr. Mark has served as the Activity Coordinator and Director for Helping Hands for Better Living, which has made a huge impact on the center’s Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) program, “I have been honored to serve our program participants by creating educational and engaging therapeutic program activities. My goal is for our program participants to have positive experiences while learning about life skills and the world around them.” Mr. Mark’s 40+ years work experience in healthcare and education includes long-term skilled nursing, teaching in elementary and special education classrooms, as well as distance tutoring serving underprivileged and special needs students.
Shannon Holland, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Shannon is a compassionate and supportive Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a history of working in the fields of Mental Health and Adult Day Health Care. She is an experienced psychotherapist and contracted CBAS/ADHC psychological/psychiatric consultant. She is skilled in providing direct clinical services, psychosocial assessment, developing treatment goals and person-centered plans of care. She is also adept at crisis intervention, risk assessment, and multi-disciplinary case coordination. As a clinical therapist Shannon provided services for children, adolescents, and adults. Her areas of expertise include grief and loss, intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities, dementia support for families, trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and support for those facing the challenges of everyday life.
Cindy Cruz, MSW
Staff Social Worker
Elizabeth Sanchez, MS Gerontology
Staff Social Worker
Administrative Support Team
Michelle Trujillo
Senior Administrative Assistant
Senior Administrative Assistant Michelle Trujillo is at the center of the Helping Hands for Better Living team. From coordinating participant transportation through OC ACCESS, to fielding daily inquiries, Michelle manages important day-to-day operations at the center.
Mercedes Tatum
Senior Administrator