RACHEL HUVELDT
RN, MPA, Practice Administrator
Rachel's education in business management and managed care as well as her extensive background working with Fortune 500 companies serve her well in fulfilling her pivotal position at The Menkes Clinic.
Her primary challenge came in the form of assisting Dr. Menkes to fulfill his vision, that of providing total quality skincare for his patients and delivering a higher standard of patient care. This called for hiring a staff of highly qualified professionals and molding them into a high-performance team that would achieve the vision and mission of the Menkes Clinic. Rachel believes that the clinic's success largely depends on the quality of the people managing it.
She has implemented operational systems designed to function smoothly and effectively with only one purpose in mind: meeting the individual needs of every patient.
When not busy at work, Rachel enjoys investing in real estate, traveling with her husband, Patrick, and gardening.
KAREN KEITH
Patient Care Coordinator
Karen applies more than seven years of extensive and diverse experience in the field of cosmetic/aesthetic dermatology to her work at The Menkes Clinic. Forming working partnerships with patients to help them make wise and informed decisions about their skin care needs drives a major part of that work.
From the initial consultation, through the actual procedure and post-treatment checkups, she stays with patients to ensure their goals are met. This close working relationship helps them remain informed about their options and alleviates the apprehension that sometimes accompanies cosmetic treatment.
It all begins with the complimentary consultation she offers and results in a personalized skin-rejuvenation program tailored to each individual's requirements. The information and care Karen provides builds the patient's trust and comfort level which is so essential before any procedure. She is truly a valuable asset to the clinic's mission.
When not immersed in home improvement projects, she enjoys hiking, sailing, rollerblading and gardening.
MICHELLE KUNDE
Practice Marketing Coordinator
Michelle's 10-year experience as a patient care coordinator in plastic surgery and dermatology clinics is a great complement to her current position of Practice Marketing Coordinator. Her considerable understanding of the importance of quality skin care and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures enables her to convey the clinic's array of services that we offer.
Michelle's role overseeing the clinic's "Community Education Programs" is a great fit for her due to her engaging personality and interest in meeting and working with individuals in Silicon Valley. Whether it is setting up skin care educational sessions with organizations affiliated with the clinic or other community associations, Michelle's passion for maintaining healthy skin comes though. She is passionate about sharing how one can look and feel their best through skin rejuvenation programs that can restore ones natural look.
Outside of the office, Michelle enjoys cooking and entertaining with her family and friends. She dotes on her-4 year old son, and with him and her husband enjoys traveling, water sports, and working out. Practicing a healthy lifestyle is an important aspect of Michelle's life. Her role in educating others to maintain healthy skin is an extension of her belief in the importance of living a healthy life.
SYLVIA ROBBINS
Registered Nurse
A decade of laser experience and advanced certifications in laser technology makes Sylvia an expert in treating all skin types for laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation.
Sylvia has an instinctive nurturing personality that makes aesthetic and surgical nursing a natural career focus. Compassionate and detail oriented, she will personalize your treatments to fit your needs, delivering the highest quality of care.
In her free time, Sylvia enjoys gardening and traveling with her family.
TARA DICAIRANO
Medical Assistant
Tara brings 15 years of experience working in medical clinics to her job at The Menkes Clinc. A talented person, she functions in a number of areas; in the front as office receptionist, in the back office as a medical assistant with dermatology patients and in the Operating Room as an OR Tech where she assists Dr. Menkes in performing cosmetic procedures. She is also a Moh’s Tech and assists Dr. Menkes with Moh's surgical procedures.
Tara appreciates the collaborative approach and teamwork environment that Dr. Menkes has built with his staff. She is passionate about being a member of the team and believes that our patients have a positive experience when they are the recipients of the caring and helpful attitude displayed by the staff.
In her free time, Tara loves spending time with her husband and 3 children.
LUCIENE DA SILVA HOWARD
Medical Assistant
The combination of Lucy's medical knowledge and her organizational skills makes her a valuable Menkes Clinic player. She spends many of her off hours delighting in the unique music of her native Brazil.
CAROLYN MALISZEWSKI
Medical Assistant
Carolyn is a nationally certified medical assistant with over fifteen years of experience in the medical field. She is a former E.M.T. and E.R. technician and is also trained as a certified MOHs' surgery technician. She enjoys scrapbooking, beachcombing, traveling and spending time with her family and two American Eskimo dogs.
MEREDITH MASRI
Medical Assistant
Meredith joined the Menkes Clinic team in 2009. She brought with her to the clinic several years of experience in dermatology and a particular interest in the field. In addition to her experience in dermatology, Meredith has also worked in the fields of emergency medicine, women's health, primary care and pediatrics. A Bachelor's degree in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior from UC Davis prepared her well for her work in the medical field.
Outside of her work caring for patients, Meredith enjoys reading, travelling, and playing outdoors with her children.
KENDEL HIGGINS
Business Manager
In one sense, Kendel is the face of The Menkes Clinic since she is often the first person patients see as they arrive. She helps set the tone of the clinic by ensuring that when they walk through the door they discover a positive, helpful and personable environment.
The office management and supervisory positions Kendal has held in a wide range of medical operations, including a medical group of 40 physicians, a single physician dermatology practice and a large cosmetic dermatology medical center, have all prepared her to handle her current important duties.
The hectic business of running a busy clinic front office requires the ability to orchestrate the flow of patients in an orderly and calm manner. With the help of a great team, Kendal applies her effective formula.
At home, she relaxes by playing with her three dogs, watching movies or listening to music.
CHRISTINE VALLEJO
Medical Billing Specialist
With nearly 10 years experience in customer service related fields, Christine knows what it takes to provide the quality care and service clients have come to expect from The Menkes Clinic. She’s worked in the medical field for four years now, as a medical assistant and medical receptionist and has greatly enjoyed all aspects of the industry. Prior to working in dermatology, Christine worked in pediatrics. Christine became part of the Menkes team in 2007 and has since become a Medical Billing Specialist. During the day, Christine is often helping patients with billing dilemmas, working with insurance companies to resolve patient questions and issues, and making sure all accounts are in order. When she’s not at work, Christine enjoys spending time with her husband and their daughter, and experiencing their life unfold as a family. She also enjoys taking pictures, traveling and scrapbooking. Life isn't about the facts or numbers on paper for Christine. It's about the relationships and the memories we build to make every day one worth living.
CAROLYN VICK
Medical Records Technician
It would be impossible for Carolyn to carry out her responsibilities without great organizational skills and an impeccable attention to detail. A career that spans twenty years has provided her with the invaluable experience and abilities to manage her critical medical record keeping duties at The Menkes Clinic. Away from the office, she takes great pleasure in cooking and embroidery.
PAT HOAPILI
Medical Billing Specialist
Pat handles all of the clinic's billing responsibilities. Her work often calls for helping patients understand and resolve insurance issues involving either governmental or private insurers. Pat's extensive background in dealing with Medicare and private insurance policies and procedures furnishes a valuable asset to the clinic. Pat spends most of her leisure hours supporting her grandkids in all their sports activities.
JENNIFER HARTMAN-KOK
Medical Billing Specialist
Jennifer's 10 years experience in the medical industry has perfected her organizational skills in the billing department. She expertly helps patients tackle their complicated questions and resolves problems efficiently. When she's not attending San Jose State University, she enjoys word searches, trying new restaurants, and being surrounded by people that make her laugh.
PAULINA GAVILANEZ
Front Office Receptionist
Paulina has been in the dermatology field for past three years as a part- time and full-time receptionist. Her experience helps keep the front office running smoothly. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the movies, sporting and social events. In her free time she likes running, pilates and shopping. She also enjoys meeting new people and trying new things.
BERNADETTE JAURIGUI
Front Office Receptionist
The newest member of our team at The Menkes Clinic, Bernadette is usually found welcoming patients in the waiting room and on occasion assisting in procedures on the medical and surgical side of the practice. In 2007, she received her diploma in Surgical Technology from Everest College. She is an animal lover who especially loves dogs, including her own King Charles Spaniel. When she in not working, she likes to stay active by going to the movies, to concerts, shopping, or exploring the various attractions of the Bay Area.
MONICA SANCHEZ
Front Office Receptionist
Monica joyfully joined The Menkes Clinic in 2009 as part of the team at the front desk. She has over 10 years of customer service experience, five of those years in the medical field working for a large medical organization in an office with over 15 physicians. She received her AA in Real Estate from Foothill College, and after working in that field for a short period decided the medical field was more personally rewarding. She enjoys learning about new skin care products and trying them so she can share her own experience with patients. She is fluent in Spanish and her interests include family functions, and visiting her family in Mexico.
