Free Clinic of Simi Valley

Strategic Planning Meeting in San Diego

2011-08-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

On Saturday August 20th Board members of the Free Clinics of the Western Region gathered in San Diego to discuss plans for the next three years. At the conclusion of our meeting, we were visited by the Perpetual Health Cycling Club. They have toured Free Clinics around California on their bicycles bring attention to the good work being done.

Great to see these young people interested in Free Clinics.

Maggie Kestly Elected Board President

2010-01-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Leasing and property manager and community leader Maggie Kestly has been selected to serve as president of the board of directors for the Free Clinic of Simi Valley.
Kestly has been with Mid Valley Properties for 23 years, managing a portfolio totaling a million square feet in Ventura County, and holds Certified Property Manager and Certified Commercial Investment Member designations.

Currently Kestly serves the Free Clinic Board as well as the governing boards for the Simi Valley Community Foundation and the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, for which she is immediate past president. Previously she served the boards for the Boys and Girls Club of Simi Valley and the Jewish Life Center, and she served as Simi Valley City Councilwoman Michelle Foster's appointee on the City of Simi Valley's General Plan Advisory Committee.

Kestly has served the Free Clinic's Board of Directors since 2003, and succeeds Harry VanDyck, who served two years as the Free Clinic's president.

"The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is blessed to have Maggie Kestly's experience, energy and leadership during these challenging times for us in the healthcare industry," said Fred Bauermeister, executive director and co-founder of the 38-year-old Free Clinic of Simi Valley. "Harry VanDyck did a wonderful job leading the organization through an uncertain economic period, and challenges remain to continue to deliver quality services to those in our community who need it."

"We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers and Board members who understand the challenges before us and look forward to meeting the community's needs," he said.
Elected to join Kestly on the Clinic's Executive Board in 2010 are Ron Hyrchuk as Vice President; Kurt Fredrickson as secretary; and Harry VanDyck as treasurer. Board members will be Noel Kelsch, Curt Witeby, Diane Goldenring, Polly Vlasic, Don Sturt, Judy Gobble, Phyllis Wilson, Dennis Benton, Keith Jajko, Leigh Nixon and Fred Bauermeister.

EHR Comes to the Free Clinic

2009-07-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generosity of Dr Russell Noblett from Roanoke West Virginia, the Free Clinic is switching over to Electronic Medical Records. Dr Noblett has developed a comprehensive software program, which is Internet based, to keep medical records. In addition the system tract patient demographics which will be useful in future grant applications. Dr Noblett is a medical doctor who has developed to program. The system is accessible from any computer and requires no specialized servers on site. Thanks Dr Noblett!

Dr Myhue Li

2009-07-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dr Myhue Li (on the right) mentors resident physician Henry Pham at the Free Clinic today. Dr Li is a doctor from the local Kaiser office on the corner of Alamo and Tapo Canyon Road. She is filling in this month for the attending physicians from Kaiser and welcomes the opertunity to share her knowledge and experience with some of the resident physicians like Dr Pham.

Kaiser Check

2009-07-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Kaiser Permanente presented a check for $15,000 to the Free Clinic at a recent ceremony at the beautiful Camarillo House in Camarillo. The funds will go toward general operating funds for our medical and dental programs.

Kaiser Graduation

2009-06-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 28th, six resident physicians completed their training and received their certification as family practice physicians. Their training through Kaiser includes a regular rotation here at the Free Clinic. The festivities were held at the Renaissance Hotel in Agoura Hills. The event was attended by the friends and families of the physicians as well as representatives from the Free Clinic. In the picture above are Dr Jeffrey Caputo, Dr Bonnie Chung, Dr Marisol Luna-Pizano, (Unknown guest) Dr Jennifer Haggerty, Dr Linnlee Sam, and Dr Sarvenaz Saadat.

This evening also marks the end of Dr Steve Rogers term as the Attending Physician for Kaiser he will move on the be the Attending Physician for Ventura County Medical Center. He hopes and we hope that he will eventually manage to get resident physicians to come here from the County in a similar manner to Kaiser. No matter what though, he will continue to be a volunteer physician here at the Free Clinic. Thanks Dr Rogers!

Dr Laura and Dr Pete

2009-06-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight we are celebrated the completion of the training of the two Ambulatory Care Pharmacists. Laura Baroutgian Pharm.D. and Peter Lee, Pharm.D. have been seeing patients on Thursday eveninings for the past year. On behalf of the Free Clinic, Dr. Deamer, the attending pharmaisist, and Fred Bauermeister, presented certificates of appreciation to them thanking them for their participation. we all wish them well.

West Los Angeles College Dental Hygiene Program

2009-06-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday June 17th the Free Clinic launched a new partnership with West Los Angeles College Dental Hygiene Program. The new program gives senior Dental Hygiene students to opportunity to gain valuable experience and deliver needed oral healthcare services to those in need. The students are supervised by Greg Cole, DDS. The new program will allow the Free Clinic Dental Program to treat more patients. There will be five students each day on Wednesday and Thursdays seeing patients simultaneously. Soon students from Oxnard College Dental Hygiene Program will begin seeing patients on Mondays as well.

Dr Rogers

2009-06-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

We have noticed that as the economy has worsened patients are putting off their healthcare. Dr Rogers is seen here applying a bandage to a woman's ulcerated leg.

Welcome Dr Cole, DDS

2009-06-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Free Clinic is proud to welcome Dr Gregory Cole to our staff of dentists. Dr Cole brings with him a wealth of experience, having been in private practice in the area for many years. In addition to seeing patients, Dr Cole will supervise students from Oxnard College and West Los Angeles College. Welcome Dr Cole!

Center for Spiritual Living Donation

2009-06-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Center for Spiritual Living donated $446.21 - Thank you!!

Simi Valley Medical Staff Donation

2009-06-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dr Daniel Takeda just stopped by with a check for $3,000 from the Simi Valley Medical Staff! Thanks!!

Contract Signed

2009-06-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Fred Bauermeister signed a contract with Oxnard College Dental Hygiene Program where senior hygiene students can get experience at our Dental Clinic. This replicates services already in place at the Medical Clinic and Family Counseling Program with resident physicians and counseling interns and trainees.

Dr Rogers's Birthday

2009-06-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

The staff of the Free Clinic celebrated Dr Rogers's birthday at Toppers Pizza Place on Friday. About twelve people attended and watched as Dr Rogers unwrapped a desktop score board on which he can follw his beloved Chicago Cubs inning by inning via satelitte.

Mini Make A Difference Day

2009-03-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Natasha Kerllenevich, RDH led our Mini Make a Difference Day yesterday at our Dental Clinic. Sixty children were examined by dentists then had their teeth cleaned by dental hygienists and students. Food was provided by Pavilions, El Torito and the California Pizza Kitchen. Volunteers from Kohl's helped organize the flow of patient care and provided toys as gifts to the children and made a $1,500 donation – this was a Great Day!

Fresh and Easy Gift

2009-02-11T11:54:00.001-08:00

This morning the Fresh and Easy Store just up the street celebrated its one year anniversary by donating $1,000 to the Free Clinic. Fresh and Easy is a great community neighbor, and as one of their neighbors, we appreciate their support.

New Fundraising

2009-02-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

The Free Clinic is now listed as a cause in FaceBook and GoodSearch.com If you are a member of FaceBook you can link the Free Clinic to your page and encourage your friends to donate. GoodSearch is a search engine like Google powered by Yahoo. If you select the Free Clinic as your designated charity, then each time you search for something online one penny comes to us. It may not sound like much but in this economy, every penny counts.

New Copier

2009-02-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our friend Cherié Whitaker a new (rebuilt) copier was donated to our Dental Program. Olga is thrilled!

Why Sheri is Smiling

2009-01-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Sheri is smiling because today she has completed her 3,000 hours of counseling in order to qualify to take the first of two written tests to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Sheri has been a volunteer at the Free Clinic for three years but today she said goodbye to the clinic and her colleagues and will begin studying for her tests. We all will miss her smile. Good Luck Sheri!

Leila Maghdam, DDS

2009-01-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Meet Dr Leila Maghdam a new dentist at our dental program. Dr Maghdam and her husband who is also a dentist, toured our Clinic and were very impressed. Dr. Leila Maghdam began volunteering today and her husband will begin in a few weeks. They live in Woodland Hills and in Bakersfield and are looking forward to coming in to the Free Clinic at least once a month. How's that for commitment!

Holiday Party

2008-12-20T12:55:00.000-08:00

A sagging economy is no reason not to celebrate the amazing volunteer professionals and accomplishments of the past year. Executive Director Fred Bauermeister hosted a Holiday gathering at Senor Gomez's in Simi Valley last Thursday night. About fifty people attended representing all four of the Clinic service areas. Among the guest was Ted O'Connell from Kaiser Woodland Hills who is the head of the residency program.

2008 Gala Open House

2008-11-16T17:13:00.001-08:00

Last night was our First Annual Gala Open House. Well over 100 people were in attendance including May Paul Miller and his wife Connie. There was great food provided by Finery Catering and music provided by New Motif. Then event, which was open to the public, featured tours of the Clinic programs and services and an opportunity to financially support the Clinic by sponsoring a room in either of our two sites or sponsor supplies the clinic purchases. The weather was perfect and the attendees and corporate sponsors generously demonstrated their support which led to a very successful first time event.

Write 4 Hope

2008-11-11T18:01:00.001-08:00

You may recall that last year an organization called Write 4 Hope sponsored a Blues Festival out at Oak Park. A portion of the proceeds from the event were designated for the Free Clinic. Tonight a gentleman from Write 4 Hope dropped off a check for $1,200.

Yea!

Make a Difference Day 2008

2008-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Make A Difference Day at both of our Clinic locations. 60 people were seen at each site. At the Tapo Street site our medical staff offered people flu shots, blood screening tests and our counseling staff distributed information on parenting. At our Dental clinic children received exams by dentists and teeth cleanings from dental hygienists. We even had the mobile dental clinic there to provide an additional two opratories making a total of seven.

News Update

2008-10-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Much going on around the Free Clinic recently. In September we received a donation of panaflex x-ray machine for our Dental Clinic. This devise allows the dentist to x-ray all the teeth at once to better determine there relationship to one another. This is especially helpful when extrcting wisdom teeth. Also in September the Clinic received a $15,000 grant from Alcoa Fastening Systems. Alcoa is very committed to supporting the charities in their community.

On Friday October 2nd the Clinic hosted the United Blood Services Bloodmobile http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/ The first Friday of everymonth the Free Clinic Sponsors a blood drive. Supplies of blood have run low due to the demand following the recent Metrolink train disaster.

And finally, today we hosted a luncheon at Marie Callenders for our volunteer dentists. Eight were able to attend and all had a great time.

Olga Lafflitto's Birthday

2008-08-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Olga's Birthday at El Patio restaurant just one block away from the Free Clinic. Olga is our marvelous Dental Program Administrator and even though her birthday is actually tomorrow we celebrated her birthday today because tomorrow she has volunteers scheduled to provide dental services. Is that dedication? YES! And that is why we appreciate her. Happy Birthday Olga!

Dr. Rogers

2008-08-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful day in our neighborhood now that Dr. William Rogers has joined our program. Dr Rogers replaced Dr. Monica Tantraphol as the attending physician for the Kaiser Permanente Residency Program which here several times a week. Dr. Rogers was formerly on the staff of Ventura County Hospital so he is very familiar with the area and local services. Although we greatly miss Dr. Tantraphol we are delighted to have Dr. Rogers on board.

Whew! What a day!!

2008-04-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today the dental clinic opened at 9:00 a.m. with Dr Joise Dovidio and Dr Joe Cheng. They along with volunteers from Oxnard College Dental Assistant Program treated patients until 3:00 when Dr Ean Kleiger arrived to see even more patient up to 6:00 tonight. These are some photographs from the activities this morning. Note the DVD player showing a movie while a patient waits for Dr Dovidio.

Dr. Tantraphol treated medical patients at our Medical Clinic from 9 a.m. to Noon today as well.

Eagle Project

2008-04-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

Nicolas Blume has completed his Boy Scout Eagle Project which was to convert one of the operatories at our Dental Clinic into a pediatric operatory. Nic and his team removed everything from the walls and painted them light blue. Then they painted clouds and balloons and kites on the walls and installed a flat screen TV with a DVD player. Now the children, having dental work done, can watch their favorite movies and imagine kites and clouds floating by. Thanks Nic!

New Physician Assistant

2008-04-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Brian Schlesinger first volunteered at the Free Clinic about 17 years ago. Brian was interested in medicine so he mentored with Dr Kurohara. Brian later applied to and was accepted into a physician assistant school in New Jersey. After graduating he returned to Southern California and pursued his career as a PA. About 11 years ago he once again came in and volunteered, but only for one evening, and once again with Dr Kurohara. Brian recently took a position here in Simi Valley and has offered to volunteer as a PA on a every other week basis. Last night Brian started his third time as a volunteer, since that first time 17 years ago, and again worked with Dr Kurohara. Brian is has a great sense of humor and is an experienced PA and will be a great addition to our medical staff.

Braces

2008-04-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

Dictionary.com defines the word orthodonture
noun the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention or correction of irregularities of the teeth [syn: orthodontics]. The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is proud to add this service to the list of services now offered at our full service Dental Program. Yes, we now are offering braces to our list of dental services making our Dental Program unparalleled in Ventura County and most of Southern California. Since we do not have the supplies and equipment necessary to offer this service, patients will be referred to Dr. Steven Parle who will be assisted by our own Olga Lafflitto and the doctor will donate his time and supplies and treat the patient in his office. This service will be limited but as we are fond of saying her at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, ‘It’s only the beginning”.

Client Leaves

2008-03-20T18:33:00.001-07:00

His parents brought him to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley Family Counseling Program because he needed help. For over a year he worked in play therapy with one of our dedicated volunteer professionals. Today he came in with his father and brother to say goodbye for his final session. He walked into the room and gave his therapist a big hug. "Since you helped me so much, I want my spot to go to someone else who could use your help," he said. "You taught me a lot, and now I have the tools to deal with my anxiety." His therapist told him that she had learned from him, too.
This client is only eleven years old.

Youngest Volunteer

2008-02-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

Andrea Wilson, who volunteers in both the Medical and Dental Programs, is a wonderful person and a MVV, Most Valuable Volunteer. Today she brought her young daughter to the Dental Program. Isabel, who has recently turned two, looks right at home at what looks like a child sized laptop computer and is actually a small DVD player.

Allied Insurance

2008-02-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Allied Insurance offered to volunteer to paint our three exam rooms and we were happy to accept. Six staff members painted the three rooms and also cleaned our carpeting. Thanks!

Smile

2008-02-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Here are two-thousand words.

Saturday Dental for Kids

2008-01-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

Dr. Raza from the 1,000 Oaks Children’s Dental Group volunteers at our Dental Clinic one Saturday each month. Dr. Raza has a calm manner which is well received by the children he provides care for. Yesterday morning he treated six children for a variety of dental concerns and the kids and their families appreciated his care. Here is a picture of Dr Raza being assisted by our Dental Clinic Administrator Olga Laflitto.

That's TWELVE

2008-01-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

Today Dr Dividio and Dr Cheng volunteered at our Dental Clinic. Dr Cheng performed a root canal on one patient and an extraction on another. Meanwhile Dr Dividio pulled 15 teeth on various patients, twelve on a 51 year old male.

In the next few weeks in conjunction with the Dental Technologies Lab next door, we will be fitting this gentlemen with some new teeth. We will post his progress on the blog.

Here is a photo of Dr Cheng work on one of his patients.

Board Retreat

2008-01-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

On Friday January 18^th and Saturday January 19^th the Board of Directors of the Free Clinic held their annual retreat. The retreat was facilitated by Doug Green http://www.dhgreen.com/index2.html at the historic Pierpont Inn in Ventura. The retreat this year was focused on the upcoming sabbatical and the steps necessary to insure the smooth operation of the Free Clinic during Fred’s absence. One of the highlights of the weekend was dinner on Friday night when members of the Board and their families got relax and have some fun.

Instant lab Results

2008-01-15T18:56:00.001-08:00

Beginning today we can instantly access lab test results online. Quest Diagnostics who provides the lab work for the Free Clinic has implemented a program where the nurse at the Free Clinic can obtain results for lab tests preformed on Free Clinic patients by logging in to Quest’s patient database. Previously, when a patient returned for a follow-up examination, if the results were not back yet from the lab, our nurse would have to call the lab and have them Fax over the results. Sometimes this would take time, especially if the lab was busy. Now the nurse just logs in and prints the lab report on our own printer.

2007 Holiday Party

2007-12-14T14:01:00.001-08:00

Last night the staff and Board of Directors of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley celebrated the holidays and the end of a great year. Approximately 40 people representing all four programs and the Board of Directors attended the party held at the Senor Gomez Restaurant. Above are a few snapshots from the evening. Phyllis and Chas Wilson, Dennis Harvey along with Ron Whiteman, Kurt and Kristy Fredrickson with Ron and his guest Diane and Fred Bauermeister and Becca Merrell.

Barbara and Marvin

2007-12-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2007

To Whom it May Concern;

This is to let you know how satisfied (Marvin Banks& Barbara Banks) are with the Free Clinic of Simi Valley - Dental Clinic. We are both senior citizens and without these wonderful people (Dr. Graves, Citlali and Olga, we would not be able to get any dental work done. These people are so caring and treat everyone with respect. Marvin & I cannot afford to have dental work done, so without the help of the clinic we would be without dental care or greatly in debt. Dr. Graves is wonderful she pulled a tooth and in all my years and dental experience I have had before this was the first time I felt no pain during or after the tooth was pulled. (I have had many teeth pulled No Upper teeth Left at all) The care before and after was amazing. And my husband said the cleaning he got was the best he has ever had. The kindness of the people working at the Dental Clinic cannot be repaid in anyway but to thank them. Making appointments is great Olga takes the time to really help you and cares enough to call to let you know that you have an appointment. Being seniors this is a great help. Again we. would like to thank all of the people at the Free Clinic for their help and support.

Thank you,

Barbara & Marvin Banks

Julie Sorensen - Chiropractor

2007-11-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

The Free Clinic is delighted to announce that Julie Sorensen has joined the volunteer staff of the Free Clinic. Dr. Sorensen is a chiropractor and she has begun volunteering on Thursday evenings following the general medical clinic. Julie has an office at the corner of Cochran and Sycamore here in Simi Valley.

New Type of Medical Service

2007-11-16T15:49:00.001-08:00

After the Thanksgiving holiday the Free Clinic will enter into a completely new and unprecedented venture with our friends at Kaiser. Beginning in two weeks, a resident pharmacist will see patients at the Free Clinic. Sound unusual? Well it is.

A resident pharmacist can see patients under the same types of protocols as a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant. The specially trained pharmacist, under the direct supervision of specifically credentialed pharmacist, can meet with a patient, monitor their medications, order follow-up lab tests and change the dosage or even the type of medication being administered.

The way it will work is a patient must first be seen by a physician for something like high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension. The physician will order lab tests and prescribe a treatment plan for the patient. Then the resident pharmacist will meet with the patient to follow-up their progress and modify the patient’s treatment as it relates to their diagnosed illness. This is a brand new type of healthcare service and although common to some Kaiser patients, it will be among the first times this type of service is offered in a community clinic setting in California.

Make A Difference Day 2007

2007-11-05T16:54:00.001-08:00

On Saturday October 27th the Free Clinic held our annual 'Make A Difference Day' at our Dental and Medical Clinics. These photographs are from the Dental Clinic at which we provided direct services to 63 people of all ages. In addition to our five operatories we arranged for the Dental Van to be parked out front to provide us with two more operatories. Olga and her team did a great job.

California Wellness Foundation

2007-11-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

Fred Bauermeister was awarded the California Wellness Foundation’s Leadership Award. The award includes at grant which will allow Fred to take a three month sabbatical and provide training for the Board of Directors. The purpose of the grant is to help key executives in the health care profession rejuvenate, relax and return to their job refreshed. It also gives health care organizations the opportunity to strengthen and review policies and procedures.

2007 Gala and SPIRIT Award Dinner

2007-11-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

Mr. Peter Kiesecker was the winner of the 2007 SPIRIT Award. Each Year the Free Clinic selects a member of the community to honor for their contributions made to the Simi Valley community and the Free Clinic. Mr. Kiesecker has long been a supporter of the Free Clinic and we were very pleased to honor him.

Assembly member Cameron Smyth was the honorary Chair of the 2007 Gala and SPIRIT Award Dinner.
Mayor Paul Miller enjoying the evening with his wife Connie. Over 140 individuals attended the gala on October 27th which raised over $40,000 for the Free Clinic.

Kaiser Physicans

2007-10-31T16:42:00.001-07:00

Above is a photograph of Dr. Monica Tantraphol, Dr. Kevin Haggerty, Dr. Munira Husain and Dr Michael Tran all from Kaiser. Dr. Haggerty and Dr. Husain are doing their electives at the Free Clinic for the next few weeks. In other words, in addition to the Kaiser physicians being at the Free Clinic all day Thursdays, some have chosen to work additional days as an elective. Today was the first of those days. The Kaiser residents under the direct supervision of Dr. Tantraphol began this morning at 10:30 a.m. Dr. Tran, who has been a regular volunteer at the Clinic for the past three years, then began seeing patients today at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Tran along with Haggerty and Tantraphol attended the Gala on Saturday night.

Dr. Puneet Gupta

2007-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, Maggie Kestley, (Vice-President, Free Clinic of Simi Valley Board of Directors) brought Dr. Puneet Gupta by our Dental Program for a tour. Dr. Gupta is a dentist from India visiting the area as part of a program sponsored by Rotary Clubs International. Maggie is the incoming President of the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise which is the local Rotray Club hosting Dr. Gupta's visit. It was a pleasure showing him our clinic and learning about dental care in India.

Annie Zhang

2007-09-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Remember Annie? She was the student that graduated from Thousand Oaks High School as the class valedictorian and then was accepted at Harvard University. In her 3rd year there, she applied for and was accepted into an internship program for future physicians. Harvard paid her to work 10 hours a week here at the Free Clinic during the summer to get experience in clinical medicine. She applied and was accepted again in her fourth year.

Following graduation, summa cum laude, she spent the next summer in London England studying. Then she chose to attend UCLA School of Medicine where she is expected to graduate in 2010. Annie is an accomplished violinist, singer and poet. She stopped by the Free Clinic tonight to pick-up a letter of assessment from me to be included in her application to be a Rhodes Scholar!

GO ANNIE!!

Simi Valley Town Center

2007-09-27T06:40:00.001-07:00

Thanks to our friends at the Simi Valley Town Center http://www.simivalleytc.com/ it is now easier to donate to the Free Clinic. Simply toss your spare change in the Koi Pond on the West end of the Town Center near Macy’s. Once a month, the folks at the Town Center will gather the change along with items not claimed in the Lost-and-Found and donate them to the Free Clinic. Please try not to hit the Koi!

Dental Implant

2007-09-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday Dr Kleiger placed a cap on the tooth of a patient in our Dental Program. The cap was made at the Simi Valley Adult School Dental Technology Program located next door to our Dental Clinic. It is a great example of volunteers from the community working together with the school and the Free Clinic for the betterment of the patient.

Dessire Puz

2007-09-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Dessire Puz is a dentist from Australia and Canada. She hopes to get licensed here in the United States as well. She is seen here assisting Dr. Graves in preparing a mold of a patients teeth in order to make a partial implant. This service is offered in cooperation with the Simi Valley Adult School Dental Technology Program.

New Patio Cover

2007-08-20T17:04:00.001-07:00

On Sunday August 19th, Boy Scout Michael Foster and his team of fellow boy scouts and adult assistants, including his dad and grandfather, completed the construction of our new patio cover. The patio cover is located in the play yard on the north side of our building and will provide much needed shade. The Free Clinic - Family Counseling Program provides counseling to children suffering from various forms of abuse. The play yard is a safe, outdoor area, where children can build, paint, run, throw and yell if needed, all under the careful supervision of a trained therapist. Thanks to Michael and his team, our children will have a shady area in which to work.

Kaiser and the Free Clinic

2007-08-16T18:09:00.001-07:00

Today was another landmark day in the history of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. Today was the first day of what hopefully will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship between the Free Clinic and Kaiser and the UCLA residency program and the patients we serve. Today Dr. Tantraphol and four third year residents saw 16 patients. A reporter from the Ventura County Star along with a photographer were also here to do a story which will appear in Saturday's Star newspaper. By all accounts everything went great.

Maureen Kaye

2007-08-14T18:53:00.001-07:00

The Free Clinic of Simi Valley - Family Counseling Program is pleased to congratulate Maureen Kaye on becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. On Saturday August 11, Maureen completed the second of the two written tests which are the final part of a very long process which includes 3,000 hours of supervised training. Maureen will make a fine member of the therapeutic community. CONGRATULATIONS!

Dr Tantraphol & Sean

2007-08-03T10:18:00.001-07:00

Kaiser physician Monica Tantraphol mentors Free Clinic volunteer Sean Shen during todays medical clinic. Sean is a recent graduate of U.C. Berkeley and is volunteering at the Clinic to get some experience prior to attending medical school in the spring of 2008. The Free Clinic has a long history of providing mentoring to future doctors.

Wikipedia and the Free Clinic

2007-07-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia (wikiˈpiːdi.ə/ or /ˌwɪkiˈpiːdi.ə/) is a multilingual, web-based, free content encyclopedia project. Wikipedia is written by volunteers from all around the world. The name Wikipedia is a portmanteau of the words wiki(a type of collaborative website) and encyclopedia. Since its creation in 2001, Wikipedia has become a very popular online source for information on almost every topic. Many people are familiar with it especially if you have children in school. We recently discovered that Wikipedia had no definition for a Free Clinic so we wrote one and here is a link to it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_clinic

Kaiser Gives $30,000

2007-07-19T19:06:00.001-07:00

Our friends at Kaiser came through once again with a check for $30,000 this time in support of our Family Counseling Program. Kaiser is supports many worthwhile organizations in the community and we are proud to be one of them.

Peter Kiesecker, Friend of the Free Clinic

2007-07-19T14:54:00.001-07:00

Meet Peter Kiesecker this years recipient of the Spirit Award at the Free Clinic Gala to be held on Saturday October 27th at the Ronald Reagan Library. Peter is president of a development company and a generous supporter of the Free Clinic.

Dr. Tantraphol from Kaiser

2007-07-12T19:31:00.001-07:00

Monica Tantraphol, MD came to the Clinic last night to meet the staff and gather information on Clinic procedures. Dr. Tantraphol is from Kaiser and is involved the residency program offered there in conjunction with UCLA. The staff enjoyed getting to know her and showing her our Clinic.

Dr Rajpara

2007-07-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Rajpara is one of our seven dentists that regularly provide dental care at our Dental Clinic. Additionally the Clinic has five dental hygienists.

Eagle Scout Project Complete!

2007-06-29T13:52:00.001-07:00

Scott Theophilou and fellow boy scouts completed the installation of a new storage shed in our children's play yard. The shed stores games and equipment used by children under care that are often victims of abuse. Thanks Scott!

Black Widow Filming

2007-06-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Recently the Free Clinic was used for a location in an upcoming TV movie called Black Widow. The film stars Elizabeth Berkley and is directed by Armand Mastroianni. Here is a link to more information about the film. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1046894/

Scott Theophilou's Eagle Project

2007-06-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

Scott Theophilou has started his Eagle Project at the Free Clinic this week. Scott is replacing the storage shed in our play yard. The old one was damaged in the winds from last fall so he and his fellow troop members are pouring a cement slab and in a few days erecting a new sturdier shed. Thanks Scott!

Welcome to the Free Clinic of Simi Valley Blog!

2007-06-15T14:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome our new blog. This offers me a chance to share news and information about our program, services and staff. Please include this blog in your favorite places and check it often for updates. I will try to include an update at least once a week. - Fred