SAVE THE DATE!!
Sunday, September 27th
SCVWF 2026 Harvest and Health Fundraiser
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Welcome to the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation
Our Mission
The Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation (SCVWF), formed in 2005 is a public benefit nonprofit corporation which serves the communities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru and unincorporated areas of the Santa Clara Valley. It is dedicated to optimizing the health in the Santa Clara Valley communities through collaborative community partnerships, outreach health education, improving access to health services, health screening, student scholarships, summer internship opportunities and supporting healthcare systems
Our Vision
Our vision is a healthier community and fostering future healthcare leaders from within the Santa Clara Valley. The Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation (SCVWF), shares the belief of community partnerships and a collaborative approach to improve health and wellness; as well as providing and supporting educational opportunities and resources for students.
Board Members
Get to Know Us
Bea Frias RN, BSN, MHA
Executive Director
Bea Frias has a medical background which includes over 40 years of health care experience. As a Registered Nurse working in the private sector, the Ventura County Medical Center/Santa Paula Hospital and Moorpark College Nursing faculty.
As a Health Care provider and community advocate Bea, has focused on providing quality patient care, investing in our future health care leaders by providing educational/learning opportunities for the youth of our community and striving to contribute to a healthy community through outreach education.
Bea Frias has a Masters degree in Health Care Administration, Bachelors of Science Nursing, Registered Nurse and Public Health Nursing Licensure.
Community Outreach Activities:
Established Diabetes Family Support Network: Presented a Latino Lecture series for the ADA
Christmas Wish for Needy Families
Mentor “Samuel Edward’s Summer Internship Program (SHIP)
Mentor ROP Santa Paula High School
Mentor Dr. Robert Serro’s Summer Program
Senior Health Fair Santa Paula … Fillmore Health Fair
Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation Board member
Santa Clara Valley Community Care Collaborative
The mission of the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation and Bea’s core values closely align … community health, education and opportunities for the youth, our future leaders.
Mary K. McDonald
President
As a longtime Ventura County resident and registered nurse since 2010, Mary has dedicated her career to caring for others and promoting clinical excellence. In her current role as a perioperative clinical educator with the Ventura County Healthcare System, she is committed to mentoring and empowering healthcare professionals, fostering high-quality care paired with a spirit of service. “I believe strongly in investing in the next generation, with the understanding that learning is a shared experience and everyone has something to contribute. Working with the Santa Clara Wellness Foundation has provided me with an opportunity to introduce our future healthcare providers and leaders to the environment that I have loved and appreciated for so many years." When not working, Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and working in the garden.
Misty Svestka
Vice Preseident
With 20 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Ventura County, Misty has had the opportunity to work in various capacities at Santa Paula Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center. Throughout her career, she has shown a deep commitment to the health and wellness of the people of the Santa Clara Valley. In addition to her clinical work, Misty has also served as a part-time nursing instructor at the local community college for 10 years, demonstrating her dedication to education and the fostering of future healthcare leaders. Currently, she holds the position of Quality Nurse for both Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital, where she continues to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services. Misty strongly believes in the value of providing unique educational opportunities and resources to students in the Santa Clara Valley, recognizing the crucial role it plays in maintaining a healthy community. She is excited to be part of this endeavor and looks forward to working alongside the Santa Clara Wellness Foundation in fostering the development of future healthcare leaders.
Cheryl Simonton
Secretary
​As retired RN with 35 years of dedicated service and a Ventura County resident for over five decades. Cheryl brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to nurturing young minds in healthcare careers. With a unique ability to connect with others, she eagerly shares her knowledge, hoping to encourage young individuals to explore and consider careers in healthcare. Contributing to the community and always willing to lend a helping hand, she embodies the spirit of mentorship and support.
Sandra Perello
Board Member
As a fourth-generation farmer, Sandra Perello grew up in a family who taught her the value of hard work,perseverance, education and community. Her parents felt strongly about the opportunity's education would provide; and it was expected she would do her best and go on to college. She received a BS in Zoology and went on to work toward her master's degree in education.
Sandra was incredibly involved in her children's education, volunteering in the classroom, church, and community of Santa Paula. These experiences made her very aware of the significance of the blessings and opportunities she had growing up.
Giving back to the community and extending a helping hand whenever possible so someone else may achieve success is a message taught, learned, and practices by Sandra. She shared "I joined the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation board, to do just that ." She volunteers her time, talents, expertise, and insight in helping the youth from our communities to achieve their dreams of having a career in healthcare.
Luz Castañeda
Student Board Member
Hello! My name is Luz Castañeda, and I am entering my second year at Moorpark College as a Nursing major. My ultimate goal is to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and work in the Labor and Delivery department at a hospital.
My passion for this field grew through my involvement with the Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation. Being part of the organization that gave me an opportunity as a high school student allowed me to discover that nursing was my true passion. Now, I am motivated to give back to other high school students and help provide them with the same opportunities I had, which is why I am so glad to be a part of the SCVWF.
When I’m not focused on my studies, I stay busy with the things I love, like working out, spending quality time with my loved ones, learning how to cook new dishes, and going on walks and exploring new things. I really enjoy staying active and finding new ways to grow, both in my personal life and as I work toward my career in nursing.
That’s a little bit about me
Carmen Hernandez
Technology Support Consultant
I have been a youth advocate in our community for many years. I have participated and volunteered in many organizations that promote education, sports, and community engagement.
I try to be an active and present parent by getting involved in my kid's education. I have represented paternts as president of the student site council and English learner advisory committees for more than 10 years.
I enjoy donating my time to support and maintain Fillmore Middle School's beautiful garden where students learn the importance of healthy eating and where they get to see firsthand where our food comes from.
Daisy Rojas
Board Member
Daisy Rojas, a Santa Paula native, was selected as a 2019 S.H.I.P. Scholar—an experience that solidified her commitment to a career in healthcare. She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, where she received a grant to conduct and publish her epidemiological research focused on underserved, low-income communities. During her time at Cal Poly, she studied the social determinants of health became an advocate for local farmworkers across the Tri-Counties, promoting access to quality, culturally competent care—particularly for Mixteco populations. Inspired by her family’s history as campesinos and the stories of hardship they endured while working in the fields, she remains deeply committed to serving this community. She currently works for the Ventura County Public Health Department and is applying to Physician Assistant programs. She aspires to return to Santa Paula to serve rural health clinics and improve health outcomes in her community.
The SCVWF donated the Sentimag Localization System to the Santa Paula Hospital, allowing greater access to care for breast cancer patients.
A message from Dr. Shawn Steen and the Santa Paula Hospital.
Stay Connected
Please provide your information to learn more about our projects and upcoming events. We will send out updates to help you stay connected.
A word from our previous students
What We Do
Meaningful Work. Unforgettable Experiences.
Dr. Samuel Edwards Summer Healthcare Internship Program (SHIP)
SHIP is a six-week summer program where high school students residing in the Santa Clara Valley are given the opportunity to learn from healthcare professionals in hospital and clinic environments. This program was started in 2012 and has continued to build character, emphasize values, provide learning opportunities and motivation which assists in solidifying future goals in healthcare.
Dr. Alan J. Peterson Scholarship for Healthcare Education
This scholarship was initiated in 2009 in honor of Dr. Allen J. Peterson, a respected and loved physician in the Santa Clara Valley. This renewable and annual scholarship is available to students who reside in Santa Paula, Fillmore, or Piru and will be pursuing higher education in healthcare-related fields.
Support Santa Paula Hospital
The Santa Clara Valley Wellness Foundation (SCVWF) is committed to strengthening healthcare access in our community by supporting Santa Paula Hospital and broader health initiatives in the Santa Clara Valley. Since 2006, SCVWF has invested over $800,000 in capital equipment for the hospital, ensuring that residents receive high-quality care close to home.
Most recently, SCVWF donated the Sentimag System, a $72,000 investment that enhances surgical precision for breast cancer surgery and expands care accessibility. This state-of-the-art technology is now widely used, and nearly all breast cancer related surgeries are performed at Santa Paula Hospital.
Collaborate With Community Leaders
We have financially supported the Boys and Girls Club to produce face shields for the medical community. We have further been able to provide personal protective equipment and food for the club to create a safe environment.
We are also actively collaborating with Santa Paula and Fillmore School Districts to support health care education.
Health Fairs
The SCVWF is dedicated to improving health and wellness in our community by providing education, health services, and outreach to underserved residents. Through health screenings, educational resources, referral services, and fresh produce distribution, we strive to promote equitable access to healthcare.
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Each year, we reinvest in the community through our Health & Harvest Festival, now in its third year. This free event connects local organizations, healthcare providers, and community members, offering health screenings, wellness education, and family-friendly activities. Proceeds from the festival help fund local health initiatives, scholarships, and essential community resources
Community Partnerships
We are committed to enhancing community well-being through direct support and strategic partnerships. Most recently, we proudly presented a $1,685 donation to the Spirit of Santa Paula to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the Harvard Shelter. This life-saving device can restore heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, ensuring greater safety for shelter residents and staff.