MEET THE TEAM

Thomas Rocas

Founder/CEO

Thomas Allandale Rocas III (RN, BSN, CWCN) has been in the health care field for over 25 years, with extensive experience in Advanced Wound Care, Acute Care and Home Healthcare Administration.

As the Founder/CEO of ANX Home Healthcare, he strongly believes in a holistic approach to health care, providing medical, spiritual and social support to patients with life-limiting illnesses. He regularly organizes international medical missions, providing medical expertise and supplies to patients in remote provinces in the Philippines. Thomas is a key contributor to local, state and federal legislation affecting the healthcare field, and he continues to stay on top of the latest medical trends, best practices for providing comprehensive home health care.

Lisa Mangubat

Co-Founder/COO

Lisa Mangubat (RN, BSN) is our Co-Founder/COO and brings with her over 25 years of extensive experience in the healthcare industry.

Lisa began her career as an Internal Medicine Clinical Nurse at La Mirada Medical Center in Southern California, performing comprehensive patients assessments, assistance in diagnosing clinical ailments, and designing treatment plans in partnerships with doctors. In 1996, Lisa transitioned to the Home Healthcare industry building human resources, and service infrastructure of Staffing Home Care in South San Francisco. At ANX Home Healthcare, Lisa continues to establish and monitor standards for home healthcare while coordinating all direct and indirect patient services, and ensuring proper maintenance of clinical records in compliance with local,state,and federal regulations.

Gerald Murphy, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Gerald Murphy is the Medical Director for ANX Home Healthcare, providing guidance on clinical care and risk management policies and procedures.

Dr. Murphy is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and geriatrics. He received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 21 years. He also sits on the ANX Home Healthcare Board of Directors.

Christina Dunham

Chief Marketing Officer

Christina has over two decades of experience developing acquisition, activation, and engagement strategies for start-ups, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies.

As CMO, she leads strategic initiatives and oversees all growth/expansion efforts for home health, palliative, and hospice divisions. Prior to joining ANX full-time, she served as consultant developing the company’s branding and web strategy. Previously, Christina directed marketing communications at HealthTap and developed customer marketing campaigns at fitmob and Sterling HSA. She holds a BS in Marketing and International Business from Salisbury University, Maryland and an MBA from CalState Hayward, attending her last semester of graduate studies at the Academy of National Economy in Moscow, Russia.

Carina Cu

VP of Sales

Carina Cu brings over three decades of healthcare sales and leadership experience to her new role as VP of Sales.

With extensive expertise in the healthcare industry, Carina has significantly driven revenue growth in home health, hospice, and home medical equipment sales. She most recently served as Sales Director at Sutter Health and Sutter Care at Home, leading initiatives that achieved 5-10% year-over-year referral growth from 2020 to 2023. Carina's proficiency in customer relationship management and strategic business development has been instrumental in her career. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of San Francisco. Carina is known for her innovative leadership and dedication to excellence in healthcare sales.

Mary Grace Rodriguez

HR Generalist

As HR Generalist, Mary Grace Rodriguez is responsible for talent acquisition, retention, and compliance for our home health and hospice divisions, serving as an advisor for both employer and employee.

Mary Grace started her career in the home care space. And even after acquiring a law degree, she chose to return to the healthcare industry, drawn to its impact on seniors. She values ANX's warm yet professional culture. Her proudest achievement is mastering US Employment Laws through sheer determination. She says, “Because of my desire to learn it, I was able to navigate through it through research, certificate programs, and support from colleagues in the industry.” Outside of work, she enjoys travel, staycations, Netflix, and diverse music. Mary Grace's dedication to HR in healthcare reflects her passion for making a difference and navigating challenges with determination.

ANX HOME HEALTHCARE

Our Clinical Leadership Team at ANX Home Healthcare is composed of seasoned veterans and leading healthcare industry experts.

Karen Yong, PT

Director of Rehab

Nationally recognized for excellence in home health by the APTA, Karen Yong (PT), is the Director of Rehab for ANX, responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training the rehab team.

With 30+ years as a clinician, faculty instructor, guest lecturer, and in-demand consultant in the home healthcare industry, she brings with her deep industry knowledge and top-notch home health experience. She is proud of being part of a company that strives to provide the best care without compromising on integrity, values, and culture. She says, “I applaud ANX's continuous efforts in partnering with the community and looking for ways to improve our service and delivery of care." Karen received her MA in Physical Therapy from Stanford University and her BA in Physical Education from the University of California, Berkeley.

Stephen Leonard

Rehab Clinical Manager

Stephen Leonard manages rehabilitation services for San Mateo/Coastside patients, ensuring effective patient care and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Stephen is driven with ANX core value- Convey Passion and Compassion for it doesn’t only help him provide the best patient care but applies it in his own personal growth. His favorite mantra is, “Having fun and embracing joy, humor, and humility can lift one's spirit and hopefully convey these qualities to your clients and their families who maybe faced with difficult challenges in their lives.” Outside of work he enjoys going scuba diving, snorkeling, brewing beer, and assisting children, as well as young adults with developmental challenges including autism.

Jonathan Fusilero

Rehab Clinical Manager

In his role as Rehab Clinical Manager, Jonathan oversees the San Francisco and San Mateo County rehab clinical teams.

Heta Soparkar, PT

Assistant Rehab Supervisor

As Assistant Rehab Supervisor, Heta is responsible for overseeing the delivery of our rehab services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Lena Yin, PT

Assistant Rehab Supervisor

Lena Yin brings over 25 years of experience as a physical therapist in her role as Assistant Rehab Supervisor.

With a Master's in Physical Therapy from Chapman University, Lena's career spans a wealth of healthcare settings including acute care, subacute, acute rehabilitation, outpatient, and home health, with a focus on adult/geriatric care. Certified as a vestibular rehabilitation specialist, she has also excelled as a case manager in acute hospitals and in home health. Born in Taiwan and raised in the SF Bay Area, Lena has a special interest in aiding seniors to age successfully. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, managing her real estate portfolio, and indulging in flower arranging and gardening.

Randell Varilla, RN, MSN, CWCN

Senior Clinical Program Manager

Randell D. Varilla (RN,MSN,CWCN) is Senior Clinical Program Manager, specializing in providing education, training our clinicians, case managers, and community partners.

Prior to joining our company he served as a Clinical Nurse Staff for the Dr. John Crew Center for Advanced Wound Care at Seton Medical Center. Randell is a Certified Wound Care Nurse, holds a Master's of Science in Nursing, Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, and Human Movement Studies from San Francisco State University. He abides by the ANX’s value of “Deliver WOW philosophy to everyone in every situation,” saying “I want to make a stamp with what I do in my profession”

Vernice Constantino

RN Clinical Manager

As RN Clinical Manager, Vernice Constantino (RN, BSN) oversees home health clinicians in San Francisco, providing coaching, training, and clinical support.

Prior to joining ANX, Vernice worked at various state run facilities in California as a Psychiatric Technician focusing in mental health nursing. She loves working at ANX for “the opportunity to learn something new everyday from the employees that make up the different departments.” She says, “When growing and expanding my career, I don't only think about what it can do to my professional life, I like to look at experience and change as a personal growth as well.” Outside of work, Vernice loves to travel to different cities, towns and countries. and experience the culture through food. Her favorite quote: "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think". A.A. Milne

Aaron Yanga, RN

RN Clinical Manager

As RN Clinical Manager, Aaron Yanga (RN), provides oversight, guidance, and support for our nursing team.

Aaron is excited to work with ANX because of the room for growth and development, along with the mentorship of the experienced staff. He connects to the ANX core value of “Think like a beginner and be humble” because it is in line with both his professional and personal goals. Aaron prides himself in accomplishing his journey of moving from New Jersey to California and entering a new field of nursing all while being promoted and recognized within the company. Aaron is guided by the quote, “To whom much is given, much is required”.

Marlu Raquinio

RN Clinical Manager

Marlu Raquinio (RN) leads the ANX Home Healthcare South Bay clinical team as RN Clinical Manager.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Carlo Paez

Sales Operations Director

Carlo joined the ANX Account Management Team in 2013 and has been instrumental in developing deep relationships with key accounts in San Mateo County.

As Sales Operations Director, he continues to grow his territory through a variety of marketing and community relationships efforts, including working with physicians groups, skilled nursing facilities, and local hospitals. He has first-hand experience in providing top-quality patient care and understands the importance of constant communication with patients and their families. Carlo currently manages accounts in San Francisco and San Mateo counties, including several large hospital and healthcare organizations. He is inspired by the quote “Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”

Leticia Estrada

Area Sales Manager

Leticia Estrada is our Area Sales Manager for Santa Clara County, focused on building strong client relationships with hospitals, physician practices, and other healthcare facilities.

She is the Team Captain at ANX Hospice Care, responsible for leading and motivating the sales team to meet referral quotas. With a wealth of experience, including her role as Senior Hospice Liaison at Bristol Hospice, Leticia brings a passion for providing exceptional care and service. She is dedicated to delivering the "WOW" philosophy to patients and colleagues alike, ensuring that compassion is at the heart of every interaction.

Edward Arias

Account Executive

As the Home Health Account Executive for ANX, Edward is dedicated to marketing home health services in the San Jose area.

He joins ANX from AccentCare Hospice & Palliative, where he worked as a Hospice Care Consultant. Edward was drawn to ANX for its culture, and he’s inspired by the values of joy, humor, and humility, which help him bring a lighthearted yet grounded approach to his work. He also appreciates ANX's core value of "thinking like a beginner," which resonates with his commitment to learning and growth. Outside of work, Edward enjoys training in jiu-jitsu, cheering on the 49ers, and spending time with his wife and children. His favorite quote: “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”

Marin Villalpando

Account Executive

Marin Villalpando brings a unique background to ANX Hospice Care, combining experience as a 911 Dispatcher for the County of Santa Clara and a Sales Rep at VITAS Healthcare.

Marin Marin is passionate about educating referral sources on the benefits of hospice for symptom management, optimizing quality of life for patients and families. A proud Army Staff Sergeant, Marin believes that "doing more with less" helps them stay focused and give their best in the field. Marin also enjoys fitness, music, gaming, and food. With a fun, joyful approach, Marin helps families navigate the often challenging topic of hospice with compassion and care. Marin is excited to be part of a supportive team, making a positive difference in patients' lives.

Lori Ruiz

Account Executive

Lori Ruiz joins the ANX Hospice Care team in San Jose with a background in personal care from Gentiva, where she loved the “family” culture.

Lori’s approach to hospice is rooted in passion, compassion, and transparency. She believes in listening first and communicating with honesty and openness, ensuring families feel supported every step of the way. A five-time Ironman finisher, Lori brings the same level of dedication to her role at ANX. Her commitment to daily gratitude fuels her energy and enthusiasm, making a positive impact on both patients and colleagues. Outside of work, Lori enjoys tennis, kickboxing, hiking, and walking. For her, it’s all about embracing the moments that take your breath away.

Noel Mangoba

Account Executive

Noel Mangoba is a dedicated Account Executive at ANX Hospice Care, managing business development and sales excellence in San Jose County.

With a 12-year background as a Medicare Health Plan Representative. Noel Mangoba brings extensive experience to his role at ANX Home Healthcare. Tasked with achieving sales goals and developing new clients, Noel takes pride in working for a company that offers the best in healthcare. His guiding principles—listening first, communicating honestly, and treating everyone like family—reflect his commitment to integrity and kindness. Noel firmly believes in professionalism, trustworthiness, and compliance as the cornerstones of business success. Beyond his career, Noel is a proud dad to two successful children. He also enjoys photography and makes time to exercise, staying fit and active. Noel’s holistic approach ensures a balanced, fulfilling life both professionally and personally.

Bryan Fabian Saguil

Account Executive

Bryan Fabian Saguil is a Home Health Account Executive for San Jose at ANX, dedicated to building strong relationships and supporting our mission to deliver compassionate care.

Prior to joining ANX, Bryan worked at a national hospice agency, where he gained valuable experience in patient support and outreach. Bryan is particularly excited about ANX’s culture and values the open communication and encouragement of creativity. The core values that resonate most with him are "Listen first. Communicate with honesty, openness, and transparency" and "Be curious and creative," reflecting his belief in transparency and innovative thinking. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys rock climbing, reading, and continuously learning new things. His passion for exploration and growth aligns perfectly with ANX’s dedication to excellence and service.

Grace Fernandez

Marketing Assistant

As Marketing Assistant, Grace Fernandez supports the business development team, collaborating closely with the Chief Marketing Officer to steer the organization's sales and marketing initiatives.

Besides managing the ANX marketing and content calendar, Grace supports the business development team by assisting with patient outreach efforts, aiding in loop-back calls and direct mail campaigns. She also plays a crucial role in tracking and reporting all marketing activities in our CRM. With a commitment to excellence, Grace takes on other projects as assigned, demonstrating her dedication to contributing to the company’s growth and success.

Rechef De Fiesta

Account Manager

Rechef De Fiesta is a dedicated Business Development Account Manager, providing essential support to ANX’s dynamic Account Executives and Marketing Team.

With a background as a Marketing Executive and Training Officer in direct selling and cosmetics, Rechef brings extensive experience and a passion for excellence to ANX HomeHealthcare. He values the warm, welcoming, and supportive culture that defines ANX, where delivering the "WOW" philosophy in every interaction is a core focus. Rechef embraces joy, humor, and humility in his work, embodying the company’s values in every task. Though new to the team, he has already achieved significant milestones, turning each training challenge into a victory. Outside of work, Rechef enjoys volleyball, basketball, and camping, balancing his professional dedication with personal passions. He lives by the principle: "Do not do unto others what you do not want done unto you."

ANX ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Cherwin Carpio

Administrative Manager

Cherwin is the Administrative Manager responsible for overseeing the operations workflow for ANX Home Healthcare.

With almost a decade experience in the medical field with the background in clinical operations and patient services, she also supports the Business Development and Human Resources teams in managing special projects and events in the company. The ANX core value that best describes Cherwin is “Convey passion and Compassion.” She strongly believes that “Curiosity, Creativity, Passion, and Compassion” are the forces that drive people to success and elevate them to greatness.

Nhi "Tina" Ly

Administrative Manager

With more than 10 years in the healthcare industry, Tina serves as the Administrative Manager for the San Jose branch.

Tina is responsible for coordinating all admissions, processing discharge papers, following up on physicians orders and plans of care, as well as managing clinician placement. Previously, she served as a Case Management Assistant for another healthcare company. For Tina, the greatest accomplishment is simply making someone else smile. "I really just enjoy giving people outstanding service." Perhaps it's no surprise that her favorite quote is by Albert Pike: "What we do for ourselves, dies with us. What we do for others, remains and is immortal."

Cristopher Pere

Medical Supplies and Medical Record Manager

Cris manages ordering, maintaining, and organizing all vital medical records and supplies for ANX.

On a daily basis, he coordinates with ANX clinicians to ensure that they have everything they need to provide high-quality patient care. He also oversees the maintenance of patient medical records, from uploading files to the appropriate charts to ensuring completeness of information. He has been with the ANX family since 2011 and looks forward to the being part of its future growth.

Clemencia "Chit" Cortezano

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Clemencia “Chit” R. Cortezano supports our CEO, providing organization and oversight for company initiatives and business process improvements.

Chit brings with her 20 years of business management and marketing experience, previously working as an executive for Bank of the Philippine Islands. Her favorite inspirational quote is from Pope Francis: "Do not get upset. Remain calm. Find a way to get over it. There is no need to be afraid of difficulties. We are capable of overcoming everything."

Marissa Serra

Administrative Assistant

Marissa serves a hybrid role at ANX, working with the administrative team and supporting our Utilization Manager.

Prior to ANX, she served as a clinical assistant in a medical office and continues to grow her knowledge in the healthcare field. She is excited to join ANX and states, “Everybody here is so kind and treats you like family.” She is driven with ANX core value, “have fun, embrace joy, humor, and humility. She adds, “In a job you should still enjoy what you do and I embrace that wholeheartedly here, even on the bad days.” When not at work, she enjoys being a Godmother to Leah, wakeboarding, doing make-up, and spending time with her family.

Arenz Regudon

IT lead

Arenz is our in-house tech guru, responsible for providing IT support for our office staff and clinicians.

Irene Paez

Rehab Clinical Clerk

As Rehab Clinical Clerk, Irene supports our Director of Rehab with administrative tasks for the rehab team.

Irene is excited to work with ANX because of the kind and caring people here and the knowledge that she will gain from working closely with everyone here. She is driven by ANX’s core value of “Listen first. Communicate with honesty, openness, and transparency” because she feels that this value is important to have in order to be successful and happy within your life. In her spare time, she loves to travel to different countries with her family, shopping, and watching sports. Her favorite inspirational quote: Life is a journey, make the most out of it.

TRANSITION TEAM

Elaine Aguirre, LVN

Intake Manager

As Intake Manager, Elaine (RN) directs the intake team and coordinates incoming referrals from all lead sources, matching patient needs with the appropriate clinicians.

Elaine also ensures all clinicians are thoroughly briefed on patient medical histories and other vital health information, as well as stocked with the correct supplies, prior to hand-off. During treatment, she also serves as liaison between the patient’s family, physicians, and healthcare team. Prior to transitioning to healthcare, Elaine worked in the tech industry, working as International Search Quality Analyst at Yahoo! and Geographic Information Labeler at Google.

Don Deocareza, LVN

Intake Coordinator

As Intake Coordinator, Don (LVN) handles all of the incoming referrals, resumption of cares, and as well as overseeing the clinical aspects of all new patients.

Before joining ANX, Don was a Detox Nurse at Bayside Marin assisting patients with chronic pains, withdrawals from alcohol, and drug abuse. Don is inspired by the quote, ”Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it’s the moments that take your breath away.” One of his biggest accomplishment is getting the chance to backpack through Western Europe.

Flora May Dial, LVN

LVN Intake Nurse

As part of the Intake team, Flora May Dial (RN) is responsible for managing incoming patient referrals and making sure that the appropriate clinicians are scheduled to see the patient.

Her driving force is to help people in need, which is what attracted her to the healthcare field. Prior to ANX, Flora worked at St. Francis Pavilion as an LVN charge nurse. Flora connects to the ANX core value “Do what’s right, be kind, and treat everyone like family” because she believes that these values define her own life. She prides herself on always trying to have a positive attitude even when things are tough. She loves tacos, is crazy about plants, and enjoys going to the gym.

Racquel Saturnino

Intake Supervisor

As the Intake Supervisor, Racquel ensures smooth operations for the Intake VA Team, guaranteeing accuracy, timeliness, and excellence in new patient referrals.

Racquel's journey into healthcare was driven by ANX's commitment to employee growth, promising personal and professional success. At ANX, she finds fulfillment in bringing joy not only to the team but also to patients in need. She takes immense pride in the recognition her hard work receives, not just from her team but from every corner of the organization, as well as the patients and facilities they serve.

HOSPICE TEAM

Dawn Gross, MD, PhD

Hospice Medical Director

Our Hospice Medical Director, Dawn Gross, MD, PhD, is uniquely qualified to lead a cultural revolution on end of life care.

Dawn holds a combined MD and PhD from Tufts University School of Medicine where she was trained as both physician and scientist. She completed her fellowship training at Stanford University and postdoctoral work at UCSF. As a highly acclaimed authority in hospice and palliative care, Dawn has served as Chair of the Department of Supportive Care Medicine and Clinical Professor of Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the City of Hope National Medical Center, hosted a call-in radio program called Dying to Talk, and has been featured in The New York Times as well as the journals Science, JAMA and the Annals of Internal Medicine. She also co-founded the public benefit corporation, Dyalogues, Inc. to empower everyone to advocate for themselves or others so that they can live their life fully to the end by having access to education, training, and direct support from experienced professionals. (www.dyalogues.com).

Lucille Faciane, RN

Administrator

As the Administrator of Hospice, Lucille Faciane (RN) brings a wealth of healthcare experience ranging from Neonatal to Hospice Care.

Lucille is passionate about creating quality end-of-life experiences for her patients and families. Prior to joining ANX, she served as Patient Care Administrator for a national hospice care provider for over a decade. At ANX, she brings wisdom and proper guidance to the team which helps provide better care for all our patients. During her free-time, Lucille loves entertainment. She enjoys watching Broadway musicals, attending concerts, and weekly trips to the movie theaters.

Nova Empeynado, RN, MSN, CHPN

Director of Patient Care Services

Nova Empeynado, Director of Patient Care Services, oversees clinical operations and spearheads the expansion of our hospice division.

Nova is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse with more than 20 experience in the healthcare industry, ranging from senior living facilities, home-health, and hospice care. She became a nurse because she believes in caring with compassion one patient at a time. She was drawn to ANX because of the “family-oriented culture, the humility of people and their belief in simple acts of kindness.” Outside of work, she enjoys crafts, photography, and traveling. She is inspired by the words, “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”

Sandy Trieu, MD

Hospice Physician

As the ANX Hospice Care Physician, Dr. Sandy Trieu oversees the hospice patient's care teams and plan of care.

Dr. Sandy Trieu specializes in Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Internal Medicine. She graduated with honors from Oregon Health Sciences University School Of Medicine in 2006.

Shelley Salpeter, MD

Hospice Physician

Dr. Shelley Salpeter, our Hospice Care Physician, brings extensive expertise to ANX Hospice Care, leading the management of hospice services across San Mateo and San Francisco counties.

Dr. Shelley Salpeter earned her MD from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed her residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. As a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Dr. Salpeter also served as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. Thrilled to join the ANX team, Dr. Salpeter is passionate about delivering patient-centered care with compassion and kindness. She finds fulfillment in supporting patients and families through their journeys. Outside of work, Dr. Salpeter enjoys traveling, hiking, and creating cherished memories with friends and family.

Anna Tran

Administrative Operations Manager

Thi Diem Phuong “Anna” Tran is our Administrative Operations Manager responsible for overseeing the administrative workflow for the hospice division.

Prior to joining ANX, Anna served as the International Admissions and Marketing Officer for UCAM University in Murcia, Spain where she graduated with a degree Masters in Innovation and Tourism Marketing. After having lived all over the world (including Vietnam and Australia), she is thrilled to put down roots in the San Francisco Bay Area and work for ANX where she enjoys the “warm hearted environment.” She is inspired by the quote: “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”

Abraham Alonzo

Spiritual & Bereavement Coordinator

Abraham Alonzo serves as the Spiritual & Bereavement Coordinator with 35 years of extensive pastoral, academic, hospital, and hospice experiences.

Prior to joining ANX Hospice Care, he served as Resident Chaplain of Kaiser Medical Center Vallejo, Vacaville Trauma Hospital, and Kaiser Hospice of Napa and Solano. He also served in parishes around the SF Bay Area, and was an ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, playing different roles as School Director, Pastor in three parishes. A professor at the Jesuit University of Ateneo de Zamboanga, and Dean of Priests. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology (STB), a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL), Masters in Oriental Religions and Culture (MA-ORC). He also holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MTS). He has published articles and peer-reviewed theory papers on spiritual care.

ANX Home Healthcare and Hospice Care

Skilled Medical Care at Home

Our Team

MEET THE TEAM

ANX HOME HEALTHCARE

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM

ANX ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

TRANSITION TEAM

HOSPICE TEAM