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Meet your PACE Providers
Dr. Rashid Altafi, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Altafi earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He went on to complete fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine at George Washington University. A proud UC Davis graduate, Dr. Altafi speaks English and Farsi and is passionate about helping older adults live meaningful, independent lives through compassionate, team-based care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new technology, and practicing archery with his son.
Languages spoken: English, Farsi
Dr. Sofia Peterson
Physician
Dr. Sofia Peterson is an internal medicine and geriatric physician with more than 20 years of experience caring for adults and older adults. She has worked in primary care, geriatric medicine, wound care, and hyperbaric medicine. In addition, she has served in academic, private practice, and PACE settings. She values compassionate, patient-centered care and partners closely with families, caregivers, and the care team to support each participant’s health and independence.
Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her children, and exploring wellness and healthy aging practices.
Languages spoken: English, Telugu (conversational), Hindi (conversational)
Danhill Virgo
Physician Assistant
Danhill Virgo draws inspiration from his Filipino heritage and his strong connection to senior care. Although he never met his grandparents, working with older adults allows him to honor the warmth and wisdom they might have shared, and he appreciates the cultural similarities between Filipino and Hispanic communities, especially the emphasis on family and respect for elders. He earned his undergraduate degree from Loma Linda University and completed graduate studies at Emory University. Danhill is also an avid runner who has completed multiple marathons and will run his first Boston Marathon next year, with a goal of participating in a triathlon. In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants and spending time with his three small dogs and plant collection.
Languages spoken: English, Tagalog
Eric Serna , PA-C
Physician Assistant
Eric Serna, a first-generation Mexican American, is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to older adults. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Marshall B. Ketchum University in Fullerton, California. Before that, he built a strong clinical foundation in family medicine. His passion for geriatrics grew from his close-knit upbringing and the time he spent with his grandparents. At PACE, he focuses on improving quality of life through care planning, chronic disease management, and teamwork.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing, snowboarding, scuba diving, exercising, and rock climbing.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Priscele White, MSN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Priscele White is a Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in gastroenterology and a passion for holistic, compassionate care. She began her nursing career at Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia and earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in Chicago. Born and raised in Brazil, Priscele is fluent in Portuguese, speaks English, and can communicate in Spanish. Growing up near her grandparents shaped her deep appreciation for senior care. As a result, she finds joy in supporting PACE participants and honoring her family through meaningful work.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their playful puppy
Languages spoken: English, Portuguese, Spanish (conversational)
Marilyn Lapaix, FNP
Nurse Practitioner, Float
Marilyn Lapaix is a Family Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive care across the lifespan, with a focus on geriatrics through the PACE program. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at California State University, Fullerton, and earned her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Practice from the University of Phoenix. She brings a diverse clinical background, including cardiac telemetry, oncology, home health, correctional health, and care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, she believes strongly in a holistic approach to healing. She recognizes the connection between socioeconomic, spiritual, mental, and physical health and encourages nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness as tools for long-term wellness.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and making natural beauty and skincare products.
Languages spoken: English, French, Pidgin and Bulu
Lineth Florian
Physician- Family Practice
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Clinton Hart
Nurse Practitioner
He found his professional home in geriatrics at a PACE clinic and values the program’s holistic, team-based approach to caring for older adults. His care is compassionate and patient-centered, focused on helping individuals live well, age with dignity, and make healthcare decisions aligned with their values. He is bilingual in Spanish, which he learned while serving as a missionary in Guatemala, collaborating with organizations such as the Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, visiting Newport Beach, deep-sea fishing, working out, and traveling.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Shamjana Acharya
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN,FNP-C, I
Shamjana earned her nursing degree from California Baptist University in Riverside, California, and completed a Primary Care Psychiatry fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. She is passionate about helping older adults live meaningful, independent lives through compassionate, team-based care. She began her career in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and brings over 15 years of critical care experience, including six years in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at Riverside Community Hospital. She later pursued her Family Nurse Practitioner training to provide more comprehensive, patient-centered care.
As a Nurse Practitioner, she has experience in pain management, family medicine, and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), serving diverse patient populations. She is currently completing an Addiction Medicine fellowship at UC Irvine and pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at California State University, Fresno. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling, swimming, and dancing to classical music.
Languages spoken: English, Nepali, and conversational Hindi