Team

Leadership

Vanessa Benavides RN

Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Vanessa began her career 17 years ago working for a multidisciplinary clinic in Orange County, CA. Shortly after, she started and operated a successful healthcare practice in her hometown of Santa Ana, CA. In 2012, Vanessa obtained her associates degree in nursing and currently works as a Registered Nurse for St. Joseph Hospital of Orange. Vanessa has since submitted multiple ideas and is currently working on another application in partnership with a major Fortune 500 company. Her passion, determination, and ability to problem-solve has lead her to her current role as innovator and entrepreneur.

Kenneth Epstein

Chief Operating Officer
Kenneth D. Epstein serves as our Chief Operating Officer and is a valued member of the Go RN executive leadership team. Kenny is a dynamic leader who brings a tremendous amount of business planning and leadership experience – experience ranging from Fortune 500 organizations such as UPS to small and medium-sized startups. Kenny earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from the University of Redlands, as well as an M.A. in Management from Webster University. He has also served as an adjunct instructor at Chapman University. An additional segment of Kenny’s leadership career was spent as a baseball coach at Cypress College, a championship program that has promoted nearly 25 student athletes to Major League Baseball. Kenny brings the same terrific level of enthusiasm and team building to Go RN.

Hamed Farid, MD, MBA

President, Business Development
After completing his fellowship in Neurointerventional Radiology at UCSF, Dr. Farid set up his own practice in Orange County where he specialized in treating patients with blood vessel disorders of the brain, neck, and spine. Several years later, he resumed his education and earned a masters degree in Business Administration from UCLA, Anderson School of Business. Currently, he is the Medical Director for Neurointerventional Radiology at St. Jude Medical Center and Los Alamitos Medical Center. He is also the Associate Professor of Radiology and Neurosurgery at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. Dr. Farid has always been interested in adapting technology to health care. This has led him to his current venture with GoRN.

Alejandra Pinedo RN

Chief Nursing Officer
Alejandra Pinedo graduated with a degree in nursing 10 years ago. She started her career as a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital where she continues to practice. In the last 10 years, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and has become a valuable member in numerous committees within the organization including United Based Council and informatics council. Alejandra’s care and compassion for her patients is evident in the numerous accolades she has received in her years of nursing from both her peers and patients.

Daniel Faiman

Chief Technology Officer
Dan started in the technology industry at a young age. Launching a web design and IT consulting firm while in High School. His accelerator Revyrie has helped propel several companies from capital raise to acquisition. An entrepreneur who assists start ups across business, tech, through a successful launch and exit strategy. Revyrie’s portfolio includes LuvIt, Chariot, Fanattac, BookTrack, and the recently acquired Curby. When not behind a computer Dan can be seen bicycling around the streets of Hollywood, Santa Monica, and training for his next Powder Puff game.

Paul Bentz

Chief Information Officer
Paul Bentz has been interested in technology and electricity all his life. Throughout high school and college, in the early years of the Internet, he operated a web hosting company serving several high-traffic websites on dedicated servers. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer. He has ten years experience in electrical system design and associated programming, and is excited to help apply the latest technology to the healthcare profession.

The Team

Joseph Barrera RN, MSN,
FNP-BC

Director of Health Services
Joseph has worked in the healthcare field for 18 years. He has worked as an Emergency Room Nurse at Saint Joseph hospital in Orange which included being a preceptor for many nurses. During this time, he made the decision to return to school to gain the tools and education to help the under served and the uninsured. Attending California State University, Long Beach, he graduated with his Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner. This led him to take a position with La Amistad Community Clinic, achieving his goal in helping those who are under served and uninsured as a Primary Care Provider. Joseph is enthused to work with GoRN as the Director of Health services and as a Product Developer.

Romina Bobadilla RN, BSN

Administrative Director
Romina obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing at Cerritos College, Norwalk, California. She started her career almost 20 years ago, in Medical Pulmonary, then furthered her growth in nursing as a Neuro-Ortho-Trauma, Home Health, Perioperative and Observation unit nurse. She’s thrilled to be one of the key players in creating a community of exceptional health care providers nationwide that can provide excellent quality of care.

Erlinda Abacan RN, BSN

Director of Nursing
Erlinda has been in the healthcare profession for over 20 years after obtaining her degrees in Biology, Medicine and Nursing in the Philippines. She had the chance to work and serve her community in both the private and government sectors. She started her 10 year nursing career here in the United States at Coast Plaza Hospital and is currently with St. Joseph Hospital where her commitment and devotion to her profession has been infallible.

Brady Hampton

Director of Finance and Accounting
Brady Hampton is an accounting, finance and tax professional with over 10 years of experience. After earning his Enrolled Agent credential from the IRS, he began his career helping individuals and small businesses with tax compliance, accounting, and tax planning. Brady earned a Bachelor of Arts in business and finance from the University of Oregon. He attended the University on the Chick Evan’s Caddie Scholarship earned while caddying at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. He is still active within the Chick Evan’s Foundation.By helping send 100’s of kids to college debt-free each year Brady is continually working on his professional and personal development. He is a QuickBooks Pro-Advisor and currently pursuing the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential. He is from the small coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregon where he developed a love for the outdoors from the coast to the mountains. Brady is excited to be a team member and future leader with Go RN.

Ana Santillana RN, MSN

Compliance Director
Ana’s ten years of nursing experience have demonstrated her great compassion to patients and excellence in clinical practice. The organization she is affiliated with has utilized her skills in mentoring others to ensure that policies and federal regulations are integrated in every nurse’s practice. She has also earned her Master’s degree in Nursing in Leadership and Management. She loves to travel, explore different places, and enjoys extreme adventures.

John Lopez

Customer Service Director
John Lopez attended Mount San Antonio College studying Nursing and Correctional Sciences. John has earned certifications and received extensive training in the field of Hospital Compliance, Risk Management and Government matters. John worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange where he found his passion and dream of helping people. John’s mission is to pursue building a strong foundation for our nurses, patients and hospitals. John is commited to help Go RN meet the high demand for patient care and bring healing to patients in need of a highly skilled and loving nurse.

Karly Borunda RN, BSN

Compliance Officer and Recruiter
Karly graduated from California State University Fullerton with her bachelor’s degree in health science. She also graduated from California State University San Marcos with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is currently working on achieving her master’s degree in nursing. She works as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, a three time Magnet designated hospital. She loves helping others by providing patient teaching and compassionate care.

Agnes Punsalan RN, BSN

Compliance Officer/Recruiter
Agnes is a caring healthcare professional with 12 years of comprehensive nursing experience. She has been with St. Joseph Hospital since 2006 as a Staff Nurse in the Medical, Surgical & Observation Units. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City, Philippines. Agnes is dedicated to assuring a positive experience as well as working with other nurses to improve quality, safety and service. She is also passionate about educating new staff to grow their knowledge to better care for patients and their families.

Gretta Boyd RN

Accounts Director/Nurse Recruiter
Gretta started her career as a Nursing Assistant and knew from the start that she had found her calling in helping others. She earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from Santa Ana College while working at St. Joseph Hospital and is currently pursuing a Master in Nursing Education. She loves traveling, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and spending time with family and friends.

Kevin Zahrndt RN

VP Business Operations
As an experienced deep sea diver in the Canadian Naval Forces, Kevin developed a strong ability to make rapid decisions during high intensity situations, which he has carried over to his 13 years as an ER nurse. In his free time, Kevin likes to brainstorm ideas, swim, play hockey, and travel — but most of all spend time with his wife and three teenagers.

Gustavo Negrete

CNA Bridge Educator
Gustavo is a Nationally Certified Medical Interpreter and previously had a 13 year career as a Patient Care Technician (PCT level II). The last 8 years of his career were spent at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange emergency room as a Chest Pain Technician. He performed EKG’s and bridged the care for patients between the Emergency department and Cardiology. In addition, he precepted new PCT’s in various job functions including splinting.

Felicia Negrete

CNA Bridge Educator
Felicia has been an EMT/Patient Care Technician for 13 years. She spent 3 years working for an ambulance company as an EMT performing pre-hospital care and also as a dispatcher. She has over 13 years of experience working for hospitals such as Little Company of Mary in Torrance and is currently working at St. Joseph of Orange. During her career she has precepted both EMT and PCT students. Passing on her knowledge to future EMT’s has been one of her greater passions.

David Lemos Jr.

CNA Bridge Educator
David has been working in the medical field for over 20 years. His love of medicine started when he graduated from the Rio Hondo Fire Academy. He has graduated from the Mt San Antonio psychiatric technician program, and went to work as a psych tech for the state of California. Wanting to further his understanding of patient care, he then went on to work for the Los Angeles County Coroners office performing autopsies, and enrolled in the Santa Ana nursing program where he graduated with his ADN.

Mellany Ilagan-Adamson PT

Director of PT Services
Mellany graduated from Emilio Aquinaldo college in the Manila Philippines with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. Her adventures in physical therapy started in the Philippines and brought her to Michigan and then California where she currently resides. Her thirteen years of extensive experience has covered geriatric, neurology, and orthopedics in a wide variety of settings including extended care facilities and home health with various registries. Mellany’s tenure in these different aspects of the rehabilitation community will bring insight, experience and growth to this new venture.

Rene Bobadilla RN

Lead ER Nurse Recruiter
Rene received his Associate Degree in Nursing at Cerritos College. He started his career in Nursing over 20 years ago in a Skilled Care Nursing Center and then went on to work in the Definitive Observation Unit, Burn Unit and Cardiac-Renal Telemetry. He found his passion as an ER nurse and has worked in ER/Trauma for the past 12 years. He’s excited and energized to bring excellent health care providers to the new era of technology, provide them with flexible scheduling and better income.

Marie Moise-Bentz RN, BSN

Lead Psych RN Recruiter
Marie has over 16 years of experience in the Psychiatric health field. She began as a Psychiatric Technician, then worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and currently works as a Registered Nurse. Marie has a unique passion for the Psych discipline and has obtained her bachelor’s in Nursing Science from Pacific College. Presently, she is pursuing her Masters of Science in Nursing and Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is now expanding her horizons into the labor of helping others to succeed in the nursing field through Go RN.

Marlene Marquez

Product Management Lead
Marlene began her career in healthcare as a Nursing Assistant 13 years ago. Her love for helping others and the drive within her to grow has allowed her to evolve in her current role as the Community Benefit Program Coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital and Go RN. She obtained an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Santa Ana College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. Marlene loves to travel and spend quality time with her family and friends.

Jennifer Damogo-Colegado RN, BSN

Data Entry Coordinator/Application Services
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Philippines in 2003. She has worked in various fields such as: Medical Surgical, Operating Roo and Gynecology. She has also served as aclinical instructor for nursing students. She loves being a nurse, and is an outstanding patient advocate ensuring she provides the utmost care for them.

Allison Mendoza RN

L&D Nurse Recruiter
Allison has worked at St. Joseph Hospital as a Labor and Delivery Nurse for the past 11 years. She acts as a preceptor for new hires, relief charge nurses, and as a circulating nurse on the unit. Currently, she is attending WGU for her BSN and would eventually like to achieve her MSN.

Timothy Adamson RN

EN Nurse Recruiter
Timothy has 31 years of experience in the health care system starting as a transporter in radiology and advancing to a nurse in the emergency department. He earned associate degrees in nursing and marketing in Michigan. Leaving the long cold winters behind he moved to southern California to do travel and registry. His experience will be a valuable asset to the Go RN marketing team to improve health care staffing needs.

Brayden Marquez

Intern in Software Development
Brayden is a driven young man with a keen interest for technology. He has been exposed to it from a very young age. He has achieved some of his educational goals by remaining focused and motivated. In addition, he has gained experience in code writing by participating in the app jam competition. Currently, he is the first Go RN intern who will assist in research and prototyping.

Ernie Rivera RN, BSN

Clinical Education Director
Ernie has always had a drive for bettering the community, teaching and helping others. He received his associates degree in nursing from Santa Ana College where he also served as a tutor and student mentor. Shortly after, he received his bachelors degree in nursing from WGU. Currently, he works at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange as an RN in the Emergency Department where he enjoys the teamwork and variety of challenges found there. He is excited to bring his experience to help new healthcare workers begin their journey through Go RN.