Barbara holds a B.S. in Psychology with minors in Biology and Neuroscience from La Sierra University in Riverside, CA. She later earned her Master of Public Health in 2018 from A.T. Still University, where she was inducted into the Delta Omega Honors Society in Public Health. In 2024, Barbara completed her D.M.D. from Western University of Health Sciences. During her MPH studies, Barbara served as an educator for Smile America Partners, delivering oral health education to low-income elementary schools across San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties. She also worked as a behavior interventionist at ABA Autism, providing vital services to children with autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome, and offering tailored behavioral interventions to local families. Barbara has also been involved in political advocacy. In 2019, she engaged with key legislators in Washington, D.C., championing legislative initiatives aimed at improving oral healthcare accessibility in underserved communities.
Throughout her dental education, Barbara distinguished herself as a National Health Service Corps Scholar, receiving prestigious accolades such as the International College of Dentist Student Humanitarian Award, ADEA Leadership Award, California Dental Association Outstanding Senior Award, and American Student Dental Association Upcoming Leadership Award. During her final year of dental school, Barbara served as a dental student extern at AIDS Project Los Angeles Health, where she provided compassionate, culturally competent care to individuals with AIDS/HIV+ at multiple clinics across Los Angeles.
Barbara's career highlights reflect a deep commitment to serving underserved populations and advocating for oral health at local, state, and national levels. Her research interests as she embarks on her DPH residency include oral health disparities, perinatal oral health, social determinants of health, oral health equity, minority oral health, and race disparities in oral health. As a Southern California native, Barbara enjoys spending leisure time with family and friends, brunching, attending concerts, and exploring amusement parks.