Meet Our Team

Alina is Kanaka Maoli, raised in Kahuku on Oʻahu’s North Shore. She earned a bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies and, like so many, she left the islands with her to family to meet basic needs. Guided throughout by exceptional mentors, she built her career in research spanning 20 years; starting as a Study Coordinator and expanding her expertise across data management, investigator-led research, and product development. Alina has been serving as the Site Director at Kalo since 2023—a role that feels like a full-circle milestone in her journey. It’s where she gets to live out Kalo’s mission every day while staying deeply connected to the values that ground her.

Kristen Jensen-Ellis is an office manager with a passion for ensuring that everyone’s needs are taken care of. She loves fashion and is an avid gardener.

Jesse Jensen, DO, is board certified in dermatology and a Mohs micrographic surgeon with extensive experience in the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. He speaks Spanish and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children in their various endeavors including football and humanitarian work in and out of the country.

Jennifer Leyva is an experienced medical assistant who engages with potential study participants and schedules qualified individuals for their visits both in English and Spanish. She loves getting to know new people and enjoys letting others know they are heard and appreciated. She loves a good laugh, reading, and cooking for her family.

Jacob Katutu, BS, is an experienced Network Engineer working with Kalo to ensure the security of information technology and assists with other IT needs. He speaks Kiribati, enjoys gardening, serving at the local homeless shelter and spending time with his lovely wife and dog.

Paola Santa Cruz, BA, is a Research Coordinator who values every study participant who comes into the clinic. She speaks Spanish, is compassionate, kind, and loves to cook and eat Colombian food. She loves architecture and design and spending time with her family.

William Walsh, MD, is board certified in internal, preventative and addiction medicine. He enjoys gardening and cooking amazing meals with his organic produce and supporting his kids in their endeavors.

Justin Banks, DPM, is an experienced podiatrist dedicated to partnering with his patients to provide excellent and comprehensive care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. He enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his wife and four children.

Ernesto Gonzalez, Regulatory Coordinator, is key to keeping Kalo accountable to all the requirements as outlined by federal, state, local and study-specific regulations pertaining to clinical research. He speaks Spanish, doesn’t like avocados or bones or skin on his chicken but loves trying new foods and spending time with his wife and beautiful children.

KyAlea serves as Kalo’s Director of Brand & Story, bringing a Master’s Degree in Media Design and more than 20 years of global brand and marketing experience across the tech, medical, and service-based industries. Growing up as the oldest of four in a multicultural family, she learned early how to translate between perspectives, honor lived experience, and find the common ground—shaping her career in ethical, human-centered brand storytelling. Kalo’s mission is deeply personal to her, and she believes profoundly in the work of creating the future of medicine where her own family—and families like hers—are represented, seen, and included in the science that shapes our lives. At Kalo, she ensures the brand’s voice reflects its values of integrity, compassion, and people-first care. She leads the expression of Kalo’s story across social media and clinical study campaigns, expanding reach and impact while honoring both legacy and innovation. KyAlea lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband and son. Her greatest joy is creating community through story and heart—where our unique identities are honored, and our shared humanity brings us together. “I believe in story — in its power to bring us together, honor where we come from and who we've become, and shape a future we can all belong to.” — KyAlea

Sonam Patel, BS, is a Research Coordinator who brings a compassionate, patient-focused approach to everything she does. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in Biology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and has worked as a phlebotomist for many years. She has always been dedicated to making sure every patient feels genuinely seen, heard, and cared for. Whether through a kind word or a careful hand, she believes exceptional care starts with real human connection. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive experience for everyone she has the privilege to care for. Providing excellent care isn't just what she does--it's who she is!

Chris Singer, DNP, is an experienced nurse practitioner and has worked within the Utah Navajo Health System as well asChris a number of other clinics to improve health for his patients. He speaks some Navajo, enjoys spending time with his grandkids, and loves baseball.

Joshua Alam, PA, has a special interest in diabetes management, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. He enjoys traveling, hiking, mountain biking and trying new foods with his wife.

Cuper Martinez, MD, is board certified in internal medicine with extensive experience in obesity and palliative medicine. He speaks Spanish, enjoys desserts of all kinds (but especially pastries) and spending time with his wife and two young children.