Composed of passionate health professionals specializing in pediatrics, adolescent health, women’s health, infectious diseases, epidemiology, and mental health, Health Connected’s Medical Advisory Council shares a common dedication to adolescent sexual health. This council plays a vital role in supporting Health Connected’s mission and long-term vision for community impact by pursuing two key objectives. Firstly, they provide essential guidance and review to ensure that all instructional materials are medically accurate and developmentally appropriate. Secondly, they actively contribute to raising awareness within the healthcare community about the valuable work Health Connected is doing and its significant impact on youth.
Tamar BessoN
FNP, MSN, MPHTamar is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with over 35 years of experience in adolescent medicine and reproductive health care. She has worked in various healthcare settings, including the Peace Corps, community clinics, and school-based health clinics, and is currently a Senior Nurse Practitioner at Sequoia Teen Wellness Center.
Cathy Gale
RN, BSNCathy is a retired pediatric nurse with a wealth of experience in hospital and school settings. She spent 20 years working in hospitals and another 12 years as a school nurse, caring for students from kindergarten to high school. She now enjoys her retirement by engaging in nature education and spending time with her family.
Inge Hansen
PsyDDr. Inge Hansen is a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Director of Outreach, Equity, and Inclusion for Counseling and Psychological Services at Stanford University. She is a co-founder of the Weiland Health Initiative and Gender-Inclusive Stanford, promoting mental health and creating a better environment for trans and non-binary students through innovative programs and education.
Melissa Kelley
MA, LMFTMelissa is a School Counselor with experience in multiple educational settings. She has worked at various schools, designing and implementing social and emotional learning programs for students of different age groups. Before her counseling career, Melissa worked in research and program development in the field of at-risk youth.
Ramsey Khasho
PsyDDr. Ramsey Khasho is a licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Children’s Health Council. With expertise in pediatric anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and family therapy, he has over 20 years of experience evaluating and treating children, teens, and families. He also teaches graduate-level courses and serves as a court-appointed expert for the State of California.
Anne Liu
MDDr. Anne Liu is an Allergy/Immunology specialist affiliated with Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital and Stanford Hospital. With over 14 years of diverse experience, she holds academic appointments as a Clinical Assistant Professor and has published articles on topics related to immunology and infectious diseases, including HIV.
Anjali Rao
MD, MPHDr. Anjali Rao is an obstetrician/gynecologist committed to preventive health and community outreach. She has been practicing in the Bay Area for over 10 years, focusing on optimizing the health and well-being of women and teens. She obtained degrees in medicine and public health and currently practices with Sutter Health.
Niki Saxena
MD, MS, MBADr. Niki Saxena is a dedicated pediatrician with over two decades of experience. She co-founded the Pediatric Wellness Group in Redwood City and has actively promoted wellness and provided excellent primary care for patients and their families. She has held leadership positions in medical associations and is pursuing an MBA.
Martha Simmons
MD, PhDDr. Martha Simmons is a Senior Consultant for Clinical Program Development at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. With a background in academic medicine, her interests lie in lifestyle medicine, population health, and health technology. She actively contributes to initiatives promoting patient-centered healthcare and serves on the board of several organizations focused on community well-being.