Faculty & Staff
Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Heather Ontiveros, PA-C, DHSc, ATC
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesChair, Department of Physician Assistant StudiesProgram Director, Physician Assistant Studies
Office Phone: (951) 552-8504E-mail: hontiveros@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus G112
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
PA-C | Physician Assistant | University of California, Davis | 2008 |
DHSc | Doctor of Health Science | A.T. Still University | 2018 |
MA | Kinesiology, Emphasis in Biomechanics and Athletic Training | San Diego State University | 2004 |
BS | Exercise Science | University of California, Davis | 1999 |
Jonathan Barnes, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesClinical CoordinatorOffice Phone: (951)552-8280E-mail: jobarnes@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: G102
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MSPAS, PA-C | Physician Assistant Studies | California Baptist University | 08/2018 |
Bachelor of Science | Human Biology | Biola University | 05/2015 |

Brian Bearie, MD, F.A.C.E.P.
Clinical Associate ProfessorMedical Director, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: (951) 552-8515E-mail: bbearie@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MD, F.A.C.E.P. | Emergency Medicine | University of California, Irvine | 2002 |
M.D. | Medicine | University of Pennsylvania | 1999 |
B.S. | Biology | University of California, Irvine | 1995 |

Karlyssa Chung, MSPAS, PA-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesDirector of Clinical Education, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: 9515528344E-mail: kachung@calbaptist.edu
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MSPAS, PA-C | Master of Physician Assistant Studies | Western University of Health Sciences | 2012 |
B.A. | Bachelor of Art in Human Development | University of California, San Diego | 2007 |

Catherine Letherer, MS, MBA, PA-C
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesAcademic Director of PA EducationPhysician Assistant Studies
Office Phone: (951) 552-8298E-mail: cletherer@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Sciences Building, G118
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
MS, MBA, PA-C | Health Care Administration | Western Governors University | 2013 |
MS | Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies | Quinnipiac University | 1996 |
BA | Sociology | University of California, San Diego | 1992 |

Mary Stahovich , M.H.P., P.A.-C
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesDirector of PA Admissions & Didactic Coordinator, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: 951-552-8281E-mail: mstahovich@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: G114, Health Science Campus
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
M.H.P., P.A.-C | Master of Health Professions | Northeastern University | 1999 |
B.S. | Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology | University of California at San Diego | 1992 |

James Zapata, Fellow
Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant StudiesDirector of Assessment for Physician Assistant StudiesFaculty of Emergency Medicine, Behavioral Health, and Correctional Medicine
E-mail: jazapata@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: G119
Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Fellow | Emergency Medicine Fellowship | Arrowhead Regional Medical Center | December 2020 |
D.M.Sc. | Advanced Professional Practice | University of Lynchburg | January 2022 |
M.S. | Physician Assistant | Western University of Health Sciences | July 2019 |
B.S. | Human Biology with Minor in Biblical Studies | Biola University | May 2015 |
A.A. | Liberal Studies | Saddleback College | August 2012 |

Jenny Gonzalez
Administrative Support Specialist-Didactic EducationOffice Phone: (951) 552-8978E-mail: jegonzalez@calbaptist.edu

Daphne Paramo
Department Secretary, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: 951-552-8515E-mail: dparamo@calbaptist.edu

Stephanie Principato
Assistant Director of Clinical EducationOffice Phone: (951) 552-8593E-mail: sprincipato@calbaptist.edu

Sarah Reyes
Admissions Assistant, Physician Assistant StudiesOffice Phone: (951) 552-8386E-mail: sareyes@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Sciences Campus-G 103

Amy Riggs
Clinical Administrative Support SpecialistOffice Phone: (951) 552-8962E-mail: ariggs@calbaptist.eduOffice Location: Health Science Campus - G110