The Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation (SYVCHF) awarded 12 healthcare scholarships, totaling $53,000, to Santa Ynez Valley residents pursuing careers in medical and health-related fields and are committed to serving the local community.
This year’s recipients include recent high school graduates, continuing college students, and Cottage employees. The grants help offset the rising cost of higher education and may be used to pay for tuition, books and other educational expenses.
“This scholarship program reflects our deep commitment to building a strong, sustainable healthcare workforce right here in the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Katie Gorndt, vice president/director of nursing at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
“By supporting these students today, we’re helping ensure that our community continues to receive compassionate, high-quality care for years to come,” Gorndt said.
Established in 2018, the SYVCHF scholarship program has grown to include seven named scholarship funds, made possible through community donors. The funds represent a collective investment in developing a skilled, local healthcare workforce for the years ahead.
“Investing in students who are passionate about healthcare is one of the meaningful ways we strengthen the future of care in our region,” said Rich Nagler, president of the SYVCHF. “We are proud to stand alongside these scholars as they pursue their goals and bring their skills back to serve our community.”
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Ann Bertero Scholarship Fund (est. 2018) — The Ann Bertero Scholarship Fund was created to honor Bertero’s memory as a longtime hospital volunteer and for her work to create the hospital’s youth volunteer program. Her daughter Lisa Bertero Palmer and son-in-law Steve Palmer established the fund and continue to grow their commitment with the support of family and friends.
Jazmin Gonzalez-Salinas. Gonzalez-Salinas is a kinesiology major at Westmont College on the Nursing Fast Track. Through internships and volunteer work supporting diverse and special needs populations, she is preparing for a career in nursing and plans to serve patients locally.
Abby Snow. Snow attends Chico State University majoring in exercise physiology with plans to pursue nursing school after graduation. A Dean’s List student and active campus leader, she hopes to return to the Santa Ynez Valley to become a nurse in her home community.
Luz Zepeda. Zepeda is a registered nurse and mother of three who is continuing her education at CSU Channel Islands to earn her BSN. After overcoming significant health challenges and balancing family responsibilities, she is committed to serving the Santa Ynez Valley with compassionate, culturally competent care.
Gainey Foundation Scholarship Fund (est. 2024) — The Gainey Foundation established the fund to support Santa Ynez Valley residents who are pursuing a higher education in a healthcare field and to make a positive difference in the local healthcare workforce.
Kelly Lesher. Lesher is continuing her education at Santa Barbara City College to become a radiology technician. A longtime emergency department technician at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, she is committed to advancing her skills to better care for local patients.
Allie Lewis. Lewis is a nursing student at Grand Canyon University who plans to pursue a career as a pediatric oncology nurse. A dedicated community volunteer and leader, she hopes to bring compassionate care to children and families in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Allie Linane. Linane is a neuroscience student at the University of San Diego who plans to pursue nursing school and become a nurse practitioner. With strong academic achievement and extensive volunteer experience, she aims to return to Cottage to serve her community.
Natalia Marmolejo. Marmolejo is completing her nursing prerequisites and CNA training at Allan Hancock Collegem while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. She plans to become a registered nurse and build her future in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Ken and Lloyd Mills Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (est. 2022) — This scholarship honors the memory and legacy of Ken and Lloyd’s community support and generosity. Established by their family, Ken and Lloyd loved living in the Santa Ynez Valley and volunteered wherever they could to enhance the community.
Lizbeth Jimenez. Jimenez is a pre-med student at San Diego State University with plans to become a physician. Through volunteer work and patient advocacy, particularly with Spanish-speaking communities, she is committed to delivering compassionate, inclusive care.
Lorraine Brem Scholarship Fund (est. 2024) — This fund was established by Barbara Brem to support nursing students in loving memory of her mother Lorraine Brem, who had a lifelong passion to become a nurse, but the opportunity was never available to her.
Gabriela Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a kinesiology student at Westmont College who will enter an accelerated nursing program this fall. Inspired by early family experiences in healthcare, she is dedicated to becoming a nurse and giving back to her community.
Nagler Family Scholarship Fund (est. 2024) — Richard and Janice Nagler established the Nagler Family Scholarship to support local residents who have completed two or more years of health education from an accredited college or university.
Daniel Kozlov. Kozlov is a neuroscience student at UCLA who has been accepted to medical school, where he will begin his formal training to become a doctor. With research and clinical experience, he aspires to become a physician and eventually return to practice in Santa Barbara County.
Katie Lozano. Lozano serves as clinical manager of Surgical Services and Endoscopy at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital while pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration. She is committed to strengthening rural healthcare systems and advancing patient care in the region.
Shepherd Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (est. 2024) — Gerry B. Shepherd established the fund to support local residents who have completed two or more years of health education from an accredited college or university.
Alejandra Lopez. LopezAlejandra is a surgical technician and mother of six who is completing her nursing prerequisites at Allan Hancock College. Driven by her dedication to family and community, she plans to become a registered nurse and continue serving patients locally.
For more about how to support the SYVCH Foundation, contact June Martin, Gift Planning Officer Sr., 805-691-9509 or j2martin@sbch.org.
For more about Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation, visit CottageHealth.org/SYVCH.