Meet the Team
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Natalie Townsend (she/her)
Director
nrtownsend@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Natalie Townsend joined Health Promotion Services in 2015. She was a NCAA student-athlete on the Women’s soccer team at San Francisco State University. Natalie enjoys working with students on a daily basis to provide them educational resources when accessing healthcare. She also enjoys coaching the USF Women’s Club Soccer team, as well as teaching courses in the Masters of Public Health program.
Education
Ed.D. Candidate, Organizational Leadership, University of San Francisco
M.S. Behavioral Health, University of San Francisco
B.S. Kinesiology, San Francisco State University
Find what works for you and stick with it, even if it is a small change to build a healthy habit.
Jenny Lee (she/her)
Assistant Director
jlee112@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Jenny Lee joined the team in 2013 to launch a nutrition program and gain experience in public health outreach. She has been a certified Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR or NDTR) since 2012, and enjoys helping students develop their own healthy habits around food and exercise. Not only that but she also enjoys working with students who want to develop their skills and leadership in health promotion. This San Francisco native is a lifelong learner who enjoys biking, researching random things, and eating good food.
Education
M.P.H. Community and Public Health Practice, University of San Francisco
B.S. Clinical Nutrition, University of California, Davis
Practicing gratitude can improve overall mood and longevity. Start incorporating small acts or practices of gratitude each day!
Christina Roby (she/her)
Program Assistant
cmroby@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Christina Roby joined the Health Promotion Services team in 2023. She brings several years of program management experience and has enjoyed mentoring others through a holistic approach. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and loves to support college students in their pursuit of health and well-being. She also enjoys practicing yoga and is a self-taught barista and coffee enthusiast.
Education
M.P.H. Student, Community and Public Health Practice, University of San Francisco
B.S. Health Education, Dance Minor, San Francisco State University
Often the most dramatic changes we can make in life take place slowly, gradually, and profoundly. Honor the baby steps you take toward transformation.
Susan Roberta Katz (she/her)
Wellness Coach
katz@usfca.edu
Staff Bio
Susan Roberta Katz, now Professor Emerita after 27 years in the USF School of Education, is thrilled to join the Health Promotion Services team in January 2024. Her heart lies in guiding students to succeed academically while maintaining their overall sense of well-being and connection to the community. She is proud to have been named “USF Mentor of the Year” in 2022 and to have recently completed the Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching program at the University of California, Irvine. Susan finds her joy in being outdoors in nature, whether hiking Bay Area mountains or kayaking/stand-up paddle boarding on the California coast.
Education
NBWHC Certified Coach
Ph.D. Education in Language & Literacy, UC Berkeley
M.A. Education in Language & Literacy, UC Berkeley
B.A. Psychology, Asian Studies, Connecticut College
Peer Health Educators
2024-2025
Get to know our certified peer health educators. They are graduate students from the School of Nursing and Health Professions's Masters of Public Health program.
Stay consistent with your habits to build discipline over time. On challenging days, even dedicating a few minutes is better than nothing.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Take care of YOU!
Meet where you are at. Understand yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Movement is medicine, so find what works with you and bring a friend along.
Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.
Student Assistants
Our student assistants support our front desk operations. Get to know who answers your phone calls and emails.
Always make an effort to be mindful and live in the moment. Enjoy the simple things!
Asia Pham
Every step counts! Stay active, even in the little things, for a healthier, happier you.
Alyssa Potestio
Make sure to enhance your overall well-being by spending time outdoors.
Jeric Eligado
Stay healthy with good food, hydration, and make sure to explore and enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer!
Yaratza Lievanos
Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.
Sidney Tran
Take it day by day, setting small goals for your mental and physical health, and celebrate each step forward.
Catalina Do
Create healthy habits, not restrictions and fall in love with taking care of your body!
Sofia Gomez
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Always remember to drink water and stay hydrated.
Sushmitha Srikanth
Get yourself a matcha (once in a while).
Diana Nguyen
One small positive thought a day can change your mood!
Alyssa Nguyen
Volunteer Leaders
We have many volunteers who assist with events and programs. Here are some of our volunteer leads who take initiative and meet with the HPS team on a regular basis.
Learn more about how to get involved in our volunteer program, Dons Helping Dons.
Not Pictured: Naomi Medina, Jessica Marie Isla, Gracia Hao-Xue, Sarah Bleasdale
Contact Us
Health Promotion Services
Address
2130 Fulton Street University Center, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94117
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UC 5th Front Desk Hours are Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.