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., 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
Executive MBA Candidate, University of San Francisco
M.P.H. Generalist, 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
Shay Shields (she/her)
Graduate Social Work Intern
Staff Bio
Born and raised in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Shay discovered her passion for social work while at Laney College, where she supported youth in earning both high school diplomas and college credits. Inspired by this work, she earned her BASW at San Francisco State University, focusing on equity in education, the workforce, and mental health advocacy. Shay is now pursuing her MSW at the University of Southern California and serves as a Graduate Social Work Intern at the University of San Francisco with Case Management and Health Promotion Services. She is dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the lives of others. In all her work, Shay champions advocacy, social justice, and inclusivity.
Education
M.S.W Student, Social Change and Innovation, University of Southern California
B.S. Social Work, San Francisco State University
A.A.S. Social Sciences, Laney College
Think colorfully at mealtime: each color represents different nutrients that work together to boost your immune system, protect your cells, and support energy and digestion.
Kaylie Liu (she/her)
Dietetic intern
Available August 25 - October 31
Staff Bio
Kaylie Liu is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Nutrition at Illinois State University while simultaneously completing her internship hours to become a dietitian. She is deeply passionate about reducing food insecurity and empowering individuals with the knowledge that “healthy living” looks different for everyone. Kaylie believes that each person’s background, lifestyle, and available resources play a critical role in shaping their version of wellness. She enjoys staying active through online guided workout videos and loves experimenting with new recipes that strike a balance between nutrition and flavor. In her free time, Kaylie can often be found spending time with her cat or exploring San Francisco’s vibrant Craft Fairs and Farmers' Markets. She is excited to meet and support USF students on their journey toward making informed, individualized, healthy choices.
Education
M.S. Student, Nutrition, Illinois State University
B.S. Nutrition & Dietetics, and Holistic Health Minor, San Francisco State University
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
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
Health flourishes when we treat ourselves with kindness and walk through life with grace.
Frida Gonzalez
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
Prioritize rest and hydration!
Jasleen Kooner
Get yourself a matcha (once in a while).
Diana Nguyen
Set aside time each day to do one positive thing for yourself!
Sujita Karmacharya
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.