Dr. Shannan Valentin and I was born and raised in Inglewood, California. It was always my dream to become a physician since the age of 4 years old when my grandfather passed away from cancer. I come from a multi-cultural background Fluent in both English and Spanish and have always desired to work in underserved communities. I was a student-athlete who received a full-ride scholarship to play softball at St. John’s University. However, following two extensive shoulder surgeries, I received my Bachelor’s of Science from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Master’s degree in public Health from University of Southern California prior to completing medical school at Saba University School of Medicine located in the Caribbean. Following graduation, I was matched to an amazing Program at Kaweah Health and am currently completing my second year. As I enter into my third year of residency, I am honored to be serving as Academic Senior for my program while proudly treating the underserved mental health population in the Central Valley. I have a strong passion for sports psychiatry and am currently completing the curriculum to be certified with the International Society of Sport’s Psychiatry. Following completion of residency, I plan to pursue this passion in the underserved population that is athletes suffering from mental health disorders.