Your Officers and Board of Directors
Carlos Navarro, CST, HM1
President
Teaching and training is a passion. I continue to discover new ways to teach our ever changing populations.At the moment, I am active duty Navy Clinical instructor based out of Balboa Naval Medical Center, San Diego.My success as an instructor will reflect on my students success. I am excited to bring new things to this board and involve our active duty military and our veterans.
Suzette Robinson, BS, CST
Vice-President
I have served on the California State Assembly of the AST since 2021. I was elected in as a Board of Director and later appointed as Vice President. Working at USC for 10 years is what started me on this path. I realized over time that there is no surgical technology educators in the hospital system. We are often times lumped in nursing education and I felt the field needed more educators that truly know both sides. I have been blessed to also work as an educator at Glendale Career College. I have been a Surgical Technologist since 2009 and I still learn everyday how much more we are capable of. Being able to use these experiences to serve our state assembly bring me tremendous joy. I hope to continue to add value to the board for years to come.
Treasurer
Hello members, my name is Alice Booker and I’m a Certified Surgical Technologist. I graduated from Skyline College Surgical Technology program in 2015. I did my clinical rotation at a Level 1trauma center. I’ve worked 6 years for Surgical Staff Inc., which affords me a flexible schedule as well as the opportunity to work in hospitals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Introducing new med students, student nurses to the OR and being a preceptor for a new tech are among my passions in advocating for excellence in patient care in my profession. I’m often asked to orient or train a new hire tech even through my registry position. I strive to exceed expectations in my contribution to the surgical team, managers and the OR department as a whole. In my personal life, I live in Mountain View with my husband, our dog and our 4 cats. I’m also the proud mom of a registered nurse. My hobby is traveling and exploring new cultures. I enjoy activities which challenge myself. I donate my time and resources to organizations that change lives. I am very happy to serve as your representative for the CA State Assembly of Surgical Technologists Board of Directors!
Alice Booker, CST
David Reyes, CST
Secretary
Hello, my name is David Reyes, Certified Surgical Technologists at Keck University Hospital of USC. I come to you with the intention to serve the board, our profession and my fellow Surgical Technologist. I am currently a collaborating Surgical Technologist member of our UBC (Unit Base Council) at the hospital that I'm working. One of our smart goals at our UBC, is to raise the number of CST by 5% by the middle of 2022. I am a strong proponent of professional growth and certification among our ranks. Like our smart goal and through my passion and dedication, I am hoping to be able to contribute, partake and be an instrument in promoting the importance of our credential. I strongly believe that certification mandate and continuing education is going to propel us into the next level, as a valued member of the surgical team and as an essential allied healthcare professional.
Board of Directors
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Jessica Ramirez, CST
Hello, my name is Jessica Ramirez and I am one of your newest members serving on the Board of Director’s for CA-SA. I graduated in 2014 and did most of my training in Ortho and Spine. My world revolves around my family, especially my two children, who are extremely active and keeps me busy most days. I am employed at Stanford Cancer Center, South Bay. I love my current role because I truly see the difference we make for our patients at such a vulnerable time in their lives. I am eager to contribute to the Board of Directors for Surgical Technologists in California, advocating for safety, progress, and a voice for all Surgical Technologist. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members and making a difference in our field.
Wil Montes, CST
I have 4 years experience as a CST. My journey in the O.R. has been a roller coaster but I would not trade that for the world. I enjoy my line of work and am passionate about connecting with colleagues to provide quality care for the patient.
Kendria Stevens-Hulsinger, CST
With 19 years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist, 21 years as a proud
member of AST, and three years in surgical technology education, I have seen first and the importance of strong leadership and advocacy in our profession. Being elected as Board of Directors for the California State Assembly of the AST, I see this as an opportunity to lead, listen, and advocate for the individuals who make our profession so vital. I am deeply committed to ensuring that surgical technologists are supported, well-trained, and recognized for the essential contributions they make in healthcare.
In leadership, fostering collaboration and encouraging open dialogue is my top priorities. I believe that by listening to both new professionals and seasoned
technologists, we can work together to create initiatives that enhance education,
promote career growth, and strengthen our profession.
Advocacy is also be a central focus of my role. I am passionate about ensuring that
surgical technologists are represented in healthcare policy discussions and have a voice in decisions that affect our practice and future. With purpose and dedication, I would work to see our profession thrive and ensure that every member feels valued and supported on their journey.
Rebecca Hutchins, CST
Clinical Manager, AOSST Department, American Career College | Certified Surgical Technologist | Educator | Board Member, California State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists
Rebecca is a highly experienced certified surgical technologist with over 10 years of hands-on expertise in the operating room. Throughout their career, Rebecca has developed a comprehensive skill set, including proficiency in sterile technique, surgical procedures, and patient care, contributing to successful outcomes in a variety of complex surgeries.
In addition to their surgical tech experience, Rebecca has spent the last 5 years as an educator, training and mentoring the next generation of surgical technologists. Passionate about advancing healthcare education, Rebecca has created engaging, informative curricula and delivered high-quality instruction, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of the field.
Rebecca's combination of clinical expertise and teaching experience makes them a valued professional in both operational and educational settings. Their dedication to continuous improvement and professional development has earned them recognition for their commitment to excellence in healthcare. They are dedicated to further enhancing their skills and contributing to the growth of healthcare education.
