About Us
Our Journey in Empowering Future Medical Leaders
International Health Alliance (IHA) was founded with a vision to mentor and support the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our story is rooted in a deep commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all.
IHA’s Mission
Our mission is to establish a network of dedicated healthcare professionals and facilities, breaking down barriers to accessibility. Through strategic expansion into various regions, we aim to provide communities with access to skilled doctors, fostering a healthier global society. We are committed to championing the cause of health equality and making a positive impact on lives worldwide.
Vision
To create a world where every individual has the fundamental right to accessible and quality healthcare. We envision extending our impact across diverse communities, ensuring that health becomes a universal privilege rather than a privilege for the few.
Our Team
Our team comprises experienced medical professionals and passionate educators who are dedicated to guiding you through your medical journey.
Dr. Cristal N Pride, CEO
Dr. Cristal Pride is a medical doctor from the Dominican Republic. She is one of the co-founders of our organization. Before moving to the United States she was the medical coordinator for a clinical outreach non profit in impoverished areas of her country.
She moved to the states after meeting her husband whom she met while volunteering on a medical mission trip. She now has two beautiful baby boys as well! She enjoys traveling, dancing and cooking.
She has experience working in cardiology, oncology and research departments. Some of her research has been published internationally and she has presented before the American College of Physicians.
She enjoys classical music and plays both the piano and the oboe. She played in multiple orchestras and even had the opportunity to travel around the world performing on a sponsorship from Yamaha. In addition to her medical and music endeavors, she has also started multiple businesses including an organization dedicated to increasing accessible healthcare, a company focusing on global STEAM education, and a medical emergency triage app.
In each step of her career, Dr. Pride has sought to merge her passion for medicine, social commitment, education, and music. Her story is a narrative of a life dedicated to making the world a healthier, more equitable, and harmonious place for everyone.
Dr. Angie Pinales, CMO
Dr. Pinales is a distinguished General Practitioner renowned for her extensive experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical emergencies.
With a career dedicated to providing medical care, Dr. Pinales is currently based in Punta Cana, serving as an Emergency Doctor and playing a pivotal role at the Veron Municipal Hospital.
Driven by a passion for continuous improvement, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in hospital management. This academic endeavor reflects her dedication to enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare services in her community.
As an active member of the International Health Alliance organization, she finds satisfaction in contributing to initiatives that transcend borders. Her commitment to helping those in need aligns perfectly with the mission of the Alliance, providing her with a platform to channel her passion for international healthcare.
Jason Pride, CFO
Jason is a CPA, Certified Valuation Analyst, Certified Life Coach and international bestselling author. Jason has coached hundreds of people helping them achieve greater success in business and personal wealth. He has built multiple businesses, including one which won new franchise of the year in 2019 in the most competitive market in the country. He has bought, built and sold multiple businesses and has over six years of experience with a Big 4 accounting firm. He currently serves as the financial due diligence officer for a private equity firm, manages a multimillion dollar real estate portfolio, and runs a business valuation and consulting practice. He has been relied on for valuation opinions in excess of $1 billion.
Dr. Carol Gallego, Director Dental Clinics
Dr. Carol Gallego is driven by a profound commitment to exceptional dental care and the creation of truly captivating smiles. Her unwavering dedication to professionalism, continuous education, and a passion for aesthetics have made her a renowned expert in the field.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude as a Doctor of Dentistry in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Gallego’s academic achievements reflect her pursuit of excellence. As a certified member of the College of Dentists of the Dominican Republic, she exemplifies the highest standards of dental practice, ensuring her patients’ trust and confidence.
Dr. Gallego completed a diploma in Advanced Aesthetics from the University of Cartagena in Colombia. Additionally, intensive training in veneers at the renowned Dr. Dussan Training Center in Cali, Colombia, refined her skills, enhancing her ability to craft flawless smile transformations. Dr. Gallego currently specializes in Aesthetic Dentistry with the Brazilian Dental Association.
Beyond her private practice, Dr. Gallego is also recognized for her humanitarian efforts. As the founder and past director of the dental program for VAW, she has provided invaluable dental care to communities in Peru, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
As a Colombian dentist contributing her expertise to the Dominican Republic, Dr. Gallego seamlessly blends the skills, certifications, and professionalism emblematic of Colombian dentists.
Steffanie Thomas, Doula
Since 2015, I have served as a birth doula in the St. Louis area. I also offer childbirth education classes. I have worked with almost 300 families, in which I help families prepare for the safest birth for them. We spend time prenatally discussing how the process of birth works and how medical interventions can affect the process. I also help families understand how to navigate their birth environment, which includes how to communicate effectively with staff and care providers. Most of my clients achieve unmedicated, vaginal births. I trained through DONA in 2015 and after that completed rebozo training with Gena Kirby, Spinning Babies training with Gail Tully, and the Birth Monopoly Know Your Rights program.
Sienna Padilla, Director of Community Outreach
In her role as Director of Community Outreach, Sienna is committed to driving positive change and making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. Sienna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences with a concentration of Pre-Physicians Assistant as well as a minor in Business Administration from Montreat College. She is in the process of actively applying to graduate schools to finish her Master Degree to become a Physician’s Assistant. With a passion for community engagement and healthcare advocacy, Sienna brings 4+ years of experience as a CNA, Medical Assistant, Home Health Aid, Medical Intern and Student Intern with Special Needs Children.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and staying active by working out and being outdoors. With a focus on empathy, inclusivity, and sustainability, Sienna is dedicated to empowering communities to take charge of their health and well-being, fostering a culture of trust, support, and innovation both within our organization and beyond. Sienna is committed to IHA’s mission of providing accessible healthcare internationally, and she continuously strives to expand our reach and deepen our impact through collaborative efforts with local organizations, universities, and healthcare stakeholders worldwide.
Dr. Esmeralda Nuñez, Medical Director of the Dominican Republic
Dr. Victor Gomez, Director of Public Relations of the Dominican Republic
Meet Dr. Gomez, a dedicated Dominican doctor based in Santo Domingo and proudly associated with IHA. Graduating from the Technological University of Santiago in 2021, he is fluent in Italian, Spanish, and English, and is currently learning French. Dr. Gomez has a diverse background, having worked in entertainment, customer service, and hospitals. He’s been a basecamp doctor and director’s assistant in film and served as an emergency doctor in private clinics. Currently, he leads the primary care unit and volunteers with the Cruz Jiminian Foundation, providing essential healthcare to communities in the Dominican Republic.
Beyond his medical roles, Dr. Gomez is passionate about motivating people to be their best. As an IHA Public Relations director, he focuses on changing lives by providing quality healthcare with empathy and affection, one interaction at a time. His goal is to inspire the next generation locally to make a positive impact on the world of healthcare.
Ambar Nuñez, Administrative Assistant
Ambar Nuñez, a Mathematician immersed in the banking field, skillfully applies her expertise in statistics and actuarial science. Notably, she has already embarked on her master’s journey in finance. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ambar possesses a fervent passion for exploring new destinations and immersing herself in diverse cultures. This curiosity has led her to acquire proficiency in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Chinese, and sign language, enabling her to connect with people from various corners of the globe.
Ambar’s vivacious personality is complemented by her deep love for both music and animals. Her unwavering commitment to achieving personal and team goals has earned her numerous accolades, such as the titles of ‘Merit Student 2018,’ ‘Global Undergraduate Program 2020-2021,’ and ‘Highest GPA in Basic Science Area in October 2022,’ among others. Currently residing in the Dominican Republic, Ambar Nuñez is an individual fueled by ambition and a relentless pursuit of excellence in her endeavors.
Lara Varnholt, Director of European Relations
Lara Varnholt is a medical educator and pediatric nurse. Before moving to the United States she worked at a renowned health institute that trains medical staff in Germany. She has over 10 years of experience in different areas of the health sector which include teaching, training and recruiting medical staff, curriculum development and working at a children’s hospital as a nurse for six years.
She has a passion for encouraging other people in finding their career path and supporting them along the way.
She found her love for helping others while working at a children’s hospital and then went on to University and got a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, development and inclusion.
After working in human resource and occupational health management she went on to teaching students at a large health institute in Germany that currently trains over 500 people in different areas of the medical field.
She has two wonderful children – one of which was born in Germany and the other in the United States. She loves traveling, cooking, spending time outside – especially on the water or skiing in the mountains.
With her background in Europe – being half British and half German – it is her passion to connect the amazing mission of IHA with as many people internationally as possible and giving students from Europe the chance to experience a medical internship.
She looks forward to connecting with many of you in the future.
Robert Waite, Team Leader
Robert Waite is a college senior graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the end of Summer 2024. He currently works under Dr. Hank Bass in his genetic research laboratory where they analyze the molecular, genomic, & cellular processes of inheritance along with genetic regulation mechanisms focusing on the dynamics of telomeres and nuclear envelope interactions. In collaboration with the Dennis & McGinnis labs at Florida State University, the Chromatin Lab Research Group uncovers the mysteries of plant & human chromatin structure.
Beyond the scope of academics, Robert has led initiatives in youth soccer camps & self-defense classes. He enjoys the atmosphere of a gym as he works out 7 days a week, followed by going home to his two 1 year-old kittens who occupy & watch over the house for him. Robert is committed to the foundational IHA ideals, which are driven by core values related to providing healthcare to those in need.
Ana Golla, Team Leader, December 2024
Ana Golla was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, and is a first-generation woman passionate about working with underserved Hispanic and immigrant populations. She aspires to build a medical career juggling three hats: pediatrics, global medicine, and infectious diseases for minority groups.
Ana graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS in Microbiology and worked at UCSF’s Molecular Oncology Initiative during her gap years. She is now a second-year medical student at the University of Missouri, where she is part of the Global Health Scholars Program and serves as the co-president of the Latino Medical Student Association.
Mentorship is deeply important to her, and as a team leader, she aims to leverage her bilingualism, creativity, and leadership abilities to empower other students and help deliver comprehensive, high-quality access to healthcare across borders.
In her free time, Ana enjoys dancing classical ballet, making iced hazelnut lattes, and going on road trips with her husband.
Beyond the scope of academics, Robert has led initiatives in youth soccer camps & self-defense classes. He enjoys the atmosphere of a gym as he works out 7 days a week, followed by going home to his two 1 year-old kittens who occupy & watch over the house for him. Robert is committed to the foundational IHA ideals, which are driven by core values related to providing healthcare to those in need.
Your journey with IHA starts here!
Address
St. Louis, MO USA
Call Us
+1-415-763-0256
Email Us
info@ihahealthcare.com