Program team

Kristen Plastino, MD, Founder and CEO

Dr. Kristen Plastino is a board-certified Ob/Gyn physician whose special interests include adolescent gynecology and reproductive health. Dr. Plastino has led the way in adolescent health since 2003, providing education and curriculum to adolescents and adults on the benefits of delaying sex. Dr. Plastino is a Professor at UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine. Her collaborative approach includes community mobilization, stakeholder education, evidence-based sex education and best clinical practices. She has successfully led a community-wide initiative that has contributed to a 24% decrease in the teen birth rate and a 43% reduction in repeat teen births in South San Antonio while mobilizing the community to sustain teen pregnancy prevention efforts.

Jennifer Todd, JD, RN, Director

Jennifer Todd has worked in teen pregnancy prevention since 2005 in the San Antonio community. She is currently the Director of UT Teen Health, supervising several teams of health educators in various federally funded projects. She and her teams serve to facilitate program components between community partners, schools and clinics while guiding community mobilization, educating program stakeholders in non-legislative policy, and assisting in all aspects of the projects. Jennifer graduated with a degree in philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, has a B.S.N. from Southern Connecticut State University, and a law degree from Yale Law School. She has experience working with federal, state and local grants, building staff capacity, and utilizing best practices to promote sustainability.

Diana Lowe, RN, Project Manager

Diana Lowe has been working in teen pregnancy prevention in the San Antonio community since 2006. She is experienced in all phases of project development and coordination and is currently contributing to various initiatives under the umbrella of UT Teen Health. Diana graduated with a degree in Biology from Hope College and has a B.S.N. from St. Louis University. She lived in Mexico City, Mexico for fifteen years and is bi-lingual, strengthening her understanding of the heritage of the predominantly Hispanic San Antonio community. Diana is married and the mother of three adult children.

Joette Garza-Garibay, MHA, Project Manager, Viva Teens 

Joette Garza-Garibay, earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Texas San Antonio and completed her Masters of Healthcare Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word. In 2007, she began her health education work with the NIH HEALTHY Study assisting with the promotion of Type 2 Diabetes prevention among SAISD middle schools. In 2009 she began working with the City of San Antonio – Metro Health, Project WORTH program as a Health Program Specialist, working with middle and high schools in SAISD, and community organizations in teen pregnancy prevention. Joette has teaching skills with grade levels 6-12, along with evidence- based program training among school districts and community partners. She also has skills working with teens in clinical settings thru the City of San Antonio Metro Health department.

Esmeralda Jeffries, BA, NPMC, Project Coordinator Senior, CPREP Project

Esmeralda Jeffries has been working in teen pregnancy prevention in the San Antonio community since 2011. She is currently the Project Coordinator with a federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (CPREP) to build the capacity of specific partnering organizations in their efforts to promote personal responsibility and prevent teen pregnancy. She serves these community partners by assisting them in choosing evidence-based programs, training facilitators on program components, and equipping them to plan for sustainability of successful programs. Esmeralda graduated with a degree in Political Science from Our Lady of the Lake University and has a Nonprofit Management Certificate from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She has experience working with youth as a youth group leader at her church. Her experience includes work in the criminal justice system with domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors, and youth in the juvenile justice system. Esmeralda is married with two children and enjoys spending time with her family.

Jacklynn Ware, MPH, Program Coordinator, Project Youth Empowerment and Support 

Jacklynn Ware graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and completed her Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. She began her health education work as a research associate with substance misuse and HIV/AIDS prevention education projects (Project S.H.A.P.E. and Pathways to Prevention). Jacklynn joined the UT Teen Health staff in 2021 and brings her experience in educating youth and young adults about opioid misuse, medication safety, HIV, and PrEP. She is currently the project coordinator for the Project Youth Empowerment and Support for youth mental health well-being, a partnership with Northwestern University to provide evidence-based, online modules for adolescents who may be feeling anxiety and stress. She is also passionate about empowering our youth and community through education and elevating youth voices with the UT Teen Health Youth Leadership Council. Jacklynn loves kayaking, exploring thrift stores, and cuddling with her dogs.

Briana Patlan, BA, Health Educator

Briana Patlan earned her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science, a minor in Nutrition and certification in peer health education from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. She is currently a health educator for UT Teen Health and is working with the Youth Leadership Council promoting positive youth development and teen pregnancy prevention. Briana has experience working with young adults through her college’s Peer Health Education program and has worked with youth as a former coach for St. Anthony Catholic High School. Briana is passionate about health education and encouraging youth to make proud and responsible decisions. She enjoys staying active and continues to coach youth volleyball in her free time.

Estefania Gonzalez, MPH, Health Educator

Estefania Gonzalez earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a Master of Public Health from UT Health Houston School of Public Health. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, in the lower Rio Grande Valley, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of limited health resources and education in underserved communities. This experience fueled her passion for bridging those gaps through health education. As a dedicated health educator at UT Teen Health, Estefania is committed to promoting community wellness. She empowers facilitators with accessible, evidence-based education that supports teens in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Amparo Gil-Ortega, MAComm, Health Educator

Amparo Gil-Ortega graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communication and a Master of Arts in Communication.  She was an educator and enjoyed teaching public speaking courses at UTSA.  Ms. Gil-Ortega created a safe-learning environment at Wood Middle School as a teacher for an after-school program.  She is currently a health educator for UT Teen Health, UT Health San Antonio.  Her cultivation of strong connections with partners at ISDs, youth-serving organizations, and juvenile justice systems was essential to reach and better inform youth and the community on relevant health matters and accessible teen-friendly services.  She is passionate about health education, empowering youth voices, and ensuring a safe learning environment for everyone. She enjoys watching horror movies, reading books, and spending time with her cat Kirby.

Britny Rodriguez, BA, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Britny Rodriguez graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. With six years of experience in branding, digital marketing, and social media strategy, Britny currently leads the marketing initiatives at UT Teen Health, where she focuses on creating impactful campaigns that resonate with young audiences and promote positive health outcomes. She understands the importance of guiding adolescents and young adults towards healthy, balanced, and responsible social media use. This commitment extends beyond her professional life, as she actively supports her nieces and nephews in navigating their own journeys with confidence and creativity. Britny enjoys fitness, sewing, fashion, and spending time with her family.

Susan Bishop, BS, Community Outreach Coordinator

Susan Bishop earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Biola University in La Mirada, California.  She is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator for UT Teen Health and also provides administrative support for the team.  Susan is passionate about educating all youth to have as much information as possible in order to make informed choices.  She brings many years of experience, having parented two grown children and two grandchildren.  Susan enjoys spending time with her family, reading and cooking.

Gary Eells, BS, Administrative Assist. – Assoc.

Gary Eells graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Certificate in Business Foundations. His experience in communications and production has taught him to adapt to changing plans and be ready for anything. Friendly and eager to help, he provides assistance to anyone in need. He enjoys writing, drawing, and gaming.

Bonnie Moreno, BA, Office Manager – Operations

Bonnie Moreno has a degree in Human Resources and is a master at multi-tasking. She has a background in sales, marketing and management. Her experience in the Reproductive, Endocrinology and Infertility Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology is an asset to the UT Teen Health administrative team. Bonnie has a passion for helping others. She enjoys cycling, roller skating and spending time with her three nephews.

Maria Peché, Office Manager

Maria Peché performs a wide range of ancillary duties to support UT Teen Health, ensuring a high level of professionalism and smooth operation of its day to day mission. Maria serves as the course facilitator for all Program training activities and conferences and is responsible for the logistics for these activities. Her technical writing certification and experience is instrumental in the development of training presentations, program literature and materials as well as preparing research articles for publication. Maria enjoys reading, and spending quality time with her family.

 

Contact information

UT Health San Antonio OB-Gyn Department
UT Teen Health
7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7836
San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900

Phone: 210-567-7036
Fax: 210-567-7042
Email: utteenhealth@uthscsa.edu