Meet the SAGE Team

Dr. Rebecca E. Lee

Dr. Rebecca E. Lee is a professor in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. She is a community health psychologist, specializing in participatory research to promote physical activity and healthy eating. Her work focuses on environmental and policy strategies, capitalizes on innovations in technology and improves the quality of neighborhood environments. She draws on community partnerships to maximize impact and outreach for her work with Hispanic and Latino children and families in the US and Mexico  

Hector Valdez

Hector served as Program Manager with Arizona State University from 2016-2022, and is currently the Communication Outreach Specialist for Dr. Rebecca Lee’s ACCESO lab, including the project's Sustainability via Active Garden Education (SAGE) and Safely Back to ECE with SAGE (BE SAGE). He has a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from ASU and has spent his entire career in the field of health promotion and disease prevention in underrepresented populations.

Lisbeth Cantu Garcia

Lisbeth graduated from College of Health Solutions at ASU and received a B.S. in Public Health. She enjoys working with children and has experience as a K-12 tutor for the TRiO Friendly House for nearly two years. Although she began working for SAGE as an intern, she has also served as Project Coordinator, and she now has a position on the team as a Program Manager. She enjoys working for the BE SAGE project as it offers the opportunity to improve children’s nutrition and physical activity.

Joseline Jimenez Sicaeros

Joseline is a recent graduate from Phoenix College, she received an Associate in Music and is currently working to attain her B.A. in Elementary Education. She enjoys working with kids and has nearly four years of experience working in a pre-K-8th grade setting. She started as a research technician for the BE SAGE project and is now serving as Project Coordinator. Joseline is passionate about working for organizations with a mission to help the community. 

Sandra Genis 

Sandra is a native of Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University, with a B.S. in Kinesiology. Her passion for working with children started volunteering. She went on to be an event leader for HandsOn Greater Phoenix, YMCA and The Salvation Army. Her passion for research and health promotion led to being a part of EXDS research at ASU. She is a Bilingual Project Coordinator who joined the BE SAGE project to give back to the community and make a difference in health promotion. In her free time she likes to dance salsa, bachata or is planning her next adventure. 

Clare Schuchardt 

Clare is a PhD student in the Edson College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation at ASU. She is an RN, with a Master’s in Public Health from St. Louis University. She is passionate about improving health and preventing disease in underserved communities, particularly in children. She has done work as a nurse in hospitals, as well as worked in vaccine education and research. She is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, but cannot recommend most of the food it is known for. Bread sliced, though, is the best way to cut a bagel.

Genesis Mendoza 

Genesis joined the BE SAGE Program as a Research Technician in 2023. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2022 with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Global Health. She is passionate about public health and is pursing an MPH in Epidemiology at the University of Arizona, where she hopes to gain more knowledge and skills to help address social and health disparities related to food and water insecurity in Colonias and other rural communities near the border of the United States and Mexico. During her time with SAGE, Genesis hopes to learn more about the research process and help improve and promote health, education, and equity in underserved communities through sustainable and creative methods.

Dorcas Chong

Dorcas is from Malaysia and is a first-year graduate student continuing her academic pursuit at Arizona State University (ASU) College of Health Solutions to attain her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences. She is currently engaged in a research project where she is examining the effects of breastfeeding on the motor development of preschool children. She is passionate about working with the maternal and child health populations and is thrilled to be part of the BE SAGE project. She looks forward to continuing her journey as a student in the field of nutrition and health with the ultimate goal of contributing positively to the field of maternal and child health. She aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical solutions, fostering healthier communities and brighter futures for children and their families. 

Celeste Siordia

Celeste is a senior at Arizona State University, where she studies clinical exercise science. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she aspires to attend PA school and work as a physician assistant in orthopedics. She also shares a passion for practicing crochet in her free time.  

Maria Meza

Maria is a sophomore at Arizona State University majoring in Medical Studies with the strong desire to attend PA school and specialize in dermatology. Due to her strong commitment and desire to assist the health community, she has participated in various organizations and events through current and previous positions devoted to improving the lives and well-being of the community. Maria strives to participate in community, educational, and social activities that enhance her knowledge of the medical field. She also shares a passion for traveling and exploring different parts of the world.

Bitungwa Pilipili

Bitungwa is a sophomore at Arizona State University majoring in Integrative Health with aspirations to become a nurse. As the last born in a family of 10 kids, she had no prior experience working younger kids so she decided to join the Be Sage program.  Bitungwa recognized that as a future healthcare professional, she would need to develop her people skills and is grateful that Be Sage has provided her with the opportunity to learn and grow her level of experience. 

Alle Akram

Alle is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies at the ASU School of Health Solutions. Fueled by her passion for dentistry and commitment to public health initiatives, research, and leadership in community service endeavors, she aspires to deliver high-quality healthcare in the near future.

Leila Carranza

Leila is a junior at Arizona State University majoring in nursing to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was born and raised in Arizona and is the oldest sibling. She aspires to be a trauma nurse and eventually go into travel nursing. Leila has an enthusiasm for sweets and enjoys reading mystery/thriller books in her free time. When she has the time she also enjoys painting 

Keith Karuku

Keith Karuku is a senior at Arizona State University majoring in Biomedical Sciences where attending medical school is his goal. Equitable initiatives and community involvement are foundational in Keith’s motivations. Partaking in research, education, and service is what Keith strives for in being a leader of the community, in ensuring its well-being.

Annabel Carranza 

Annabel is currently a sophomore attending Arizona State University, majoring in Health Sciences. Once completing her Bachelors of Sciences degree, She plans on attending Pharmacy school and work as a pharmacist.