About Us
About LRGV AHEC
The Rio Grande Valley Area Health Education Center (LRGV AHEC) is a dedicated non-profit organization serving eight South Texas counties: Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kleberg, Kenedy, Jim Hogg, Starr, and Willacy. For over 30 years, LRGV AHEC has been a champion for both the regional healthcare workforce and the overall health of our rural and underserved communities. They achieve this by fostering strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as non-profit and private organizations. Recognizing the challenges of reaching geographically dispersed populations, LRGV AHEC has embraced innovative technology. By utilizing live video conferencing, they provide accessible training and education to students and healthcare professionals. This approach not only addresses workforce shortages but also ensures that even those remote areas have access to valuable healthcare resources.
Our Staff
L-R: Ashley Pecina, Paula Barrera, Juana Escareño & Quetzaly Zenil
Juana Escareño, M.S.H.S., C.H.W.I., C.H.W., M.H.F.A.I.
Director
Juana Escareño is a certified Community Health Worker Instructor (Instructora de Promotor(a) de Salud) and serves as the Center Director for LRGV AHEC. She brings more than 25 years of experience within the University of Texas system, including 15 years dedicated to planning, implementing, and evaluating student and health professional education programs.
Throughout her career, Ms. Escareño has served as a mentor and supervisor to students, volunteers, consultants, and contractors across a wide range of educational initiatives. She has also managed student housing for healthcare professional students completing clinical rotations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
In 2014, Ms. Escareño played a key role in developing the South Texas AHEC Promotores of South Texas Training Course, a CHW certification program where she now serves as bilingual faculty. She teaches and translates curriculum in English and Spanish and coordinates workforce development and health education programs for the Kleberg Foundation, The University of Texas at Austin, and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Her work includes training and support for multiple UT Health San Antonio programs and focuses on health literacy, HPV vaccination, suicide prevention, nutrition education, cultural sensitivity, and CHW continuing education. A dedicated advocate for a healthier South Texas, Ms. Escareño continues to develop and deliver high-quality CHW certification and continuing education courses.
Paula Barrera, C.H.W.
Citizenship and Immigration Advocate
Paula Barrera is a dedicated Community Health Worker with over 13 years of experience in community advocacy and outreach. Currently, Paula has been with LRGV AHEC for 2 years, where she provides essential citizenship and immigration services. She hosts bilingual (English and Spanish) citizenship test preparation classes and supports individuals through the application process and naturalization exams. Born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Paula was naturalized as a U.S. Citizen on July 2nd, 1999. She lived in Plant City, Florida, for 7 years before moving to the Rio Grande Valley, where she has resided since 1994. Paula's journey began as a migrant worker, and her deep commitment to helping underserved communities has driven her to support individuals and families in navigating crucial life transitions.
Before joining LRGV AHEC, Paula worked at another nonprofit organization for 11 years, where she also held her CHW certification and offered similar immigration and citizenship services. She has extensive experience assisting community members with application processes, citizenship tests, and providing general advocacy and support.
Quetzaly Zenil, B.S.H.A, CHW-I, CHW
Health Education Specialist
Quetzaly Zenil is a Health Education Specialist, licensed Community Health Worker (CHW), and Community Health Worker Instructor (CHW-I). She is a proud first-generation Latina and lifelong resident of the Rio Grande Valley. Growing up in an underserved community shaped her deep commitment to addressing health disparities and advocating for marginalized populations.
Quetzaly holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. She has worked on initiatives focused on women’s health, teen health, and community outreach through her experience with South Coastal AHEC. As a health education professional, she is dedicated to empowering communities through culturally relevant education and outreach, with a strong focus on improving access, equity, and health literacy across South Texas.
Ashley Pecina, CHW-I, CHW
Administrative Support
Ashley Pecina is a certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and CHW Instructor, deeply committed to promoting mental health awareness and expanding access to community resources. With a strong foundation in hands-on community involvement, she has become a trusted advocate in her field.
She currently serves as an Administrative Support professional, Community Health Worker Instructor, and AHEC Scholar Coordinator at LRGV AHEC. In this role, Ashley supports future healthcare leaders and plays a vital role in strengthening initiatives that work towards creating a healthier South Texas.
Guided by the belief that you must understand and be part of a community to serve it well, Ashley combines her professional skills with a personal passion for connection and service. She possesses strong organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and a commitment to consistent follow-up and support.
Ashley has worked alongside influential mentors like Juana Escareño and spent eight years serving in children’s ministry, helping connect families with faith-based and local resources. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, being a soccer mom, and continuing her learning journey through ongoing professional development in mental health and community outreach.