
Katie has spent her career working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including teaching Early Intervention and special education, providing in-home behavioral support, and consulting for regional centers. She has worked in clients’ rights advocacy, managed programs, conducted policy work, and provided community trainings. Katie has also developed and overseen offices and programs supporting advocacy, appeals, and community assistance. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Juris Doctor.
Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD
Director, UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities, Parent
As a clinical professor of internal medicine and founding director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities (CRHD) at UC Davis Health, Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola has spent nearly three decades promoting equitable and culturally competent health care for underserved populations. He has led initiatives to collect and analyze racial, ethnic, and language data from patients and integrate them into electronic health records, improving both the quality and accessibility of care.
Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola also directs the Community Engagement Program at the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC), where he fosters partnerships between academic and community stakeholders to address local and regional health needs. He has held leadership roles in the NIH’s Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program and is a member of the National Advisory Councils for NCATS and SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services.
A leading expert in mental health and population health outcomes, Dr. Aguilar-Gaxiola has authored over 200 publications, earned numerous awards, and is actively involved in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Surveys Consortium.


Now more than ever, DVU’s advocacy and resources are critical for our community. Please consider helping amplify our voices with a tax-deductible donation today.
Now more than ever, DVU’s advocacy and resources are critical for our community. Please consider helping amplify our voices with a tax-deductible donation today.