Meet Our Staff
Rey Rivera
Medical Staffing Agency President
Rey David Rivera is the President and CEO of TheraEx Staffing Services, a staffing company that aligns nurses and Allied Professionals with the right organization, setting and position that meets their needs in a dynamic, changing healthcare marketplace.
As an actively practicing registered licensed Occupational Therapist himself, Rey understands the important relationships and the trust that healthcare providers place in the hands of recruiters. He has a unique perspective of what it is like to be a therapist in
search of the right position; a hiring manager and representative of organization looking for that “right person” that fits organization’s culture; as well as the challenges in finding a staffing agency that actually listens and appreciates what you have to offer.
It is his passion to ensure that TheraEx knows who you are, knows your story, and what drives you so you can provide the exceptional care that your patients deserve. As part of this overall strategy, he has ensured that TheraEx Staffing is an active member of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and has received and maintained certification as an MBE with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
Before devoting his time in creating TheraEx’s unique individualized culture in 2009, Rey served as a licensed professional and leader across numerous healthcare settings for more than 17 years. This includes Area Manager for Hallmark Rehabilitation, Vice President of Rehabilitation at JPH consulting, Inc., Regional Rehabilitation Manager at Bethel Healthcare from 2008, Director of Rehabilitation Services at RJ Therapy, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Mariner Health Care, and a treating Occupational Therapist for a staffing agency whose clients include SNFs and acute hospitals.
After completing his MBA in 2010, Rey got inspired to merge his extensive healthcare experience and unique perspective while applying his entrepreneurial passion to building TheraEx Staffing. In 2019, Rey recently graduated from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, as an investment to TheraEx as a small business so it can continue to create jobs and economic opportunity.
Outside of work, Rey enjoys watching movie marathons; spending dinner dates with his ex-girlfriend (a.k.a. his wife) and coaching basketball to his three sons.
Crystal White
Vice President of Locums
I started in the Healthcare Industry in 2006 doing risk management for Physicians in Dallas. That’s when I fell in love with healthcare staffing. I started my Recruiting career in Physician Recruitment then moved to California where I built experience with Nurse Staffing.
In 2016 I joined the TheraEx family as the Director of the Nursing Division. My favorite thing about what I do is not only the fact that every day is different, but that I get to make a difference in people’s lives by providing jobs and supplying facilities with people who provide excellent care to patients.
Vanessa Cueva
Vice President of Credentialing
I first started my career as a Healthcare Credentialing Specialist in 2013 for nurses at a Medical Staffing Agency. I like the day to day challenges that come with working in the credentialing field because it makes your days interesting and every day is different!
I graduated in 2011 with my BA in Criminal Justice. I think my degree played a huge part in why I love credentialing because it is very analytical and challenges me each day. I joined the TheraEx team as the Clinical Compliance Manager in 2016 for the Nursing Division. Here at TheraEx, my goal is to provide our clients with the best clinicians possible in the timeliest manner.
Cecilia Bayan
Clinical Compliance Coordinator Lead
I have over ten years’ experience in retail management, which opened my interest and passion in Human Resources. For the past 7 years I have been working in recruiting and employee development. I enjoy getting to know others and assisting them in finding a path where they can develop and thrive. It is a great feeling to be a part of someone else’s journey and see them succeed.
I am a part-time student in the process of obtaining my AA in Business Administration. While I am not studying, I spend a lot of time with my family. If we are not watching a Disney movie, we definitely have a Disney playlist in the background. I enjoy being active and getting a good workout in but only so that I can try new places to eat!
Lael Fraedrich
Vice President of Nurse Recruitment
I was born and raised in Southern Illinois, the youngest of 5 kids. I started in healthcare as a CNA back in 2010 and progressed from there. I worked in Outpatient Dialysis for over 5 years while I was obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Marketing. I have been recruiting in healthcare for over a year now and I LOVE what I do. There is no greater feeling than facilitating the right fit between facility and individual. I am a believer in constantly continuing my education and I am always striving to do and be better for the people I work with and for.
When I am not working, I love to travel, spend time with my beagle pup, and I love all things Disney! I am a huge fan of the arts and spent 10 years playing piano as well as studying traditional ballet for 16 years. I was able to perform several times with the Russian Ballet Company. I firmly believe that you never know what you may like unless you try it. I am always open to new things, experiences, and connecting with new people.
Elizabeth Roszell
Locums Compliance Coordinator Lead
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Roszell. My stepfather served in the Navy so growing up I had the opportunity to move around the U.S. discovering new cultures and building friendships along the way. Currently, I reside in beautiful Pensacola Florida. I have 14 years of experience in the customer service industry. I find helping others to be very rewarding and not knowing what my day may bring to be exciting, I am eager to overcome day-to-day challenges. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, my other half, and our 5 dogs and 2 cats. I have a deep love for animals and a desire to help them. You can also find me working on my home remodeling, cooking, or binge-watching one of my favorite tv shows.
Emily Evans
Executive Assistant
Howdy, my name is Emily! I’m a small-town girl originally from sunny Florida, currently residing in Texas. In second grade I was voted Most Helpful Student by my classmates, and I still have the award saved to this day. Helping others is a part of the fabric of who I am. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a wide range of industries including Marketing, Technology, and Oil & Gas Exploration.
In my downtime, I enjoy flipping furniture, tackling home renovation projects, baking, and binge-watching comedy TV shows – mainly the New Girl or Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Shelia Sutphin
Accounting Manager
Hi there, my name is Shelia Sutphin. I grew up in the sunshine state of CA and moved to the Mid-West where I now reside with my husband and three children. We get to experience the true definition of every season here in MN and I love it! In my spare time I enjoy boating, camping, and spending time with family.
I have been in clerical work around Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payables and Finance for the past 15 years. I love the numbers. I have my AS in Business Management and Paralegal Studies. The challenges presented with my work keeps me engaged and motivated. The healthcare industry is changing and growing every day. I enjoy the behind the scenes of the moving parts in our business to provide the means for wonderful clinicians to service our clients.
Alysia Herrera
Clinical Recruiter
Hey ya’ll! My name is Alysia (Uh-lee-see-yuh). I’m from a tiny town in California and a big family. I joined the healthcare world in 2020 by trying out dental assisting, then went on to work with children with autism until I made my way into recruiting. I have enjoyed all of my education and experience. I love connecting with people and helping them continue their healthcare journey. If I’m not finding someone their next job, you could probably find me in the rom-com section of a bookstore or eating a cheeseburger by the beach!
Richard Ordonez
Clinical Recruiter
Hey everybody my name is Richard Ordonez! I was born and raised in California and I’ve been here my whole life so this is home for me. I graduated from San Francisco State University with my BA in Biology. This was a huge accomplishment for me given that I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. I’ve been in sales/healthcare recruiting for the past 2 years and I enjoy being able to help others excel their careers and develop into the best healthcare professionals they can be.
Aside from work, I love being outdoors and staying active. On the weekends I enjoy going on hikes and playing pick up soccer/basketball games. I’m also a big sports junkie so any chance I get to go watch the Giants, 49ers, or Warriors I jump on it.
John Zavalza
Sr. Clinical Recruiter
My name is John and I have been connecting people with their next great opportunity since 2019. I graduated from Cal State University San Bernardino in 2019 and I truly had no idea which direction I wanted to go in with my Bachelors in Sociology. However, one thing I did know, is I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, but I just didn’t know how. Then I accidentally applied for a healthcare recruiter position, and it has been Valhalla ever since. Not only do I make a difference in the lives of the patients that our nurses work with, but the nurses that I have the pleasure of serving as well. Having the opportunity to walk hand in hand with a medical professional through their career path has been the most rewarding experience I could have hoped for.
When I am not playing matchmaker between nurses and their next opportunity, you can find me frantically running after my 2-year-old daughter. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends going to the gym as well as being active with friends.
Brittany Dandy
Vice President of Rehab Recruitment
Hi Everyone,
My name is Brittany Dandy. I was born and raised in southern California. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. In my spare time, I love to cook. I also enjoy fashion and interior Design. I am a dog mom to a feisty 4-pound Yorkie named “Mucho”. I also enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix or Hulu.
I have a total of 13 years of recruiting and management experience. During my tenure, I have 5 years of Healthcare Recruiting and 8 years of corporate recruitment experience. I primarily specialize in Rehab Recruiting. However, I also have experience in Floor Nursing, Behavioral Health, and Allied. Over the last 5 years, I have truly fallen in love with healthcare recruiting. I enjoy building genuine relationships with my providers. I take pride in being the type of recruiter my providers can always count on. I believe communication is key to a successful partnership. I am committed to continuous growth and development. My strength is innovative thinking, complex problem-solving, and Multitasking. Lastly, my goal is to make a positive impact in the healthcare community.
Tara Trigonis
Sr. Clinical Recruiter
Hello, my name is Tara Trigonis. I have been in healthcare staffing for five years. I am passionate about helping those in healthcare. I enjoy finding clinicians new roles in hospitals around the country. While working with you I will be sure to check in and make sure you have the most enjoyable time on your assignment. I am confident working with me will be filled with laughs and excitement.
I recently had a son named Grayson and I love to spend time with him. I live in central Florida and enjoy bringing the family to Disney and Universal for a fun day in the parks. When I’m not spending time with the family, I love to thrift and find good deals. We recently bought a home so decorating has become an exciting pastime. I decorate when the hubby is out in the sun doing yardwork, got to love the Florida heat.
Come work with me and we will have the time of our lives. I am always available to you to answer any questions and provide you with a good meme every once in a while.