Katie Penninga works as the Clinical Services Manager in the HIV department at San Ysidro Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center providing comprehensive health care services at multiple sites throughout the South Bay, South San Diego, and East County. In her role, Katie manages the operations of two HIV medical clinics, including the administration of two federal grants that support clinic medical services and demonstration projects.

With bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Social Work from Calvin College, she began as a frontline social worker directly interacting with clients and families. After obtaining her master’s degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University, Katie moved into supervision and management of public health programs. Initially, her efforts concentrated on maternal-child health and early childhood programs, but she has now moved her focus to HIV/AIDS.

Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Katie first experienced San Diego when she moved to the area shortly after college. After working in the area for about a year and a half, she left to take an opportunity to live and work in rural Peru. Returning to Michigan from Peru, Katie began working for a community health care organization and completed graduate school. After experiencing several brutal Michigan winters while building her management expertise, Katie returned to San Diego in August 2015 and has been happily making the city her home.