Our Team
Medical Center Chaplains
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Chaplain April Alkema
Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program during September 2023-August 2024April Alkema earned her M.A. in Theology (focus in Theology and Art) at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2011, and her MDiv. at Fresno Pacific University in 2019. She spent 7 years teaching Biblical Literature at Fresno Pacific, and 10 years working in church ministry. She is an Ordained Minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
She enjoys paddle-boarding, reading contemporary fiction and poetry, and attending arts events. She is passionate about supporting people from all backgrounds in their own unique spiritual journeys through life’s heights and depths.
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Chaplain Raphael Nwokolo
Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program during September 2023-August 2024Raphael Nwokolo is a Roman Catholic priest, with a Masters in Counselling from Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State Nigeria. BSC in Theology and Philosophy from Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary Owerri Imo State, Nigeria.
He is happy to serve the staffs and patients of UC Davis Health.
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Chaplain Darren Paulson
Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program during September 2023-August 2024Kaisa Tokoi earned her MATS (Master of Arts in Theological Studies) degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2023 after her three sons entered college. Prior to raising her three sons, Kaisa worked 12 years as a nurse and 10 years as a health educator with her MPH (Master of Public Health). When she realized that her primary interests in health and education were oriented toward spirituality, she began seeking answers by attending a wide range of churches which culminated in her attending seminary. Currently, she is studying meditation practices with a Himalayan monk.
She enjoys discovering how spirituality and health intersect at home and at work for individuals to reach their highest human potential Personal empowerment and self-discovery are topics that intrigue and inspire her to learn more from talking to patients and from studying books. She loves to read, watch movies, and horseback ride.