Our Team | Chaplaincy Services and Education | UC Davis Health

Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program during September 2023-August 2024

April 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.

Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program during September 2023-August 2024

Raphael 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.

Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program during September 2023-August 2024

Kaisa 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.

Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program
March 2024 – February 2025

Gary Thompson completed his B.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology at Epic Bible College in 2015, and his MDiv. at Grand Canyon University in 2023. He is also an Ordained Elder with New Bethel Apostolic Ministries located in Sacramento CA.

Gary enjoys spending time with his wife (Mea) and four children (Ja’rod, Jordyn, Josiah, and Jacai) and taking walks in nature. Gary is passionate about walking people through challenging times in life while also being a spiritual support for all who are inquiring.

Spiritual Care Specialist I
CPE Residency program
December 2023 – December 2024

Tomasi holds a M.A in Ministry/Theology and is also a Church Pastor for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He sees the huge need for pastoral support and presence to many patients in the hospital setting and throughout the years hoped to one day serve in this capacity. So, he considers chaplain work in Davis Health as a call he is passionate about. He believes the work is rewarding, is privileged, and blessed to be part of Davis Health Care Team.

Chaplain Intern
CPE Internship program during June – August, 2024

Charles Adonteng, a Ghanaian with seven years of experience in congregational pastoral work, is passionate about supporting people through their healing journeys. This passion has led him to enroll in ACPE’s Clinical Pastoral Education at UC Davis Health for the summer of 2024. Charles holds a theological education in pastoral psychology. He earned his MDiv from Trinity Seminary in Ghana in 2017 and completed his Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University School of Theology in 2024. Charles enjoys sightseeing with his spouse, Angelina, in his leisure time and watching cartoons with their four children.

Chaplain Intern
CPE Internship program during June – August, 2024

Kenton Goldsby is a candidate for rostered ministry as a Minister of Word and Sacrament (pastor) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He obtained his B.A. in Religious Studies and Spanish from the University of California, Davis. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in June 2024, where he spent two years as the seminarian at University Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Mass.

Kenton enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, and crocheting. He is committed to both multifaith and ecumenical work. He is happy to serve the staff and patients at UC Davis Health.

Chaplain Intern
CPE Internship program during June – August, 2024

Laura Ionescu earned her B.S. in Chemistry, with a minor in Biology at University of Redlands, CA, and is now studying at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary for her Master of Divinity in Yonkers, NY. She focuses especially on youth ministry and is also a choir conductor for the Orthodox Christian church. In serving others, she is always glad to incorporate music, and to support people from all faith backgrounds.

Chaplain Intern
CPE Internship program during June – August, 2024

Quizzer earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the University of Immaculate Concepcion in the Philippines. Currently, he is earning his master’s in divinity at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary in Illinois. He is a seminarian for the Diocese of San Jose in the Bay Area.

He enjoys table tennis, running, and kayaking.

Chaplain Intern
CPE Internship program during June – August, 2024

Full of gratitude and a spirit fueled by transformation, Edward is a Yoga Instructor, dedicated meditator and a devoted advocate for recovery. Yoga and meditation were beacons of light in times of darkness. It was through this transformative experience that he found his calling and is pursuing his Masters of Divinity at the Institute of Buddhist Studies in Chaplaincy continuing his journey of compassionate service and spiritual growth.

Edward is pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at UC Davis to deepen his understanding of spiritual care and enhance his ability to support individuals in their times of need and equip him with the practical skills and emotional resilience necessary to provide compassionate and effective pastoral care.

Chaplain Intern
CPE Internship program during June – August, 2024

Audrey is earning her Master of Divinity at the Seventh-day Theological Seminary at Andrews University.  She previously earned a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California and a M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.  She has lived and worked all over the world and is excited to serve the diverse community at U.C. Davis.  She is married and has two children.