Founder & CEO

Karis Park, BSN, RN, PHN

Karis earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Honors Humanities. She currently serves as a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she cares for children on the liver and kidney transplant unit. It was through this work of seeing the importance of education, prevention, and family support that the idea for the Global Roots Foundation first took root. With over seven years of experience tutoring children, Karis is passionate about combining health education with creative learning. Karis founded the organization to make wellness education accessible and engaging for children and families beyond the hospital walls.

Board Member

Tara Sardesai, MD

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Board Member

Eric Won, MD

Dr. Eric Won is a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at UC San Diego-Rady Children's Hospital. He is passionate about health disparity and improving health literacy in the underserved populations.

Board Member

Dong Hern Shin, MD

I’ve been a physician with Kaiser Permanente since 1991, dedicated to providing compassionate, inclusive care. I’m a husband and father of two sons, and I care for a diverse group of patients ranging in age from 19 to 102 and representing many racial and cultural backgrounds, including Hispanic, Black, White, and Korean. I lead with humility and curiosity, always open to listening and learning. I’m honored to bring this same spirit to the Global Roots Foundation and look forward to contributing meaningfully to its mission and community.

Board Member

Eunice Chung, PharmD

Dr. Eunice Chung spent over 25 years educating future health professionals in various capacities.  She currently serves as Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, where she leads the efforts to deliver innovative health professional education and prepare students to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare.  Deeply engaged at both local and national levels, Dr. Chung is dedicated to bridging educational gaps to meet the rapidly evolving societal healthcare needs.  Her work is driven by a strong belief in life-long learning, importance of making meaningful connections, and the power of compassion and care.

As a board member of The Global Roots Foundation, she brings her passion for education, wealth of leadership experience in health sciences, and her unwavering commitment to building healthier, more connected communities. 

Director of Student Affairs

Ellen Park, PharmD

Ellen Park is an experienced Ambulatory Care Pharmacist at Kaiser Permanente, specializing in areas such as Pain Management, Cardiology, and Oncology. With a strong foundation in clinical care, she is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through education, empathy, and evidence-based practice.

Outside of her pharmacy work, Ellen has spent over 15 years tutoring students from elementary through high school in subjects ranging from English to Biology. Whether she's guiding patients through complex treatment plans or helping students master challenging topics, Ellen brings the same passion for learning, mentorship, and education.

Fight on!

Director of Community Engagement & Health Education

Raquel Jaramillo, BSN, RN, PHN

Raquel Jaramillo brings a passion for empowering individuals and families through accessible education and community resources. With a background as a Registered Nurse at PIH Health, she is committed to creating environments where people feel supported, informed, and inspired to learn about their health. Raquel Jaramillo is dedicated to contributing to the mission of Global Roots by providing accurate, compassionate, and inclusive education. She is currently pursuing her IBCLC certification through UC San Diego Extended Studies and is especially passionate about maternal and infant health. She aims to be a trusted resource and advocate for all individuals and families seeking additional information and support.

Director of Research and Program Development

Parker Chu, MPH

Parker Chu is a Master of Public Health candidate at Claremont Graduate University with a concentration in epidemiology. With a strong interest in understanding how infectious diseases impact diverse communities, Parker is passionate about applying data-driven solutions to improve public health outcomes locally and globally. He currently serves as a Psychiatric Clinical Research Coordinator at the National Institute of Clinical Research, where he contributes to advancing mental health care through evidence-based research.

At the Global Roots Foundation, Parker brings his research expertise and public health perspective to guide the development of evidence-informed programs. His role focuses on ensuring that all health initiatives are grounded in science, tailored to community needs, and built to create lasting impact.

Director of Health Research and Advocacy 

Caleb Suh, BS

Caleb Suh graduated from the University of Chicago with degrees in Economics and Philosophy. After spending two summers in investment banking, he shifted his focus to medicine during his final year.

He currently works as a medical assistant at Retina Vitreous Associates and is enrolled in the Scripps College Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program. With a background in finance, research, and ethics, Caleb brings a strong understanding of the structural barriers to care and is especially passionate about expanding access and improving health education for underserved communities and children.

Outside of school and the clinic, he enjoys playing golf and eating his favorite Korean dishes.