Sonia V. Otte, DMSc, MMS, PA-C
Founding Program Director | Associate Professor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Dr. Sonia V. Otte is the Founding Program Director and Associate Professor for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). She serves a critical role in developing and establishing its Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program. Prior to CSUSB, Dr. Otte was the Founding Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, California, where she oversaw the development and successful launch of their MSPA program. In her time at KGI, she secured a $1M grant for PA facilities, led to the program’s successful accreditation, and worked hand-in-hand to design and develop all new PA program facilities.
Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Otte worked as a clinical PA in hospital medicine, urgent care, and medical dermatology. Since 2018, Dr. Otte has served as an independent PA Education Consultant, where she has created the full didactic curriculum for multiple developing PA programs. In addition to her role at CSUSB, she is an adjunct faculty member for the Medical Education concentration of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Lynchburg.
Dr. Otte is passionate about diversifying the PA profession, developing a culturally competent/humble healthcare workforce, and increasing access to equitable care in rural and underserved communities. She is a published author in the Journal of Patient Experience, peer reviewer for the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, as well as contributor for a Physician Assistant board exam review book.
Dr. Otte holds a Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, a Master of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Pre-Medicine) from the University of Georgia.
Joel Labha, DO
Medical Director
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Dr. Joel Labha is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and the Medical Director for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at California State University – San Bernardino. Born and raised in Dubai (U.A.E), Dr. Labha moved to the United States with his family at the age of 15. He went on to work as a full-time Registered Nurse for nine years before entering into medical school. Through his unique work experiences as both a Registered Nurse and a physician, Dr. Labha has gained a tremendous amount of respect for all members of the healthcare team.
In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Labha is heavily involved in education at many different levels and finds bedside teaching to be one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. He is currently the Associate Residency Program Director and PA Fellowship Director at Riverside University Health Systems (Moreno Valley, CA), as well as serves as a staff physician at St. Bernardine’s Medical Center (San Bernardino, CA). He has also served as Core Faculty and PA Fellowship Medical Director at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (Colton, CA).
Outside of medicine, Dr. Labha loves spending time with family, practicing yoga, and playing soccer. He states that his wife and two children are the biggest blessings in his life.
Dr. Labha holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona, CA). He also completed his residency in emergency medicine at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (Colton, CA), where he served as Chief Resident.
Paul Gonzales, MPAS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education | Assistant Professor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Paul Gonzales, MPAS, PA-C (he/him) is the Founding Director of Didactic Education and Assistant Professor at California State University – San Bernardino. With certification as a PA since 2016, PA Gonzales has gained extensive experience across various clinical specialties and settings, including pediatric neurology, urgent care, and telehealth. Currently practicing at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Cathedral City, California, he focuses on providing comprehensive care to uninsured and/or underinsured patients with HIV, offering gender affirming cross-sex hormone therapy and medication assisted therapy (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). PA Gonzales is nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and licensed as a Physician Assistant (PA) by the California Medical Board.
Throughout his career, PA Gonzales has directed multiple courses, including Psychiatry, Topics in PA Practice, and Surgical Principles and Technical Skills. He has also led the development of a Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum at a previous institution. Currently, his teaching interests revolve around neurological and behavioral health topics, clinical and technical skills, as well as HIV, MAT, and gender affirming care. PA Gonzales is deeply committed to promoting diversity within the PA profession through pipeline programs, holistic admissions processes, and student-centered support. He advocates for the inclusion of public health topics and community volunteerism in PA curricula to expand early outreach efforts and address the healthcare needs of underserved and under-resourced areas in the Inland Empire.
PA Gonzales holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, TX) and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Jeffrey A. Cronin, MSPAS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education | Assistant Professor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Jeffrey A. Cronin, MSPAS, PA-C, is the Director of Clinical Education for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at California State University – San Bernardino. He was raised in San Bernardino, CA, just a few miles from the CSUSB campus. Throughout his professional journey, Cronin has actively engaged as a preceptor for both physician and PA students in emergency medicine. Additionally, he serves as an American Heart Association Instructor in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
In 2014, Cronin graduated from the Riverside Community College District PA Program. Following graduation, he completed an Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, CA. He continued his academic journey, obtaining a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. In 2022, Cronin entered PA education, assuming the role of Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator at A.T. Still University Central Coast PA Program.
Rosslynn S. Byous, DPA, PAC
Professor | Student Success Focus
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Dr. Rosslynn Byous is a Professor with a Student Success Focus for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at California State University – San Bernardino. She has been a ranking faculty member at several southern California universities, such as Charles Drew University of Medical Science, Keck School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences, to name a few. Dr. Byous also served as a gubernatorial appointee to the California Workforce Policy Committee from 2010 to 2021; additionally, she was an appointee to the Physician Assistant Board for six years, where she was instrumental in facilitating the development of policies that were key in enhancing PA clinical practice.
Dr. Byous is an alumnus of Charles R. Drew's Physician Assistant program, after which she earned her Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) from the University of La Verne. Dr. Byous' passion is to see students succeed and go on to become clinicians who are compassionate, competent, and caring.
Monique J. Williams, PhD, MSPA
Associate Professor | Admissions Focus
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Dr. Monique J. Williams is an Associate Professor with an Admissions Focus for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at California State University – San Bernardino. She has worked as an educator for over 20 years with a primary focus on allopathic health sciences. Dr. Williams has served as a Founding Program Director for a graduate level community medicine program, as well as an Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator for health sciences and physician assistant programs. She has also been actively involved in numerous academic committees engaged in diversity and inclusion, academic life, student affairs, and the development of new health related programs and colleges for various higher education institutions. Dr. Williams is also a practicing Alternative Wellness Practitioner who provides culturally sensitive holistic services to a diverse clientele to promote personal wellness. Dr. Williams believes her life’s purpose is to improve health outcomes for underserved communities and help future providers become more compassionate, empathetic, and respectful of diversity amongst their patients.
Dr. Williams’ research interests aim to address social determinants of health, health disparities and inequities to improve health outcomes of underserved and underrepresented communities. Recent research has examined bio-behavioral and psychosocial risk factors (including racial/ethnic and intersectional discrimination) and resilience associated with health and health disparities for communities of color and LGBTQ+ People of Color (PoC). She seeks to expand her research portfolio by analyzing racial and intersection discrimination among African American women to reduce medical trauma. Dr. Williams’ scholarship agenda encourages increased awareness among health career students, clinicians, and patients to positively influence health narratives of marginalized populations.
Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences International Educator/Researcher from Trident University. Her doctoral dissertation was “Demographic and hospitalization factors related to adverse birthing outcomes in the United States.” She also holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) from Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona, CA) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Women’s Studies minor) from the University of California – Riverside.
Lisa Arredondo
Administrative Support Coordinator
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Lisa Arredondo is the Administrative Support Coordinator for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). She notably served in the US military for five years aboard the USS Milius, where she showcased her dedication and skills as an Operations Specialist.
For 15 years, Arredondo worked for prominent financial firms, where she assisted clients with various financial plans. Her commitment to community service became evident during her six-year tenure with the City of Ontario, where she played a pivotal role in obtaining a $312 million grant for homeless assistance, housing, and rehabilitation. Most recently, Arredondo spent five years with the County of San Bernardino Clerk of the Boards office as a Board Service Specialist. In this role, she collaborated with government officials, legislators, and other entities, showcasing her ability to navigate complex bureaucratic landscapes.
Her commitment to community welfare extends beyond her professional life as she has actively volunteered for veterans, participated in city-wide clean-ups, and contributed to tree-planting initiatives.
Arredondo earned an associate degree from the University of Colorado, graduating top of her class with the highest honors and receiving prestigious presidential awards. In 2005, Arredondo also obtained a Pharmacy Tech Certification from UEI (United Education Institute) College.
Jocelin Monge, MA
Graduate Admissions Counselor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Jocelin Monge, MA (she/ella) is the Graduate Admissions Counselor for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). She was born in San Diego County and raised by Mexican immigrant parents.
Her academic research interests delve into a particular focus on Latine communities and the experiences of undocumented students. Guided by a passion for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within higher education, she is dedicated to fostering an equitable admissions communication process that empowers future PAs towards a bright future.
As a first-generation Woman of Color, Monge proudly holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from CSUSB (2023) and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University, San Marcos (2017).
Boyd Hammond, MPAS, PA-C
Admissions Coordinator | Instructional Faculty
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Boyd Hammond, MPAS, PA-C (he/him) is an Admissions Coordinator and instructional faculty for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). Prior to CSUSB, PA Hammond served as core faculty with the University of Colorado PA Program, and most recently as the Founding Director of Admissions and Recruitment for the University of California San Diego Atkinson PA program. He is also clinical faculty with the division of endocrinology, metabolism, and diabetes at the University of Colorado School of Medicine where he practices in the Integrated Transgender Program and on the inpatient diabetes team.
PA Hammond has experience in holistic admissions, accreditation, recruitment, curriculum development, and student affairs. He lectures to both students and providers on gender affirming care and diabetes. Outside of work, he spends his time in the mountains with his husband, who is a fellow PA, and their two dogs.
PA Hammond holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Colorado State University.
Maria Goldman, MSPAS, PA-C
Instructional Faculty
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Maria Goldman, MSPAS, PA-C is a Clinical Coordinator for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at California State University – San Bernardino. Over the past 10 years, she has been practicing as a skilled and dedicated emergency medicine Physician Assistant. Her passion for teaching led her to instruct and guide PA students and new graduate PAs in the intricacies of emergency medicine, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of medical professionals. She is committed to helping shape future PAs by offering practical insights to students and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life scenarios.
PA Goldman began working in PA education in 2020. She helped start the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) PA program by serving as the Clinical Coordinator and a member of the admissions committee. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children, and two dogs. There is never a dull moment at her house!
PA Goldman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After completing her graduate education and receiving her board certification, she specialized in Emergency Medicine and completed an EM fellowship at Florida Hospital East Orlando to enhance her expertise in the field.