Tatyana Barrios has grown her professional career at SFCHC, rising from an eager college intern to her current role as controller. She is driven by gratitude, determination and a deep belief in the clinic’s mission to care for the community’s most vulnerable.
She began her journey in October 2016 while completing her undergraduate degree in health administration at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). At the time, SFCHC’s finance department was still taking shape and Tatyana jumped in with enthusiasm—learning accounts payable, entering invoices and tackling any task that came her way.
After completing her internship hours, she stayed on as a volunteer in the medical front office during a staffing shortage, demonstrating her flexibility and willingness to serve wherever she was needed. That extra month of volunteering paved the way for her first official position in January 2017, and she never looked back.
“I was extremely eager to secure a job and learn everything about healthcare, from finance to operations,” Tatyana said. “Even as an intern and volunteer, I knew SFCHC was where I wanted to be.”
Since July 2020, Tatyana has served as SFCHC’s controller, leading the day-to-day financial operations with skill and precision. Her responsibilities include managing accounts payable and receivable, cash flow, monthly financial closes, bank reconciliations, trial balances and general ledger accuracy. She also tracks and reconciles grant funds, prepares for annual audits, oversees payroll recording and ensures that reports are submitted accurately and on time.
“Ultimately, my work ensures the health center’s financial stability and compliance,” she said. “Our executive leadership team depends on accurate financial data to make decisions, and I make sure everything from grant funding to reporting is reliable.”
Tatyana also supervises and supports the finance staff to maintain an efficient and organized accounting system. While she may not work on the front lines, she sees her role as essential in supporting those who do.
“I know my role helps our patient-facing staff provide the best care to our underserved community,” she said. “My grandparents are immigrants from Guatemala, and it means a lot to me to work for an organization that serves the most vulnerable populations—people who deserve access to care regardless of their circumstances.”
Before joining SFCHC, Tatyana worked in customer service roles at retailers such as Mervyn’s, Gymboree and Kohl’s, and later as a bank teller. She is currently completing her final semester in the MBA program at CSUN, with graduation set for this December. The experience has expanded her leadership skills, introduced her to new perspectives and sparked excitement about her future professional life.
Outside of work and school, Tatyana is ready to reconnect with the hobbies that bring her joy. She’s a health and fitness enthusiast who enjoys meal prepping and staying active through running, hiking and swimming. She recently went camping for the first time as an adult and can’t wait to plan her next trip. Her favorite travel destinations are Mexico and tropical beaches where she can swim in the ocean. Plus, she’s a self-declared coffee addict who loves discovering new coffee shops.
Most of all, Tatyana cherishes time with her close-knit family and 5-year-old goddaughter. Reflecting on her nearly nine-year journey with SFCHC, she is proud of how far both she and the organization have come—from a team of fewer than 30 employees when she started to more than 100 staff members today. She feels extremely privileged and fortunate to work alongside the clinic’s amazing CEO Audrey Simons and learn from her leadership.
“We have a passionate and dedicated team—from our front office staff to our providers—who show up every day ready to serve our patients,” she said. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at SFCHC to demonstrate my capabilities, make mistakes, overcome obstacles and meet some of the most generous and inspiring patients. This place has shaped who I am.”
