Omar Negrete, Practice Manager

Omar holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Science Concentration and a minor in Biology from University of Texas at El Paso. He is

Certified in Personal Training from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has been in the industry for ten years. Omar was formerly a PT/OT Aide at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a PT Tech at El Paso Physical Therapy Services, and a Microbiology Laboratory Tech II at Providence Memorial Hospital.

Omar says, “It is my personal mission to make an impact on individual and community health. My life experiences and education have left a strong desire in me to help others reach their health goals both today, and in the future. Understanding how physical fitness, nutrition and lifestyle impact our health is of vital importance for the health of all of our communities and New Heart is the perfect environment for that understanding to take place. I consider myself lucky to work with the excellent staff and members of our community on a daily basis.”

Omar Negrete, Practice Manager

Thong Pham

Credentials

  • B.S. in Biology with minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico

Why he got into this industry

  • I have always been interested in cardiology and studies of the heart.

  • I am pursuing a career as a physician and look forward to the opportunity to learn from Dr. Ramo.

  • It is enriching and satisfying knowing that I can come to work on a daily basis and make a difference in our patients lives.

Favorite Movie

  • One of my favorite movies of all time would have to be The Shawshank Redemption

Physical Fitness Routine

  • I love biking with my friends down by the Bosque because there are such beautiful views.

  • Weights and various equipment at New Heart!

Fun Fact

  • I love to travel…when there is not a pandemic preventing me from doing so!


Thong Pham, Exercise Specialist

Whitney Ruben

Credentials

  • Certified Medical Assistant from Pima Medical Institute

What she loves most about her job

  • I love that I can relate to most of the patients having had open heart surgery myself 11 years ago!

  • Inspiring people by sharing our stories.

  • I was inspired by all the healthcare workers who took care of me and want to make even a small contribution from myself to my community.

Favorite Band

  • Dan and Shay

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Dance Fit

  • Exercising at New Heart

Hobbies

  • Playing basketball with my family

  • Spending time with family and friends

  • Cooking and Baking

Pets

  • Yes, my son…just kidding!


Whitney Ruben, Medical Assistant

Felicia Marrujo

Credentials

  • B.S. Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico

  • Completed one year internship at New Heart

What she loves most about her job

  • The smiles we bring to people’s faces

  • The deep relationships we create with our patients

Favorite Movie

  • The Fifth Element

Hobbies

  • Baking

  • Playing board games

  • Hang out with my dog

  • Dance like there’s no tomorrow!!

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Cardio

  • Weightlifting

  • HIIT every Sunday

Pets

  • I own one dog who is spoiled silly to no end!

Felicia Marrujo, Exercise Specialist

Jordan Scoby, Pulmonary Rehab Coordinator

Credentials

  • B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico

What she loves most about her job

  • I love being able to see my patients for a long time period and getting to know them.

Why she got into this industry

  • I enjoy helping people and watching the amazing progress someone can make in just a few months.

Hobbies

  • Art

  • Baking

  • Fishing and Hiking

Favorite Movie

  • I like all Marvel movies

Pets

  • Dogs and Chickens!

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Jogging

  • Participating in 5K’s

Jordan Scoby, Exercise Specialist

Learn More about Pulmonary Rehabilitation Here

Desiree Gallegos, Exercise Therapy for Cancer Survivorship Coordinator/Lead Exercise Specialist

Credentials

  • B.S. in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado

  • Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, ACSM

  • Certified Clinical Cancer Exercise Specialist, Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute

What she loves most about her job

  • Combining her love of exercise and helping people

  • The reward of being part of others journey to feeling better and improved health

Favorite Food

  • Breakfast Burritos and any Filipino dishes

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Exercising at New Heart!

  • Hiking

  • Zumba classes with co-workers

Fun Fact

  • Desiree enjoys going to concerts and has saved around 50 concert ticket stubs!

Desiree Gallegos, Lead Exercise Specialist

Learn More about the Exercise Therapy for Cancer Program Here

Jackson Nzau, New Heart New You Coordinator

Credentials

  • M.S. in Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico

  • B.S. in Exercise Science from New Mexico Highlands University

What he loves most about his job

  • My coworkers and I share the same vision and dedication to helping patients achieve their goals.

  • I want people to see the care more than the treatment.

  • I want to make a difference in people’s live each and every day.

Favorite Food/Movies

  • I like watching all superhero movies while eating Italian food

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Circuit training that includes strength, aerobic and interval training.

Pets

  • I do not own any pets. I have children.

Serina Griego

Credentials

  • B.S. in Liberal Arts with Focus on Exercise and Nutrition Science from the University of New Mexico

  • Certified Personal Trainer

  • SilverSneakers Classic Instructor

  • SilverSneaker Yoga Instructor

What she loves most about her job

  • Putting smiles on people’s faces

  • I got into this industry because my joy in life is to help people.

Favorite Movie

  • Selena

Hobbies

  • Body Building

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

Fun Fact

  • I own two pets:

    • Dunkin and Munchkin Houlgin-Griego


Serina Griego, Exercise Specialist

Shawn Gregory

Credentials

  • B.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from Colorado State University-Pueblo

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, National Strength and Conditioning Association

What he loves most about his job

  • Building interpersonal relationships and using these relationships to help improve lives.

  • Using physical activity as a powerful intervention to combat physiological vulnerability and their debilitating consequences.

Favorite Film

  • I enjoy all filmography, documentaries are my favorite.

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Enjoying the great outdoors

  • Hiking

  • Climbing indoor and outdoor

  • Bike Riding

Pets

  • Manny: AKA my best friend. Our sense of adventure sometimes gets us in trouble

  • Bailey: She’s a sweet girl. Did I mention strong independent puppy?

Fun Fact

  • I love food! I’m not sure what’s wrong with me, but I do not like sweets.

Shawn Gregory, Exercise Specialist

Learn More about our Medical Gym Here

Carina Kram

Credentials

  • B.S. in Exercise Science, University of New Mexico

  • SilverSneakers Classic Instructor

  • SilverSneakers Yoga Instructor

What she loves most about her job

  • Watching people build confidence as they become stronger

  • Seeing our members achieve their health goals

Why she got into this industry

  • I enjoy helping people increase their quality of life through physical fitness and exercise

Hobbies

  • Hiking

  • Reading

  • Spending time with family

Physical Fitness Routine

  • Running and lifting free weights

Carina Kram, Exercise Specialist