Kathleen “KT” Helgesen is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, certified in primary care. She completed her nurse practitioner degree from Duke University in 2008. She also completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from California State University, Fresno in 2017. She completed her undergraduate degree at Point Loma Nazarene University.

KT has a passion for missions, children and travel! She has been to 39 countries across 6 continents and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She brings experience in patient care, leadership, and education, having taught at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels.

KT strives to find opportunities to not only meet patient’s physical needs, but also to check in on their emotional and spiritual needs.

Joanna Macias admits and discharges patients, takes and records vital signs and assist physicians with procedures.

She earned her CCMA certificate from the TJC West in 2020 and joined St. Paul Children’s Services, now Bethesda Pediatrics, in January 2021.

Joanna was born and raised in Tyler, and she is the mother of Landon, a 4 year old boy. She enjoys reading, being outdoors and spending time with loved ones.

Betty De Los Santos is a bilingual Front Desk check-in receptionist at Bethesda Pediatrics. She has been serving at St. Paul’s Pediatrics, now Bethesda Pediatrics, for 15 years.

Betty earned an Associates in Ministry from Logos Chrisitan College in 2004, and she was certified as a Community Health Worker in 2023.

Betty was born in Dallas, Texas, raised in South Texas, and has been married for 30 years. She has 2 beautiful daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and she has been crowned (Proverbs 17:6) with the title of “Nana” by her 2 lovely grandchildren.

One of Betty’s favorite Bible verses is Colossians 3:23-24, and her greatest desire is to continue to serve.

Gabriela schedules medical appointments, takes care of medical records requests and confirms patient appointments.  She has been serving at St. Paul Children’s Services, now Bethesda Pediatrics, since 2020.

Gabriela was born in California and moved to Tyler, Texas at the age of 7.  She has 2 sisters.

Dr. Preeti D’Souza graduated from the College of Dental Surgery in Mangalore, India in 1997 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. She moved to California with her husband in 2001 and obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 2005 at the University of Pacific, Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. 

Dr. D’Souza developed a passion for Public Health when the opportunity arose to work at a community health clinic, and she eventually worked for Contra Costa County where she started the first dental clinic for the homeless in 2015 in Concord, CA. 

D’Souza’s family of 6 (3 daughters and a son) relocated to a small homestead in East Texas in 2021, and they are enjoying the simple country life. She said, “I believe that God led us on a journey, through some arduous paths and challenges and brought us to our very own Canaan. We give Him all the praise and glory!” 

Dr. D’Souza feels truly blessed to be a part of Bethesda Pediatrics, for being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community by her work.  

Yolanda Rodriguez is a Dental Assistant for Bethesda Pediatrics.

Yolanda graduated from Tyler Junior College as dental assistant in 2014 and joined St. Paul Children’s Services in June 2015. Said Yolanda, “I left St. Paul a few times but always found my way back to what I call home. We have built everlasting friendships and great memories here. I am blessed to say that I work for a great organization who has helped me provide for my family.”

Yolanda joined Bethesda Pediatrics in 2023.  She said, “I know this is just the beginning of something great not just for me but for all of us as a team.”

Yolanda has 4 children – 3 boys and 1 girl who she refers to as her “little princess.”

Esmeralda Pereyda (Esmi) is a bilingual front desk Dental Receptionist at Bethesda Pediatrics. In this role, Esmerelda confirms, reschedules and makes patient appointments. She also does billing and verifies insurance.

She has been serving at Bethesda Pediatrics (formerly St. Paul Children’s Services) since 2022.

Esmeralda was born and raised in Tyler. She has 10 siblings in total, and she enjoys gardening.

Amber Greene manages the well-functioning of the medical clinic, including staffing, financing, policy making and patient care.

Amber currently holds a nursing license in both California and Texas, and she is also a Community Health Worker who loves to serve others.

Amber joined St. Paul Children’s Services, now Bethesda Pediatrics, in 2015 following a move from California.  She is a mother to one cool son.

Yalitza (Yali) oversees the task of sending invoices to clients, verifying insurance and monitoring outstanding balances.

Yali was born and raised in Tyler. She’s  married and enjoys spending time with her family.