Meet Our Staff

Rose Angelica Bagtas

Rehab Recruiter

I’m Rose Angelica, but my friends call me Anj. I’m a Filipino-Chinese, born and raised in the Philippines. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking—especially pasta dishes watching K-Dramas, and spending time with my fur baby named Wigglet a husky.

With over 4 years of experience in healthcare recruiting, I’ve worked with Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Travel Nurses, and now Rehab professionals. I use my communication and interpersonal skills to connect top talent with healthcare organizations, ensuring a smooth, positive recruitment process that supports both long-term success and professional growth.

Mavi Bagaforo

Rehab Recruiter

Mavi is born and raised in the Pearl of the Orient Seas a.k.a. Philippines. Mavi is an enthusiastic reader and tenacious learner who is pursuing a Master's degree in Psychology at Centro Escolar University. Mavi is an excellent student, but she also loves to spend time with their six gorgeous Persian cats, Mandu, Sundubu, Samyang, Yoongi, Chonky, and Dumpling Jr. When she has free time, Mavi likes to help their mum cook her favorite Filipino Dishes like Adobo, Kare-kare and Pansit Guisado.

Mavi, who has two years of strong experience in US healthcare recruitment, has adapted to the field fast, using her prior experience from other roles to develop into a self-assured and competent people-person. They are a great asset in the healthcare recruitment industry because of their capacity to relate to people and comprehend their needs. Because these opportunities let Mavi learn new things and advance both personally and professionally, they value partnership and collaboration.

Kate Pagaling

Rehab Recruiter

Hello everyone! My name is Kate, and I am originally from the beautiful country of the Philippines. I love watching movies with various genre like K-drama, thrillers, action, reality, and documentaries. I also love coffee and listening to music, and I want to learn to play the guitar as well. Most of my free time, I hang out with my friends and go to different places. I really love traveling because it refreshes my inner self, makes me appreciate nature, and allows me to communicate to different people, which I can say is related to being a recruiter.

I have been a healthcare recruiter for two years (and counting), since 2021. I found it very interesting and challenging. The transition from being a barista to a healthcare recruiter is no joke for me, but I still try to cope with the process; that's why I'm still here and doing the job.

For me, helping people is one of the most exciting parts of our lives because it will not only benefit those in need, but also bring fulfillment and positivity to our own lives.

Kathlyn Saldaña

Rehab Recruiter

Hey there! My name is Kathlyn. Born and raised in the vibrant culture of the Philippines, I bring a unique perspective to my role, understanding the importance of cultural competence in healthcare settings. With one and a half year of experience in healthcare recruitment, I have honed the skills necessary in understanding the unique qualifications required for healthcare professionals and matching them with roles where they can flourish.

Outside of work, my hobbies include exploring new destinations and immersing myself in the radiant world of K-pop concerts. It allows me to enrich my personal and professional life, and a reminder of the joy and excitement that life has to offer. Qualities which I strive to bring into my professional demeanor, ensuring a positive and uplifting experience for both candidates and clients.

Cyjae Locsin

Rehab Recruiter

My name is Cyjae Locsin. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I enjoy watching anime and reading manga in various genres. I also love to draw in anime style and do cosplay.

I have been a healthcare recruiter for more than 2 years and more. As a dedicated recruiter, I have the privilege of connecting talented healthcare professionals with rewarding career opportunities. I take the time to understand the unique skills, experiences, and aspirations of each candidate, ensuring the perfect fit for both parties. Building strong relationships with healthcare facilities and staying up-to-date with industry trends allows me to provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the recruitment process.

May Bautista

Rehab Recruiter

Hi everyone! My name is May. I am based in the Philippines. I love baking cakes and pastries. I am a fur mom to a sweet Pomeranian named "Chopper."

I have over two years of experience in developing and executing successful recruitment strategies, and I am adept at sourcing and identifying potential clinicians through various channels and assessing their qualifications to ensure successful hires.

Recruiting allows me to meet and get to know hundreds of amazing people each month. In many cases, I get to know these individuals in some depth, because that is necessary if I fully understand their needs and being able to successfully present them to hiring managers.

Pauline Aldovino

Rehab Recruiter

Hi! My name is Pau, and I am an avid reader and K-Drama enthusiast. I have always found joy in storytelling, whether through the pages of a book or the screen of a movie. Born and raised in the Philippines as the youngest of four siblings with three older brothers, I pursued my passion for language and graduated with a degree in English Language Studies.

Over the past year and a half, I have channeled my love for communication and connection into a career in recruitment, primarily within the healthcare industry. My journey has been driven by a commitment to matching talented professionals with opportunities where they can thrive and make a difference. I take pride in my ability to connect talented individuals with the right opportunities, and making a meaningful impact in the field. I am excited to continue growing in this field.

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Crystal White

Vice President of Locums

I started in the Healthcare Industry in 2006 doing risk management for Physicians in Dallas. That’s when I fell in love with healthcare staffing. I started my Recruiting career in Physician Recruitment then moved to California where I built experience with Nurse Staffing.

In 2016 I joined the TheraEx family as the Director of the Nursing Division. My favorite thing about what I do is not only the fact that every day is different, but that I get to make a difference in people’s lives by providing jobs and supplying facilities with people who provide excellent care to patients.

Cecilia Bayan

Clinical Compliance Coordinator Lead

I have over ten years’ experience in retail management, which opened my interest and passion in Human Resources. For the past 7 years I have been working in recruiting and employee development. I enjoy getting to know others and assisting them in finding a path where they can develop and thrive. It is a great feeling to be a part of someone else’s journey and see them succeed.

I am a part-time student in the process of obtaining my AA in Business Administration. While I am not studying, I spend a lot of time with my family. If we are not watching a Disney movie, we definitely have a Disney playlist in the background. I enjoy being active and getting a good workout in but only so that I can try new places to eat!

Shelia Sutphin

Accounting Manager

Hi there, my name is Shelia Sutphin. I grew up in the sunshine state of CA and moved to the Mid-West where I now reside with my husband and three children. We get to experience the true definition of every season here in MN and I love it! In my spare time I enjoy boating, camping, and spending time with family.

I have been in clerical work around Accounts Receivables, Accounts Payables and Finance for the past 15 years. I love the numbers. I have my AS in Business Management and Paralegal Studies. The challenges presented with my work keeps me engaged and motivated. The healthcare industry is changing and growing every day. I enjoy the behind the scenes of the moving parts in our business to provide the means for wonderful clinicians to service our clients.

Emily Evans

Executive Assistant

Howdy, my name is Emily! I’m a small-town girl originally from sunny Florida, currently residing in Texas. In second grade I was voted Most Helpful Student by my classmates, and I still have the award saved to this day. Helping others is a part of the fabric of who I am. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a wide range of industries including Marketing, Technology, and Oil & Gas Exploration.

In my downtime, I enjoy flipping furniture, tackling home renovation projects, baking, and binge-watching comedy TV shows – mainly the New Girl or Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Elizabeth Roszell

Locums Compliance, Coordinator Lead

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Roszell. My stepfather served in the Navy so growing up I had the opportunity to move around the U.S. discovering new cultures and building friendships along the way. Currently, I reside in beautiful Pensacola Florida. I have 14 years of experience in the customer service industry. I find helping others to be very rewarding and not knowing what my day may bring to be exciting, I am eager to overcome day-to-day challenges. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, my other half, and our 5 dogs and 2 cats. I have a deep love for animals and a desire to help them. You can also find me working on my home remodeling, cooking, or binge-watching one of my favorite tv shows.

Vanessa Cueva

VP of Credentialing

I first started my career as a Healthcare Credentialing Specialist in 2013 for nurses at a Medical Staffing Agency. I like the day to day challenges that come with working in the credentialing field because it makes your days interesting and every day is different!

I graduated in 2011 with my BA in Criminal Justice. I think my degree played a huge part in why I love credentialing because it is very analytical and challenges me each day. I joined the TheraEx team as the Clinical Compliance Manager in 2016 for the Nursing Division. Here at TheraEx, my goal is to provide our clients with the best clinicians possible in the timeliest manner.

Kerem Perk

Sr. Clinical Recruiter

I was born into a family of nurses in Eastern Europe and grew up hearing the craziest patient stories & hospital conditions of the late 90s. Naturally so I found my calling in recruiting during the worst days of the pandemic in 2020. As chaotic as that time was for all of us working in healthcare, this was a match made in heaven for me. I have a Marketing degree and a good understanding of its principles, allowing me to better help my team of clinicians reach their goals and continue our family tradition in some way. I’m aware of all the troubles of working on the floor, hence the least I can do is work my hardest to get you where you want to be. God knows I’d not be able to pass an Arrhythmia test.

When I’m not by my laptop working, I’m either looking up recipes from different cuisines or working out. I love to travel and was fortunate enough to live in France, Australia, and a few different regions in the U.S. before settling down in the beautiful Midwest. I’ve been residing in Minneapolis, MN for the past 7 years and yet continue to question this decision every winter. I LOVE meeting folks and exchanging stories, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about!!

Tara Trigonis

Sr. Clinical Recruiter

Hello, my name is Tara Trigonis. I have been in healthcare staffing for five years. I am passionate about helping those in healthcare. I enjoy finding clinicians new roles in hospitals around the country. While working with you I will be sure to check in and make sure you have the most enjoyable time on your assignment. I am confident working with me will be filled with laughs and excitement.

I recently had a son named Grayson and I love to spend time with him. I live in central Florida and enjoy bringing the family to Disney and Universal for a fun day in the parks. When I’m not spending time with the family, I love to thrift and find good deals. We recently bought a home so decorating has become an exciting pastime. I decorate when the hubby is out in the sun doing yardwork, got to love the Florida heat.

Kahlen Donatell

Sr. Clinical Recruiter

Kahlen here- but you can call me KD! Currently embracing the city life in Minneapolis with my dog Goose, weathering winters cheering for the Bucks, Packers, & whoever I started in fantasy football. Always down to get together with friends, hit up a concert, or opting for some quality Goose time.

Having worked in finance to start, I switched gears to recruiting a couple of years ago and found my niche helping healthcare professionals achieve their career goals. Getting the opportunity to interact with & meet new people is something I thoroughly enjoy.

John Zavalza

Sr. Clinical Recruiter

My name is John and I have been connecting people with their next great opportunity since 2019. I graduated from Cal State University San Bernardino in 2019 and I truly had no idea which direction I wanted to go in with my Bachelors in Sociology. However, one thing I did know, is I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, but I just didn’t know how. Then I accidentally applied for a healthcare recruiter position, and it has been Valhalla ever since. Not only do I make a difference in the lives of the patients that our nurses work with, but the nurses that I have the pleasure of serving as well. Having the opportunity to walk hand in hand with a medical professional through their career path has been the most rewarding experience I could have hoped for.

Richard Ordonez

Clinical Recruiter

Hey everybody my name is Richard Ordonez! I was born and raised in California and I’ve been here my whole life so this is home for me. I graduated from San Francisco State University with my BA in Biology. This was a huge accomplishment for me given that I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. I’ve been in sales/healthcare recruiting for the past 2 years and I enjoy being able to help others excel their careers and develop into the best healthcare professionals they can be.

Alysia Herrera

Clinical Recruiter

Brittany Dandy

VP of Rehab Recruitment

Hi Everyone,

My name is Brittany Dandy. I was born and raised in southern California. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. In my spare time, I love to cook. I also enjoy fashion and interior Design. I am a dog mom to a feisty 4-pound Yorkie named “Mucho”. I also enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix or Hulu.

I have a total of 13 years of recruiting and management experience. During my tenure, I have 5 years of Healthcare Recruiting and 8 years of corporate recruitment experience. I primarily specialize in Rehab Recruiting. However, I also have experience in Floor Nursing, Behavioral Health, and Allied. Over the last 5 years, I have truly fallen in love with healthcare recruiting. I enjoy building genuine relationships with my providers. I take pride in being the type of recruiter my providers can always count on. I believe communication is key to a successful partnership. I am committed to continuous growth and development. My strength is innovative thinking, complex problem-solving, and Multitasking. Lastly, my goal is to make a positive impact in the healthcare community.

Lael Fraedrich

Nurse Recruiting Team Lead

I was born and raised in Southern Illinois, the youngest of 5 kids. I started in healthcare as a CNA back in 2010 and progressed from there. I worked in Outpatient Dialysis for over 5 years while I was obtaining my bachelor’s degree in Marketing. I have been recruiting in healthcare for over a year now and I LOVE what I do. There is no greater feeling than facilitating the right fit between facility and individual. I am a believer in constantly continuing my education and I am always striving to do and be better for the people I work with and for.

When I am not working, I love to travel, spend time with my beagle pup, and I love all things Disney! I am a huge fan of the arts and spent 10 years playing piano as well as studying traditional ballet for 16 years. I was able to perform several times with the Russian Ballet Company. I firmly believe that you never know what you may like unless you try it. I am always open to new things, experiences, and connecting with new people.

Rey David Rivera

President, CEO.

Rey David Rivera is the President and CEO of TheraEx Staffing Services, a staffing company that aligns nurses and Allied Professionals with the right organization, setting and position that meets their needs in a dynamic, changing healthcare marketplace.

As an actively practicing registered licensed Occupational Therapist himself, Rey understands the important relationships and the trust that healthcare providers place in the hands of recruiters. He has a unique perspective of what it is like to be a therapist in search of the right position; a hiring manager and representative of organization looking for that “right person” that fits organization’s culture; as well as the challenges in finding a staffing agency that actually listens and appreciates what you have to offer.

It is his passion to ensure that TheraEx knows who you are, knows your story, and what drives you so you can provide the exceptional care that your patients deserve. As part of this overall strategy, he has ensured that TheraEx Staffing is an active member of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and has received and maintained certification as an MBE with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

Before devoting his time in creating TheraEx’s unique individualized culture in 2009, Rey served as a licensed professional and leader across numerous healthcare settings for more than 17 years. This includes Area Manager for Hallmark Rehabilitation, Vice President of Rehabilitation at JPH consulting, Inc., Regional Rehabilitation Manager at Bethel Healthcare from 2008, Director of Rehabilitation Services at RJ Therapy, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Mariner Health Care, and a treating Occupational Therapist for a staffing agency whose clients include SNFs and acute hospitals.

After completing his MBA in 2010, Rey got inspired to merge his extensive healthcare experience and unique perspective while applying his entrepreneurial passion to building TheraEx Staffing. In 2019, Rey recently graduated from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, as an investment to TheraEx as a small business so it can continue to create jobs and economic opportunity.

Outside of work, Rey enjoys watching movie marathons; spending dinner dates with his ex-girlfriend (a.k.a. his wife) and coaching basketball to his three sons.

Meet Our Staff

A Message From Our President

Rey David Rivera

Alysia Herrera

Sr. Clinical Recruite

Brittany Dandy

Sr. Recruiting Manager, Rehab

Cecilia Bayan

Clinical Compliance Coordinator Lead

Crystal White

VP of Recruitment and Operations

Elizabeth Roszell

Locums Compliance Coordinator Lead

Emily Evans

Executive Assistant

Kathlyn Saldaña

Rehab Recruiter

Lael Fraedrich

Sr. Clinical Recruiter Lead

May Bautista

Rehab Recruiter

Pauline Aldovino

Rehab Recruiter

Rey Rivera

President, CEO

Richard Ordonez

Sr. Clinical Recruiter

Rose Angelica Bagtas

Rehab Recruiter

Shelia Sutphin

Accounting Manager

Tara Trigonis

Sr. Clinical Recruiter

Vanessa Cueva

VP of Credentialing

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