Belinda “Bel” Flores, RN, BS, CHW-I
South Coastal AHEC Director
E-mail: floresb3@uthscsa.edu | Phone: 361-881-8133
Bel is a bilingual Hispanic Registered Nurse deeply committed to improving health outcomes in underserved South Texas communities. With extensive experience in direct patient care and recruiting healthcare professionals to the region, she profoundly understands the area’s unique challenges. Through her work with AHEC, Bel has forged strong partnerships to deliver vital health services, including screenings, immunizations, and education, to rural and colonia populations. A lifelong South Texas resident, she draws on deep community ties to drive her passion for ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all.
Melissa Flores, CHWI
Program Manager
E-mail: floresm26@uthscsa.edu | Phone: 361-881-8133
Melissa is a dedicated healthcare professional currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). With a strong foundation as a Certified Medical Assistant and Community Health Worker Instructor, she actively promotes preventive health by coordinating health fairs, screenings, and educational programs in underserved South Texas communities. Her extensive 18-year career in the medical field, including a prior role as an office manager, coupled with her deep-rooted connection to a small border town, provides invaluable insight into the healthcare challenges faced by local residents. Melissa’s passion for improving community health is evident in her work with South Coastal AHEC, where she finds immense satisfaction in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Veronica “Roni” Vela, MA, CHW-I
Program Coordinator
E-mail: velav4@uthscsa.edu | Phone: 361-881-8133
Roni is a seasoned community health advocate with a Master of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Combining her academic background with practical experience as a Community Health Worker and Instructor, she has dedicated her career to serving underserved and rural populations. Before her current role as Program Coordinator at South Texas AHEC, Roni was instrumental in delivering vital health services through the South Coastal AHEC office. Her extensive work with grassroots and national organizations has addressed critical issues such as environmental justice, reproductive health, and social equity. Roni’s commitment to improving outcomes for marginalized individuals, particularly those struggling with substance use disorders, is evident in her impactful career.
Brittany Colunga, BS, CHW
Projects Coordinator
Email: colungab@uthscsa.edu | Phone: 361-881-8133
Brittany is a skilled Project Coordinator at South Coastal AHEC with a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her role involves overseeing and managing various healthcare initiatives, including the Salud En Mis Manos project. This program focuses on empowering South Texas women through breast and cervical cancer prevention and early detection by providing accessible and affordable screenings and vaccinations. Leveraging her Community Health Worker certification, Brittany is passionate about improving health outcomes for underserved populations and works diligently to expand healthcare access through each project she coordinates.
Dr. Scott Krall, MD
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator
Email: Krall@uthscsa.edu | Phone: (361) 881-8133
Dr. Krall is a seasoned physician with nearly two decades of dedicated service to the underserved and indigent population of the Coastal Bend. Having practiced at the county hospital and a federally qualified health center, he deeply understands the region’s healthcare needs. Committed to cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals, Dr. Krall has served as a medical director for continuing education for over 15 years and continues to teach at Del Mar College’s EMS program. His passion for enhancing healthcare accessibility throughout South Texas is evident in his comprehensive approach to teaching, which extends from laypeople to physicians.