Dr. Jose Ballesteros, MD
Dr. Jose Ballesteros cares deeply about his patients and strives to bring them the best possible medical care. He carries with him a depth and breadth of experience in the performance of interventional vascular procedures that is the largest among interventional cardiologists in Northern California. Besides performing thousands of heart operations, he has delivered balloon, stent or roto-rooter technology to the carotid arteries, and the arteries of the arms, legs, kidneys, and bowels of his patients. Since 2006 he has gained additional experience in treating venous disorders, using similar catheter-based techniques. His fluency in Spanish and Tagalog make him an unmatched, well-rounded asset of the Sonoma County medical community.
Dr. Ballesteros gained his early interventional cardiology experience at the world famous Mid-America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. He subsequently trained at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, and then successfully completed board certification in Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology. Despite growing up in Manhattan, New York, and graduating from Fordham University in the Bronx, this “East Coaster” settled in the South. He practiced in Texas for many years, working as a cardiovascular interventionalist in a large referral hospital, before moving to Santa Rosa in 2005.
“In my very little free time, I enjoy playing basketball and watching all types of sports,” says Dr. Ballesteros. “I also enjoy reading, and I try to keep up with the medical literature. My wife and I love living in Sonoma County because of its natural beauty and climate. Look for me in green scrubs, enjoying a unique meal with my wife, at one of Sonoma County’s great restaurants!”
Carla Evans,
FNP-BC
Carla Evans offers her patients a unique perspective gained from a wealth of experiences within the world of medicine. She takes pride in listening to her patients and understanding their need and is passionate about patient education. The advantages of her background in nursing cannot be overemphasized, especially when it comes to the skill sets involved in effective treatment of complex vein issues. In addition, her recent extensive training received from national experts, allows her to bring to Sonoma County the most modern cosmetic vein treatment techniques.Carla grew up in Los Angeles, a sports fan who frequently attended Lakers and Dodgers games. She worked as a fitness instructor and restaurant manager before going to nursing school at Sonoma State University. Her nursing career included many years of work in Intensive Care Units, Cardiac Cath labs and Cardiac Electrophysiology labs, thus, it was a natural progression for her to specialize as a cardiology nurse practitioner. She joined Santa Rosa Cardiology in 2009 and immediately became involved in the efforts of Sonoma Vein to raise the standards of care for patients with venous disease.
“There is no better place to live than in the rolling hills of West Sonoma County,” says Carla. “My work is fun and rewarding, and my home-life is equally great. I love spending time with my family and also enjoy bicycling. Look for me pedaling on Harrison Grade, the Prince Greenway Parkway, or in Annadel!”
Rachael
Rachael is the Vascular Technologist for Sonoma Vein. She has been working with Sonoma Vein for over a decade. Ever since she was a little girl, she’s loved people and that is her favorite part about her job. She loves educating her patients and loves being part of the diagnostic portion of the patients treatment. You might see her pop in on one of your treatments to help assist the Providers or Staff.
“When I am not at work I love spending time with my husband and my two kids going to parks, concerts and staying active in our local Church. I also love to bake and my husband and I frequently travel on ‘foodie adventures’ to find the next good eat.”
Nelly
NELLY has been a Medical Assistant at Sonoma Vein since January 2018. Since she began working with the team she has gained knowledge and experience in assisting the providers during procedures like Laser, Radiofrequency and Sclerotherapy procedures. She enjoys working in the medical field because of the hands on work along with helping patients resolve their medical issues while working one on one with them. It gives her great joy when patients express how thankful they are for the treatments and how it has changed their lives for the better. Nelly is married and has two beautiful boys who are growing too fast. Nelly loves spending quality time with her family and it is very important to her. Her two boys love playing sports while at the same time making new friends. They love getting together to watch football and baseball games. Love being outdoors in the summer, but also love the snow!
Gaby
Gabriela works as a Certified Medical Assistant for Sonoma Vein. She joined the Sonoma Vein team in August of 2021 as a Receptionist coming from Seven years of experience with Adventist Health. After a year of working in reception she decided to pursue her career in the medical field as a medical assistant and while working she received her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification in the summer of 2022 from the West Coast Medical Assistant Training Program in Rohnert Park. Gabriela enjoys connecting with patients and educating them on their venous insufficiency concerns.
“During my personal time I enjoy spending time with my three kids and focus on their sports and school and trying out new restaurants in Sonoma county with my husband. I also enjoy arts and crafts with my kids by myself or my co-workers. You can see some of my work in the office!”
Andrea
Andrea is a Medical Assistant for Sonoma Vein. She joined Sonoma Vein’s team in 2023. She has a strong passion for the medical field and is always willing to learn new things and loves taking on new challenges. She discovered that this was her career back in 2016 when she graduated as a CAN (Certified Nursing Assistant). Her goal is to become a Registered Nurse. She is currently attending the Santa Rosa Junior College as a part time student. She enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
Katia
Katia is Sonoma Vein’s patient coordinator & front office receptionist. You may occasionally see her in both front and in the back to help Dr. Ballesteros from time to time during procedures. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, which makes patients feel comfortable and confident when scheduling new patients or current patients’ appointments, as well as answering all the questions they may have. She enjoys conversating with a positive, lighthearted manner to help patients overcome the natural fears and anxieties that they might have for a procedure.
“During my free time I enjoy leaving town and exploring the city, to delight in new restaurants and views with my friends and family.”