Board Chair
A healthcare strategy and operations leader with more than 20 years improving access to care for people with complex medical and social needs, and CalAIM Director for the San Francisco Health Network.
Dr. Bernadette Gates is a healthcare strategy and operations leader with more than 20 years of experience improving access to care for people with complex medical and social needs. She currently serves as CalAIM Director for the San Francisco Health Network, where she leads cross-sector initiatives that integrate healthcare, behavioral health, housing, justice, and community-based services to improve outcomes for San Francisco's most vulnerable populations. Throughout her career, she has helped secure and manage more than $93 million in public funding, built partnerships across healthcare, housing and justice systems, and led initiatives that have expanded access to coordinated, patient-centered care.
Bernadette began her career as a neurologic physical therapist after earning her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University. She later completed her Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency through the University of Southern California and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Southern California. She became a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist, Lymphedema Certified, and provided direct patient care and management across acute care, skilled nursing facility, outpatient, and county jail systems for many years. Bernadette continues to be passionate about serving people living with complex medical conditions and disabilities.
In addition to her professional work, Bernadette leads fundraising events for Oligo Nation, helping raise more than $140,000 to accelerate research for oligodendroglioma, a rare brain cancer. She also previously volunteered as a yoga and mindfulness instructor in the San Francisco County Jails, bringing trauma-informed wellness practices to individuals experiencing incarceration.
Bernadette was inspired to join The Transcend Project because she believes that high-quality rehabilitation and wellness services should be accessible to everyone. She is passionate about creating pathways for people with complex medical conditions and disabilities to achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life.
That belief became deeply personal when her brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As a care partner, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating a complex healthcare system and recognized how access to specialized expertise and coordinated care can profoundly impact outcomes. She is passionate about helping ensure others have the resources, guidance, and support they need to receive the highest quality care possible.
As a founding board member and Chair, Bernadette brings expertise in healthcare strategy, clinical operations, quality improvement, cross-sector collaboration, and care navigation, along with the lived experience of supporting a loved one through a life-changing diagnosis. She is committed to helping build sustainable systems that remove barriers to care and empower every individual to reach their fullest potential.
