Leila Evangelista, MSW

Languages

English, Tagalog (conversational)

Responsibilities

In my role as care coordinator, I provide collaborative psychosocial care and support to patients and their loved ones impacted by cancer, with an emphasis on resource navigation and case management.

Training and Professional Experience

After earning my bachelor’s degree in international development studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, I worked with nonprofit organizations focusing on program coordination and management. In these roles, I often worked with vulnerable populations, including individuals impacted by war, family trauma, or illness. The palpable need for psychosocial support motivated me to pursue additional training.

I worked for several years at a nonprofit cancer organization, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), before pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) to train as a clinician and provide supportive care to oncology patients and their loved ones. I studied at the University of Southern California, specializing in adult mental health and wellness. During my studies, I interned with the police department, providing short-term therapy to individuals impacted by domestic violence. I also continued my work with LLS, collaborating with the cancer community—including patients, families, healthcare providers, legislators, researchers, and community organizers—to design and implement local educational and support programs, advocate for improved healthcare policies, and encourage cancer research. I am grateful to continue my training and serve this community at the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology.

Personal Interests

Whether it is getting creative, exploring a new culture, learning the science behind the magic, foraging on a hike, or connecting with the community over a meal, cooking and food bridge many of my interests.