When Pacific Clinics Asian Pacific Family Center (APFC) opened in 1986, it introduced culturally responsive, in-language mental health services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (API) communities in the San Gabriel Valley. It was a first of its kind — a pioneer for much-needed services and forty years later; that commitment continues through the people who help individuals and families feel understood, supported and connected.
To celebrate 40 years in the community, APFC held a well-attended event graciously hosted by the University of the West. With nearly 300 community members, Pacific Clinics executive and leadership teams, board members and employees, workshops throughout the day explored topics including family relationships, intergenerational differences, grief, gender diversity and engaging older adult immigrants in mental health treatment. Together, the sessions highlighted the importance of learning from experience while remaining responsive to changing community needs.
“APFC was founded on a simple but powerful belief: Everyone deserves access to high-quality behavioral health care that respects their language, culture and understands their lived experiences — that belief remains just as essential today,” said Kathy McCarthy, chief executive officer. “As we shape the future together, may we continue with the same entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that inspired this journey.
Seven employees, one shared legacy
Below are just a few team members of APFC, which includes Glenn Masuda, senior clinical director; Winnie Hsieh, clinical director; Vicky Kwan, Beryl Li, Stephanie Zapata, and Anne Wong, program directors, and Shyan-Pay Chao, prevention coordinator. Below highlights each employee and their contribution to APFC and Pacific Clinics.
Glenn Masuda, PhD – oversees Rosemead and City of Industry Locations. As APFC’s first clinician, Dr. Masuda has spent 40 years helping develop services that reflect the languages, cultures and experiences of the communities the center serves. His work helped establish APFC’s child, youth and family program. At the same time, his teaching and mentorship have introduced new generations of clinicians to community mental health services.
Winnie Hsieh, PhD – co-leader, Rosemead and City of Industry Locations – For more than 15 years, Winnie has helped connect APFC’s clinical services with the community’s cultures and languages. She helped establish a Vietnamese family support group for families who might otherwise hesitate to seek care, working with colleagues to create a welcoming space for connection and support.
Vicky Kwan, Full-Service Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, Rosemead – With more than 20 years at APFC, Vicky has supported children, youth and families, helping build the center’s Full-Service Partnership team and spending approximately 15 years as a clinical team supervisor. She believes meaningful support extends into everyday life through family engagement, school visits and activities that help young people connect with their communities.
Beryl Li, Adult Outpatient Program, Rosemead – For nearly 15 years at APFC, Beryl has grown from a clinician to a program leader while staying committed to community-based care. She established a Hangout Group where clients, relatives and community members can gather over coffee, connect with others, and receive practical assistance with everyday concerns, from understanding letters to completing forms or navigating benefits. She also creates opportunities for expression and connection through Open Art Studio and the 5×5 Art exhibition.
Anne Wong, Older Adult Program, Rosemead – Nearly 40 years at APFC have strengthened Anne’s commitment to serving Asian community members who speak little or no English. She understands how language and cultural familiarity can help people stay connected to care, especially older adults who may feel isolated. Today, she continues helping younger clinicians develop the skills needed to serve monolingual Asian older adults and sustain the relationships that make the center meaningful to clients.
Stephanie Zapata, Prevention and Early Intervention – Multicultural Family Center, City of Industry- During her seven years at APFC, Stephanie has helped bring families from different ethnic backgrounds together through the Multicultural Family Center. Drawing on her experiences as a Mexican American raised in the San Gabriel Valley and as a member of a multicultural family, she works to create spaces where children, parents and caregivers feel they belong. Her team brings mental health outreach into schools, connects Spanish-speaking parents with information and helps recently immigrated students learn about available resources.
Shyan-Pay Chao, Prevention Programs – Multicultural Family Center, City of Industry – Her 15-year journey at APFC began with an Asian American Studies internship focused on parent-child relationships. That experience grew into a career supporting families through prevention programs and community activities. Working with colleagues and community partners, Shyan helped introduce robotics activities that gave young people opportunities to practice teamwork, solve problems and build relationships.
A milestone worth celebrating
The event opened with a heartfelt welcome from Kathy, followed by an informative panel discussion about the last 40 years of transforming API services, what was learned and future opportunities – moderated by Winnie featuring Glenn Masuda, Dennis Murata and Rimmi Hundal. And Sam Chan, PhD. The morning program featured two emotionally charged videos: a 40-Year history highlighting APFC founders and another featuring a former client, now employee, Michelle Hua, executive assistant.
Morning and afternoon workshops explored culturally responsive approaches to care, including family relationships, intergenerational differences and grief. Sessions included:
- Individual Family Therapy for Asian Americans: Process and Practice — Dr. Stephen Cheung.
- Honoring Our Journey, Shaping Our Future: Advancing Mental Health Services for AAPI Children and Families — Vicky Kwan.
- Bridging Generations: Navigating Differences in Faith, Values, and Gender Diversity — Dr. Kenneth Wang.
- Engaging Asian American Older Adult Immigrants to Mental Health Treatment — Anne Wong.
- Creative Empowerment — Dr. Michi Fu, Raphael Solano and Sera Shimakura.
Honoring the past, looking towards the future
Across multiple decades, APFC’s work has grown through relationships between employees, families and the wider community. Its anniversary event brought people together to reflect on that history and the work ahead.
Forty years after opening its doors, APFC continues to build upon its foundation of culturally responsive care, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.
Click here to learn more about APFC and its commitment to culturally responsive mental health services.
