About Santa Maria Health
Our Mission
At Santa Maria Health, we are dedicated to providing high-quality medical services to our patients. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our patients through compassionate care and personalized treatment plans.
Our Team
Our team of experienced professionals includes nurse practitioner and support staff committed to providing the best possible care to our patients. We work together to ensure that each patient receives the individualized attention they need.
Our Team
Maricela Perez, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
I’m a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with 30 years of nursing experience. Since I became a nurse practitioner in 2005, I have worked in outpatient settings, providing care to children, adults, and geriatric patients.
I have realized that most health breakdown is related to lifestyle choices and unresolved emotional issues, and I have included emotional and mental assessments as part of my plan of care for my patients.
I perform psychiatric evaluations along with the prescribing and monitoring of medication for the most common mental health disorders. I work closely with several psychotherapists to provide comprehensive mental health.
I am passionate about providing excellent mental health and helping people get better.
Antonia Hernandez, MSN, PMHNP
I am a bilingual psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, including seven years providing advanced psychiatric care in acute inpatient settings. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University, where I received specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the management of anxiety. My professional experience spans work with diverse populations, including a strong background in pediatric psychiatry, and I have recently expanded my practice to include outpatient services. My treatment philosophy is integrative, blending evidence-based psychiatric care with therapeutic approaches that address both the biological and psychological dimensions of mental health. I prioritize cognitive behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive care, and trauma-informed principles to provide holistic and personalized treatment. In my practice, I create a safe and collaborative environment where each client is respected and heard. I believe in honoring cultural background and lived experience, understanding that mental health is shaped by identity, history, and personal values. My approach empowers clients with practical tools, compassionate support, and insight to navigate challenges, manage symptoms, and build resilience. Whether working with children in acute settings or adults in outpatient care, my goal is to provide treatment that is effective, affirming, and transformative — helping clients achieve lasting wellness and a deeper sense of self-understanding.
Uju Ezife, MSN, PMHNP
I am a board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy across the lifespan. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders using evidence-based, patient-centered care. I am committed to fostering a therapeutic, collaborative environment that promotes stability, recovery, and overall mental wellness.
Dr. Victoria D. Schmitt, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Victoria Schmitt is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based health care. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma-related conditions across the lifespan.
Dr. Schmitt earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Tampa, graduating with Highest Honors and a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is also a published author of a children’s book series focused on mental health literacy, designed to help children understand emotions, coping skills, and emotional wellness in an age-appropriate and accessible way. In addition, she has presented at national professional conferences, including the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN). She combines advanced psychopharmacology with evidence-based psychotherapy, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and EMDR-informed principles to develop individualized treatment plans that address each person's unique needs.
Known for her warm, collaborative approach, Dr. Schmitt believes in treating the whole person rather than simply managing symptoms. Through both her clinical work and her children’s mental health literacy book series, she is committed to building emotional awareness, resilience, and understanding across all ages. She works closely with patients and families to foster healing, strengthen coping skills, and empower individuals with practical tools for lasting emotional well-being.
Mary Shiellah B James, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
I am a full-practice, dual board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) with more than 30 years of experience in nursing and healthcare. Throughout my career, I have cared for patients in primary care, neurology, cardiology, outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities. While each of these experiences shaped my clinical perspective, I ultimately discovered my passion in psychiatry—helping individuals find hope, healing, and renewed purpose.
My approach is rooted in the understanding that mental and physical health are deeply connected. Rather than simply treating symptoms, I take time to understand the whole person and develop individualized treatment plans that support lasting healing. I combine evidence-based psychopharmacology with comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, appropriate laboratory testing, psychotherapy, nutrition, nutraceuticals, lifestyle medicine, mindfulness practices, and health coaching to address the underlying factors that influence emotional well-being.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, women's mental health—including postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause-related challenges—as well as burnout, chronic stress, and major life transitions. Whether you're a busy professional, caregiver, parent, or someone who has quietly carried emotional burdens for years, my goal is to help you regain clarity, confidence, and a sense of balance.
Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I served in numerous leadership, education, and mentorship roles, including precepting nurses and nurse practitioner students, presenting educational programs, participating on hospital committees, and supporting the professional development of healthcare providers. I continue to mentor future nurse practitioners and remain committed to advancing excellence in patient care.
I believe every person possesses an innate capacity for healing when given the right support, tools, and compassionate guidance. My practice is built on collaboration, respect, and genuine partnership. I want every patient to feel comfortable asking questions, actively participating in treatment decisions, and knowing they have an advocate throughout their journey.
If you're ready to move beyond simply managing symptoms and begin building a healthier, more fulfilling life, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Together, we can develop a personalized path toward healing that supports both your mental and physical well-being.
Cecilia Olguin
Practice Assistant/Biller, She/Her
Cecilia joined Santa Maria Health in August 2021. She prioritizes developing a strong connection with patients and being accessible to their needs. Being born and raised in Aurora, she takes pride in working in her community. She is fluent not only in speaking but reading and writing in Spanish. Outside of work, Cecilia spends most of her time with her daughters and their extracurricular activities.