Veronica Aragon was born in Santa Ines Yatzeche, a small village in the valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico. She identifies as “indigena Zapoteca”. She is trilingual: her native languages are Zapoteco and Spanish. 

Veronica’s family settled in Pacific Grove, CA when she was two years old, and her two younger brothers and sister were born at Natividad. Her family worked in the fields and currently work in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Living in poverty in Monterey County, her family faced many challenges, such as access to healthcare and safe housing. Although Veronica grew up in America aka “el norte”, her family continued to practice their traditional beliefs and customs, which kept them connected to home.

Veronica dropped out of high school and married at age 15. Marrying young is customary in her community of origin in Oaxaca. Prior to delivering her first child at the age of 17, and with encouragement from the doctors and nurses at her primary care clinic, Veronica obtained her GED and High School diploma at a local adult school. In 2000, she was hired as the first indigenous interpreter for the Monterey County Public Health Nursing division. She worked in Public Health Nursing for ten years as an interpreter, community service aide, and lactation counselor. She also has experience in home health and hospice, and currently serves the community at Natividad as a Registered Nurse in Perinatal Services. She also works at another local hospital in Pediatrics and Medical/Surgical and is an active member in her community. Veronica firmly believes that the caring attitudes, compassion, and most of all encouragement from the health professionals she encountered as a young mother made it possible for her to beat the odds stacked against people like herself and her community.

 Veronica appreciates continued learning and teaching! She currently holds a Masters in Nursing Leadership and Management, PHN and is currently pursuing a second Masters in FNP with DNP companion. 

 Veronica currently lives in Pacific Grove with her husband Cirilo and youngest son Brandon, who is also starting his career in the medical field. Veronica and her husband enjoy an active lifestyle, spend time with family and friends. She is especially excited to be reunited with her eldest son Damean after serving in the military—he has been inspired to pursue medicine.  

 The HEAL Fellowship is an ideal fit with Veronica’s passions for working with families and underserved communities and representing her indigenous community.