Meet Our Leaders

Justin Joy, Chief Executive Officer

Joy has held healthcare leadership roles in acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities across Texas. He is committed to driving excellence in hospital operations to ensure exceptional, high-quality patient care and has a proven track record of ensuring organizations consistently meet the highest standards.

Before joining Stockton Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Joy served as Chief Executive Officer at a Houston-based rehabilitation hospital. Under his leadership, the hospital experienced significant growth, increasing its annual net income while maintaining a focus on excellence in patient care.

“I enjoy working in acute rehabilitation settings as it offers a unique opportunity to witness incredible patient journeys,” Joy says. “We see individuals who are admitted in vulnerable states who, through dedicated care, regain strength, joy, and health. It’s extremely fulfilling to be a part of a team that helps patients achieve their goals and regain quality of life.”

Joy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston, his master’s degree in healthcare administration from Texas Tech University, and a certification in long-term care administration and assisted living from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. Joy is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dharma Arokiadass, Director of Pharmacy

Dharma holds a dual role as the Area Director of Pharmacy for Ernest Health’s California hospitals and the Director of Pharmacy at Stockton Regional Rehabilitation Hospital. In these roles, he leads pharmacy operations, regulatory compliance, and clinical initiatives, driving key improvements in sterile compounding and medication safety across multiple sites.

He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Francisco, and a Certificate in Healthcare Project Management from the American University. Dharma is also a Sterile Compounding Consultant, dedicated to improving compounding compliance and quality standards.

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Dharma serves as a facilitator and preceptor at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific, where he mentors pharmacy students. In his free time, he enjoys coaching children for the Science Olympiad and volunteering at free medical clinics in California’s Central Valley.

Sharon Howe, Chief Nursing Officer

Sharon was born and raised in small town Texas. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University where she then spent several years at the bedside honing her skills as an intensive care nurse. Moving into critical care leadership in 2017, she simultaneously completed her MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2019. She moved to San Jose, California in January 2020, where she led staff through the Covid 19 pandemic from the very beginning where tensions were high and community support was incredible. This time, while significantly stressful was also inspiring and renewed her love of caring for the bedside staff so they could provide exceptional care to the community.

During her time in California, Sharon has served in the community as a former Chair for Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association (Northern California Chapter) and as President Elect, President, and is now Immediate Past President for Association of California Nurse Leaders for the Silicon Valley Chapter. She has presented work on reducing patient harm at various conferences. She currently serves on a national level for Association of Nurse Leaders in subcommittee work to provide insight and development of nurse leader retention tactics and strategies. She is also a Patroness for National Charity League which teaches leadership and community volunteer/involvement to mother and daughters together.

Sharon is married with two daughters. Her hobbies include cooking, reading, and Pilates.

Johnny Hutton, Director of Therapy

Johnny is an Occupational Therapist by background. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Notre Dame de Namur and his Master of Occupational Therapy at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, Ca.

He has over 8 years of experience working in both subacute rehabilitation and acute care with the bulk of his OT experience coming from the ICU setting. His knowledge of patient centered care, effective communication, and leadership qualities are critical to maximizing our patients’ outcomes during their stay with us. Johnny is married with 2 children. His hobbies include anything outdoors including camping, fishing, and all sports.

Branen Parker, RN, PTA, Director of Patient Outcomes

Branen is both a Registered Nurse as well as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. He received his RN license in 2019 from Fresno City College and his PTA license from Sacramento City College in 2000. His lifelong interest in serving others in the medical field started at age fourteen as a junior volunteer. He began working in Radiology at age eighteen. He worked as a rehabilitation Aide in short term rehabilitation for three years before retaining his PTA license. He worked as a PTA for 20 years in outpatient, skilled nursing, and acute care hospitals before furthering his education by gaining his RN license. Branen worked in a 450-bed Acute hospital in Modesto as a nurse six years in Neuro ICU, then in the Neuro step-down unit. He also received training as a Rehabilitation Case Manager at a 900-bed hospital in the bay area before joining us at Stockton Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

Branen is a strong patient advocate who’s experience in both rehab and nursing make him an excellent candidate for the DPO position. He truly has a heart and a passion for seeing patient’s goals met through the rehab process. His lengthy connection to the valley and experience in a variety of patient care settings will assist in determining optimum patient discharge services and locations.

Outside of work you can find Branen enjoying the great outdoors. He really enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two grown boys. He loves working with his two field trial pointing dogs, exploring the mountains in 4WD jeeps, fishing, backpacking and hiking.

Katherine Vandenbroeke, Director of Compliance

Kate Vandenbroeke is the Director of Compliance at Stockton Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, where she draws on a wide range of experiences to keep patients and staff supported. Before becoming a nurse, she spent 20 years as an intelligence analyst with the U.S. Army and other government agencies, building strong skills in problem‑solving and leadership.

After earning her BSN and becoming both a Registered Nurse and Public Health Nurse, she worked in the Intensive Care Unit at San Joaquin General Hospital before stepping into her current role. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom who helps coach and manages her daughter’s competitive cheerleading team.

At home, she’s surrounded by her golden retriever and three cats, reflecting her lifelong love of animals.

Kimberlina Phillips, Director of Marketing & Business Development

Kimberlina is an LVN with over 15 years of diverse healthcare experience, specializing in case management, subacute care, skilled nursing, and dialysis. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, she is deeply committed to serving her community with compassion and expertise.

In addition to her clinical background, Kimberlina brings advanced knowledge in healthcare marketing and strategic partnership development, forging impactful collaborations with hospitals and community leaders. She earned her Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing (ASVN) in August 2022 and was honored as a 2025 Woman of Impact Nominee by the American Heart Association.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kimberlina is the CEO of California Bully Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need. She also serves on the board of Healings in Motion; an organization focused on stroke prevention and recovery. When she’s not making a difference in her community or the lives of animals, she cherishes cheering on her teenage daughter at competitive volleyball tournaments across the state.

Angela Bragg, Director of Human Resources

Angela Bragg, known as Angie, brings over 11 years of Human Resources expertise and a passion for fostering positive work environments to Stockton Regional Hospital. Since joining the team in May 2022, she played a key role in the successful opening of the Stockton Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

Angie finds immense satisfaction in supporting the professional growth and development of others. Beyond her dedication to building a strong and empowered workforce, Angie is a dedicated community advocate. She believes in giving back and actively serves her community.

Matthew F. Innes, Director of Plant Operations

Matthew Innes joined Ernest Health in January of 2025. Prior to that Mr. Innes was the Facilities Manager of Stanislaus County for over 13 years. Mr. Innes was responsible for a physical plant in excess of 2 million square feet with over 138 buildings in over ten cities. Mr. Innes served as Vice President of Purchasing and Construction for SCM Companies and also served in the capacity of Purchasing Manager for Bright Development and as a Project Manager for Warmington Development in California. Prior to that Mr. Innes served as a Purchasing/Construction Manager for D.R. Horton. Mr. Innes also served as a Customer Service Representative, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent and Estimator for Ryland Homes.

His responsibilities include purchasing, value engineering, strategic planning, construction management and safety compliance. Mr. Innes received a BA in Sociology from the University of the Pacific and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver. Mr. Innes also currently serves with the California State Military Department as a medical NCO attached to the State Surgeons Office. Mr. Innes was active in the local BIA and served on its legislative council. Mr. Innes has also served on several boards and housing authorities for the promotion of affordable senior housing.

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