Our Team
Meet the Care Team
Dedicated professionals who treat you like family, not just another patient.
DR. TESS GARCIA
Physician, Board-Certified Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine
From music teacher to family doctor, Dr. Tess’s unique journey brings compassion and cultural understanding to every patient encounter. Board-certified in both Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, she’s dedicated her 20+ year career to serving underserved communities.
Credentials:
- Medical College of Virginia (MD)
- Board-Certified Family Medicine (2002)
- Board-Certified Obesity Medicine
- Native American Sun Dancer
- Mexican American & Native American Heritage
GIGI
Practice Manager, Wellness Coach & gigiSafeHOUSE Founder
Cancer survivor turned healthcare advocate. Gigi’s covenant with God to “work for Him” after surviving ovarian cancer led to founding gigiSafeHOUSE and dedicating her life to removing healthcare barriers. Author, coach, and the heart of our practice operations.
Highlights:
- Filipina American
- Cancer survivor (2010)
- Author of “Bahay Kubo”
- Lost 70 lbs with Dr. Tess
- Self-taught web developer
- Wellness coaching specialist
JACENTA
Assistant Manager &
Social Media Manager
Jacenta Stewart is the Assistant Manager and Social Media Manager at Garcia Family Medicine, where she balances operational precision with creative community engagement. A Kansas City native and a University Academy Alumna, Jacenta brings a background in Animal care and extensive experience in operations management to the team. In her dual role, Jacenta ensures the practice runs with “perfectionist” levels of organization, streamlining patient experiences and supporting Dr. Tess and Gigi in daily operations. She also leads the the practice’s digital presence, using her eye for design to keep our patients informed and connected. When she’s not at the office (or greeting Hooch), Jacenta is dedicated creator who enjoys ceramic Art, and organizing local events for her community. She is passionate about human connection and bringing a high standard of care to everyone.
HOOCH
Emotional Support Pup
Comfort Specialist
Every medical office needs a specialist in stress relief, and at Garcia Family Medicine, we have the best in the business. Hooch is our dedicated comfort pup, and he takes his job of spreading love and reducing anxiety very seriously. With the most beautiful, expressive eyes in all of Missouri, Hooch has a unique way of making every patient feel seen and supported. Whether you’re here for a routine check-up or a more complex visit, Hooch is on hand to ensure you feel right at home.
A Few Fun Facts About Hooch:
- The “Tallest” Pup in Town: Hooch is convinced he’s the tallest one in the room! He’ll often ask for a hug just to prove his point.
- Gourmet Tastes: While he’s a professional on the clock, he’s a fan of the finer things in life—specifically QuikTrip hot dogs and animal crackers.
- A People Person: Meeting new friends is the highlight of his day. He never meets a stranger, only friends he hasn’t hugged yet.
- A Respectful Companion
We understand that not everyone is a “pup person,” and that’s perfectly okay! Hooch is a true professional who respects personal space. He is a non-judgmental companion who is happy to keep his distance for those who prefer a dog-free experience. He’s here to enhance your comfort, whatever that looks like for you. - Next time you’re in the clinic, feel free to say hello to our favorite four-legged team member. He’s here to make sure you leave feeling a little lighter and a lot more loved!
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