Our Staff

Joseph S. LoPresti

MD, FACS, Supervising Physician

Dr. LoPresti graduated from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, then completed his residency in General Surgery at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. He entered private practice following this, while also serving as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at LAC-USC. He moved to Seattle several years later, where he continued in private practice as well as becoming a member of the teaching faculty in surgery at Swedish Medical Center. It was here that he had his first experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of life-threatening bacterial infections.

He returned with his family to their native California to re-establish practice there. Through these years, he has gained experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the healing of complex wounds and post-operative compromised wounds. When Dr. Gordon approached him with the opportunity to become involved with 8th Element, he did so enthusiastically to expand the knowledge and experience with hyperbaric oxygen in surgical patients. He believes that hyperbaric oxygen has the potential to be a valuable adjunct in the healing of post-operative wounds and looks forward to expanding the horizons of knowledge and utilization.

In his free time, Dr. LoPresti enjoys playing, writing, and recording music in his home studio, bicycling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Norma Perez

RN, MSN, AGPCNP-C, Center Director

Norma is a Nurse Practitioner with a diverse background in healthcare and a passion for integrative care. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a degree in Gender and Women’s Studies, with a focus on health, social justice, and marginalized communities.

She then completed the Master of Science in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). These experiences have shaped her approach to patient care, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, advocacy, and a holistic view of health.

Her clinical experience includes Emergency Medicine where she learned to provide high-quality care in multidisciplinary teams under pressure while addressing the psychological, social, and emotional needs of patients. Her passion for integrative medicine was influenced by her grandmother’s pharmacopeia garden, filled with healing herbs and natural remedies, which was a key part of her early understanding of health and wellness.

Outside of her professional life, she finds joy in spending time outdoors. On her days off, she enjoys walking her cats at the park, riding her bike, and hiking.

Chelsea Wolf

MSN, AGNP-C, Nurse Practitioner, Chief Training Officer

Chelsea is a nurse practitioner with a multifaceted background and a passion for a more holistic approach to healthcare. Her nursing experience was mainly in the operating room, assisting with various procedures and specialties, ranging from vascular to plastics to transplant. After deciding to earn her Master’s Degree in Nursing, she wished to gain a better understanding of alternative medicine concepts and focus on overall health rather than just treating disease with medication or surgery. She has significant experience in infusion therapy, specifically ozone and vitamin therapy, and is also a health coach, meditation teacher, and breath work instructor. After some time spent working in primary care after her maternity leave, she is extremely grateful to have joined the team at 8th Element Hyperbaric Medicine to provide noticeable, quality care to patients.

When she is not at 8th Element, she enjoys time with her son in nature, cooking, and reading.

Sean Pebler

Practice Manager

Sean joined 8th Element as Practice Manager after moving to the Bay Area from Portland, OR, where he was born and raised. He most recently worked as the Director of Outreach and Admissions for an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center, a field in which he worked for the past five years counseling and helping vulnerable populations. Given his experience in behavioral health, Sean was drawn to 8th Element’s mission of helping people heal safely.

After graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree in English in 2016, Sean went to China to work as an English teacher. It was here that Sean was able to travel the world and learn to speak Mandarin.

Sean believes the best part about working at 8th Element is the culture of community you feel in the office. Outside of the office, he enjoys distance running, traveling, and spending time with his wife and pets.

Nicabec Casido

Hyperbaric Technician

Nicabec moved to the Bay Area after graduating from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Before joining the 8th Element team, she worked as an EMT, where she gained valuable hands-on experience caring for patients. She is currently applying to medical school and has a particular interest in internal medicine and nephrology.

Since joining 8th Element in 2026, Nicabec has enjoyed caring for and getting to know the clinic’s diverse patient population while continuing to expand her knowledge of hyperbaric medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and exploring local cafés around the Bay Area.

Sophia Reyes

Hyperbaric Technician

A Bay Area native, Sophia recently returned home after earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of San Diego. She’s also a certified CNA, and since joining 8th Element, she has enjoyed connecting with patients while expanding her knowledge and experience in hyperbaric medicine. She is excited to be a part of the 8th Element team and to continue growing in the healthcare field.

Looking ahead, Sophia plans to apply to PA school and continue pursuing her passion for patient care. In her free time, she enjoys exploring her creativity through arts and crafts, spending time outdoors, and making the most of being back home in the Bay Area.

Miles Palmer

Hyperbaric Technician

Miles joined 8th Element after graduating from California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in molecular cell biology and physiology. Prior to joining the team, he worked as an EMT for two years and continues to provide emergency medical care at events. With a passion for helping others, Miles plans to attend Physician Assistant school and ultimately pursue a career in sports medicine or orthopedics.

Outside of 8th Element, Miles enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether he’s surfing, hiking, biking, or playing sports, you can usually find him outside with friends and family.

Jackson Cortes

Hyperbaric Technician

Jackson was born and raised in the Bay Area and studied Fine Art and Art History at the University of Oregon. While there, he discovered his passion for healthcare after studying wilderness medicine. After receiving his EMT license, Jackson joined the 8th Element team and enjoys helping patients heal and return to their lives.

Outside of the clinic you can find Jackson in the mountains skiing, cycling, hiking, or just relaxing in a hammock and drawing.

Alekhya Sreerama

Hyperbaric Technician

Alekhya started at 8th Element as a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, and will be graduating with a degree in Neuroscience in Spring 2027. She has been an EMT for 2 years and plans to continue working in the field. Alekhya is very interested in the field of neurology and neurodegenerative disease and aims to go to medical school in the future. In her free time, she enjoys reading, keeping up with new movie releases, and spending time with her friends.

Hugo Moreno

Hyperbaric Technician

Hugo Moreno was both born and raised in the Bay Area. A certified emergency medical technician by profession, he garnered experience through years of service on an ambulance. Currently, Hugo finds himself enrolled in a fire academy with aspirations of securing a role as a full-time firefighter in the Bay Area.

During his leisure hours, Hugo derives pleasure from strumming the guitar, embarking on hikes with his dogs, and exploring record stores.