Dr. Zavala was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She completed undergraduate school, master of public health, medical school, pediatric residency and adolescent medicine fellowship at the University of Washington. During her academic training her areas of research included evaluation of adolescent programs impact on diverse patient populations and weight management. After fellowship, Dr. Zavala combined her passion for medicine and community activism, taking a position as an adolescent medicine physician and currently medical director for Sea Mar Community Health Centers Adolescent Clinic. Since being at this role, Dr. Zavala has crafted an adolescent subspecialty program focused on interdisciplinary management of complex adolescent medical and mental health needs.

In addition to her role at Sea Mar, Dr. Zavala is a committee member for the following: American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Substance Use and Prevention, WA Child Health Improvement Partnership Steering Committee and Swedish Hospital Health Equity, Justice and Social Responsibility Committee. Dr. Zavala also serves on the board for the Washington Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Zavala enjoys her spare time baking, cooking, and lots of time outdoors with her husband, 4 children and dog.