Who We Are
At the Washington Association for Community Health, we bring community health centers together to collaborate and expand access to high-quality health care statewide. We help community health centers navigate state and federal policy, provide evidence-based health care, and problem solve as a group. Our services include workforce development programs, technical assistance and training, and policy advocacy.
Our members deliver health care to more than 1.1 million Washingtonians each year at more than 350 clinic sites. Community health centers are directed by local consumers and respond to the needs of the community, serving all without regard to economic or insurance status. They are vital providers in the state’s health care safety net, serving as the primary care provider to 35% of Medicaid/CHIP enrollees in 2021.The Association strengthens our member health centers' work with the information, partnerships and tools that make high-quality care a reality for people across the state.
Meet The Team
Bob provides strategic leadership for mission fulfillment, working with the Association's Board of Directors to develop and implement long-range planning and responsible stewardship of the Association's resources. He guides the work of staff in establishing and nurturing programs that strengthen Washington's community and migrant health centers and position them to successfully address changing healthcare trends. He is responsible for organizational and financial planning and strategic advocacy with policy makers and federal and state partners on behalf of member health centers.
Kristina organizes the Association’s essential member-facing programs and internal processes; increasing the efficacy and efficiency of current business functions, planning changes, and collaborating with other executive staff to set and meet the Board’s strategic objectives.
Courtney is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and works closely with the Association’s Board of Directors to develop the organization’s strategic priorities and key organizational initiatives.
Laura oversees the strategic and tactical financial-related activities of the Association in collaboration with the Executive Leadership Team, including preparation of budgets, cash management, reporting and compliance, and supporting the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
Coming soon!
Hannah supports Washington's health centers' capacity to deliver high quality care and improve access with a view towards lessening health disparities. Using project management and process improvement approaches, Hannah oversees development and management of clinical and operational training and technical assistance (T/TA) and facilitates dialogue and interdisciplinary learning in support of identified member needs and Association strategic goals.
Alyssa is responsible for the expansion and sustainability of the In-REACH apprenticeship and training programs. She works with her team to ensure In-REACH produces high-quality students and reduces the workforce shortage in primary healthcare.
Alyssa supports the Government Affairs team by developing strategic communication and coordinating advocacy to advance the policy goals and priorities of CHCs. She also supports strategic communication planning and implementation across the Association.
Pat will work in symphony with the three statewide Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) and the University of Washington program office to expand the healthcare workforce in rural and underserved communities in Washington’s southwestern region. In the SWAHEC’s implementation years, Pat will stand-up an AHEC scholars’ program, create continuing education (CE) opportunities for current health care students, partner with community organizations to bring pipeline events to high-school students, and recruit preceptors for the Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP).
Prudence is responsible for the expansion and sustainability of the In-REACH apprenticeship and training programs that are administered by the Association. She has a background working in school based behavioral interventions and also works to support the creation and expansion of Behavioral Health Apprenticeship opportunities in Washington State.
Alex is primarily responsible for creating the best workplace by driving an equal and inclusive culture. He provides managers the tools to confidently lead teams to success. Alex is responsible for creating and implementing best practice policies and procedures across recruitment, development, compensation, benefits, and any other internal process.
Andrea Schrader
IT Manager
Andrea is responsible for the management of association information technology matters. She works to document and administrate existing technology as well as implement new to facilitate smooth operations throughout the organization.
Jessica promotes access to high-quality health care for underserved populations by providing strategic guidance to senior leadership. With a critical focus on the Policy & Communications team, the Strategic Advisor will cultivate and support relationships with community health center leadership, growth of professional skills, and fluency within the CHC system. Additionally, the Strategic Advisor is responsible for leading and managing the Association Oral Health learning network.
Kate has advocated for Washington's community health centers with the Washington State Legislature and executive agencies since 2008. She helps lead the public policy team, advises the joint legislative committee, and nurtures legislative and stakeholder relationships to advance the mission of assuring access to care for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.
Sami supports the Director of Government Affairs with analyzing policy, conducting research, and drafting policy memos and amendments through an equity lens. She has a background in electoral campaigns, experience in both legislative and congressional offices, and a degree in Public Health.
Chris Kaasa
Senior Policy Analyst
Chris supports the Association’s government affairs working by analyzing policy, conducting research, and identifying opportunities to advance health centers’ work in their communities. He focuses on influencing federal lawmaking, health center payment, and pharmacy affairs.
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Coming soon!
Patricia supports the health centers to reduce health disparities and increase access to comprehensive primary care services among the underserved. Through training, technical assistance and safety net communication, she works to link upstream investment, enabling services and community engaged strategies to advance access and primary care.
Cathy is the key contact for clinical leadership and staff, focused on supporting comprehensive and integrated clinical services at our member health centers.
Brianne supports community health centers to expand contraceptive services and promote equitable access to voluntary, patient-centered contraception care across all communities.
Terri manages the Group Purchasing Program for our Community Health Center members. The program provides purchasing support and resources for CHC purchasing staff.
Coming soon!
Yulissa strengthens health access and equity in rural health center populations by providing tailored patient support, conducting outreach, and tracking navigation program outcomes. She assists patients in understanding the purpose of CRC testing, helps to address their barriers, ensures patients are informed of options, and helps them schedule and prepare for colonoscopy appointments. Yulissa's work is part of a partnership with the UW Dept. of Family Medicine, in support of a National Cancer Institute grant to study patient navigation as a method of increasing rates of colonoscopy completion among rural patients with positive fecal immunochemical tests (FIT)
Hiring
Workforce Development Senior Coordinator
Coming soon!
Arielle comes to us with a background working in compliance/QI for various healthcare organizations in Washington. She earned her M.S. in Human and Community Resources from the University of Wisconsin and has a passion for serving the underserved. As Health Profession Education Coordinator, Arielle will help plan new cohorts and work to add new employers to the program.
Yasmine is responsible for coordinating the In-REACH Training Programs by scheduling new cohorts and helping to onboard new employer partners in Western Washington. She assists management in the research, development, and implementation of new apprenticeship programs.
Maria is responsible for coordinating the In-REACH Training Programs by scheduling new cohorts and helping to onboard new employer partners in Eastern Washington. She assists management in the research, development, and implementation of new apprenticeship programs. Maria has 15 years of experience serving the community working closely with both providers and patients.
Amanda strengthens the capabilities of CHCs by promoting workforce development through The Association's apprenticeship program. Through database management, progress monitoring, and advising, Amanda supports a network of apprentices across the state from enrollment to graduation and beyond.
Tanzania is the lead consultant and primary liaison for the IN- Reach Consultation Team. She is responsible for the national expansion of the MA Apprenticeship, partnering with PCAs in states throughout the country. Apprenticeship Programming also includes several other allied health programs. Tanzania also assists and collaborates with the Direct Training Team!
Kayla is responsible for the creative development of marketing and communication materials that help promote awareness, impact, and participation of our In-REACH training programs.
Connor serves as the main point of contact for apprentices as they navigate through their program. He provides technical, academic, and social support towards all aspects of the program to ensure that apprentices can succeed and graduate.
Priyanka Khatri comes with a strong background in managing and organizing information. She plays an active role in ensuring data integrity and contributing to the organization's goal of strengthening healthcare access, innovation, and value for all.