Board of DirectorsOFFICERSPRESIDENT JanMarie Ward, MPA
JanMarie is a lineal descendant of Santa Ynez and Barbareño, California Mission Indians. She has extensive experience in tribal, state, and local government as well as in nonprofit, and community sectors. She is the director/principal of Seven Generations Strategies LLC and serves as a senior public health policy and project advisor/consultant to the American Indian Health Commission (AIHC). With over 40 years of public sector experience in health policy, public administration, and tribal and intergovernmental affairs, JanMarie brings an understanding of evidence-based public health from working with tribes and in communities. She currently serves as the President of the Washington State Public Health Association and is on multiple boards to address systemic racism and historic inequities in support of community-driven capacity building in health and wellness systems change for American Indian and Alaska Native and BIPOC communities. Together, JanMarie and her husband Roger, have four grown sons, their partners, and their first grandchild.
PRESIDENT-ELECT Chair of the Conference Committee Seth Doyle, MA
Seth Doyle is Director of Strategic Initiatives at Northwest Regional Primary Care Association (NWRPCA). In this role, Seth oversees NWRPCA’s community health improvement and workforce programs and has broad responsibilities related to social determinants of health and health equity, health policy, workforce development, community health workers, vulnerable populations, and public health partnerships. Seth serves as NWRPCA’s subject matter expert on migrant health and directs the planning for the annual Western Forum for Migrant and Community Health. He also serves on the Agricultural Worker Health Committee for the National Association of Community Health Centers and is a past Chair of this Committee. In addition to his role with NWRPCA, Seth serves on the board of directors of the Washington State Public Health Association and the regional network steering committee for the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. Prior to joining NWRPCA, Seth worked as a Health Educator and Case Manager for the Urban League of Rhode Island. Seth holds a master’s degree in Latin American Studies with a Public Health minor from the University of New Mexico, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Rhode Island.
PAST-PRESIDENT Jack Thompson
Bio coming soon!
Lauren Jenks, MPH, CHES  Lauren Jenks, MPH, CHES, is Assistant Secretary for Environmental Public Health at the Washington State Department of Health and Chair of the Washington State Institutional Review Board. She is passionate about public health, environmental justice, and health equity. Lauren has a broad public health background, including post-graduate training from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Prevention Service, a program designed to create public health generalists with an ability to work within the whole public health system and lead a variety of public health programs. Lauren cares deeply about people. She has a calm, assertive leadership style, with a focus on respect, trust, and continuous learning. She brings a deep understanding of public health data systems, using data for decision making, and evidence based approaches and interventions. She tries to live her public health values by occasionally slowly jogging and commuting to work on an electric bicycle. At work and at home, she encourages people to act boldly, make a difference in the world, and to do so with a joyful heart. She lives in Olympia with her spouse, 12-year-old son, and 10-year-old daughter.
TREASURER Carrie Horwitch, MD, MPH, FACP
SECRETARY Julie Peterson
Julie is responsible for the vision, leadership, planning and implementation of a Public Affairs plan that promotes Foundation for Healthy Generation’s mission through public policy. Julie’s public policy advocacy and legislative work is recognized by Philanthropy Northwest, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the National Network for Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities. Currently, Julie serves as the past president of the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention. Prior to her arrival at Foundation for Healthy Generations, she was the deputy director of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. She served as the agency’s legislative liaison and a member of the inter-agency work group on drugs. DIRECTORSLori Mae Yvette Calibuso Acob
Heidi Berthoud, MPH John Furman, PhD, MSN, COHN-S
Dr. Furman has been involved in the promotion of healthcare quality and safety for many years serving as the president of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Association of Occupational Health Professionals (AOHP), vice-president of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control, and vice-president of the Washington Healthcare Safety Council (WHCSC). In addition, he has completed two appointments on the National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP) Executive Committee, and serves as the chair of the NOAP research committee. Prior to coming to WHPS Dr. Furman worked with the Department of Labor & Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Where he helped develop nationally recognized programs on pesticide exposure monitoring, and outdoor heat exposure. Just prior to leaving the DOSH program he acted as the primary author of the nation’s first Healthcare Hazardous Drug Exposure regulation. Public health is at the core of everything he does, with a keen interest in erasing stigma and achieving equal access and opportunity for everyone. Janessa Graves, PhD MPH
Dr. Janessa Graves is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Washington State University (WSU). Dr. Graves holds a Masters in Public Health and a PhD in health services research from the School of Public Health at the University of Washington. She completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric injury research at the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center prior to coming to WSU. Dr. Graves holds expertise in program evaluation, interdisciplinary research methodologies, public health data, and rural health. She leads the evaluation efforts for the WSU College of Nursing and provides biostatistical and epidemiological support to faculty and community partners. Dr. Graves served in the Peace Corps in the Fiji Islands and studied at Columbia University in New York City. She collaborates with researchers from around the US and world, with a focus on improving rural health equity and prioritizing the needs and concerns of rural communities. Dr. Graves serves on multiple regional and state boards to supporting public health efforts. She lives in northeast Washington with her husband and two children.
Co-Chair of the Policy Committee
As an emerging leader in Public Health, Megan Moore strives to apply her communicative ability and dedication to advance WSPHA’s lofty vision for all Washington State residents. She currently manages several grants in the Olympic Region at Kitsap Public Health District and has helped to mobilize a statewide coalition of substance use professionals to be more active engaging with decision-makers. Megan is also a voting member of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee where she represents health in the built environment. Megan graduated with her MPH from Bastyr University. Prior to her career in Public Health, she worked in the field of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for ten years. She learned that while individual behaviors are important to health, significant upstream factors play a larger role and need to be addressed for the sake of an equitable society.
Dr. Amy Person has been the Health Officer for the Benton-Franklin Health District since 2011. Prior to joining BFHD, she was a primary care pediatrician in Milwaukee, WI for 18 years, working with teen mothers and inner city families. Recognizing the impact of health disparities on the lives of her own patients, she pursued a career in public health to better address prevention and the social determinants of health at the population level She holds a medical degree from University of Illinois as well as a master’s in health care informatics and a GIS (geographic information systems) certificate from University of Wisconsin.
Jaime Bodden, MPH, MSW Jaime Bodden has been the Managing Director for the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials (WSALPHO) since 2017. Before working for WSALPHO, served as the director for a small health department in rural Wisconsin. Previously, Jaime has worked in global public health, focusing on gender development, community mobilization, and childhood development. Jaime earned BA degrees in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from Marquette University and her Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. In her role with WSALPHO, she works to elevate local public health’s role in making Washington State a safe, health, and vibrant place though advocacy, systems collaboration, and partnerships. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE (EX OFFICIO) Maria Courogen, MPH
Prior to this role, Maria worked in infectious disease, starting as an epidemiologist in the HIV/AIDS program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. She went on to lead infectious disease assessment and program work at the Washington State Department of Health, overseeing epidemiologic studies, becoming the director of the Office of Infectious Disease and the AIDS Director for Washington State, and contributing as one of the architects of the state’s End AIDS initiative. She had the opportunity to travel to India, Zambia, Trinidad, Haiti, and the Republic of Georgia to work with colleagues on HIV reporting and program management activities. Maria obtained her Master’s of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Science from Boston University. STAFFJefferson Ketchel, MA RS
Jefferson Ketchel is the Executive Director. He manages WSPHA’s communications, operations, programs, and supports the new strategic direction. He has an MA in Policy Studies from the University of Washington and is a registered sanitarian. Jefferson is also a graduate of the CDC's Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute and Harvard University's National Preparedness Leadership Initiative Executive Education Program. Prior to joining WSPHA, he was the administrator of the Snohomish and Grant County Health Districts. Jeff has served as president of the Washington State Association of Local Public Health Officials and chair of the Washington State Board of Registered Sanitarians. A lifelong Washingtonian, Jeff lives in Spokane with his wife Emily and their three children Harrison, Marjorie, and Ruby.
Jenna Wilson
Jenna Wilson is the Administrative Coordinator for the WSPHA, where she supports the Board, Executive Director, and WSPHA membership. Jenna graduated with an American Cultural Studies degree and a self-designed Culture and Creative Expression in Education degree from Western Washington University, and her background is in supporting educational organizations, such as public libraries, children's museums, and public and private schools. She is passionate about ensuring equitable access to information and education, and is thrilled to be joining the WSPHA in this role where she can support public health workers and communities across Washington. Jenna lives in the greater Seattle area, and enjoys traveling, reading, and a good cheese plate. In her free time, you can most likely find her with a book in hand and her dog Murphy on her lap.
VOLUNTEERS & INTERNSCorina Lam
Corina is currently a post-bac pre-dental student at Shoreline Community College and has received her B.S in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Washington. In 2019, she traveled with 50 other students under the non-profit organization called Vietnam Health Clinic to help and serve villagers that have a harder time accessing healthcare in the rural parts of central Vietnam. Corina is currently a dental assistant at a periodontal office, where she observes implant, gum graft and sinus lift surgeries, and has been working at the same office since 2017. She also has experience working at orthodontic and pediatric dental practices. Corina is passionate about social media, and how it is the most powerful tool for outreach, awareness, community and advocacy. Because of her experience with underserved communities, Corina wants to bridge the gap between healthcare access and those who are struggling to make ends meet. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new local eats around the Seattle area with her French bulldog Bentley. Combining her love for photography and social media, Corina currently runs Bentley’s Instagram account where she shares his travels and his modeling shoots with multiple sponsors.
Anthony Maldonado
Anthony Maldonado is a graduate student at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, getting a master’s degree in public health with a Leadership in Practice concentration. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from the University of Miami. He currently works at Education Service District 105 as the Health Screening Specialist. In his current work he helps schools navigate state and local requirements as well as advocates for students and family’s health needs. Anthony has supported equitable distribution of vaccines and COVID-19 tests in his region as well as equitable access. He has received several awards in the past year for his dedicated work in supporting his community and underserved populations including “30 under 30” and the “Migrant Education Program Health Award.” Anthony is a first-generation college student and is passionate about empowering underserved communities. He is excited to learn about policy in Washington State and advocate for Washingtonians. Anthony is eager to learn during his internship how policy can empower communities and increase their quality of life. Anthony was born and raised in Yakima Washington where he currently resides. In his free time, he likes to travel and spend quality time with his friends and family. Anthony is planning a trip to Europe this coming year where he will split his time between backpacking alone and backpacking with friends.
Jennifer Mendoza
I am Jennifer Mendoza I attended Wenatchee Valley College on a soccer scholarship where I completed my AAS. I transferred to Eastern Washington University and am currently a senior completing my bachelor’s degree in Public Health with minors in communications and psychology. After my undergrad completion, I plan to continue my education and get a master's degree in Public Health.
I am passionate about giving back to underserved communities. I was raised in the small town of Warden, WA but was born in Zacatepec, Morelos, MX. Growing up as a first-generation woman of color in a small rural community, I faced many disadvantages and adversities. Not only did I experience them myself, but I witnessed them as they happened to others. In my community, we have many impoverished or uneducated groups of people who never learned how to properly take care of and advocate for themselves. That sparked something very strong in me to earn a degree and gain a voice so that I could advocate and fight for my people whose needs as a community are not being met. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and cooking. I like to believe that you can eat ethnic foods and still build a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. I’m very family oriented so I love to spend time with my close friends, family, and dog, Peanut. |
Dr. Carrie Horwitch is an outpatient internal medicine physician. She is also certified as an HIV care specialist and has been taking care of people living with HIV since the early 1990s. She graduated from University of Arizona School of Medicine and completed her Master of Public Health from University of California, Berkeley. She focuses her clinical time at Virginia Mason Medical Center and has been an educator for internal medicine residents and medical students for the past 22 years. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at University of Washington. She spent 20 years co-teaching a course entitled Emerging Infections of Public Health Importance. She was the American College of Physicians representative for IOM/ASTHO public health & primary care integration project which worked to have primary care and public health work more closely together.
Lori Mae Yvette Calibuso Acob is a Hawai’i native. She received her undergraduate degree in 2022 in Public Health-Global Health from the University of Washington. Yvette loves to love people and is passionate about changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in her community by creating an all-inclusive, equitable culture of health. Her current efforts are centered around addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness, protecting women and children's rights, de-stigmatizing mental health and HIV/AIDS, and eradicating infectious diseases such as malaria and polio. In 2021, she was awarded the WSPHA’s Exceptional Student Award and in 2022, the University of Washington School of Public Health granted her the Outstanding Student Community Service Award.
Heidi is an experienced leader who began her public health and social service career at a large non-profit county hospital supporting training teams in the nursing education department. She received her Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Washington and concurrently completed a Global Health Masters Certificate. Heidi has more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in health care research, evaluation, technical writing, public health initiatives, qualitative data collection and analysis, and patient advocacy. Her experience includes working with government, academia, and non-profit organizations and she has been invited to work with Indigenous communities developing and delivering surveys and evaluations. Heidi is particularly interested in community focused work and giving data back to communities. She is the founder and principal consultant at Heidi Berthoud Consulting, LLC and is passionate about working at the intersection of social justice and public health, supporting social change organizations that are working to increase access to care, reduce inequities, and improve health outcomes.
Dr. John Furman works with Washington State Health Professional Services (WHPS) program as a consultant, and education and outreach specialist. WHPS is the state approved Alternative to Discipline substance use monitoring program providing services to the nursing professions. He has worked for the state of Washington for over 40 years primarily in the areas of behavioral and occupational health, and infection control. Educational background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, doctorate in health administration, and certification as an occupational health nurse-specialist.
Maria Courogen, MPH, is a strategic health leader working with partners and communities to achieve equity and optimal health for all. As the Special Assistant for Systems Transformation at the Washington State Department of Health, she sits on the Executive Team of the agency and leads a group that works to help public health transform through its Foundational Public Health Services work as well as adapt to transformation of the health care delivery system. 
