How long have you been with Community Health Plan of Washington and what is your current role? 

I celebrated my five-year anniversary with CHPW in June. I started with the Quality Team as the Manager of Health Improvement, and became Manager of Population Health in September 2017. As Manager of Population Health, I helped build the new disease management program, which uses a health coaching model to work with members who have chronic conditions.

What do you most enjoy about your work at CHPW?

I get a lot of satisfaction out of knowing that I’ve helped make our members healthier in some small way, whether it’s connecting them to their doctor, reminding them about a preventive health screening, or providing educational resources to help them understand their health condition. I also really enjoy my co-workers. I’ve never worked with so many mission-driven, wonderfully talented and sincere people anywhere else, and I feel grateful to spend my days with them!

Why did you choose to pursue a career in health care?

I believe that health care is a fundamental human right. Everyone should have access to the tests and services they need when they need them, regardless of age, race, class, or socioeconomic status. I also believe in the power of preventive health care.  It not only saves lives, but ultimately saves rising costs of healthcare for all. I briefly considered clinical nursing, but since I can’t stand looking at the needle going into my own arm when I give blood, I didn’t think I could ever stick a needle in somebody else, so I decided to get my Master’s degree in health education/health promotion instead.

What is something you have recently learned or accomplished that you are proud of?

We launched our Population Health program on the first of March this year, and our engagement rates are the highest that they have ever been! I have an amazing team of health coaches and coordinators who help support our members on a daily basis. I am very proud of the work that we all do.

What do you enjoy most about summer in Seattle?  

Everything! I never schedule travel during the summer because it’s so fantastic right here in Seattle. I grew up in the Northwest and love being outdoors, from hiking in the Olympics to sitting on the deck with glass of wine. It’s all amazing.