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Transforming Healthcare in Arizona

Meet Our Board of Directors

The Arizona Alliance For Community Health Centers (the Alliance) is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of representatives from health centers, Look-Alikes, and Federally Qualified Health Centers and meets on a regular basis to drive the strategic vision of the Alliance.

BOARD LEADERSHIP

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Chair

John Swagert, MD

Chief Executive Officer
Mountain Park Health Center

Jonathan Leonard

Vice-Chair & CVN Board President

Jonathan Leonard

Chief Executive Officer
United Community Health Center

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Treasurer

Wendy Armendariz, MBA

Chief Executive Officer
Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH)

Secretary

Karen Hoffman Tepper, PhD

President and Chief Executive Officer
Terros Health

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Member at Large – Past President

Christopher (CJ) Hansen, MHA

Chief Executive Officer
Canyonlands Healthcare

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Member at Large – Board of Directors

David Rogers, MBA

Chief Executive Officer
Sunset Community Health Center

BOARD MEMBERS

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Hunter Adams, MBA

Chief Executive Officer
Creek Valley Health Clinic

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Blaine Bandi, MLS, MHSA

Chief Executive Officer
Wesley Community & Health Centers

Daniel Barbara, DHSc

Chief Executive Officer,
Desert Senita Community Health Center

Michelle Barker

Michelle Barker, DHSc

Sr VP Ambulatory Services & CEO FQHC Clinics,
Valleywise Health

Josh Carzoli

Joshua Carzoli, MBA, PharmD

Chief Executive Officer
MHC Healthcare

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Pedro Cons, MA

Chief Executive Officer
Adelante Healthcare

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Kimberly K. Despres, DHA, RN

Chief Executive Officer
Circle the City

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Eddie Estrada, MD

Chief Executive Officer
Sun Life Family Health Center

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Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie

Interim Chief Executive Officer/Community Development Director
Native Americans for Community Action

Leslie Horton, MA, MCHES

Director
Yavapai County Community Health Services

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Clinton Kuntz, DBH

Chief Executive Officer
El Rio Health

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Laura Larson-Huffaker

Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Health and Wellness

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Jonathan Melk, MD

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Medical Officer
Chiricahua Community Health Center

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Walter Murillo, BS

Chief Executive Officer
Native Health

Anne Newland, MD, MPH

Chief Executive Officer
North Country HealthCare

Dan Prevost

Chief Executive Officer
Mariposa Community Health Center

Mike Renaud

President & Chief Executive Officer
Valle del Sol

Joette Walters

Joette Walters, RN

Chief Executive Officer
Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation

Meet Our Team

We’re a team of experts and thought leaders who are dedicated to improving the health of Arizonans through access to quality healthcare. Email us at info@aachc.org to connect with one of our team members.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Jessica Yanow

President & CEO, AACHC & CVN

Dr. Robert Elk

Chief Medical Officer

Brenda Hanserd

Chief Financial Officer

Michelle Horne

Chief Business Development Officer

Jen Jonas

Jen Jonas

Director of Human Resources

Lisa Nieri

Chief Operating Officer

FINANCE & INTERNAL OPERATIONS

Chas Damo

Grants Manager

Faes Ibrahim

Director of Health Center Growth and Development

Anna Mansure

Office Manager

Cecilia-Nguyen

Cecilia Nguyen

Staff Accountant

Slone Smith

Human Resource Generalist

Kathy Tremonto

Kathy Tremento

Executive Assistant to CEO

Maureen Wanderi

Staff Accountant

COMMUNICATIONS & TRAINING

Kendall Gillispie

Kendall Gillispie

Communication & Events Coordinator

Da-Nell Pedersen

Director of Communications & Training

HEALTH CENTER CONTROLLED NETWORK

Mahmudur Choudhury

HCCN Project Coach

Jamie Duncan

HCCN Project Coach

Zepporah Fuller

HCCN Project Director

Jasman-Shakya

Jasman Shakya

HCCN BI Analyst

Deepti Vedala

HCCN Project Coach

GOVERNMENT & MEDIA RELATIONS

Jennifer J. Burns

Senior Director of Government & Media Relations

POPULATION HEALTH

Melinda Cobb

Special Projects Manager

Leah Meyers

Director of Rural Women’s Health & Substance Use Disorder

Emily Oake

Senior Director of Population Health

Lorraine Ramirez

Special Projects Manager

OUTREACH & ENROLLMENT

Meryl Deles

Outreach & Enrollment Services Information Manager

Mayra Gomez

Program Manager, Outreach & Enrollment

Claudia Maldonado

Director, Outreach & Enrollment Services

WORKFORCE

Angela Bryant

CAAHEC: Pathways Program Manager

Kai McKinstry

CAAHEC Program Coordinator

Lourdes Montez

Workforce Development Manager

Mallika Peddada

CAAHEC: Outreach & Development Program Manager

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About the Alliance

The Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC) is the Primary Care Association (PCA) for the State of Arizona. All states have one designated PCA to provide training and technical assistance to health centers and other safety-net providers, advance the expansion of the Health Center Program, and advocate for the healthcare interests of the medically underserved.

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© 2022 Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC). All Rights Reserved.

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700 East Jefferson Street, Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
info@aachc.org
602.253.0090

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About Us

The Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers is the Primary Care Association for the state of Arizona. Since 1985, we have been working to build a more just and equitable healthcare system. Our role is to provide training, technical assistance, advocacy, and programmatic support to Community Health Center providers and staff who make access to affordable, quality primary care possible for all.

Notices of Non Discrimination - General Information English | Español | Diné Bizaad | 繁體中文 | Tiếng Việt | Tagalog | Français | Deutsche | Pусский | 日本語 | srpsko-hrvatski.

Contact Us

700 East Jefferson Street, Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
info@aachc.org
602.253.0090

Connect with Us

© 2022 Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers (AACHC). All Rights Reserved.

Explore

Find a Community Health Center
About us
Programs
Training & Technical Assistance
News & Publications
Careers

Jessica Yanow
President& Chief Executive Officer, AACHC & CVN

Jessica Yanow joined the Alliance as President & CEO in November 2021. Prior to that, Jessica spent three years as Senior Manager of Community and Health Advancement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) where she was responsible for the development and execution of BCBSAZ’s statewide strategies and initiatives to improve the health of all Arizonans with a focus on Arizona’s most pressing health issues. She also served as Director of Women’s Health Programs and Grant Administration for the Alliance from 2008-2014 and then Chief Operations Officer from 2014-2019. Jessica graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and minors in near eastern and Judaic studies and women’s studies from Brandeis University. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in community health practice from the University of Arizona. She completed the Geiger Gibson capstone fellowship in community health and leadership at George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and is certified in federal grants management by Management Concepts.

Kat Bergman
Director of Human Resources

Kat Bergman joined the Alliance in December 2004 to support its nonprofit partner, The Arizona Partnership for Immunization. In 2013, Kat transitioned to a role in the Alliance’s human resources (HR) department where she currently resides as the Director of HR. Kat began a career in healthcare after she graduated from Arizona College as a Respiratory Therapy Technician. Working in a busy pulmonary office she quickly became interested in the day-to-day operations, which led to working 15+ years as a business management consultant throughout the Phoenix area where she was able to work with passionate health professionals on minimizing risk and maximizing reimbursement with their revenue cycle process. In her spare time Kat enjoys sewing, crafts, baking, and gardening. She was born and raised in Phoenix and has amazing son that lives in Texas.

Patty Macias
Office Manager

Patty Macias joined the Alliance in August 2019. In her role as Office Manager, Patty is responsible for assuring all staff have the necessary office support to complete work requirements and monitoring the day-to-day building and office operations.

Christopher Robinson
Executive Assistant

Christopher (Chris) Robinson joined the Alliance in July 2021. In his role as Executive Assistant, Chris is responsible for supporting President & CEO of the Alliance and CVN as well as Board of Director activities and working within an administrative capacity to increase efficiency. Prior to that he worked at Lurie Children’s Hospital for three years where he served as project manager. During his last year at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chris assisted with the development of standard operating procedures designed to increase efficiency while reducing costs. Chris has a Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management from Robert Morris College and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. Outside of work he enjoys playing the piano, hiking, movies, and playing Scrabble.

Da-Nell Pedersen
Director of Communications & Training

Da-Nell Pedersen joined the Alliance in December 2019. In her current role as Director of Communications & Training, Da-Nell leads the Alliance’s internal and external communications strategy to promote the work of the Alliance and our members. She is responsible for overseeing all methods of communication, from trainings, marketing materials, online presence, newsletters and reports, customer engagement tools, and employee messaging. Prior to that Da-Nell worked at DentaQuest for five years where she provided dental practice management technical assistance and training to hundreds of Federally Qualified Health Centers across the country. During her last year at DentaQuest, she assisted with the development of curriculum on value-based care transformation in oral health and the design and implementation of a national value-based care convening. She has also served as a co-author on several publications on the topic of value-based care transformation. Da-Nell has a Bachelor of Arts in strategic communications from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in nonprofit administration from Arizona State University. Outside of work she and her husband enjoy hiking, bike riding, movies, and game nights. They have two dogs, Pixie and Tripp, and are expecting their first child in December 2021.

Lindsay Dietz
HCCN Project Director

Lindsay Dietz joined the Alliance and CVN in 2017. In her current role as Director of Arizona’s Health Center Controlled Network, Lindsay develops and implements strategies to leverage the use of data, technology, and clinical teams to improve the healthcare continuum for Community Health Centers in Arizona and Nevada. Lindsay has worked in the healthcare and nonprofit field serving the underserved population for more than 17 years. During her early years, Lindsay focused on the development of multidisciplinary team approaches for in-patient pediatric services for burn victims and their families. Later on, she had the opportunity to work at the national level with a Venezuelan telecommunication agency leading several projects focused on engaging community leaders, expanding radio communication services, and increasing access to care for the rural and native Venezuelan population. Her background and experience before migrating to the U.S. also includes developing national strategic plans to provide access to care and data collection and analysis. Upon her arrival to the U.S., Lindsay had the opportunity to enrich her experience in the social and behavioral health field serving the Medicaid and underserved population in Arizona. In 2016, she earned her Certificate in Infant and Family Studies from the Harris Institute and a master’s degree in administration with an emphasis in project management and strategic planning. Lindsay has provided training for clinical and non-clinical staff, built multidisciplinary teams, and designed customized workflows to improve Community Health Center and hospital operations under value-based care models. She is an active member of the National Association of Community Health Centers and their HCCN Task Force, and has contributed to NCQA and other national workgroups.

Jamie Duncan
HCCN Project Coach

Jamie Duncan joined the Alliance and CVN in September 2020 as CVN Business Network Advisor (HCCN Project Coach). In that role, Jamie is responsible for assisting Community Health Centers by providing and developing training materials, tools, and educational programs that support the execution of quality of care initiatives utilizing metrics, data review for quality improvement, and tracking. Prior to joining the Alliance, Jamie spent most of her career working at Kaiser Permanente in northern California for over 17 years. Jamie was integral in providing staff training on various workflows during the rollout of Epic’s EHR system. She participated on workgroups in emergency department and inpatient settings at two Kaiser hospitals during the implementation of Epic’s EHR system and worked as Admitting Supervisor and Resource Management Project Analyst performing supervisory, statistical analysis, and regulatory compliance responsibilities. Jamie has also worked in various capacities as an Oncology Clinical Trials Regulatory Specialist, Appeals Specialist, and Senior Case Manager for Program Offices. Jamie received her Bachelor of Arts in management from St. Mary's College with an emphasis in accounting. She relocated from northern California to Arizona in August 2019 with her daughter and has a son attending college in California. They also have a furry, four-legged family member named Covi.

Jasman Shakya
HCCN BI Analyst

Jasman Shakya joined the Alliance in June 2021. As a HCCN BI Analyst, he is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of business intelligence solutions that helps to improve current processes. His job includes analyzing data to identify data trends, developing ETL processes, creating and deploying high-quality reports, and supporting analytics platforms. Jasman holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and information technology from Tribhuvan University and a master's degree in data and information management from Radford University. Besides work, he enjoys traveling to new places, hiking, watching soccer, and playing FIFA with his friends.

Deepti Vedala
HCCN Project Coach

Deepti Vedala joined the Alliance and CVN in July 2019. In her current role as a Project Coach for the HCCN grant, Deepti provides education, technical assistance, and training on HIT, performance improvement, and project management for member Community Health Centers. A pharmacist by training, Deepti found her career interests in healthcare management and furthered her education with a master’s degree in business administration and Lean Six Sigma Certification. She has been working in the project management arena since then, shifting from pharmaceutical research and development to pharmaceutical marketing and now to public health domains. She is passionate about lean thinking and bringing structure to a group. Her background has helped her to deploy various project management tools like Quality by Design, Process Value Mapping, and PDSAs as part of her work. Outside of work she and her husband enjoy camping, road trips, and exploring places. Their greatest adventure began in December 2020 when they had a baby girl!

Jennifer J. Burns
Senior Director of Government & Media Relations

Jennifer J. Burns joined the Alliance in 2021 as Senior Director for Government & Media Relations. In that role Jennifer leads federal and state advocacy efforts on behalf of Arizona’s Community Health Centers (CHCs). She serves as a liaison with public policymakers and staff, advocates for CHC priorities, manages media communications for the Alliance, and works with the Pharmacy Committee. Previously, Jennifer served as an Arizona State Representative from 2003 – 2009, representing much of rural Southern Arizona. She served as the Higher Education Committee Chair, Appropriations Vice-Chair, Health Committee Vice-Chair, and on other committees over the course of her six years in the Legislature. Jennifer was involved in crafting bipartisan budgets investing in Arizona’s future, as well as with health, higher education, military, and water issues. While serving, Jennifer received the AACHC Legislator of the Year Award. Following the Legislature, Jennifer worked as a Government Relations Consultant with MHC Healthcare and the Marana Chamber of Commerce. She researched and wrote an Arizona Policy Audit on Higher Education for the Arizona Board of Regents and was honored to be one of two staffers for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Civil Discourse & Civic Engagement project focused on government reform. Jennifer holds a Juris Doctorate, Master of Public Administration specializing in health policy, Bachelor of Science in chemistry, and Bachelor of Arts in political science. She serves on the University of Arizona College of Law Advisory Committee, 2340 Foundation, and the Marana High School Alumni Association.

Melinda Cobb
Consortium Manager, Rural Opioid Response

Melinda Cobb joined the Alliance in October 2020. In her current role as the Rural Opioid Consortium Manager, Melinda is responsible for managing our Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Implementation Grant to ensure growth and sustainability. She works closely with our partners to support SUD/OUD prevention, treatment, and recovery activities in Gila, Graham and Mohave counties. Prior to that she worked for the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as the Injury Prevention/Drug Overdose Health Program Manager where she managed the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, the State’s Overdose Fatality Review team, and the Naloxone Distribution Program. Before leaving ADHS, she expanded the State Overdose Fatality Review team to include County teams and expanded Naloxone access to include community members such as high schools and universities, religious entities, and community centers, in addition to law enforcement agencies and emergency personnel. Melinda has a Bachelor of Science in health science and biology from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock and a Master of Public Health from Grand Canyon University. Outside of work, Melinda enjoys spending time with her family, attending food festivals, volunteering, and meeting new people.

Dr. Robert Elk
Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Robert (Bob) Elk joined the Alliance in 2017 as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). His duties as CMO include assisting the Community Health Center CMOs in improving clinical quality improvement, facilitating networking between the CMOs, and advancing the work on provider wellness and reducing burnout. He also acts as a physician consultant to Alliance staff as needed. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, obtained his medical degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, and completed his residency in internal medicine at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Elk is board certified in Internal Medicine. His career as a general internist includes two years working on the Navajo reservation in Northern Arizona and 16 years as a part of the Maricopa Integrated Health System as an internist, Medical Director, and the Director of Outpatient Services. He was Medical Director of Health Partners Health Plan and VPMA of PacifiCare of AZ and spent eight years as a physician and medical director of the Community Health Center of Yavapai in Prescott, AZ. Dr. Elk joined Adelante Healthcare in May 2009 and became their CMO, retiring from that position in 2017. His career demonstrates his long interest and passion for care of the underserved and building and sustaining medical organizations and their practitioners based on quality, teamwork, and trustworthy relationships.

Janelle Jones
Substance Use Disorder Program Manager

Janelle Jones joined the Alliance in March 2020. In her current role as Substance Use Disorder Program Manager, Janelle works to improve the substance use treatment infrastructure within Community Health Centers by providing trainings for CHC staff at all levels and facilitating systems level enhancements to improve access to care for patients with substance use disorders. Prior to joining the Alliance, she worked at Coconino County Adult Probation as an intensive probation officer supervising high risk, high need individuals. She has several years of experience working in substance use disorder treatment with patients and their families and is passionate about increasing the accessibility of high-quality substance use treatment and harm reduction education and supplies. Janelle has a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Northern Arizona University. When she is not working, she enjoys volunteering with local harm reduction groups, weekend trips to Flagstaff, playing with her nephews, and spending time outside with her two pugs, Sherman and Benson.

Leah Meyers
Director of Rural Women’s Health & Substance Use Disorder

Leah Meyers joined the Alliance in January 2015 as the Director of the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Network. In her current role as Director or Rural Women’s Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Leah plans, develops, implements, and oversees programs and activities designed to identify and better serve women in rural areas and those with SUD. She also serves as a member of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Committee on the Impact of Domestic Violence and the Courts (CIDVC). Previously, she worked at the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families (now Office of Youth, Faith and Family); the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence (now Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence); the Administrative Office of the Courts; and Sojourner Center. Leah has worked in the domestic and sexual violence movement for over 25 years providing direct services, advocacy, community education, and grant administration. She received a Bachelor of Arts in social services and psychology at Bradley University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago.

Lisa Nieri
Chief Operations Officer

Lisa Nieri has been with the Alliance since 2009 when she was hired as the Regional Migrant Health Coordinator. Since then, she has spent many years in Health Center Development, working with organizations that are interested in becoming Community Health Centers (CHCs)/Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and working with existing health centers on meeting and exceeding HRSA’s expectations for Health Center Program grantees and Look-Alikes. Lisa enjoys working with and supporting the dedicated and passionate people that do the work of the Alliance and being able to work directly with our CHCs that are providing essential access to excellent care in their communities. Prior to joining the Alliance, Lisa had experience working in a variety of settings, including academic, public agencies, community-based organizations, and property management. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Science in continuing and vocational education, both from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Lisa comes from a bilingual and bicultural family with roots in Peru and counts herself lucky to have been raised both in Milwaukee, WI and Crystal City, TX. Lisa has two fabulous grown-ish sons and a patient husband that all very importantly appreciate her odd sense of humor.

Emily Oake
Senior Director of Population Health

Emily Oake joined the Alliance in June 2012. In her current role as Senior Director of Population Health, Emily oversees programs that better serve underserved populations through access and quality improvement, including migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, individuals experiencing homelessness, residents of public housing, victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and other populations significantly impacted by social determinants of health. She received a master’s degree in health sector management from Arizona State University. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking and most things outdoors.

Lorraine Ramirez
Program Manager, Rural Women’s Health & Oral Health

Lorraine Ramirez joined the Alliance in August 2016 as Coordinator for the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Network. In her current role as Program Manager of Rural Women’s Health and Oral Health, Lorraine manages various projects related to oral health and rural health, including the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Network and the Rocky Mountain Network for Oral Health Integration. She received a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Northern Arizona University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona.

Meryl Deles
Outreach & Enrollment Services Information Manager

Meryl Deles joined the Alliance in October 2013. Her work at the Alliance addresses health inequities experienced by underserved and marginalized communities by increasing healthcare coverage, access, and health education/literacy. Meryl has a bachelor’s degree in English and gender studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a master’s degree in social work with a focus on policy, administration, and community practice from Arizona State University.

Claudia Maldonado
Associate Director, Outreach & Enrollment Services

Claudia Maldonado joined the Alliance in April 2021. In her current role as Associate Director of Outreach and Enrollment Services Claudia supports outreach and enrollment departments within Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state. She has over 13 years of experience navigating families and individuals through complex healthcare systems and is committed to helping Arizonan’s access quality and affordable healthcare. Claudia received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Arizona State University in 2004 and a Certificate in Spanish Translation from Arizona State University in 2007.

Angela Bryant
CAAHEC: Pathways Program Manager

Angela Bryant joined the Alliance in 2021 as our Pathways Program Manager. In that role Angela works with high school students, staff, and parents to bring awareness, access, and exposure to careers in health and healthcare. She is a career educator and has dedicated her life to improving educational and life outcomes for high-need students. The range of her academic and professional career skills, leveraged with her lived experiences, allows her to design and execute strategies that achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion for students in need. Angela has served as an ambassador for leading organizations and has strengthened those brands in hard-to-reach communities.

Lourdes Montez
Workforce Development Manager

Lourdes Montez joined the Alliance in February 2011 as the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Student/Resident Experience and Rotations in Community Health (SEARCH) Program Coordinator. In her current role as Workforce Development Manager, Lourdes develops and facilities coalitions and networks that include academic and healthcare organizations. She also facilitates workforce trainings and identifies healthcare partnership opportunities to help recruit and retain primary care providers, healthcare professionals, and allied health staff to Community Health Centers in rural and underserved communities in Arizona. Lourdes is a Trainer for Training of Trainers (TOT) for several Community Health Curriculums and has been involved with Community Health Worker (CHW) networks, coalitions, and statewide trainings for over 25 years. Prior to working for the Alliance Lourdes worked for a CHC in Southern Arizona that provided her with an inside perspective on the important role CHCs play in rural communities. She also worked for Arizona’s Area Health Education Center Programs for over 15 years. Lourdes attended nursing school in Dodge City, KS and is now working towards a master’s degree in counseling. She is a 4th generation Arizonan and was born and raised in a rural border community in Southeastern Arizona. Lourdes is bilingual, fluent in Spanish, and enjoys traveling and learning more about the rich culture and history of our beautiful state with her husband, Gus and son, Jesse.

Mallika Peddada
CAAHEC: Outreach & Development Program Manager

Mallika Peddada joined the Alliance in June 2021. In her current role as Outreach and Development Program Manager Mallika plans, coordinates, and implements aspects of workforce development programs for our Central Arizona Area Health Education Center, including clinical rotations and community-based experience. She is very excited to be part of CAAHEC team and enjoys supporting the community through her work. Prior to joining the Alliance Mallika worked as Program Manager for the Arizona College of Nursing where she helped open the Phoenix campus in the Northwest Valley. She has over 20 years in the higher education industry, including three years as Project Manager at Walden University and 18 years at the University of Phoenix. Mallika has an undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She is also certified in human resource management and marketing. Mallika has two beautiful daughters ages 11 and 19 who keep her very busy. During her down time Mallika loves to read, shop, or do crafty projects around the house.

Ana Roscetti
Director of Workforce

Ana joined the Alliance in November 2020 as the Director of Workforce and the Central Arizona Area Health Education Centers (CAAHEC). In that role, Ana oversees and implements strategies that aim to address the State’s workforce shortages. She is a compassionate and dedicated health professional with a strong commitment to improving the health and wellness of Arizonans and believes in “growing our own” by supporting learners from pipeline to practice and preparing our next generation of health care professionals to serve in rural and underserved areas in the State. Prior to joining the Alliance Ana worked for the Arizona Department of Health Services Primary Care Office for 14 years. Her last role at ADHS was as Workforce Section Manager where she led workforce development and access to care initiatives focused on Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/P). Throughout Ana’s public health career, she has established strong partnerships with public and private nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, academic training programs, schools, and local, state, and tribal partners across Arizona and nationally. Ana earned a Bachelor of Science in medical technology overseas, a Master of Public Health - Community Medicine from the University of Washington, a Certificate in Graduate Epidemiology from Arizona State University, and a Yellow Belt in Continuous Quality Improvement. She is happily married for 17 years, is blessed with two teenage sons, Jaden (17) and Cameron (16), and enjoys nature, hiking, exercising, cooking, arts and crafts, and shopping.

Ana Roscetti
Director of Workforce

Ana joined the Alliance in November 2020 as the Director of Workforce and the Central Arizona Area Health Education Centers (CAAHEC). In that role, Ana oversees and implements strategies that aim to address the State’s workforce shortages. She is a compassionate and dedicated health professional with a strong commitment to improving the health and wellness of Arizonans and believes in “growing our own” by supporting learners from pipeline to practice and preparing our next generation of health care professionals to serve in rural and underserved areas in the State. Prior to joining the Alliance Ana worked for the Arizona Department of Health Services Primary Care Office for 14 years. Her last role at ADHS was as Workforce Section Manager where she led workforce development and access to care initiatives focused on Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) and Medically Underserved Areas and Populations (MUA/P). Throughout Ana’s public health career, she has established strong partnerships with public and private nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, academic training programs, schools, and local, state, and tribal partners across Arizona and nationally. Ana earned a Bachelor of Science in medical technology overseas, a Master of Public Health - Community Medicine from the University of Washington, a Certificate in Graduate Epidemiology from Arizona State University, and a Yellow Belt in Continuous Quality Improvement. She is happily married for 17 years, is blessed with two teenage sons, Jaden (17) and Cameron (16), and enjoys nature, hiking, exercising, cooking, arts and crafts, and shopping.

Kate Luna
Quality Improvement Manager

Kate Luna joined the Alliance in November 2020. In her role as Quality Improvement Manager, Kate works on a variety of projects, including chronic disease, cancer, and oral health, and has facilitated the collaboration of clinical peers to overcome the unique challenges of a global pandemic. She enjoys being able to work with Arizona Community Health Centers on their clinical priorities. Kate has a master’s degree in public health and a strong background in both epidemiology and cancer prevention and treatment. Outside of working hours, Kate is interested in gardening and creating a self-sustaining urban homestead with her family in Phoenix.

Michelle Horne
Chief Business Development Officer

Kai McKinstry
CAAHEC Program Coordinator

Kai joined AACHC under the Central Arizona Area Health Education Center Program in December 2021. Prior to joining the Alliance, Kai worked with ADHS as well as a no-profit agency seeking to end housing and loan discrimination where she researched discrimination and health outcomes. In her currently role, Kai coordinates and supports new and existing programs and partnerships for health workforce development across the region. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Certified Health Education Specialty from North Arizona University. Kai’s love for Community Health Centers started at Adelante Healthcare and grew into her work in the Public Health field today.

Elizabeth Hernandez
Outreach & Enrollment Services Program Manager

Elizabeth (Liz) Hernandez joined the Alliance in October 2021 as the Outreach & Enrollment Program Manager. Prior to joining the Alliance, she worked for a nonprofit as the Health and Family Services Manager for 20 years. In her previous role she managed and delivered services for children and families in the Head Start program. Her biggest accomplishments have been credentialing staff through the Family Development Credential program, which equips individuals to work with diverse families and “helps our community’s most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives” – a mission Liz truly believes in and still follows. Liz also received and implemented multiple grants in health and nutrition to support the children and families within their communities. In her current role, she provides leadership and insight for planning and developing the Alliance’s outreach and enrollment strategies and practices. She also implements and provides ongoing technical assistance and trainings to sub-recipients in reference to various outreach and enrollment grants. Liz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Education and Human Services. She also holds multiple certifications and credentials under education, health, and nutrition. Liz feels life should be a balance and is described by her peers as adventurous, joyful, and easygoing.

Ebone Johnson
Senior Director of Grants, Contracts & Compliance

Ebone Johnson joined the Alliance in March 2022. Ebone comes to the Alliance as an expert Project Manager with ten years of experience in strategic planning, operations implementation, and business strategies. She possesses keen ability in investment strategy and a well-rounded background in supporting a progressive organization in optimizing performance and growth. Prior to the Alliance, she served as a Government Grants Manager overseeing over $140,000,000 in grants and contracts for a home health non-profit agency in New York, NY. Currently within the Alliance, she is responsible for overseeing grants, contracts, and compliance elements that serve to support and grow the healthcare safety net that includes health centers, Look-alikes, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), as well as organizations interested in becoming health centers. Ebone has a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications Studies from THEE Jackson State University. She has a great passion for youth, the liberation of Black women, racial justice, HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) advocacy, educating and volunteering with teen girls of color. Ebone is a late bloomer artist that creates with acrylic on canvas and is self-taught in digital illustration.

Frank Nagy
Director of Grants & Contracts

Frank Nagy joined the Alliance in March of 2022. Frank brings over 16 years’ knowledge and experience working in nonprofits where he has managed and overseen all aspects of the grant making process. A notable highlight from his previous experience includes working for Susan G. Komen, the world’s largest breast cancer foundation, as the Mission Director of the Arizona Affiliate. In this role he conducted a statewide breast cancer needs assessment and developed a grants program to support the target areas and communities it identified. Most recently, Frank served as Chief Development Officer at Wesley Community and Health Centers where notable accomplishments include: winning a contract to become a state contractor for the Well Woman HealthCheck Program (WWHP); gaining grant funding to pay for the entire conversion of the community kitchen into a licensed commercial kitchen to provide low-income children free meals and snacks; gaining childcare licensing and contracting with DES resulting in $210,000 grant; leading Wesley though the process to gain Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSME) accreditation; and gaining a $7.5 million grant to build Wesley’s first ever purposely designed health center. Frank holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Spanish from Arizona State University.

Brenda Hanserd
Chief Financial Officer

Cecilia Nguyen
Staff Accountant

Cecilia Nguyen joined the Alliance in November 2021 as a staff accountant. Prior to that she worked in the finance department at the Matrix Medical Network for ten years and First American Title for six years. In her current role as staff accont, she is responsible for the accuracy of the general ledger and the supporting reconciliations and documentation for preparation of financial statements, grant reports, the annual audit, and ad-hoc reporting as requested by senior leadership. Cecilia has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Mayra Gomez
Program Manager, Outreach & Enrollment

Mayra Gomez joined the Alliance in September of 2019. In her current role as Outreach and Enrollment Services Program Manager, Mayra supports the department with implementing internal and external outreach and enrollment strategies to promote and advance the work of the Alliance and its stakeholders. She is responsible for overseeing methods of program trainings, presentations, engagement tools, and the implementation of grant deliverables among partners. Prior to her current role, Mayra worked at the State of Arizona in the Department of Economic Security and Department of Health Services for 18 years. During this time, she assisted in improving public services for AZ residents by building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders through program oversight, quality control, management evaluation, policy review implementation, and program eligibility. Mayra has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Social Work. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her boys that range from the ages of 20, 15 and 11 years old.

Zepporah Fuller
HCCN Project Director

Zepporah (Diné) has more than 18 years of experience working within for-profit, non-profit, private, specialty, and Indian Health Service healthcare delivery systems. In her most recent experience, she provided operational and financial oversight of pediatric, women’s health, primary care, and walk-in clinics as a practice administrator. She is an experienced Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and has held a plethora of roles within practice management, health information management, data/informatics management, billing and coding, and quality improvement and assurance. She has supported Congressional advocacy efforts for key legislation and facilitated National training and technical assistance that improve health outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native communities. As a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (CLSSGB), her projects include building effective internal quality assurance/performance improvement programs, leading data-driven initiatives that enhance patient quality, safety and care, electronic health record system implementation, developing Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) and Uniform Data System (UDS) data collection and reporting plans, and successfully achieving Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) accreditation and Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition. Zepporah received her Master of Science in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Education from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Arizona University.

Kendall Gillispie
Communication & Events Coordinator

TBD