Faculty

Where are you originally from?

Reno, Nevada

Undergraduate College:

University of Pittsburgh

Where did you attend Medical School?

University of Pittsburgh

Where did you go to Residency?

Seattle Indian Health Board Family Medicine Residency in Seattle, WA

Why did you choose PTHA?

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get to know folks in native communities in the Seattle area while doing my residency with the Seattle Indian Health Board. I really loved my time at SIHB, and was looking to do something similar after graduation. I also wanted to continue to practice full spectrum family medicine, including inpatient and OB care. PTHA checked all those boxes. I also really enjoy teaching, and getting to work with residents has been a really rewarding part of my job.

What are your interests?

In medicine, I enjoy a little bit of everything. I am especially interested in obstetrics, mental health, and addiction recovery. I love that my job gives me the opportunity to work with people in all stages of life, and I enjoy finding ways to help folks identify and meet their health goals. Outside of work, I love hiking, biking, rock climbing and generally being outside. I am very interested in sustainable foraging, and am always adding to my list of edible native plants and mushrooms. At home, I enjoy spending time with my little flock of backyard chickens (that’s Dwayne “The Bawk” Johnson in my picture). I also find a lot of joy making things and spend a lot of time knitting, spinning, weaving and sewing. Music is another big part of my life. My husband and I met singing in a cappella groups in college, and now we sing together in the Tacoma symphonic choir.

What are some fun facts about you?

I have been to almost all 50 states. I am only missing Oklahoma and North Dakota. I also love puzzles. I once got to be on a team for the Microsoft Puzzle hunt with Ken Jennings, of Jeopardy fame. My husband and I also host a local monthly puzzle meet up here in Tacoma.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Southwest Washington near Portland, Oregon. The town is called Hockinson.

Undergraduate College:

Western Washington University, located in Bellingham, WA, a must visit little town up north. My Major was in Biochemistry; I started a benchtop researcher and thankfully was able to find clinical medicine as my calling.

Where did you attend Medical School?

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM Go Lobos

Where did you go to Residency?

Seattle Indian Health Board with Swedish Cherry Hill

Why did you choose PTHA?

I am a member of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, with ancestry in Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) as well Couer D'Alene My plan is to continue providing care to native and indigenous peoples, Puyallup was such a welcoming environment it was an easy decision! PTHA offered the ability to continue to learn from Native people through my medical journey while working in an urban reservation as well as ability to work with residents.

What are your interests?

- Indigenous health including learning various traditional medicine and plant medicines - Woman's health - Addiction Medicine As seen in the picture I love hiking, camping, and most of all bird watching and foraging for plant medicines and berries during these activities

What are some fun facts about you?

- I enjoy a good board game and working on puzzles (my record is finishing a 3000 piece puzzle after I finished Step 1) I played the French Horn for 8 years and was part of my high school marching band, we went everywhere in the PNW competing as well as Hawaii. My hope to pick back up playing French Horn. - I have two pets a cat and dog who are my furry companions along with my partner William - Finally I have played soccer most my life, my MLS team is Portland Timbers, and I have always been a fan of USA Women's team

Where are you originally from?

San Francisco Bay Area

Undergraduate College:

University of California, Santa Cruz…Banana Slugs!

Where did you attend Medical School?

Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Where did you go to Residency?

Puyallup Tribal Health Authority

Why did you choose PTHA?

I chose PTHA twice! As a medical student I was drawn to the program for the Native Health Curriculum, the sense of family, the osteopathic education and the Ocean (had been in the desert for way too long). After graduating from the program I became a hospitalist at a community hospital but always stayed connected to PTHA one way or another. When the opportunity arose to come back as faculty I was excited to continue inpatient medicine, work in a teaching environment and serve the special patient population of PTHA.

What are your interests?

Medicine interest include inpatient medicine, size inclusive care, pediatrics, women’s health and food as medicine. My interests outside of medicine include baseball on the radio, gardening (much better at buying plants than keeping them alive), trying to find outings that you can take two wild dogs and one wild child on at the same time.

What are some fun facts about you?

I lived on the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park for a year with a Navajo family working at a clinic as front office staff. This is where I heard about osteopathic medicine and was inspired to work with the Native American community. I tried to train one of my dogs as a service dog so I could have her see patients in the hospital, but she just ended up barking at them and waking them up.

Where are you originally from?

Seattle, WA

Undergraduate College:

Seattle University

Where did you attend Medical School?

University of Washington School of Medicine

Where did you go to Residency?

Kaiser Permanente of Washington Family Medicine Residency

Why did you choose PTHA?

I chose to pursue family medicine because I wanted to be participate in healing and wellness for the whole person and communities. For me, this looks like caring for community members at all stages of their healthcare (in the clinic, in the hospital and delivering babies) and being able to incorporate my own practice of acupuncture. I was drawn to PTHA because I felt I could do exactly that, and have loved getting to know our community members better. It is an honor to be a small part of people's journey in wellness and healing.

What are your interests?

Medical: Women's health, pediatrics and adolescents, geriatric care, Hep C and HIV, procedures, acupuncture

What are some fun facts about you?

My husband and I enjoy planning and hosting talent shows to showcase the diverse and many talents of the youth in our community. In Covid we have been surprised at how fun these can be virtually!

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Southern California, attended most of elementary and middle school in Idaho, and completed high school and my undergraduate degree in Washington State.

Undergraduate College:

Western Washington University

Where did you attend Medical School?

Midwestern University's Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona

Where did you go to Residency?

St. Barnabas Health, Bronx, NY

Why did you choose PTHA?

My family and I were looking to move back to the west coast from central Virginia but we were having trouble deciding where. I was guided to PTHA through a series of meaningful events that kept reminding me of a good friend of mine from medical school. I made a mental note to reach out to her at some point. One day, while driving down the road, the license plate on the car in front of me had her first initial and last name on it, bringing me the sense of urgency I needed to finally call her. In doing so, I learned that PTHA was looking for someone to provide osteopathic treatment for its patients and to teach osteopathic medicine to its residents. The strong culture of community, respect for tradition and commitment to well-rounded, holistic care provided me with an exciting opportunity to share my practice of medicine in an environment where I could also continue learning.

What are your interests?

I enjoy traveling to new places, spending time with my family, resting and recharging in nature, exploring the mind, body, spirit connection in health and healing, and studying birth psychology- understanding how pregnancy, birth and attachment shape our lives.

What are some fun facts about you?

I recently moved back to the PNW after 18 years living elsewhere. I am the first person in my family to complete my college degree. I decided to go to medical school to become an osteopathic physician after receiving my first osteopathic treatment. I love hosting and gathering people together.

Where are you originally from?

Charlton Heights, WV

Undergraduate College:

West Virginia Institute of Technology

Where did you attend Medical School?

West Virginia Institute of Technology

Where did you go to Residency?

West Virginia University School of Medicine

Why did you choose PTHA?

I was lucky to practice 19 years in the underserved southern WV coalfields, my hometown - as the only pediatrician in 3 counties. In the final 8 years there I also served in the American Academy of Pediatrics leadership and decided to embark on a cross country adventure with my family once my tenure as state President had ended. I had no previous experience or personal connection with IHS, however, I frequently attended IHS informational seminars at our yearly national AAP meetings knowing I was interested in serving the Native American community. I have now been at PTHA for happy 3 years.

What are your interests?

Hiking, biking, yoga, tennis, travel, pickleball, and spending time with my husband and 3 sons…all while exploring my new PNW home. My professional interests are Developmental Pediatrics.

Where are you originally from?

Dillingham, Alaska

Undergraduate College:

Walla Walla University

Where did you attend Medical School?

Loma Linda University

Where did you go to Residency?

Alaska Family Medicine Residency, Anchorage AK

Why did you choose PTHA?

It has always been my goal to serve the Native American, Alaska Native Community even before I started medical school. I did a month long rotation during residency as an “interview” and loved it so much that I came here right after graduating from residency in Alaska. I loved the ‘feel” of the clinic, the genuine nature of the patients and how quickly I felt like part of the family, even during my short time here. I enjoy teaching and a big draw was to be part of the PTHA faculty from day one and I was full time faculty for 3 years and now have been the program director for almost 3 years.

What are your interests?

I love to fish, both for sport and I grew up commercial fishing for salmon in Bristol Bay.

What are some fun facts about you?

I am Yupik from Southwest Alaska and grew up “on the water” fishing in the lakes, rivers and bays of Bristol Bay. So, naturally I love the water and love the Puget Sound, so you will most likely find me on the water somewhere in the Puget Sound, on our boat with my partner and our two fur babies!

Where are you originally from?

Belcourt, ND (Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation)

Undergraduate College:

University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND

Where did you attend Medical School?

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Grand Forks, ND

Where did you go to Residency?

Siouxland Medical Education Foundation in Sioux City, IA

Why did you choose PTHA?

I am an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and my lifetime goal is to provide care to native communities. I initially interviewed at PTHA because it provides full spectrum Family Medicine (inpatient, outpatient, OB) for Natives. I chose PTHA because the atmosphere is so welcoming and supportive. I feel right at home.

What are your interests?

I like everything!! Inpatient medicine, obstetrics, weight management, and procedures are at the top of the list. Since starting at PTHA (first job after residency) I have developed an interest in Addiction Medicine and Gender Affirming Care. My residency did not provide a lot of training in these areas but other providers in the clinic have been great resources. Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my children (Adriana-15 & Laiden-14), traveling, cooking, facetiming my nieces daily, and staying active.

What are some fun facts about you?

I enjoy staying physically active. I was a wrestler for ten years, in undergraduate I did triathlons for two years, and started crossfit in medical school. I am scared of squirrels! I knew I wanted to become a physician since I was in sixth grade.

Where are you originally from?

My tribal lands are just across the border S of Montreal on the Kanawake Mohawk reserve

Undergraduate College:

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Where did you attend Medical School?

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY

Why did you choose PTHA?

Actually, it chose me 🙂 I believe in tribal sovereignty and strongly support PTHA's mission to train physicians to serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities. I have met culture bearers and elders from your community and respect them.

What are your interests?

Herbal medicine, seed saving, growing Indigenous heirloom crops, travel, experiencing the natural world through kayaking, rafting, camping, and keeping my own culture alive.

What are some fun facts about you?

We have had peacocks as pets on our property for nearly 20 years. I have been in every US state. I've officiated at 2 weddings. I am one of 8 children.

Where are you originally from?

Hometown: Woodburn, OR. Spent Summers on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)

Undergraduate College:

Eastern Oregon University

Where did you attend Medical School?

Andrew Taylor Still University- School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center- Community Health Center (WCCHC-CHC)

Where did you go to Residency?

Seattle Indian Health Board

Why did you choose PTHA?

I want to continue to serve Indigenous people. I identify as an Urban Native and BIPOC individual like the majority of the community we serve. PTHA is rooted with Osteopathic medicine, which allows me to continue to utilize and enhance my Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine skills.

What are your interests?

Serving the community- continuing to be visible as a mentor to our Indigenous and BIPOC community. Music- island reggae primarily. Traveling and learning about other cultures. Sports- Mostly NFL/NBA and getting involved w/community events/teams.

What are some fun facts about you?

I identify as Pacific Islander and Native American- I want to continue to increase awareness and a sense of community within our populations. I feel the story and history of Kalama, WA represents my own story well. I was in a reggae cover band in college.

Where are you originally from?

Tacoma, Washington

Undergraduate College:

Washington State University

Where did you attend Medical School?

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

Where did you go to Residency?

Puyallup Tribal Health Authority Family Medicine Residency in Tacoma, WA

Why did you choose PTHA?

It feels like family, I want to continue serving the underserved in the community I grew up in, and I love how Osteopathic medicine has been accepted into the Native community.

What are your interests?

OB, OMT, Procedures

What are some fun facts about you?

I am always looking to do running races (once got 1st place in an Oktoberfest Beer Run), and play basketball (play in Hoopfest every year). I also play the piano and saxophone.