Archives: Bios

Unity Care NW service bios.

Chika Okechukwu, ARNP, DNP

I started working at Unity Care NW in 2023.

I received my Bachelor of Nursing from Touro University in Nevada, my MA in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and my post-graduate certificate in Mental Health from the University of Texas Rio Grande.

I enjoy engaging in local activities that help people in need, such as volunteering at homeless shelters.

I am passionate about working in Community Health because our work has a maximum impact on people’s lives.

Jaspreet Khehra, ARNP

I joined Unity Care NW in 2023.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Gonzaga University. Afterward, I obtained my Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner from United States University, San Diego.

I am a member of the Mount Baker Nurse Practitioners Association, and the Washington State Nurses Association. My leisure activities include hiking, biking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my family.

One of the main reasons I like working in community health is because it allows me an opportunity to provide health equity and reduce health disparities.

Arcelie Lopes, LICSW

I joined UCNW in 2023.

I have Master of Arts in Religious Education with Emphasis in Family life, and a Master of Social Work from Andrews University in Michigan. Prior to joining Unity Care, I worked as a therapist in a non- profit community mental health center in Colorado.

I love seeing my patients experience good health and happiness. It gives me great joy and satisfaction when I see them experiencing improvements in their behavioral and overall health. I enjoy helping people and providing them with skills and resources to address their daily life struggles. I teach my patients evidenced based skills and interventions to help them change behaviors they want to improve.

I like working together with a team who also love helping people live healthy. Working in a community center like Unity Care, provides me a great team support and resources I need to provide the best care for my patients.

Sandra Pinzon, DDS

I received my DDS degree from The San Martin University Foundation in Bogota, Colombia. In 2007, I completed a one-year residency program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Community Smiles Dental Clinic in Miami, Florida. In 2008, I completed a second-year residency program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Northwest Dental residency program in Toppenish, Washington.

I am a member of the Mount Baker Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.

My interests include reading and traveling.

It is wonderful to be part of a team that is in a position to significantly transform lives of patients and communities.

Courtney Kenmir, LMHC

I have a BA in Philosophy from the University of Washington, and a M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Utah. I specialize in trauma, OCD, and anxiety – the use of exposure and response prevention therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, person-centered and strength-based, with a focus on cognitive behavioral techniques.

I enjoy being a part of helping my community through integrated care, and giving individuals the tools and resources they need to live the health they want.

My interests include playing video games, cooking and baking. I also enjoy spending time with my partner, family and cats.

Mary Burchard, LMHCA

I joined Unity Care in 2022.

I received my BA in Anthropology from Western Washington University, and my MS in Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. I am a Certified Family Therapist from The Sky Center/New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project, and a Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. I’ve also been trained as a Professional Mediator with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center.

I have an Emphasis in Somatic Therapy, and became a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Specialist through 6 years of working in Outdoor Behavioral Therapy.

I enjoy working in Community Health because it connects me to clients diverse as our community.

 

Lauren Soekirman, DMD

I started working at Unity Care in 2022.

I received my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Florida State University, and my Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. I am active with the American Dental Association, and the Washington State Dental Association.

My interests include hiking, biking, and spending time with family.

I enjoying working in community health because I’m passionate about making a difference to those in need. I like being able to help bridge the gap for people to get access to good quality care.

Alicia Portillo, PA-C

I joined Unity Care NW in 2022.

I have a BS in Biology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma WA, and a Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from Northern Arizona University at the Phoenix Biomedical Campus.

My background includes working as a US Peace Corps health volunteer in Mozambique, and partnering with the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) to enroll and improve upon HIV treatment. After PA school, I was a study clinician at the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health (CAIH) in the Southwest, working on phase 3 clinical trials in partnership with IHS, followed by working at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles.

My interests include mountaineering, backpacking, and environmentalism. Se habla español. I enjoy working in community health because it gives me the opportunity to provide accessible care and be a resource to underserved populations. It’s also rewarding to be in a position to help address barriers to healthcare that an individual may be experiencing.

 

Courtney Schick, DMD

I attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and NYU for Advanced Education in General Dentistry. I am a member of the Mount Baker Dental Society, WA State Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.

My interests include skiing, gardening, hiking, and biking.

I enjoy being part of a team providing compassionate care to all, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

 

 

Dr. John Coffey

John has a background in healthcare and education; he recently retired from teaching Dental Hygiene for 30 years at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California.  During that time he was a dentist in private practice, and previously served in the Indian Health Service and two tribal programs.  As an advocate for preventive and science-based medicine, he supports parity of behavioral health and dental services as an important part of “health care for all.”  A third generation Washingtonian, John welcomes the opportunity to serve the Whatcom County community.