Rachael was born and raised in Whatcom County and is currently a Custer resident. She graduated from Whatcom Community College at the top of her class with an Associate in Arts & Sciences degree in Criminal Justice, and is part of Phi Theta Cappa honors society. She joined the Unity Care Board in February of 2024 in order to serve the community and to give the Board a different perspective as a member of the younger generation of people of Whatcom County.
Archives: Bios
Unity Care NW service bios.
Ceci Vazquez, RDH
I started at Unity Care NW as a Dental Assistant in 2015, and returned to school in 2021 to pursue my Associate of Dental Hygiene from Pima Medical Institute. I rejoined Unity Care NW in 2024 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. I have over 15 years of experience working at a Community Health Center, and feel confident in providing high-quality and comprehensive dental services to patients of all ages in both English and Spanish. In my free time, I love to travel and spend quality time with my family.
Chandler Hodge, DDS
Born and raised in Bellingham, Washington, I traveled across the mountains to receive a BS Degree in Biology/Biochemistry from Eastern Washington University. I then moved to the Midwest and completed my DDS degree at Creighton University School of Dentistry. During my time at Creighton, I was able to explore my passion for public health and community service, traveling to different locations throughout the state of Nebraska and providing dental care to underserved communities that have limited access to primary care services.
Working at Unity Care NW gives me the opportunity to work with a like-minded team, providing quality care to those I need. In my free time I enjoy snowboarding, biking, and spending time with family and friends.
Laurel Berard, RDH
I joined Unity Care in 2024.
Since earning my Associates Degree in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene from Lake Washington Technical College in 2010, I have been dedicated to promoting oral health and wellness throughout Whatcom and King County. I am passionate about my job and find fulfillment in fostering relationships to empower others to lead healthier lives through oral health education.
When out of office, I love to explore the outdoors and enjoy quality time at home with my husband, kids, and lively English Springer Spaniel.
Mireya Hernandez, RDH
I joined Unity Care NW in 2024. I received my Associate of Dental Hygiene from Bellingham Technical College, and have been providing dental care to patients of all ages since 2006. My goal is to ensure every patient feels comfortable during their dental procedures.
I am bilingual (English/Spanish) and cherish the opportunity to connect with my non-English speaking patients, making their visit more comfortable.
When I’m not at the clinic, you’ll find me enjoying quality time with my kids or indulging my passion for baking.
Kelsey Scoggins, MA, SUDP
I joined Unity Care NW in January 2024. I received my Master’s in Advanced Addiction Therapies in 2022. I work with adult populations and specialize in the treatment of substance use disorders. I am certified as a Substance Use Disorder Professional by the Washington Department of Health.
Nathan Anderson, ARNP
I joined Unity Care NW in 2023.
I have a BA in Linguistics/European Studies from Seattle Pacific University, my BSN from Regis University, and my MSN – PMHNP from the University of South Alabama.
Danielle Crim
Danielle joined Unity Care NW in November of 2017. She has 8 years’ experience in the field of Human Resources and is dedicated to developing and implementing HR strategies that align with UCNW’s mission and values. Originally from Whatcom County, Danielle loves the PNW and all it has to offer. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Business Management.
Lara Togoan, PA-C
I joined Unity Care NW in 2023.
I received a Bachelor of Science in Health Ecology from the University of Nevada, Reno. I received a Master of Public Health and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University in Vallejo, California.
I have worked in family medicine since graduating from PA school. I love family medicine because it enables me to be a part of a patient’s health journey at so many stages of life. I provide general family practice but do have a passion for child and adolescent health, and chronic disease management, especially diabetes and hypertension.
It is my passionate belief that my role as a healthcare provider is to help patients achieve improved health as well as improved wellbeing. I am grateful to be a part of a community health center because I truly believe it is one of the best ways to support both individual patients and the community at large in achieving these goals.
Outside of work, I spend as much time as possible in nature and with my family. I love mountain biking, skiing, hiking, paddle boarding and kayaking.
Samantha Poss, ARNP
I joined Unity Care in 2023, and have over ten years’ experience in the mental health and counseling field.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Clemson University in South Carolina, and a Master’s of Mental Health Counseling from Boston College in Massachusetts. I received my Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing from Seattle University in Washington.
My most recent work experience was providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and treatment planning for adult clients for a private practice in Seattle.