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.
Archives: Bios
Unity Care NW service bios.
Mallory Hamilton, LMHC
I received my MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Washington University.
I work with children, adolescents, couples, and adults – specializing in work with individuals who have a history of trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
My professional activities include volunteering with non-profits that support sheltered and unsheltered community members within Whatcom County. I also created a trauma-informed training for volunteers working with unsheltered individuals.
My interests include walking, cold water swimming, yoga, and dancing. I love working in community health because it integrates medical, behavioral, dental, case management, health goals and pharmaceutical needs under one roof. Supporting a human in autonomy and building trust in their support network creates long lasting effects. The hope is that the struggle decreases and the relief increases.
Chalice Bailey, LMFT
I started working at Unity Care in 2022. I have a BA in Psychology from Seattle University, and an MA in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University.
My approach is to bring forward the strengths of lived-experience, as we move through life’s challenges together. I draw on compassionate inquiry to uncover trauma and beliefs that undermine our best efforts in life.
I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, as well as the Washington Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
I appreciate Unity Care NW and their values, which are consistent with my own, in that we are here for and with each other – we are all family.
Pam Jacobs, PhD
I was the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the NW (NARA) where I also served as the Adult Mental Health Director and as a clinical manager. I spent 15 years in private practice in Hillsboro, Oregon and had an adjunct faculty appointment at Pacific University’s Graduate School of Psychology, where I taught courses in basic clinical skills, advanced clinical skills, and the business of psychology. I received my bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, and my master’s and doctorate from The Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University) in Palo Alto, California. My interests include hiking and birdwatching, travel, and horseback riding.
Pam Jacobs, PhD
Pam’s previous position was the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the NW (NARA) where she also had served as the Adult Mental Health Director and as a clinical manager. Pam spent 15 years in private practice in Hillsboro, Oregon and had an adjunct faculty appointment at Pacific University’s Graduate School of Psychology, where she taught courses in basic clinical skills, advanced clinical skills, and the business of psychology. She received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, and her master’s and doctorate from The Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University) in Palo Alto, California. Pam’s family includes two grown daughters, Zoe and Audrey, and her partner, Bob. Her abundance of interests include hiking and birdwatching, travel, and horseback riding.
Lareina Albertson, ARNP
I received my Bachelors degree in Nursing from Oregon Health Sciences University, and my Masters degree in Nursing from the University of New Mexico.
I specialize in family medicine, with interests in women’s health, gender affirming care (including hormone replacement therapy), and STI testing and prevention (including PrEP).
I enjoy spending time with family and our dog, camping, hiking, and exploring.
Community health care has always been an interest of mine. I grew up in a rural community, and understand the barriers underserved communities face in accessing quality healthcare. Through my work at Unity Care NW, I strive to provide high-quality, easily accessible, and culturally competent care to all individuals with medical needs.
Liane Koester
Liane has a background in education. She has had the opportunity to work with children and their families from diverse communities in Washington State, and international communities in Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. As an educator with 32 years of experience, she has worked in public, private, and corporate education. She comes with a unique perspective about the impact that physical and emotional health have on a student’s learning and development. Though a world traveler, she considers Bellingham her home. She is looking forward to giving back to her community as a board member of UCNW. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education, an MEd as a Reading Specialist, and an Endorsement in TESOL.
Mason Cooper, DMD
I joined Unity Care NW in November 2021.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition from Arizona State University in 2005, and my DMD from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in 2010. I earned a Certificate in Public Health Concepts from A.T. Still University, a university that focuses solely on community health and clinical dentistry. I had my own practice in Blaine for 10 years but left it to pursue a career serving those in greater need of oral health care services.
I enjoy using my skills to help members of our community who wouldn’t otherwise have access to dental care.
My hobbies include snowboarding, playing drums, cooking, gardening, and backpacking.
Anne Slater, ARNP
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelors degree in Nursing in 1985, and an MS in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner in 1996.
I enjoy putting my varied experience into practice at Unity Care NW. I worked here permanently and then as a fill-in clinician since 1999.
Community health feels like home and especially so here where I have the good fortune to have met so many patients and colleagues. I like working in this setting built on team spirit and the shared goals of providing integrated and accessible medical, dental and behavioral health care to all in our community.
During my time off I enjoy fresh air, music and the company of friends and family.
Tam Tran, PharmD
I started working at UCNW in 2021.
I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University in 2013. I have 10 years of experience in retail pharmacy. I am familiar with home health infusion and anticoagulant pharmacy services. I enjoy helping people with their questions about over the counter products and prescription medications.
I am fluent in Vietnamese.
I am honored to be able to join Unity Care to continue to provide the services that our Whatcom County communities deserve.