Archives: Bios

Unity Care NW service bios.

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, 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.

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.

Frances Jablonski, MD

I joined Unity Care NW in September 2021.

I earned my medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, and completed my Family Medicine residency at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, CA.  While in residency, I helped expand care to include management of PrEP and hormone therapy. Upon completion of my residency, I worked as a Physician for Vista Community Clinic,​ a community health center in Vista, CA.  There I managed a large volume of culturally diverse, medically complex patients and worked in their Women’s Center. ​​

I love helping patients take ownership of their health through education, and take my role as an advocate for my patients as my guiding philosophy in medicine!

Susan Kranzpiller, MD

Dr. Kranzpiller joined Unity Care NW in May 2020.

She started her career as a Registered Nurse in both the USA and Germany before and while attending medical school. She received her MD degree at Ruprecht-Karls-Universitate in Heidelberg, Germany, then completed her Family Practice residency at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. Since then she has worked in Family Practice roles in Washington, Oregon and California.

She enjoys working in community health because it provides the opportunity to fulfill her commitment and passion for health care for all patients.

Jeremy Rutherford, PhD

I am a licensed psychologist and received my PhD in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University. I received my Master of Science degree in Psychology-Clinical Emphasis from Eastern Washington University, and my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Gonzaga University.  Prior to starting at UCNW, I was the Coordinator of Behavioral Health Services at Cougar Health Services at WSU.

I like to work from a solution-focused, behavioral, and compassion-focused framework. I believe in the value of holistic treatment and value multiculturalism and diversity. I’m passionate about equitable mental and physical healthcare and believe healthcare is a right. ​

I love working together with my fellow community members, to improve their health and mental health.

Amanda Weis, LICSW

I started working at UCNW in June 2021.

I have an MA in Social Work from Eastern Washington University in Cheney.  I have several years’ experience as a therapist working with children and families, including roles at Lutheran Community Services in Spokane and at ​Lower Columbia Mental Health & ​Children’s Center ​in Vancouver, WA​.  I also worked at ​Strengthening Foundations Counseling Services in Vancouver, providing community and home-based therapeutic services for families referred from Children’s Administration and Juvenile Courts.

Working in Community Mental Health has been an opportunity to witness resiliency in action, and be a part of building hope in partnership with children and families.

Katherine Mayer, MD

I started working at Unity Care in 2021.

I received my BA from Western Washington University, and my doctorate in medicine from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. I completed my residency at Swedish Family Medicine First Hill in Seattle.  I worked at Country Doctor in Seattle for eight years as a Family Medicine Physician, performing obstetrics, and providing HIV care, and addiction recovery care.

I feel my role as a family physician is to work with my patients on becoming healthy and whole so that they can in turn focus on caring for their families and friends, helping them to be healthy and whole as well. I enjoy caring for whole families with primary interest in pediatrics, refugee care and addiction recovery. Se habla español.

Bonnie Ross

Bonnie joined Unity Care NW in February 2021. She has 18 years’ experience in the field of finance including roles as auditor, finance manager, finance director, CFO and CEO.  Before joining UCNW, she worked at Federally Qualified Health Centers in California and Oregon. She has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BS in Behavioral Science and Health from the University of Utah.  She is also a Certified Internal Auditor.