Archives: Bios

Unity Care NW service bios.

Denise Plaisier, PA-C

My journey with Unity Care Northwest began in October 2020, and is an opportunity for which I’m grateful.  One of the many aspects I appreciate about community health such as UCNW is the diversity and inclusiveness characteristic of this setting.  It means so much to me to be able to express my skills and personality in a place where everyone is welcome and treated with respect and compassion.

Though new to UCNW, I am not new to this type of work.  My husband and I moved here from Michigan in 2003 when I began working as a primary care provider at Sea Mar Community Health Centers for 10 years and then on a nearby Indian reservation for 6 years.  Besides being a healthcare practitioner, other joys in my life include hiking, yoga, cooking, attending retreats for spiritual and personal growth with friends, doing video chats with my godson and spending meaningful time with my husband.  I enjoy an active, well-balanced life of work and play.

 

Susan Kranzpiller, MD

I joined Unity Care NW in May 2020.

I started my career as a Registered Nurse in both the USA and Germany before and while attending medical school. I received my MD degree at Ruprecht-Karls-Universitate in Heidelberg, Germany, then completed my Family Practice residency at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. Since then I’ve worked in Family Practice roles in Washington, Oregon and California. My last position was at PeaceHealth in Bellingham, at the Same Day Care Clinic and the Family Practice clinic.

I enjoy working in community health because it provides the opportunity to fulfill my commitment and passion for health care for all patients.

Adam Drews, DMD

I joined UCNW in May of 2020.

After completing my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, I received my Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Illinois. Following a cross country road trip, I completed a residency in general dentistry through NYU Langone at Healthpoint CHC. I have experience in private practice and community health environments, working with patients from various backgrounds and cultures.

What I enjoy most about community health is educating and impacting vulnerable populations in the community, and expanding access to care to everyone. In my free time I enjoy playing hockey, pursuing new hobbies, and keeping up with my beloved Detroit sports teams.

Mark Brooks, DDS

I have worked in community health dentistry for over 25 years. I enjoy providing quality dentistry to people in our community.

I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University / Medical College of Virginia. I was able to complete a general practice residency at the University of Utah. I worked for the Indian Health Service and for Sea-Mar Community Health Center.

I started working at Unity Care NW in May 2020, at the North Whatcom Health Center facility.

Lisa Nelson, PharmD, RPh

I received my Doctor of Pharmacy from Washington State University, where I also earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating, I began practicing community pharmacy before finding my calling in community health. I’m an active member of the National Association of Community Health Centers serving as co-chair of NACHC’s 340B Workgroup, a member of NACHC’s Pharmacy Policy & Operations Subcommittee, Clinical Practice, Legislative, and Health Policy Committees; a 340B Apexus Certified Expert (ACE), and serve as a member of Apexus 340B FQHC Council and peer faculty for Apexus 340B University; and president-elect of Washington State Pharmacy Association. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with family enjoying all the scenery and activity the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Jodi Joyce

Jodi Joyce joined Unity Care NW in 2020. Jodi began her career as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse and has over 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. Most of her prior roles included responsibility for Quality Improvement & Patient Safety in large healthcare systems, and many of her teams have gained national recognition for achieving and sustaining large improvements in patient health and wellness. Jodi earned a bachelor’s degree at Wheaton College (IL), her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northwestern University, and her Master’s in Business Administration at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Jodi feels incredibly honored and proud to be a part of UCNW’s efforts to increase the years of healthy life for our patients and our entire Whatcom County community.

Ashley Carter, LMHC

I find my work to be a privilege in partnering with those who seek to grow and further explore their lives.  I strive to provide a safe place for individuals to expand their health, resilience and well-being while identifying the change they desire in their lives.

I received a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Kent State University and Master’s of Counseling from Walden University.  I have 10 years of experience utilizing evidenced based practice in community behavioral health services in a variety of roles.

My favorite part about working in community health is being a part of a team that can create positive life changes that impact the greater whole.

Katie-Gray Landham, LMHC

Hailing from the great state of Tennessee (Good ‘ol Rocky Top!), I did my undergrad at Middle Tennessee State University in Liberal Studies and completed by graduate degree at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology in 2016. My clinical focus since my internship days has been combining a critical-social approach to therapy with mindfulness practice and somatic work. My favorite (FAVORITE) part about being in community health is working together with folks to make tiny changes in their day to day lives which ultimately have a big impact on an overall sense of health and well-being.

Michael-Ann Cooley, RPh

I joined Unity Care NW in June 2019.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy.  I have multiple years of experience in retail and clinical pharmacy settings, and am looking forward to advancing further into the clinical setting.   I have my Immunization Provider Certificate, and received training in emergency contraception through the Washington State Pharmacy Association.

I like to be able to offer accessible health care to all, and also enjoy working as a team to improve the health of our community.

Kathryn Brighton, RDH

I started working at Unity Care NW in June 2019 and have several years of experience in private practice.  I joined UCNW to have the opportunity to make a difference in the community.   I received my AAS in Dental Hygiene from Shoreline Community College, and my Dental Assisting Certificate from Bellingham Technical College.

I like working in community health because it involves educating and helping people.