Archives: Bios

Unity Care NW service bios.

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.

Elisabeth Gehringer, DO

I started working at Unity Care NW in August of 2019.

I received my BS in biology at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA.  I received my DO degree from the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my residency at the University of Wyoming Family Medicine program in Cheyenne.  I moved back to the Bellingham area to be near Skagit County, where I grew up.

I am board certified in Family Medicine and have special interests in osteopathic manipulation and women’s health.

I like working in community health because I enjoy working as a team to provide comprehensive, high-level care to families.

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.

Jack Tai, RPh

I received my pharmacy degree from the University of British Columbia.  I have 17 years of experience as a pharmacist in ambulatory care and community pharmacy.  Previously, I worked at Walgreens, Haggens, & PeaceHealth as a pharmacist.

I am excited to be a part of an organization that has a mission to provide quality health care for everyone!

Jonathan Henry, DMD

I joined Unity Care NW in April 2019.

I graduated from the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsbugh in 2011 with my DMD. I received my bachelor’s degree in cell biology from Western Washington University, where I also played on the football team.

Since I earned my degree, I have worked as a general dentist in Bellingham, both in private practice and community health.  I am passionate about using my talents and skills to help serve the people in Whatcom County and achieve optimal oral health, especially for low-income families.   I enjoy helping patients become comfortable with going to the dentist!

Dr. Vince Foster

Dr. Vince Foster is grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Unity Care NW Board of Directors, having previously served as an Employee Assistance Program provider to UCNW employees.  He and his wife have lived in Bellingham for over 25 years.

He is a semi-retired psychologist with a Masters in Addiction Counseling. His professional background includes over 40 years in health care as a mental health services provider along with 22 years as a clinical supervisor and mental health program manager.

He is particularly interested in assisting UCNW to advance their population health perspective because he believes that evidence supports that it is the most cost-effective way to reduce human suffering and to build strong, vibrant and successful communities.