Jackie Font-Guzman, J.D., Ph.D. (ABD)

Dr. Font-Guzman is currently associate director and assistant professor at the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution at Creighton University Law School. She has a B.A. from Coe College, a Masters in Health Care Administration from Saint Louis University, and her law degree summa cum laude from the Interamericana University of Puerto Rico. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University and has had ABD status since July 2008. Font-Guzman is an experienced mediator, attorney, and healthcare administrator who has done substantial work in the

CENTER FOR PROMOTING HEALTH AND HEALTH EQUALITY

WELCOMES CREIGHTON and COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO THE BOARD

field of conflict analysis and resolution and work in the healthcare field. One of her areas of interest is addressing issues of health disparities and access to healthcare. She has provided legal services of a non-criminal nature to individuals who were involuntarily or voluntarily confined in custodial correctional or penal institutions and institutions for the mentally ill or mentally disabled. Most of the work entailed advocating that marginalized populations had access to health care and received equal treatment. She has also done studies on how to use alternative dispute resolution processes, such as mediation and dialogue, to empower patients who have been traditionally marginalized (such as the mentally ill) and their families to negotiate access to health care with healthcare providers.

Jeffrey Smith, Ph.D., N.C.C.

Dr. Smith is currently an associate professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Education in the Creighton University College of Arts and Sciences. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies, a Master’s degree in Health and Safety Education, and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Human Development Services, all from Kent State University in Ohio. Since his arrival at Creighton, he has taught courses such as Research Methods, Appraisal in Counseling and Diagnosis in Counseling. One of his areas of interest focuses on men’s usage and avoidance of mental health counseling. He has consulted in areas such as workplace conflict resolution, community research development, and family counseling.

Marlene (Marty) Wilken, R.N., Ph.D.

Dr. Wilken is an associate professor in the Creighton University School of Nursing. She teaches undergraduate courses in both the School of Nursing and in the interdisciplinary Health Administration and Policy undergraduate degree program at Creighton. She has worked with low-income, at-risk populations in Nebraska and South Dakota. Her main interest is social justice in the environmental factors that impact the health of individuals. Her current research involves working with Native Americans in self-management of diabetes for positive health outcomes and doing what she can to ensure narrowing the gap in disparities facing vulnerable populations.

Rebecca Valdez, Executive Director, Latino Center of the Midlands

Ms. Rebecca Valdez is the Executive Director of the Latino Center of the Midlands, Omaha’s oldest and largest organization that is committed to improving the health and well-being of the region’s Latino community. In partnership with Creighton University, she aspires to promote culturally competent messages on important health issues in order to ameliorate health disparities. She has a degree in Education from Texas State University and also serves as Board Vice President for both Clarkson College and for Omaha Public Schools Foundation. In the November 2008 general election, she successfully won her bid to serve on the Nebraska State Board of Education, representing Omaha’s District 4, which encompasses both South Omaha and North Omaha in Douglas County and a portion of Bellevue in Sarpy County. She is a breast cancer survivor of 2 years.

Donna Polk-Primm, Ph.D., LMHP, Chief Executive Officer, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition

Dr. Polk-Primm is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition (NUIHC), with locations in Omaha and Lincoln. During her tenure, the NUIHC Special Diabetes Program for Indians has been recognized by the Indian Health Service as one of the best in the United States. She has a BA in University Studies, an MA in Counseling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, all from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She has worked in the health and human services field for more than 30 years, beginning as a union organizer with the International Brotherhood of Electrical and Communication Workers of America. She currently serves in the following capacities: Board member on the National Council of Urban Indian Health, representing North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska; Treasurer of the Aberdeen Area Alcohol Program Directors

Association; Chair, Congressional District Two Office of the Health Disparities Advisory Group; Chair, UNMC Center for Reducing Health Disparities Community Advisory Group; and Nebraska State Co-Occurring Task Force.

UPCOMING CPHHE JOINT BOARD MEETINGS—ALL MEMBERS

VPHS Room 128, Criss III

Thursday, August 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 2, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 23, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 9, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.