Navigator Program Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Nominees and Bios

Sofia Aragon- Washington State Nurses Association

Mauricio Ayon- Washington CAN

Emily Brice- NW Health Law Advocates

Ron Bruchet- GHB Insurance

Kathy Burgoyne – Comprehensive Health Education Foundation (C.H.E.F)

Ariana Cantu – YWCA King-Snohomish County

Pam Cowley- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department

Jon Gould – Children’s Alliance

Michael Greve, FLMI, CEBS- Michael Greve & Associates

John Hamje- Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Robert Harris- Cambia Health

Rhonda Hauff- Yakima Neighborhood Health Services

Kay Knox – WithinReach

Devon Love- Equal Start Community Coalition for Multicultural Health

Vicki Lowe – Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Nita Lynn- First Steps Port Angeles

Bethany Phenix – Community Minded Enterprises

Michelle Sarju- Open Arms Perinatal Services

Harald Schot- LifePlan Financial Inc.

Greg Smith- Molina Healthcare of Washington

Laura Smith- Washington Delta Dental Service Foundation

Lara Welker- Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Provider Sofia Aragon, JD, RN- Washington State Nurses Association- Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor Sofia Aragon is the Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor for the Washington State Nurses Association. Her accomplishments include advocating for new ways to fund critical health services, health reform and strengthening the health care work force. Sofia has dedicated her career to helping others. She brings with her real life experience caring for patients along with expert knowledge in health policy and strong record of advocacy for the citizens of Washington State. She earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Seattle University. Having worked as a nurse in hospitals and a community health clinic, she experienced firsthand how state level policy affected her patients and their access to care. This experience led her to pursue a law degree to develop the skills to affect health policy. She graduated from the Loyola University-Chicago School of Law. In addition to her work with the legislature, she was appointed by Governor Gregoire to the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. She served on the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities and was appointed to the Washington State Caring for Individuals with Autism Task Force. Her depth and breadth of knowledge of health care and public policy and her experience as a nurse, advocate and governmental affairs advisor will be valuable to the Exchange Board Advisory committees and sub committees.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Mauricio Ayon- Washington CAN! Legislative Director of Washington CAN! has 15 years’ experience as organizer and manager of several community based organizations. Currently serves on the board of directors of several non-profits and educational institutions in South King County. Mauricio is a member of the Washington Hispanic Media Association and is the former director of the Spanish Language newspaper "Sea Latino" Mauricio is also a member of the South King Council of Human Services Organizations, a coalition of over 50 service providers, community based organizations serving the immigrant and refugee communities in South King County. He is bilingual in English Spanish

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Emily Brice- NW Health Law Advocates- Staff Attorney Emily Brice is a staff attorney at Northwest Health Law Advocates, a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that works to protect and expand access to quality health care for low-income individuals. NoHLA engages in a wide range of activities, including legislative and administrative analysis and advocacy; training community advocates and providers on health law issues; publishing consumer-oriented materials about health coverage and rights; and legal consultation and representation of low-income individuals. Because of this work, NoHLA is uniquely positioned to understand the legal and policy barriers that can keep low-income individuals from enrolling in health coverage. Emily has substantial experience with health & human services organizations serving low-income or at-risk populations. Before earning a law degree at the University of Washington, Emily worked with immigrants and refugees in Chicago and South Africa, organized grassroots health campaigns, and served as the regional director for a national nonprofit that provides social service resources and health interventions for low-income families at community health centers. At NoHLA, Emily provides technical assistance to community providers navigating the health system, and has engaged in extensive analysis of the federal and state framework governing the Navigator Program and other health reform provisions related to consumer assistance. Emily would bring this diverse knowledge of community initiatives and insight into Navigator Program requirements and standards to her work with the Navigator Technical Advisory Committee.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Insurance Broker Ron Bruchet- GHB Insurance- President and Owner Ron Bruchet is the owner and President of GHB Insurance in Olympia Washington. GHB was founded in 1927, has 17 employees and is the oldest independent insurance agency in Thurston County. The company also has Agents in King, Snohomish, and Grays Harbor counties. GHB provides products and services related to all lines of insurance including commercial, home, auto, life, individual medical, Long Term Care, and employee benefits. The agency provides group coverage for more than 700 employers throughout Western Washington and covers over 8,000 lives. Ron received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, at Los Angeles, in 1992. He now resides in Olympia, Washington, with his wife and two children. Ron holds a Washington State Agent’s License for Life, Disability, Property and Casualty. He also has his Series 7 and Series 66 Securities Licenses.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Dr. Kathy Burgoyne- Comprehensive Health Education Foundation (C.H.E.F)- Vice President Dr. Kathy Burgoyne is Vice President of the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation (C.H.E.F.). Dr. Burgoyne leads C.H.E.F.’s efforts to create equal opportunity for health by supporting key organizations to advocate for and provide innovative and effective health education and prevention programs for people who are most affected by health inequities. In addition, she is responsible for ensuring that the most current research guides products, programs, and services developed by C.H.E.F. and oversees the outcome evaluation of C.H.E.F.’s work. She has worked for over 30 years in multiple systems to promote the health and well-being of vulnerable children, youth, and their families. Dr. Burgoyne worked with the Washington State Department of Health to pilot a Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator training system that combines in person and on-line instruction. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Central Massachusetts Area Education Center developed the training in preparation for their state’s health reform. Dr. Burgoyne gained valuable information and knowledge from the Massachusetts staff including the challenges of enrolling low-income people on insurance and the assistance they need to utilize their insurance effectively. She used this information to help inform her design of the Community Health Worker programs in public housing. Dr. Burgoyne designed and oversaw the development and implementation of a Community Health Worker Program at new Salishan, Tacoma Housing Authority’s largest community and the most racially diverse public housing community in Washington State. The Community Health Worker Program is an innovative, grassroots approach to address the health problems found in public housing and with low-income and very low-income individuals. Community health workers are natural leaders who provide essentially a 360º cultural translation by helping their neighbors gain a better understanding of health related issues and how to use the services available to them, while providing culturally relevant feedback to the Housing Authority and other service providers. Vancouver and Spokane Housing Authorities are currently working with Dr. Burgoyne to pilot related.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Ariana Cantu, MSW- YWCA King-Snohomish County- Associate Director of Health Access Ariana earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 2007, and has worked for the last five years at Solid Ground, where she directed the Community Voicemail program, managed the administrative budget and has taken a lead role in the development of the organization’s strategic plan and major policies and procedures. She was an integral leader in the implementation of Solid Ground’s anti-racism initiative and coordinated the activities of their Consumer Advisory Council. Beforehand, Ariana has been serving the homeless and low-income community through social service work for the past decade and has been an active member of the Statewide Poverty Action Network, working on legislative issues that affect low-income communities. Ariana joined the YWCA as Associate Director of the Health Access program for Seattle-King-Snohomish Counties in March 2012. She oversees the five health care programs at the YWCA, focusing on providing needed education, information, outreach, prevention and direct service to meet the health needs of low-income and homeless women and families. YWCA Health Access programs have a particular focus on decreasing racial health disparities in our community.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Pam Cowley- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department- Community Organizational Specialist Pam was born and raised in Memphis and came to Washington State in 2005 with her two teenage children. In Memphis she worked in marketing in private business; her last job being the Art Director at AutoZone, Inc. She also served as Chair of the Memphis Public Library Community Campaign in 2000 – 2002. Since coming to Washington State, Pam has earned her Bachelors of Arts in Public Health Communication at The Evergreen State College in 2009. In 2005 she began working as a Media Specialist with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. In 2009 Pam was promoted to Community Organizational Specialist, and oversaw the work of the Health Department’s Access to Care team of four staff persons. In that position, she lead the work of the Consortium for Health Information and Access group in Pierce and Kitsap Counties, a collaboration that facilitates the sharing of health insurance and access information to all providers in a two-county area. In 2011, Pam became the supervisor of the Health Department’s Maternal Child Outreach Team, a staff of four persons who conduct outreach, linkage and application assistance for Medicaid-eligible pregnant and parenting women in four high-risk communities in Pierce County. In her current position, Pam serves on the Pierce County WIC Coalition and the Pierce County Community Health Worker Coalition. She serves on the Pierce County Child Death Review Team, and has been asked to chair the meetings in which infant deaths are reviewed. In 2009, Pam received the Service Award from the National Association of Government Communicators. She was a member of the National Association of Government Communicators (Membership Chair 2008-09). She volunteers with Tacoma Urban League Guild, Ethnicfest (2005-08), the Livable Communities Fair in 2009 (African American Diabetes Education) and Communities in Schools of Tacoma (reading tutor). Pam has a strong and deep commitment to supporting health in her own community and to ensuring that public health systems meet the needs of low-income and minority populations. She has directed the work of Medicaid outreach, linkage and application assistance for four years, and understands the complex system of medical care coverage that our State provides to those in need. She would be an excellent member of your Patient Navigator Technical Advisory Committee.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Jon Gould- Children’s Alliance- Deputy Director Jon Gould serves as Deputy Director at the Children’s Alliance, where he coordinates the organization's public policy, mobilization, lobbying, communications, and outreach activities. Jon has been on staff since 1997, during which time he has served in a variety of roles. In his current capacity, Jon has been directly engaged in and overseen years of focus on policies that advance children’s health in Washington State. Under his direction, Children’s Alliance has been instrumental in achieving successes in children’s health, including successful passage of the Cover All Kids Act and Apple Health for Kids Acts. Children’s Alliance also works in partnership with members of the Health Coalition for Children and Youth. Among the issues on which Children’s Alliance has advocated are policies that streamline administrative practices so that it is easier for families to enroll and sustain their health coverage, access to health care, and implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Washington State. Jon is committed to racial equity and ensuring that policies and practices that our state engages in will reduce and eliminate health disparities affecting kids across the state. Specifically around ACA implementation in our state, Jon works to bring attention to issues such as ensuring access for limited English proficient individuals, cultural competence, and experience working with low income populations, and some fluency in the needs of children with special healthcare needs into the navigator program and qualified health plan criteria. Jon’s perspective on and experience with children and families and knowledge of existing enrollment and retention systems and methods will be valuable in any detailed policy discussions about the Exchange. Jon has a long history of community involvement in housing, human service, and children's issues. Throughout his career, Jon has held board leadership positions in several housing, human service, and political action organizations he has also served on many advisory committees both in the nonprofit and the public sector. He has received several professional awards, including the Change Agent of the Year award from Real Change Newspaper in 2007 and the Community Partner of the Year award from SEIU Local 925 in 2008. In 2003, he earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington's Evans School.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Michael Greve, FMLI, CEBS- Michael Greve & Associates- Owner Employee Benefit Plans Industry Experience (30 years) Founded Michael Greve & Associates in 2001 Consultant, William M. Mercer, Inc. - 15 years Blue Shield Underwriter – 6 years Group Claim Auditor, CIGNA – 3 years Publications: Gross Misconduct Under COBRA, Benefitslink, March 2001

Buying Time Off, Benefitslink, February 2001 Recruiting Brochures, Benefitslink, April 2001 Long Term Disability Hits the Wall, Benefitslink, April 2000 Enhancing Long Term Disability Coverage, Contingencies, November/December 1998 Deadbeat Parent Act Threatens Worker Privacy, Today’s Careers, October 1997 What’s Missing From the Mental Health Parity Act? Contingencies, July/August 1997 Carving Up Group Life Insurance, Contingencies, May/June 1997 Licenses and Designations Washington State Licensed Life, Disability Agent 1987 and Broker 1995 Fellow, ISCEBS 2001-2003, 2004-2005, 2005-2007 Certified Employee Benefit Specialist 1992 Fellow, Life Management Institute (with Distinction) 1984 Education BA, Columbia College, 1977 MA, University of Northern Colorado 1979 Mike provides rate development, renewal evaluation, and financial projections/analysis to large insured and self-insured groups. He has extensive experience in analyzing stop-loss proposals and implementing aggregate and specific coverage for large corporate, Taft-Hartley, and association medical plans. He also provides benefit and market research, utilization/trend analysis, regulatory compliance assistance, as well as vendor negotiation and performance assessment. His experience includes work for some of the largest public and private sector group benefit plans in Washington.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate John Hamje- OIC- Deputy Commission for Consumer Protection

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Insurance Broker Robert Harris- Cambia Health Marketing professional with experience in market assessment, primary research, secondary research, and health care stakeholder insight (producer, consumer/health plan member, patient, and physician) 1999- Present Health Care Informatics analyst specializing in understanding clinical practice patterns, and quality improvement. 1998-1999 Community Volunteer- Involved in multiple boards focused on serving the needs of others through transportation for the disabled and seniors to pastoral care for niche populations. Education- MPA: Health Administration, BA- Political Science

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocates Rhonda Hauff-Yakima Neighborhood Health Services- Chief Operating Officer/Deputy CEO RHONDA HAUFF is the Chief Operating Officer / Deputy CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center, and has been with YNHS since 1983. YNHS serves 20, 000 individuals a year, providing over 100,000 visits annually for medical, dental, behavioral health, public health, and housing services to disenfranchised residents in Yakima County. This includes 4,000 migrants and over 2,000 homeless individuals. YNHS operates four primary care sites in the Yakima Valley, one of which is dedicated to homeless individuals, and one located within a Community Mental Health agency. Local Experience related to patient navigator programs includes: Apple Health for Kids – County contact for coordination of CHIP outreach and enrollment activities, and county contact for families needing assistance or advocacy with Medicaid applications or renewals in Yakima County. (http://hrsa.dshs.wa.gov/applehealth/talk_to_someone.shtml) KidsConnect – County wide patient navigator program to help low income families find health coverage for their children, connect them to medical homes, and reduce unnecessary Emergency Room use. KidScreen -- Chair of Administrative Board of a Multi-Agency Collaboration to provide health and developmental screenings to children Birth –Five throughout Yakima County. Homeless Network of Yakima County – Past Chair of multi-agency network aimed to reduce barriers to services for homeless individuals and families in Yakima County. State Activities: Office of Insurance Commissioner Insurance Reform Committee –Task Force Member 2003; Health Care Reform Committee Member –Pre Existing Conditions Insurance Plan (2010-2014). Washington Coalition on Medicaid Outreach (WCOMO) – Coalition Member. Office of Insurance Commission Health Realization Reform – Committee Member 2009-2011. WA State Joint Select Committee on Health Care Reform – Committee Member, Low Income Populations 2010-2014. Practice Technology Service Organization (PTSO) –Practice Management Committee Chair of a Community Health Center Controlled Network (CHCCN) – involved in Electronic Health Records, Patient Portals. National Activities: Health Care for the Homeless Committee - National Association of Community Health Centers 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2014 Health Care in Public Housing Task Force - National Association of Community Health Centers 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2014

Nomination letter for Rhonda Hauff below from Mary C Looker:

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Kay Knox- Within Reach- Deputy Director Kay Knox, MPA, is the Deputy Director at WithinReach, a statewide nonprofit organization that is widely recognized for its innovative and cost-effective approaches that connect families and individuals to health and food benefit programs and resources. As Deputy Director, Kay provides strategic direction in program planning, communications, fund development, contract management, board development and operations. She has played a key role the organization’s growth and development over the last 12 years. WithinReach is uniquely poised to serve as an expert advisor for the Navigator Program. Each year, the WithinReach staff assists over 45,000 families through the application process for the free and low-cost health insurance options available in Washington State. We are known for providing information about complicated government programs in a welcoming and easy to understand manner. WithinReach has specific expertise in building online tools for users who have lower comfort level and skill utilizing technology.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Devon Love- Equal Start Community Coalition and Center for Multicultural Health No Bio submitted.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Tribal Representative Vicki Lowe- Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Ms. Lowe has worked in the Health Clinic/Program for the Jamestown Tribes for more than 15 years. She assisted instrumentally in developing the Jamestown clinic in late 1990s and early 2000s, and helped design an award-winning managed care insurance program for Tribal members and their families for which she is currently responsible today. As a Health Benefits Specialist, her strong relationships with insurance plans and tribal families receiving insurance, as well as her understanding of how to work in a culturally-competent manner with American Indian/Alaska Natives in accessing insurance for which they are eligible could greatly contribute to the development of the Health Benefits Exchange Navigator program.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Nita Lynn- First Steps Port Angeles No Bio submitted.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Bethany Phenix- Community-Minded Enterprises- Healthy Teens Project & Health for All Programs Manager Bethany has an AA with emphasis on Social Services and Criminal Justice and BA in Applied Social Anthropology with an emphasis on Spanish Language from the University of Oregon. She currently works with Community-Minded Enterprises as the Health for All and Healthy Teens Project Manager. She has spent most her career working as a volunteer fire fighter, substance abuse case manager, social services, public relations, and health education. Bethany is currently managing several grants, with emphasis on health education, Medicaid renewal and retention, and media outreach. She is the executive producer and production manager of a PSA and media campaign to improve enrollment and increase retention in the Apple Health for Kids program through the state of Washington. She is a member of the Apple Health for Kids Technical Advisory Committee, Easter Washington Chronic Disease Coalition, Medical Clinics Committee, DSHS Washington Connections Portal Technical Advisory Committee, Unity in the Community, and chairs the Eastern Washington Outreach Coalition. Bethany is actively involved in community partnerships and outreach in Eastern Washington.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Provider Michelle Sarju- Open Arms Perinatal Services No Bio submitted.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Insurance Brokers

Harald N Schot- LifePlan Financial Inc. - LPL Financial Planner I am Harald Schot, a resident of Skagit County. I would like to be considered for the Technical Advisory Committee specifically the Navigator program or Role of Agent/Broker. I am a lifelong resident of Washington State. I earned my business degree at Western Washington University in 1989. I am the founder and president of LifePlan Financial, Inc. located in Stanwood. I am a financial advisor and have brokered health insurance for 13 years, specializing in both individual and group health insurance plans. My firm currently assists residents with WSHIP and formerly the HIP. I am in regular contact with my local legislators, working to offer my professional perspective on issues regarding health insurance. My expertise concerning health plans in Washington, coupled with my experience and perceptions as a financial advisor, uniquely qualifies me to serve as a valuable member of a TAC.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Insurance Carrier Greg Smith- Molina Healthcare of Washington- Director Greg Smith has more than 10 years of healthcare community engagement, sales and marketing experience. In addition, Greg has an extensive background in individual insurance product development and Medicaid/Medicare product management. Greg is currently employed with Molina Healthcare of Washington where he and his team are responsible for membership growth, retention, and outreach throughout Molina Healthcare's 34 county service area. Greg is a graduate of the University of Washington and currently lives in Seattle with his wife and two young boys. I believe Greg’s expertise with the needs of low income individuals will make an excellent addition to the Navigator Technical Advisory Committee.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Health Insurance Carrier Laura Smith- Washington Delta Dental Service Foundation Laura Smith is the President and CEO of Washington Dental Service Foundation. As community advocates for oral health, the WDS Foundation is working to ensure that prevention and early treatment of oral disease -- with an emphasis on very young children and seniors -- are priorities. The Foundation works with partners to develop and execute innovative solutions that provide lasting improvements to systems of care. The Foundations’ work includes training providers in health care, early learning, and in the senior community about including oral health in their work. Ms. Smith has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Washington State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs (MPA), from the Evan’s School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington.

Navigator TAC Nominee: Consumer Advocate Lara Welker- Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access- Program Manager I would like to offer my service to the HBE subcommittee on Community Outreach/Navigator Program. As a representative of the Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access (WAHA), I would contribute expertise based on WAHA’s innovate approach to improving health care access at the local level. I have a Master’s in Public Health and have worked for over 20 years in a variety of community health settings. The combination of my public health experience and WAHA’s community-based perspective on health care access issues would make me a valuable asset to the committee, and ultimately, to the population the Navigator program is intended to serve.