Northwest Health Law Advocates

Staff

Emily Brice

Co-Executive Director of Advocacy. Nearly 20 years of experience as a patient-oriented lawyer and health policy strategist, including service in state government and ties to NoHLA since 2011. University of Washington Law and University of Chicago graduate.

Daphne Smith

 Co-Executive Director of Operations. Over 20 years experience in human resource management and organizational culture. Holds certifications in human resources and sustainable management.

Vanessa Saavedra

Senior attorney with nearly 20 years experience in public interest and public service law in California, Arizona, and Washington. Duke Law graduate.

Lee Che P. Leong

Health policy expert with over 20 years of advocacy experience at national, state and local levels and immigrant health expansion leader committed to reproductive justice.

Ann Vining

Senior Attorney with over 40 years of experience in public benefits law, including Medicaid & Medicare. Special focus on aging, disability and long-term care advocacy and caregiving. J.D. University of Wisconsin Law School, A.B. Harvard University.

Board of Directors

Lori Buchsbaum

Mediator, facilitator, and trainer with 30+ years in health and legal programs. Former NoHLA staff attorney. Loves travel, hiking, skiing, and exploring with her family and dog.

Omid Bagheri Garakani

Public health practitioner at WA Dept. of Health, advocate for health justice, policy, and community-based public health. Enjoys naps, traveling to new places near and far, and spending time with family and his dog Cosmo.

Audrey Sheffield

Healthcare management pro, MBA from Yale. Volunteers in the public schools and in college coaching. Loves spending time outdoors in Western WA with her husband, grown children, and beloved family dog.

Laura MacPherson

Healthcare consultant, ARNP, advocate for reproductive justice via midwives. Serves on WA’s Midwifery Advisory Committee. Values-driven leader fostering equity and innovative solutions.

Cezanne Garcia

30+ years in health systems redesign and advocacy. Focused on equity, access, and quality. Leads community efforts for homeless teens and supports newly released immigrants.

Tony Gonzalez

Attorney at Columbia Legal Services, focused on civil rights and immigration. Enjoys family time in LA, horror movies, trucks, and outdoor adventures with his dogs.

Ellen Miller

Global health strategist creating impactful solutions via partnerships. Passionate about social impact across sectors, especially in population health.

Dr. Charina Carothers

Expert in child and Indian welfare, advocates for equity as Director of Equity and Belonging. PhD from Walla Walla University, focused on racial equality training.

Brian Myers

Renowned for philanthropic leadership and public-private partnerships. Co-founded two foundations and six startups. Passionate about equity and empowering organizations for change.

Founder

Founder and Emeritus Executive Director

Janet Varon

NoHLA’s Executive Director Emeritus and continued pro bono advisor. Founded and led NoHLA from 1999-2024 with the goal of enabling access to affordable, equitable, quality health care for all Washingtonians. Recipient of the 2025 Legal Foundation of Washington's President's Award. Learn more about Janet’s impact here.