Northwest Health Law Advocates
Staff
Co-Executive Director
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.
Co-Executive Director
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.
Senior Attorney
Vanessa Saavedra
Senior attorney with nearly 20 years experience in public interest and public service law in California, Arizona, and Washington. Duke Law graduate.
Comms & Dev Manager
Shon Bridges
Communications pro with 9+ years in nonprofit event planning, fundraising, and partnerships, pursuing MPH to enhance community health innovation and build impactful collaborations.
Senior Attorney
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.
Senior Policy Advocate
Lee Che P. Leong
Health policy expert with advocacy experience at national, state and local levels, immigrant health expansion leader committed to reproductive justice.
Northwest Health Law Advocates
Board of Directors
President
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.
Secretary
Omid Bagheri Garakani
Advocates equity at WA Dept. of Health, UW faculty teaching anti-racism. Organized for health justice via End Police Violence Collective and Public Health Awakened.
Treasurer
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.
Board Member
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.
Board Member
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.
Board Member
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.
Board Member
Ellen Miller
Global health strategist creating impactful solutions via partnerships. Passionate about social impact across sectors, especially in population health.
Board Member
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.
Board Member
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.
Northwest Health Law Advocates
Founder
Founder and Emeritus Executive Director
Janet Varon