Staff

Meet the NoHLA team! We're a passionate, highly collaborative group working to achieve health justice across Washington state.

Emily Brice (she/her)

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 (she/her)

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 R. Saavedra (she/her)

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 (she/her)

Senior Policy Advocate with over 20 years of experience at national, state, and local levels in NY and WA. Immigrant health equity leader committed to reproductive justice.

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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.

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Erin Gaedke (she/her)

Development Manager with 10+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, community engagement, communications, and building systems that sustain mission-driven work. At NoHLA, she connects supporters to the organization’s advocacy and impact. University of North Carolina at Asheville graduate.

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Susan Kas (she/her)

Senior Attorney with over 20 years of experience in public interest and civil rights law in Washington, primarily focusing on disability justice. University of Washington School of Law graduate.

Board of Directors

NoHLA has an outstandingly passionate, fun, accomplished, and committed volunteer Board. Board members provide expert guidance and open doors for NoHLA's work in pursuit of health justice in Washington.

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 for the WA Dept. of Health and national and local collectives for health justice, community-based public health, and principle-driven policy. Focuses on systemic change and community accountability to improve public health and ensure human dignity for everyone. Omid enjoys naps, discovering new places, and staying rooted in his family and communities.

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.

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Ellen Miller

Strategy leader with experience advancing complex initiatives across philanthropy, global health, and the private sector. Focuses on improving systems and expanding access to opportunity, with deep committment to health equity, justice, and community-centered solutions. Loves to travel, get outside, and spend time with her two toddlers and pup.

Dr. Charina Carothers

Brings a wealth of knowledge in child and Indian child welfare, and advocates for equity as Director of Equity and Belonging at the UW - The Alliance. Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from Walla Walla University, focused on education and leadership.

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.

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Mayra Colazo

Executive Director of Central Washington Disability Resources, Kittitas County resident, and proud mother of two. Mayra has lived experience as a person with disabilities and expertise in nonprofit leadership, board governance, community needs, and addressing ableist barriers.

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Liz Arjun

Behavioral and Public Health Policy Advisor in the King County Executive’s Office. Liz is a seasoned policy leader with 20+ years of experience advancing equitable health coverage for children and underserved communities. She brings deep expertise in health systems, behavioral health integration, and whole-person care.

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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.