Our move to Portland in March of 2025, it was primarily driven by my husband's recruitment to the Knight Cancer Institute, where he found an excellent opportunity to advance his cancer research program at OHSU. Concurrently, I saw this as an ideal environment to continue my work with the University of Western States (where I was already teaching) and OHSU, specifically with the goal of fostering change and transformation within Integrative Health Care and the broader healthcare landscape. Portland's vibrant community also aligns perfectly with our commitment to volunteerism and activism, and our desire to support and encourage others to achieve their full potential.
One thing I need from the community right now is creative collaboration to innovate and amplify efforts in system-level change, extending beyond healthcare to encompass broader community well-being. I'm particularly keen to engage with local leaders and organizations who share a passion for whole health, integrative medicine, education, and community outreach, working together to implement transformations that genuinely foster holistic health and resilience at a fundamental level within our communities.
Given our recent move and that we are currently learning the landscape of Portland, we are interested in making civic connections with organizations and leaders actively engaged in system-level change and advocacy. Our background includes political engagement with legislators and civil rights non-profits in Tampa, and we recently connected with the ACLU, reflecting our desire to continue this work locally. We are looking for partners committed to making the community a better place for all, whether through civil rights and social justice initiatives, healthcare access and equity, or broader community development and empowerment.
