Shannon Deike-Sims, Anchorage, AK email

Shannon is a multi-year student with plans to graduate Fall 2011. His professional background is in Research and data analysis with the goals of influencing policy decisions. He is currently serving on the Alaska Public Health Association board with commitments as the Treasurer and membership committee. During his personal time he enjoys activities with family and friends doing activities such as hockey and Tae Kwon Do.

Litia Garrison, Sitka, AK email

Litia is a second year student. She currently works for the Women's Health Program at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) as the Breast & Cervical Cancer (BCC) Early Detection Program Coordinator. Litia is married with two daughters. When not working or studying, Litia enjoys family activities such as camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. She also enjoys trail running, reading and baking bread and spending time with family.

Lynda Hernandez, Anchorage, AK email

Lynda began taking MPH classes in Fall 2008. She currently works for UAA’s Allied Health Sciences Division as a Student Success Coordinator. She recruits Alaskans into health careers and provides support to students and faculty within the Allied Health Programs. Lynda graduated in 2005 from UAA with a BS in Biology and a BA in Philosophy. In her free time, she enjoys reading, knitting, cooking, and spending time with family.

Shawne Johnson, Milwaukee WI email

Shawne enrolled at UAA in 2007 and has an interest in maternal-child health issues and nutrition. She enjoys her work as a public health nursing manager in Wisconsin and hopes to work someday in Alaska. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and playing with her granddaughter.

Doreen Leavitt, Kenai AK email

Doreen is currently in her second semester in the MPH Program. She currently works as a public health nurse manager in Kenai, AK. She has lived in Kenai for a little over a year now, and is originally from Barrow, Alaska where she considers home. She has two children - both teenagers. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, Inupiaq cultural activities, reading (for fun), and stained glass.

Wendy Gene Parsons, Anchorage, AK email

Wendy began her journey toward an MPH degree in Summer 2007 and plans to finish in Spring 2011. She is a school nurse in the Anchorage School District and has various summer jobs including that of a camp nurse for a string instrument camp at Birchwood Methodist Camp near Eagle River, AK. Wendy is divorced and has a grown daughter and son. When not working or studying, Wendy loves gardening, reading, camping, hiking, and bike riding.

Emily Donna Ravelle, Juneau AK email

Emily started the MPH program in the Fall of 2009. She currently works at the Juneau Family Health and Birth Center in Juneau, AK where she lives with her husband. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Emily has enjoyed working in the field of women's health in both the eastern and western parts of the US, in both advocacy and education. In her free time she enjoys travel, knitting, reading, and doing various arts and crafts.