Jason Alves

Director of Veterans Initiatives, Behavioral Health Program

303-541-0312jalves@wiche.edu

Jason Alves is the Director of Veterans Initiatives at WICHE. Bringing to the Behavioral Health programs over 13 years of service to Veterans in public and community led mental health. He serves as implementation manager for the Together with Veterans rural veteran suicide prevention program, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain MIRECC. Previously, he served as president of Washington State Chapter for the Farmer Veteran Coalition, Programs Manager for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Alves utilized his G.I. Bill and received his B. S. in Political Science from the University of Oregon and M.P.A. in Public Non-Profit management from The Evergreen State College.

Jenni Atwood

Manager, Grants, Contracts and Finance, Every Learner Everywhere

303.541.0285jatwood@wiche.edu

Genevieve Berry

Project Manager, MHTTC, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0220gberry@wiche.edu

Genevieve Berry is the Project Manager for the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MP-MHTTC), a WICHE project that operates in partnership with the University of North Dakota. Genevieve received her B.A. in psychology from Memphis University. Prior to joining the WICHE Behavioral Health Program team, Genevieve worked for the state of Colorado on the Multi-Use Network Project (MNT) and The Next Mile project, where she developed communications strategies and served as the liaison to rural communities, for each of the state funded broadband programs. In this capacity, she traveled the state presenting each of the projects to various rural communities and learning firsthand about the unique obstacles rural communities encounter when trying to implement and use broadband. For the past three years she worked for the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities at the University of Colorado. In her role as the Content and Community Outreach Manager, she was responsible for all external communications, website content and design, and she managed the Annual Coleman conference. For over three years, Genevieve worked to develop accessible content and products for people with cognitive disabilities and the communities who serve them. 

Peace Bransberger

Director, Programs and Evidence, Policy Analysis and Research, and Programs and Services

303.541.0257pbransberger@wiche.edu

Peace Bransberger leads the production and analysis of WICHE’s projections of high school graduates, research on the use of administrative holds, and other transfer, equitable college access, success and financing initiatives. Previously, Peace was a consultant and evaluation researcher with the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities and Workforce Strategies Initiatives and Westat, in Washington, DC. Peace is a former foster youth and was the first in her family to graduate, with an M.A. from the American University in Washington, DC, B.A. from St. Cloud State University, in Minnesota and an adult educator license.

Gina Brimner

Director of Special Projects, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0221gbrimner@wiche.edu

Raymonda Burgman Gallegos

Vice President, Programs and Services

303-541-0222rbgallegos@wiche.edu

Ray Burgman Gallegos began serving as the Vice President, Programs and Services in October 2021. In this role, she increases student access to high-quality postsecondary education and fosters collaborations between institutions. The Programs and Services unit has four regional student access programs, which include the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), the Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP), and the Online Course Exchange (OCE). It also manages the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders, the Western Academic Leadership Forum, and Interstate Passport ®. The unit also partners with Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) to provide institutions cost savings through four programs—the Master Property Program, MHECare Student Insurance Solutions, MHECtech, and Cyber Insurance. Previously, Burgman Gallegos served as director of programs and research at HERS (Higher Education Resource Services), a non-profit leadership development organization focused on women who work in postsecondary settings, for eight years. She also served as an administrator at DePauw University, located in Greencastle, IN, in Academic Affairs and the Office of the President and at New College of Florida, located in Sarasota, FL. Burgman Gallegos was also a tenured professor in economics and management at DePauw University. She also taught at two other institutions in Florida, Santa Fe College and the University of South Florida-St. Peterburg. She received a B.A. in Economics from New College of Florida and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Florida, located in Gainesville, FL.

Karen Cangialosi

Director, Every Learner Everywhere

303.541.0302kcangialosi@wiche.edu

Chris Cartwright

IT Systems Administrator

303.541.0301ccartwright@wiche.edu

Madison Chamberlain

Quality Assurance and Fidelity Reviewer, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0268mchamberlain@wiche.edu

Madison Chamberlain received a Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization from University of Denver in 2020, and her B.S. in Cellular Molecular Biology and minor in Psychology from Fort Lewis College in 2015. Prior to joining WICHE, Chamberlain has worked for non-profit and private organizations in Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy, Special Education, and Health Care.

Bella Ciarico

Digital Communications Coordinator

303.541.0249iciarico@wiche.edu

Bella Ciarico serves as the Digital Communications Coordinator at WICHE. She recently attained her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees in Communication Studies from the University of South Dakota. Before assuming her current position, she imparted knowledge as an instructor for Speech 101 and contributed to university advancement initiatives. Bella harbors a fervent commitment to promoting enhanced accessibility to higher education through her work. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys engaging in diverse interests such as reading fantasy literature, maintaining an active lifestyle through gym sessions and basketball, exploring culinary delights, thrift shopping, and fostering social connections.

Dave Clark

Chief of Digital Services

303.541.0299dclark@wiche.edu

Dave Clark is WICHE’s chief of digital services. In this role, he contributes to and oversees all operational, tactical, and strategic IT operations and initiatives. His work experiences include research associate at UC San Diego (Scripps Institution of Oceanography), where he supported various geology/geophysics departments with network design and implementation, programming interfaces to geophysical equipment, and system/network administration; senior network engineer and director of IT at Cable Labs (where the cable modem specification was born), and director of infrastructure for two managed services/hosting service providers. Dave earned his bachelor’s in geology (University Honors Program) from the University of Delaware. His hobbies include drumming (since age 7), fossil/mineral collecting, and enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Margo Colalancia

Director of Student Access Programs, Programs and Services

303.541.0214mcolalancia@wiche.edu

Margo Colalancia directs WICHE’s student access programs – WUE, WRGP and PSEP– which provide access to a broad range of higher education options for 45,000+ students. Previously she served as associate project director for a trinational consortium of Mexican, Canadian and U.S. universities and colleges. She holds a bachelor’s in business French from the University of Colorado and the Université de Bordeaux III, and a master’s in international policy studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Colalancia spent seven years in Gabon, Central Africa, teaching English as a foreign language with the Peace Corps and on private contract with the Gabonese Ministry of Education.

Emilie Cook

Manager, Digital Marketing and Communications, Every Learner Everywhere

303.541.0213ecook@wiche.edu

Emilie Cook joined Every Learner Everywhere in April 2021 and is currently the manager, digital marketing and communications. With 15 years of marketing experience in corporate, university, small business, agency, and non-profit marketing, Emilie brings vast knowledge and expertise with a steadfast commitment to equitable education. In addition to her Every Learner Everywhere role, Emilie has experience teaching marketing and has implemented adaptive courseware as an adjunct instructor for the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business. Emilie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Dickinson College, and a Master of Science in Marketing from the Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School. Outside of work, Emilie enjoys spending time with her husband Jason, son Benjamin, and daughter Adelaide Mae in Bethany Beach, Delaware, where they reside; she and her family savor the beach life and all that it offers.

Deirdre Coulter

Director of Human Resources

303.541.0292dcoulter@wiche.edu

Kristy Crawford

Fidelity Reviewer, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0297kcrawford@wiche.edu

Cherie Curtin

Senior Administrative Coordinator, Programs and Services

303.541.0267ccurtin@wiche.edu

Janell Daly

Senior Administrative Coordinator, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0278jdaly@wiche.edu

Laura DaVinci

Associate Director, Every Learner Everywhere, WCET

970.415.3653ldavinci@wiche.edu

Laura DaVinci joined the Every Learner team in June 2018. As the Associate Director for Every Learner Everywhere, she has the opportunity to work with a strong network of partners committed to improving educational outcomes through technology-enhanced education. Laura has dedicated her career to improving educational outcomes for first-generation, poverty-affected, and racially minoritized students through innovative approaches and grant-funded programs. She has worked in higher education and nonprofits supporting education since 2005 and is a strong advocate for the power of education in students’ lives. Her leadership and supervisory roles have included Associate Director, Project Director, Grants Manager, Academic Services Coordinator, and Computer Science Adjunct Faculty. She excels at new program development, innovative approaches that include a digital aspect, and managing complex projects across multiple organizations or stakeholders. Her grants portfolio included working with the US Department of Education, the US Department of Labor, the National Science Foundation, multiple state departments, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the European Commission on international educational grants across multiple European countries. She earned her MBA from Eastern New Mexico University, and her Bachelor’s degree in International Business in Romania. Laura is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Laura lives outside of Richmond, VA with her husband. They enjoy traveling, camping, hiking, and biking.

Van Davis

Chief Strategy Officer, WCET

303.541.0306vdavis@wiche.edu

Van Davis has served as Chief Strategy Officer for WCET. As Chief Strategy Officer for WCET, he leads the organization’s strategy and planning work as well as coordinates WCET’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work and provides research and policy analysis assistance, including heading up WCET’s artificial intelligence research and policy development. Previously, Van served as principal at Foghlam Consulting. Van has spent over twenty years in higher education in a number of roles including associate vice president at Blackboard Inc., director of innovation at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and a faculty member and academic administrator at several universities. Van received his M.A. and Ph.D. in 20th century United States history with an emphasis on civil rights from Vanderbilt University and his B.A. in history from Southwestern University.

Margie DeAnda

Administrative Assistant II, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0264mdeanda@wiche.edu

Margie DeAnda is an administrative assistant for the federal grant program, Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center.  She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and marketing/sales from Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Margie enjoys hiking the mountains of Colorado and spending time with her family including a spunky Shih Tzu named Yo-Yo.

Liliana Diaz Solodukhin

Senior Policy Analyst, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0263ldiaz@wiche.edu

Liliana Diaz Solodukhin, policy analyst with WICHE, works on a diverse range of activities including conducting and communicating policy research on a wide array of higher education-related topics, developing and sustaining relationships with external stakeholders, and conceptualizing and executing short- and long-term collaborative projects with states. Diaz received her B.S. in journalism and mass communication, B.A. in film studies, and a certificate in Technology, Arts, and Media from the University of Colorado at Boulder, earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Denver.

Karly Dickinson

Technical Assistance Associate - Psychologist, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0318kdickinson@wiche.edu

Cheryl Dowd

Senior Director, State Authorization Network and WCET Policy Innovations

303.541.0210cdowd@wiche.edu

Cheryl Dowd serves as the Senior Director, State Authorization Network and WCET Policy Innovations,  and Cyber Fellow for WICHE. Dowd directs the activities and research to manage State and Federal regulatory compliance requirements for the out of state activities of the member institutions. As Cyber Fellow, Dowd is developing relationships with national education and security agencies to develop institutional data protection, privacy resources, and training opportunities to share with the WICHE community. Dowd earned her JD from the University of Richmond, MS in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University, and BS in Political Science from James Madison University.

Lindsey Downs

Assistant Director, Communications and Community, WCET

303.541.0234ldowns@wiche.edu

Lindsey Downs is manager of communications for the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET) and has a background in communications, marketing, instructional design, higher education,and educational technology. She holds a M.Ed. in adult and higher education and a certification in college teaching from Montana State University, and is a certified instructional designer. Lindsey’s interests include teaching with technology, effective classroom facilitation, training, and classroom design.When not enjoying her work, Lindsey spends time in beautiful Helena, Mont. with her husband, boxer dog Piper, and cat Boo. Follow her adventures on Twitter: @lindsey0427.

Madison Dupré

Administrative Assistant III, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0217mdupre@wiche.edu

Madison Dupré graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Technical Science Communication and Graphic Design and a Master’s in Theology from Phoenix Seminary. After a season as 3rd generation teacher, Madison is proud to work for the betterment of education in the western United States through the WICHE BHP.

Outside of work, Madison is a passionate reader, runner, and gardener. She also plays several instruments including piano, cello, and guitar.

Nicole Eastin

Fidelity Reviewer, Behavioral Health Program

303-541-0244neastin@wiche.edu

Drew Elkshoulder

Accounting Specialist

303.541.0280delkshoulder@wiche.edu

Laura Ewing

Executive Assistant to the President and to the Commission

303.541.0204lewing@wiche.edu

Laura Ewing has been with WICHE since 2007 and currently serves as the Executive Assistant to the President and to the 48 member Commission that governs WICHE. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Public Relations from Graceland University in Lamoni, IA. Community service is important to Laura. Most recently, she served and led the board of a local performing arts nonprofit for several years, and is an active volunteer with ministry programs.

Colleen Falkenstern

Senior Research Analyst, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0313cfalkenstern@wiche.edu

Colleen Falkenstern serves as a research analyst in WICHE’s Policy Analysis and Research unit. In her role, she supports the development of WICHE’s annual data resources—Regional Fact Book for Higher Education in the West, Benchmarks (of access and success), and Tuition and Fees in Public Higher Education in the West. She also provides analytical support for WICHE’s quadrennial projections of high school graduates, Knocking at the College Door. She received  a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from the University of South Carolina—Columbia and a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Denver.

Leigha Fletcher

Administrative Assistant III, WCET

303.541.0211lfletcher@wiche.edu

Leigha joined WCET in December 2020 as an administrative assistant for the State Authorization Network (SAN). In addition to providing administrative support for SAN, Leigha coordinates both member and renewal management and oversees accounting for the department. Prior to joining WCET, Leigha worked in property management and insurance, assisting with sales, resident retention, customer service, social media, and strategic marketing. In each of her roles, Leigha excelled at building rapport with clients and brings her passion for customer service to our organization.

Leigha lives in Springboro, Ohio with her husband Jon and four children: Jake, Trace, Bayleigh, and Ava. Outside of work, Leigha enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, attending her children’s sporting events, playing golf, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Her favorite character is Alex Cross (played by actor Morgan Freeman), from the suspenseful book and film series Love, Kiss the Girls, and Along Came a Spider.

Ashley Fortier

Technical Assistance Lead - Psychologist, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0251afortier@wiche.edu

Georgia Frazer

Human Resources Assistant

303.541.0276gfrazer@wiche.edu

Joseph Garcia

Senior Graphic Designer

303.541.0262jegarcia@wiche.edu

Joseph Garcia is the graphic designer at WICHE and spearheaded the organization’s new brand aesthetic in 2022. He is responsible for the design of numerous published works at WICHE, ensuring they have a polished appearance while effectively communicating their message. Prior to WICHE, he honed his skills in various industries throughout the Denver Metro area, including marketing, publishing, instructional design, educational technology, and journalism. He attended Metropolitan State University of Denver on a full scholarship awarded from the Rocky Mountain News where he got his start as a newspaper reporter before transitioning to graphic design. Outside of work, Joseph hosts an award-winning film review podcast with his twin brother, and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic.

Sherri Artz Gilbert

Senior Director, Operations and Membership Administration, WCET

303.541.0209sartzgilbert@wiche.edu

Sherri Artz Gilbert, assistant director of operations and member services for WCET, has been with WICHE since 1999. Her principal responsibilities include preparing and managing the budget, coordinating the membership effort, and database maintenance. Previously, she worked for the Reading Musical Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes and facilitates music education and appreciation to preserve and develop musical experience and culture in Berks County, Pa. While there she was responsible for donor management and administration of the Blues in the Schools program. She received a B.S./B.A. from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania with a major in management and marketing. Originally from Pennsylvania Dutch country, Sherri currently resides above 9,200 feet in the Colorado mountains with her husband and two dogs.

John Gomez

Director of Operations, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0288jgomez@wiche.edu

Vanessa Gonzalez

Technical Assistance Associate – RCORP/ROTAC, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0255vgonzalez@wiche.edu

Vanessa Gonzalez is a Technical Assistance Associate for the Behavioral Health Program.  She works primarily on the Rural Opioid Prevention Project, supporting the provision of TA to HRSA grantees.  Additionally, Vanessa supports the coordination of activities for the Mountain Plains MHTTC.  A May 2018 graduate of CU-Boulder, Vanessa earned a Double Bachelor of Arts — Biology, Environmental Studies, with Minors in Business & Communications, and a Certificate in Public Health.  After completing her education accolades in four years, she is excited to join the WICHE Behavioral Health Program team.

Caitlyn Grubb

Program Evaluation and Research Coordinator, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0311cgrubb@wiche.edu

Molly Hall-Martin

Director, W-SARA, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0308mhmartin@wiche.edu

Molly E. Hall-Martin, Ph.D. (Kul Wicasa Oyate/Lower Brule Lakota) serves as Director for the WICHE State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (W-SARA) where she manages the implementation, administration, and oversight of W-SARA. Prior to joining WICHE, Molly served as the Director of Student Preparation & Success for the South Dakota Board of Regents, as a staff member at Lower Brule Community College, and as an intern at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO). Molly holds a B.A. in American Indian Studies from the University of North Carolina, an M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Iowa.

Andie Hancock

Budget Coordinator, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0309ahancock@wiche.edu

Andie Hancock is a Budget Coordinator for the WICHE Behavioral Health Program.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas and has 37 years of experience in administration.  She previously worked for the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department for 34 years and learned everything from flowers to financials!

Onnika Hanson-White

Administrative Assistant III, Programs and Services

303.541.0253ohwhite@wiche.edu

Onnika Hanson-White graduated from Oklahoma City University with a major in Acting. Before joining WICHE, she has worked mostly in food service as a bartender, caterer, and event designer. She is very excited to be working at WICHE and bringing her customer service background and love of working with others to her position as Administrative Assistant III in the Programs and Services unit.

Outside of work, Onnika sings in bands around Northern Colorado. She loves to support the local music scene and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Diane Haslett

Accountant I

303.541.0281dhaslett@wiche.edu

Todd Helvig

Director of Education and Training, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0287thelvig@wiche.edu

Todd Helvig earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University after completing his internship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (UCHSC) in 2000. He began his clinical work as a Psychologist at the Colorado Department of Corrections’ Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center, and became the Manager of Behavioral Health services for the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility in 2004. He supervised the work of correctional Psychologists, Social Workers, and Substance Use counselors alongside supervising the UCHSC correctional-based interns/internship. He then moved to the Division of Parole in 2007 where he was the Administrator of Community Behavioral Health Services and organized behavioral health resources in the community for offenders releasing from institutional settings who had mental health, substance use, or sex offender treatment needs. In 2013, Helvig left State correctional services to join Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network (ADMHN) as their Director of Business Development for community behavioral health. While developing new business opportunities for ADMHN, Helvig was also building a private consulting and coaching practice. Then, in 2018, his passion for nonprofit community behavioral health led him to CHARG Resource Center where he served as Executive Director of a consumer-centric organization supporting the social, emotional, and psychiatric programs and services for those managing chronic mental illness in Denver, Colorado.

Throughout these roles, Helvig has had the pleasure of working with a wide variety and broad scope of behavioral health programs and services. He has worked alongside both City and State leaders to identify gaps in mental health and substance use services, implement evidence based practices, and raise awareness for the needs of those for whom there are barriers to accessing services. He thrives not only on developing behavioral health resources, but on developing those professionals who are providing services, including: Doctoral Interns, Psychologist Candidates, and mental health as well as substance use treatment professionals. Helvig’s 20+ years of work in community behavioral health now joins the work of WICHE’s behavioral health unit in the goal to develop programs, processes, and professionals which create essential access to behavioral health services for all those in need.

Norma Hollebeke

Senior Manager, Network Services and Programs, Every Learner Everywhere

303.541.0226nhollebeke@wiche.edu

Joyce Holliday

Administrative Assistant III, Every Learner Everywhere, WCET

303.541.0208jholliday@wiche.edu

Joyce Holliday is an administrative assistant for the Every Learning Everywhere program in the WCET unit of WICHE. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Colorado State University and has 25 years of experience in administration. Joyce recently earned a Professional Certification of Excellence with the American Society of Administrative Professionals. She previously worked for CU Boulder for 22 years. Outside of work, she keeps busy with her Angora show rabbits, grooming and attending shows across the country. Joyce uses the fiber from her angoras and alpacas to spin and create various fiber art creations.

Tonya Horn

Director of Program Evaluation and Research

303.541.0230thorn@wiche.edu

Kay Hulstrom

Associate Director, Operations and Program Implementation, Programs and Services

303.541.0294khulstrom@wiche.edu

Kay Hulstrom serves as WICHE’s associate director of operations and academic leadership initiatives. She works on a variety of projects including the Western Academic Leadership Academy, the Western Academic Leadership Forum, and the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders. The latter two are membership organizations for the chief academic officers of WICHE-region two and four-year institutions and system offices. She holds a B.S. in finance from Colorado State University.

Miah Jacobs-Brichford

Fidelity Reviewer, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0296mjbrichford@wiche.edu

Kathryn Kerensky

Director, Digital Learning, Policy and Compliance, WCET

303.541.0290kkerensky@wiche.edu

Kathryn Kerensky has served as the Director, Director, Digital Learning, Policy, and Compliance with the State Authorization Network (SAN), which is a division of the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET), since 2021. She assists with the overall activities of SAN, with a focus on related institutional and programmatic compliance rules and regulations, including accreditation requirements, international compliance issues, and strategies for institutional regulatory compliance when serving students by means of digital learning. Previously, she served as a state authorization compliance professional at the University of Louisville for 7 years. Kerensky received her B.A. in psychology and Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville.

Debra Kupfer

Senior Consultant, Behavioral Health Program

303.263.6517dkupfer@wiche.edu

Debra Kupfer has more than 40 years of public behavioral health experience as both a clinician and an administrator, including 15 years with the WICHE Behavioral Health Program as a senior consultant.

Kupfer spent 25 years with the Colorado Department of Human Services, serving as the mental health commissioner; manager; director of policy and planning of hospital services for the Colorado Office/Division of Behavioral Health; and as clinical therapist and adult division deputy administrator for the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan.

Currently, she is an executive board member for Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners in Colorado and serves on the executive committee of National Dialogues on Behavioral Health. Kupfer also served as a reviewer, monitor, and consultant for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Mental Health Block Grant for more than 15 years and as a national facilitator for Advocates for Human Potential’s Olmstead Community of Practice Initiative funded by SAMHSA.

Since 2007, Kupfer has worked with the U.S. Pacific Jurisdictions and the U.S. Virgin Islands on consulting projects, including:

• behavioral health system analyses and redesign
• crisis system development, strategic planning
• curriculum development, public policy, and planning efforts
• data reporting and quality management
• program evaluation
• rural workforce development
• crisis system planning, staffing studies, safety and security assessments, and
• developing opportunities to link behavioral health and primary care services in rural areas.

In recent years, Kupfer has served as the lead and/or supported several projects with the WICHE Behavioral Health Program, including:

• the Colorado Behavioral Health Needs Analysis – Current Status, Strategic Positioning and Future Planning
• Rural Veteran Suicide Prevention Project, in collaboration with the U.S. Veterans Administration
• Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care Evidence-based Practices Quality Improvement and Technical Assistance Initiative in Arizona
• Alaska Psychiatric Institute and Arizona State Hospital Technical Assistance
• Idaho Behavioral Health System Redesign
• Guam Transformation Transfer Initiative and Behavioral Health System Improvement Initiative, and
• the Alaska Complex Behavior Collaborative.

Additionally, Kupfer is a technical expert lead on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) – Technical Assistance Project. These efforts have involved providing technical assistance, facilitating stakeholder groups, developing data collection instruments, leading focus groups, conducting key informant interviews, reporting findings, and developing recommendations for the enhancement of behavioral health systems.

Patrick Lane

Vice President, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0266plane@wiche.edu

Patrick Lane is the vice president of WICHE’s Policy Analysis and Research unit. He previously was its director of data initiatives, a role that has included managing the Multistate Longitudinal Data Exchange, which seeks to improve linkages between state data systems to provide better information to students and their families while also improving education, workforce, and economic development policy. He previously coordinated WICHE’s Adult College Completion Network and has worked extensively on the Non-Traditional No More: Policy Solutions for Adult Learners project. Both projects focused on identifying policy and practice solutions to help adults with prior college credit return to postsecondary education to complete their degrees. Lane also coordinated WICHE’s College Access Regional Network, which focused on increasing the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education. He came to WICHE having spent several years working in education policy in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Lane received a master’s degree from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University in 2007 and completed a Ph.D. in public administration at the University of Colorado Denver in 2015.

Andrew Martinez

Budget Manager, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0205amartinez@wiche.edu

Demarée Michelau

President, WICHE

303.541.0201dmichelau@wiche.edu

Demarée K. Michelau is the president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Located in Boulder, CO, WICHE was established through the Western Regional Education Compact and works to share knowledge, create resources, and develop innovative solutions that address some of society’s most pressing needs. From promoting high-quality, affordable postsecondary education to helping states leverage their technology investments and addressing behavioral health challenges, WICHE improves lives across the West through innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy. As WICHE’s president, Dr. Michelau serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and at the pleasure of the 48-member, gubernatorially-appointed WICHE commission. Prior to serving as WICHE’s president, Dr. Michelau was WICHE’s vice president of policy analysis and research, a role in which she managed WICHE’s Policy Analysis and Research unit and oversaw externally-funded projects. The author of numerous reports and policy briefs, she has experience in a variety of higher education policy issues, including those related to equity and attainment, governance, strategic planning, adult learners, transfer, accelerated learning options, affordability, and workforce. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC) and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Previously, she held positions with the National Conference of State Legislatures and with former Colorado Congressman David Skaggs. Michelau received her bachelor’s degree in public law from Northern Illinois University and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Craig Milburn

Chief Financial Officer

303.541.0282cmilburn@wiche.edu

Dennis Mohatt

Vice President, Behavioral Health Program and Co-director, Mental Health Technology Transfer Center

303.541.0256dmohatt@wiche.edu

Dennis Mohatt is vice president for behavioral health at WICHE, leading since 2001 its behavioral health program and its Center for Rural Mental Health Research. He has over 30 years of public mental health service. His work has included direct clinical care, clinical supervision, and CEO tenure in a rural CMHC serving Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Additionally, he led a HRSA-funded effort in the early 1990s to successfully integrate mental health and primary care in multiple rural family practice settings. During the late 1990s, he was deputy director for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, also serving as the state’s commissioner of mental health. He has served as a member of the National Rural Health Advisory Committee, and led national efforts relating to rural mental health including a role as chief consultant to the president’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. He is actively engaged in efforts focused on improving services to Veterans, Guard, and Reserve and their families; rural mental health policy; workforce development, and increasing adoption of integrated approaches to behavioral and primary care practice. His graduate training, supported by a NIMH Fellowship, focused on rural community-clinical psychology. 

Camelia Naranjo

Interim Assistant Director - Academic Partnerships Learning and Development, Programs and Services

303.541.0293cnaranjo@wiche.edu

Kim Nawrocki

Assistant Director, Events and Programs, WCET

303-541-0231knawrocki@wiche.edu

Mikayla Nelson

Administrative Assistant III, Together with Veterans

303.541.0316mnelson@wiche.edu

Mikayla Nelson believes in getting back to the basics of human connection, which drove her studies of Psychology at Western Washington University.  She has over 10 years of customer support experience in various industries including manufacturing, human resources, animal care and financial services. She is thrilled to be working with WICHE as an Administrative Associate III in the Together with Veterans program, as she has the opportunity each day to play an influential part in helping support unique communities.

Mikayla is also certified by the State of Colorado as a notary public. Outside of the office environment, Mikayla spends her time training animals, watching movies, and cooking elaborate meals for friends and family

Patricia O'Sullivan

Manager, Content Development and Special Projects, Every Learner Everywhere

303-541-0247posullivan@wiche.edu

Patricia O’Sullivan joined WCET in 2021 and has served as the Every Learner Everywhere Content Manager since 2020. She oversees the development and publication of network assets in both text and video formats, collaborating with authors, reviewers, designers, and communications specialists. She has been an educator for nearly 30 years at both secondary and postsecondary levels. She previously worked at the University of Mississippi for 19 years where she held various positions including grant manager, teaching and learning specialist, instructional designer, student advisor, and instructor. O’Sullivan received her B.A. in communications at the University of Massachusetts, an M.A. in theology at Assumption University, and an M.A. in history from the University of Mississippi. 

Bobbi Perkins

Director, Mountain Plains ROTAC/Technical Assistance Lead, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0245bperkins@wiche.edu

Shelley Plutto

Project Manager, W-SARA, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0317splutto@wiche.edu

Melissa Porphir

Quality Assurance and Fidelity Reviewer

303.541.0250mporphir@wiche.edu

Jeanette Porter

Senior Administrative Coordinator

303.541.0215jporter@wiche.edu

Russ Poulin

Executive Director, WCET and Vice President for Technology-Enhanced Education

303.541.0305rpoulin@wiche.edu

As the executive director of WCET, Russell Poulin leads an organization focusing on the practice, policy, and advocacy of technology-enhanced learning in higher education. WCET member institutions and organizations hail from all fifty states and Canada. As WICHE’s vice president for technology-enhanced education, Poulin advises on policies and projects. Poulin served on federal negotiated rulemaking panels and received recognition for national policy contributions. Poulin previously lead distance education collaboration for the North Dakota University System and earned a bachelors from the University of Colorado Denver and masters from the University of Northern Colorado. Poulin is partial to movies, cats, and his wife.

Megan Raymond

Senior Director, Membership and Programs, WCET

303.541.0233mraymond@wiche.edu

Megan Raymond has been with WICHE since 2007. She directs the programs, events, and sponsorships for WCET, the national leader in the practice, policy, and advocacy of technology-enhanced learning in higher education. Prior to WICHE, Megan was entrenched in student affairs at a small liberal arts college. In her spare time she enjoys racing mountain bikes and chasing her son on his bike or feet. Her overly hyper and eternal puppy, Rango, also keeps her on her toes.

Annette Robertson

Fidelity Review Program Manager, Behavioral Health Program

602.705.4064arobertson@wiche.edu

Annette Robertson, LMSW is a Fidelity Reviewer with the WICHE Behavioral Health Program and has been a licensed social worker for more than 25 years. She earned a Master of Social Work degree with a focus in Policy, Administration and Communities from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Moorhead State University, Minnesota. Prior to joining WICHE in 2017, she delivered: behavioral health services to adults in one of the largest populated counties in the U.S.; school based behavioral health services to children and their families on an Ojibwe reservation in rural Minnesota; family based services to families whose children were at risk of being placed out of the home; and for a brief period, supported persons with chronic kidney failure. Annette currently works on a contract with the State of Arizona Medicaid program, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, one of the first Medicaid programs to bring integrated mental and physical health care to its residents. For WICHE, Annette evaluates adult behavioral health programs’ ability to meet the fidelity of SAMHSA’s Evidenced Based Practices being used throughout Arizona.

Melissa Sanders

Administrative Assistant III, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0232msanders@wiche.edu

Melissa Sanders graduated with a B.A. in international studies from Colorado State University and continued her education with a masters of science in organizational leadership from University of Colorado, Boulder. She serves as the support staff for WICHE’s policy unit and continues to greatly enjoy her work assisting the world of higher education. Outside of WICHE, she enjoys backpacking, reading, socializing, participating in sports, and serving her church community.

Christina Sedney

Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Policy Analysis and Research

303.541.0238csedney@wiche.edu

Christina Sedney is the Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at WICHE, where she works on a variety of topics including approaches to serving underrepresented student populations, higher education governance issues, and policy solutions for adult learners. Prior to WICHE, Sedney worked for international nonprofit Teach For All and completed a fellowship with the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. She also held multiple roles with the AmeriCorps program City Year, from classroom-based corps member to project manager on their public policy team. She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley.

Flora Shirzadian

Data Specialist, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0277fshirzadian@wiche.edu

Melanie Sidwell

Director of Communications

303.541.0237msidwell@wiche.edu

Melanie Sidwell is the director of communications at WICHE, where she supports our mission through strategic communications, media relations, and content services. Prior to joining WICHE, she served in marketing and communications, alumni relations, and advancement roles at the University of Colorado, and she worked as a journalist for newspapers in Nebraska, Florida, and Colorado. A first-generation college graduate, Sidwell holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in media studies from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Kate Springsteen

Assistant Director, Student Access Programs

303.541.0270kspringsteen@wiche.edu

Allison Treu

Quality Assurance and Fidelity Reviewer, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0304atreu@wiche.edu

Ivory Tubbs

Technical Expert Lead, RCORP, Behavioral Health Program

303.541.0228itubbs@wiche.edu

Ivory Tubbs: Prior to earning his doctorate in psychology, Ivory served in the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Shield in logistics in 1991. Prior to his discharge from the military, Ivory’s career in the mental/behavioral health field began in Las Vegas, Nevada as a crisis intervention specialist. Later, he transitioned to the role of child development assistant with Clark County Family Services.

In 1999 he was appointed as the Executive Director of Windsor Village Social Services, an agency working in conjunction with FEMA to provide emergency food, shelter and utility assistance for area residents. In addition to fulfilling his duties as Executive Director, Ivory was also a Senior Public Health Investigator with the City of Houston, Bureau of Epidemiology conducting psycho-social assessments regarding sexual practices and opioid use within the HIV/AIDS community for the CDC. After his simultaneous roles as Executive Director and Senior Public Health Investigator, Ivory began adding to his knowledge base by joining the University of Texas School of Health Sciences, Psychiatric Center working with acute and subacute psychosis patients as well as patients in the forensic psychology unit for the Houston Police Department.

Ivory was also a Psychological Assessor focusing on dual diagnosis patients as well as outpatient therapy to monitor psychotropic drug interactions. Ivory took a hiatus from behavioral health to become an HR Manager in compliance and performance management for Walmart US. Ivory has served on several boards of directors and has done extensive work in the homeless community. He has also held the role of director working with the developmentally delayed population.

Olivia Tufo

Manager, Community Engagement and Development, Programs and Services

303.541.0261otufo@wiche.edu

Olivia Tufo is the manager of community engagement and development for the Programs & Services unit at the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). The Programs and Services unit broadens student access to postsecondary education and fosters higher education collaborations that increase institutional effectiveness. Tufo manages membership of the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders and the Western Academic Leadership Forum. Tufo also works on initiatives that bring together the West’s higher education leaders to address common goals and issues, such as the No Holding Back study and the Interstate Passport Network which aims to streamline the student transfer process through a nationwide network of institutions.

Jana Walser-Smith

Director, Interstate Compliance and SAN Member Outreach

303.541.0289jwalsersmith@wiche.edu

Jana Walser-Smith joined SAN in September of 2022 as the Director, Interstate Compliance and SAN Member Outreach where she assists with engaging, training, communicating, and supporting SAN members. Jana serves as the lead educator addressing foundational principles of state authorization and state-to-state institutional approvals through the development of training events and resources that reinforce the foundational principles of interstate compliance. Additionally, Jana serves as the chief communicator in the development of efficient communication practices to engage SAN members.

Jana comes to SAN from Southern New Hampshire University and previously from the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Office, UNC Greensboro, and Appalachian State University where she served in various compliance and state authorization roles. She additionally has many years of experience as a Faculty Lecturer and Adjunct Faculty at institutions in North Carolina. Prior to these roles, Jana also worked in corporate finance for multiple fortune 200 organizations.

Jana holds an EdD degree from Appalachian State University, MA from Wake Forest University, and a BS from High Point University. Beyond her role at SAN, Jana enjoys traveling, perusing antique and collectable showrooms, working with church and community projects, spending time with her husband and three adult daughters, and rearing her 11-year-old great-niece.