Our Team

Details

By Jose Perezchica

Our Team

Publisher

Marie Dahlstrom, M.A.  

Marie also serves as the Executive Director of Familias en Accion, Director of Diversity for the University of Portland, School of Nursing Doctorate of Nursing Practice and is a Clinical Assistant Professor with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Department of Radiation Medicine.  Marie a former member of the National Cancer Institute Director’s Consumer Liaison Group and currently serves on the Susan G. Komen for the Cure National Multicultural Council.  Marie has over 35 years experience working with non-profit organizations and academic institutions in community research, program development, advocacy and training on Latino health disparities both nationally and in Latin America specifically in Ecuador and in Colombia.  Marie has co-authored numerous Latino community assessments in Oregon including Mujer Sana/Healthy Woman which provided best practices regarding breast and cervical cancer outreach and screening for Latinas.  She is a recipient of the Balderson Leadership Project Development award through the National Public Health Leadership Institute and a two year recipient of the Fortaleza Award for her dedication to ending domestic violence in the Latino community.   Marie is a member of the Project Access NOW Board of Directors and the Oregon Health & Science University Heart Research Center Board of Governors.

Production Editor and Writer 

Rebecca Huntley, M.S.W.

Rebecca is currently on faculty of South Seattle Community College where her specialty is child development, early learning, and parent education. Ms. Huntley is author of The Sleep Book for Tired Parents; authored and edited web-based publications for the Talaris Institute; founding member, curriculum developer, project manager, and trainer for The Parent School. As consultant to Washington Dental Service Foundation, she facilitates health education in early childhood programs throughout Washington and across the country and is co-author of the 3 comprehensive Cavity Free Kids curricula for pregnant women, young children, and their parents.

Social Media Director & Editor

Karla Skokan, B.A.

Karla is a Mexican journalist with extensive professional experience and a strong interest in social issues that are relevant to a multicultural community.   With a Bachelor Degree in Communications, she started her early career working with important productions and projects such as Big Brother, Espacio and Eres Niños Magazine at Televisa, the biggest broadcasting company in Mexico.  Shortly after, she worked as public relations and marketing specialist at Oceano, a widely recognized editorial house in Mexico.   Years after, she continued developing her career in the Yucatan Peninsula as an editor and journalist with the New Millennium Journal as well as a TV host and producer for Channel 6 TV-Station in Merida, focusing on cultural, social, and political subjects and working with the Mayan population.
Since moving to Portland in late 2009, Karla has been involved in filming programs and commercials for Estrella TV, editing a Hispanic Newspaper and writing articles for several publications, bringing her communications background to the social service industry while utilizing her bilingual and organizational skills trough the social media.

Patient Navigator Program Coordinator
Olga Gerberg

For the past fifteen years Olga has worked as an advocate for health access serving as a link between healthcare providers and low income individuals. Olga graduated from la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City as a registered nurse and from Portland Community College as a Chemical Dependency counselor. As a bilingual and bicultural health professional she has worked with Catholic Charities, El Programa Hispano and Cascade Management. Olga also has extensive experience in working with schools, missionary groups, community service clubs and with immigrant farm labor families. Her passion in life is to serve and to empower Latinos through education and support. Olga is the founder of the first Spanish speaking Kiwanis community service club in the country and is now privileged to serve as a city council member for the city of Sandy, Oregon.

Health Editor

Marco Antonio Pino, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Pino is a professor with Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Institute of Public Health (Quito/Ecuador/South America).  Dr. Pino specializes in maternal and reproductive health and his experience included technical assistance to the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization in El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela and Belize.  Currently Dr. Pino is collaborating with the Colombian Nurses Association and the University of Portland to implement breast health programs in Ecuador and Colombia for underserved low income, indigenous and Afro women.  Dr. Pino has extensive experience in the use of technology for health education.

Communication Coordinator
Raquel Aquillon, B.A.

Raquel has worked in the Latino public relations field for over 20 years.  She has worked with companies including Payless Drugs, Oregon Center for Applied Science, Pacific University, Chevrolet, Sprouse Reitz, Seiko, Holt Reinhardt, Paragon Cable Television, KHSP TV 22 and many others in a variety of capacities including producer, voice-talent, reporter, translator, and marketing advisor.  Raquel is bilingual / bicultural, has received various industry awards including a Telly, Rosie, and also a Red Cross Distinction Award for her work.  She has a B.A. in Communications from Macalester College.

Blanca Fernández

Patient Navigator

Blanca Fernández is currently working on her Bachelors of Science in Child and Family Studies at Portland State University - her graduation date is in August 2012. Blanca is currently working with Familias en Acción as a member of the Planning Committee for the Latino Health Equity Conference 2012 and is interning with Susan G. Komen with the Latina Initiative program. She wants to gain more field experience after her graduation and to seek her Master’s in Public Administration and focus in health care disparities in the Latino Community.

Elvia Santillán

Editorial Assistant

Elvia is an enthusiastic and bright student at University of Portland. She is currently studying Communication and Spanish Studies, bringing a unique mix of experience in writing and language to eSaludToday. As a 2009 recipient of the Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, she plans to further her education and give back to her community.