Our Team
The WSPC Core Team coordinates the day-to-day logistics of WSPC initiatives, meetings, and provides quality improvement technical assistance and support. We collaborate with leadership teams, community organizations, patients and families, and advisory workgroups.
Bat-Sheva Stein, DNP, MSN, MSc, RN—Nurse Quality Manager, Legislation and Policy Lead
Caroline Sedano, MPH—Principal Investigator, MMRP Representative
Christine Mickelson, Youth and Young Adult Integrated Services Supervisor, HCA
Dixie Weber, MSN, RN— MMRP Nurse Consultant
Heather Weiher - First Steps and SUPP Program Specialist, HCA
Jenica Sandall, MSN, RNC-OB, C-ONQS —Director of Safety and Quality, WSHA
Jennifer Helseth, MPH - Health Systems Analyst, DCYF
Jill Smith, MN, RN, CPHQ—MMRP Nurse Consultant
Kailani Amine, MHA, Director – WA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Katherine Lewandowski, Epidemiologist II
Krystle Perez, M.D– Neonatal Clinical Co-Lead
Luz Vilca Yengle, Epidemiologist III
Melissa Kundur, RN – Health Care Services, HCA
Patanjali de la Rocha, MSW, MPH – Birth Equity Project Coordinator
Rebecca Penders PhD, RNC-OB, C-ONQS - Perinatal Regional Nurse
Rita Hsu, M.D—OB Clinical Lead
Talia Horacek - Program Coordinator
Tiffany Tibbs Christensen, MPH, CHES—Program Lead
Trish Anderson MBA BSN – Senior Director of Safety and Quality, WSHA
Sharilyn Emhoff BSN, RN — Perinatal Regional Nurse
Mission
End preventable morbidity, mortality, and disparities in pregnancy, postpartum, and infant care through quality improvement initiatives and fostering a network of statewide perinatal leaders.
Vision
Washington state is a safe and equitable place to experience pregnancy, give birth, be born, and parent.
Values
- Equity: Eliminate disparities in perinatal outcomes based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Equity is at the heart of the WSPC, and we prioritize projects that address social determinants of health, such as access to culturally responsive care.
- Transparency and Accountability: Maintain transparency and accountability. We do this by providing timely and accurate information, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and being responsive to feedback and concerns.
- Open Membership: Establish an inclusive community without barriers or requirements for membership. The WSPC welcomes all who share an interest in enhancing perinatal and infant health, as we values diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences.
- Collaboration: Working beside and in partnership with the people and communities we seek to serve. We foster a culture of mutually beneficial, non-hierarchical collaboration, and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all members feel valued, respected, and supported.
- Quality: Strive for the highest standards of performance in our programs, processes, and deliverables. We are lifelong learners committed to continuous improvement, high-quality work, and willingness to learn from mistakes and setbacks.