Meet Our Team

Brenda Sánchez, joined the SEAHEC team in 2019. She currently serves as Executive Director, overseeing strategic program development, community partnerships, and sustainability initiatives to further SEAHEC’s mission of improving rural, border, and migrant health through advocacy, education, and action. Since stepping into this role in September 2024, Brenda has led SEAHEC’s efforts in rural and underserved areas across Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee counties, focusing on community health worker (CHW) development, public health education, and binational collaborations.

 

Her journey at SEAHEC began in 2018 as an undergraduate Public Health Intern, where she contributed to the planning and implementation of the Border Health: Information for Action binational conference and assisted in developing the Agua Limpia Health Curriculum, an EPA-funded project aimed at supporting the Winchester Heights farmworker community in Cochise County. She has since held various leadership roles, including Community Health Worker, Border-Binational Program Coordinator, and Program Manager, where she was instrumental in developing the first state-approved high school-level Community Health Worker training program with Pima JTED.

 

Brenda has been instrumental in forming partnerships with local and state health departments, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and binational entities to advance health equity initiatives across the borderlands. Her work has significantly contributed to improving access to mental health services, chronic disease management, and healthcare resources for underserved populations. 

 

Recognized as an Emerging Leader in Rural Women’s Health by the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Network (July 2022) and inducted into the Delta Omega Honorary Society (May 2024) for excellence in public health, Brenda brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. She also served as Co-President of the Consejo Binacional de Salud Ambos Nogales (COBINAS) from 2020 to 2022 and as a Board Member of the Arizona Community Health Workers Association (AzCHOW) from 2020 to 2023, advocating for the CHW workforce statewide.

 

Brenda holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor’s in Spanish Translation and Public Health from the University of Arizona. As a Certified Health Education Specialist and Certified Community Health Worker, she is dedicated to advancing health equity and promoting sustainable community health initiatives across the Arizona borderlands.

 

Her passion for health equity and language justice drives her commitment to creating inclusive spaces for underserved communities, ensuring that all individuals receive culturally appropriate health education and services. Brenda is also dedicated to providing a platform for other first-generation students, empowering them to succeed in higher education through mentorship and support. Outside of work Brenda enjoys exploring local coffee shops, traveling and spending time with friends and family. 

“Once a Community Health Worker always a Community Health Worker, no matter what other roles we may hold at the core will always be the heart of a CHW”

Pablo Albelais, joined the SEAHEC team in 2022, born in Tucson, Arizona, but raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Universidad de Sonora and practiced family and civil law for a couple of years. In 2015, he relocated to Tucson and worked for a company assisting people with disabilities, which fueled his compassion for those in need of healthcare and highlighted the vulnerabilities they face.

 

Starting his career at SEAHEC as the Project Manager for Health Equity and CHW, Pablo collaborated with Mariana Gonzalez to develop training for the National CLAS Standards in Cochise County. This initiative aimed to advance health equity, improve quality, and reduce health disparities.

 

In the last three years, Pablo as a Community Health Worker has also been involved in various impactful projects. He co-led the development of the "Entre Nosotros" curriculum, which focused on mental health awareness for the elderly, fostering trust and communication with participants. He spearheaded the “Nutrise” initiative, providing crucial health and nutrition information to food banks in Graham and Greenlee counties. Additionally, he plays a key role in "Proyecto Juntos," a community-driven project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which examines both the successes and barriers faced by the southeastern Arizona community in accessing mental health services. Through these roles, Pablo has consistently connected underserved populations, particularly the elderly and disabled, to vital health resources. 

 

Additionally, Pablo serves as SEAHEC HR Program Manager, where he is responsible for the oversight of employee relations, recruitment processes, staff development, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures. In this role, he actively promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture by fostering open communication, resolving conflicts, and supporting team collaboration. He also ensures that all staff members have the resources and training they need to grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By upholding SEAHEC’s values, Pablo plays a key role in creating a supportive and motivating environment that enhances employee satisfaction and productivity.

Having recently retired as SEAHEC’s Executive Director (2008-2024), Ms. Emrick now serves as Principal Investigator/Project Director for our newly awarded National Institutes of Health (NIH) ComPASS Proyecto Juntos project. In this capacity, Gail leads SEAHEC and partner agencies in a unique Community-driven/community-led research intervention to address structural barriers to accessing mental and behavioral health services in rural and border communities in southeast Arizona.

 

Under Gails’ leadership SEAHEC received the 2021 National AHEC Organization’s Community Programs award, for our work with farmworker populations, the 2019 Arizona Rural Health Associations “Rural Health Program Award”, and the distinction as “Nonprofit of the Year” for Cochise County in 2017.

 

As a graduate of Columbia University, with a joint Masters in Public Health and International Affairs, Gail focused her studies on Latin American Economic and Political Development. Most recently, Gail was honored by the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health with a Lifetime of Service Alumni Achievement award.

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An International Health and Development Specialist, Ms. Emrick has dedicated her almost 40 years of professional life to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Central America and the U.S.-Mexico border region.  She has worked with international agencies including the United Nations World Food Program and Project Concern International addressing issues such as food security, climate change and migration. Believing that health is a human right, she is a lifelong advocate for migrant and farmworker rights, promoting social justice and humanity through her work and life in general.

 

When not at SEAHEC, Gail can be found playing with her newest family additions – granddaughter Keira and grandsons Charlie and Leo, traveling or hiking in Arizona’s rugged mountains or desert landscape.

Lupita Gonzalez, joined the SEAHEC team in 2017, originally from Obregon, Sonora, and raised in Ambos Nogales. Her bicultural Hispanic heritage and upbringing along the Arizona-Sonora border have equipped her with the skills necessary to connect meaningfully with diverse rural communities.

As the Project Manager for Proyecto Juntos and a Certified Community Health Worker, Lupita is dedicated to enhancing health awareness in rural border communities, particularly in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties. She leads initiatives to improve mental and behavioral health services while addressing key topics such as chronic diseases, nutrition, COVID-19 prevention, vaccine hesitancy, and other health-related issues identified by the community. Lupita is committed to reducing mental health stigma by promoting open conversations, utilizing techniques from her training in Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).

Through her outreach and education initiatives, Lupita provides essential resources, encourages help-seeking behavior, and connects community members to local services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

She has led initiatives in collaboration with the University of Arizona Research Center, the Cigna Foundation, the U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Project, health departments, and local organizations such as the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO). Her involvement has fostered strong partnerships that have opened funding and training opportunities in public, mental, and behavioral health.

Lupita's professional experience spans various roles that reflect her commitment to education and community health through hands-on engagement. She has addressed operational challenges, managed employee benefits, provided administrative support to leadership, and coordinated health fairs. Additionally, as a Certified Marketplace Application Counselor, she has conducted eligibility interviews for insurance plans, managed data entry for academic and clinical platforms, facilitated and mentored career exploration programs, and provided homework assistance to K-12 students.

"My work at SEAHEC has fueled my passion for understanding migrant health, mental health, and healthcare issues along the US-Mexico border."

Erin Sol, joined the SEAHEC team in 2008, born in Douglas, AZ and raised in Nogales, AZ. As a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW), she is focused on improving the health and well-being of underserved communities. Erin works to ensure that rural, border, and migrant populations have access to culturally competent healthcare, behavioral health services, and essential local resources. She also actively raises awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, behavioral health, and substance misuse.

As a representative in the SOSA Consortium, she leads outreach efforts and helps develop health education centered on substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and mental health support and resources. Additionally, Erin works with Project Nourish, which connects community members in Graham and Greenlee counties with valuable services and essential resources like rental and utility assistance in addition to food.

With a strong commitment to community advocacy, Erin engages in outreach initiatives, health education, and program development tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse populations. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she excels at building trust and fostering strong relationships within the communities she serves.

Erin also coordinates service-learning immersions for a diverse group of health professions students and institutions throughout the year, which have included collaborations with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai and the University of Arizona's FRONTERA and BLAISER programs.

“For many years, I have been connecting health professions students to our underserved and rural communities, and now I’m happy that as a CHW, I can connect our communities with the resources and services they need.”

Elia Medina-Felix, joined the SEAHEC team in January 2022 as an office assistant and has demonstrated remarkable growth and dedication. Over the years, she has advanced to multiple key roles, including Executive Director Assistant, Office & Social Media Manager, and Community Health Worker. In each position, she has taken charge of ensuring that the administrative side of the organization runs smoothly and efficiently. Her keen organizational skills, mindfulness, and incredible creativity make her a vital asset to the team and is known for her ability to tackle tasks with speed and precision. She is deeply committed to her personal and professional development, continually seeking opportunities to improve her skills to better serve and support the staff and SEAHEC’s mission. Outside of work, Elia is a devoted wife and a loving mother of four. Whether at home or in the office, she brings the same passion, dedication, and care for everything she does.

 

“I love working at SEAHEC it is a peaceful atmosphere, being part of an organization that is so deeply committed to making a difference brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. It’s truly inspiring to be surrounded by such passionate and driven individuals, all working toward a common goal of improving public health."

Christine Ashimwe, joined SEAHEC in April 2024 and she serves as the Migrant Healthcare Program Manager. Her role involves overseeing the implementation of the SEAHEC-Community Health Advocates for Migrant Population Services (CHAMPS) program, its sustainability and growth. This includes assuring compliance with any and all local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations.

 

Originally from East Africa, she is a passionate advocate for global health equity and social justice who has dedicated her life and career to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations around the world. 

 

Christine holds a BSc degree in Life Sciences (Environmental Health), a Postgraduate Diploma in Gender & Development and a MSc degree in Global Health Delivery (MGHD). She is currently undertaking an MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management.

 

Her tireless efforts continue to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable populations she has impacted worldwide. She embodies the spirit of compassion and empathy that defines her as a true global public health advocate. She is known for her ability to bring together stakeholders towards a common goal of access to healthcare because she believes that HEALTH is a HUMAN RIGHT. She spends her free time being Kimberly, Khloe, and Kiera’s mom and mentoring young women and girls.

Amy Pacheco, joined the SEAHEC team in 2022 as a Community Health worker, born and raised in Tucson. In this role, she's provided health education to rural, underserved, and border communities across various Arizona counties. Amy received her Bachelors in Nutritional Science: Dietetics Emphasis from the University of Arizona.

 

In 2023, Amy took on the role of Migrant Healthcare Co-Coordinator and Community Health Worker for the CHAMPS Program, where she played a key role in developing the Community Health Advocates for Migrant Population Services (CHAMPS) program. She is involved in all daily operations for CHAMPS and collaborates closely with the Pima County Health Department, including the Epidemiology division, to address communicable disease cases effectively. Overall, Amy leads care coordination for guests who are in need of health care services on-site with the CHAMPS volunteer healthcare providers and off-site including clinic appointments for guests. She works hand-in-hand coordinating care with El Rio Health providers. Additionally, Amy provides health education to newly arrived asylum seekers and helps guests at their final destinations nationwide find local, affordable, accessible resources, including clinics, food banks, and legal services. In Southeast Arizona rural, underserved communities, Amy continues providing health education in health fairs speaking to community members about mental health, COVID-19, influenza, nutrition, and local health resources. 

 

A passionate advocate for the migrant community, Amy focuses on raising awareness about the medication confiscation faced by asylum seekers in border patrol detention. She engages with the Tucson community to highlight this unjust treatment and discusses policy changes closely with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly's office. Her commitment to healthcare equity drives her efforts to be a voice for immigrant healthcare rights.

 

Amy's empathy and compassion stem from her desire to help others who have faced challenges similar to those experienced by her own family. She looks forward to advancing her career as a Physician Assistant (PA), continuing her mission to support underserved communities as a dedicated healthcare provider.

 

Amy enjoys hiking, running, and gardening! Her time is also spent volunteering at an Equine Ranch and she loves interacting with horses and their psychological healing abilities with children. Her favorite place is the hospital where she shadows a Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant, learning new skills each day on how she can be a stellar PA for her future patients!

 

"Every day I strive to be the person each community member, asylum seeker, immigrant family who I speak to needs. Kindness at the end of the day is the best medicine."

Taylor Leigh, joined the SEAHEC team in 2022, originally from upstate New York. She is a dedicated Migrant Healthcare Co-Coordinator and Community Health Worker (CHW) for the SEAHEC-Community Health Advocates for Migrant Population Services (CHAMPS) program. Within the program she focuses on providing pertinent health education to newly arrived migrants, connecting these individuals to resources all over the United States and coordinating their health needs during their visit in Arizona.

 

Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in Latin American studies and has a passion for serving the migrant population due to working with undocumented individuals as a teenager; an experience that showed her firsthand the harsh realities migrants face in the US and that profoundly influenced her perspective and beliefs on the subject to this day. In her free time, Taylor enjoys hanging with friends, dancing and putting water and other basic necessities out in the desert for people crossing into the United States.

Hector Cha, joined the SEAHEC team in 2024. He is a dedicated Migrant Healthcare Co-Coordinator and Community Health Worker (CHW) for the SEAHEC-Community Health Advocates for Migrant Population Services (CHAMPS) program. Originally born in California and proudly raised in Mexico, Hector holds a bachelor’s degree in public health with a specialization in Health Systems Theory and Practice from the University of Arizona. He began his career at SEAHEC as an intern, where he gained valuable experience in healthcare services, which laid the foundation for his current role.

 

In his current position, Hector oversees operations, coordinates volunteer providers, and manages the onboarding of student volunteers. He also works closely with local health departments to ensure compliance, proper reporting, and quality care for underserved populations, including migrant communities.

 

With a strong background in healthcare services management, Hector is committed to improving healthcare access for those in need. He plays a key role in organizing and leading health education, outreach, and advocacy efforts, striving to ensure that services are well-staffed, efficiently run, and equipped to meet the unique health needs of the communities they serve.

 

As a Community Health Worker, Hector actively engages with the communities he serves, offering health education, promoting wellness, and acting as a trusted resource for individuals seeking care. His passion for healthcare and dedication to helping underserved populations drives him to continually advocate for better access to health services and improved outcomes for all.