The Aging Well Whatcom Steering Committee

Our guiding principles:

  • We work with and for those aging in our community.

  • We work through collective action, guided by individual and community voices.

  • We take evidence-based action.

  • We are committed to equity and inclusion, welcoming all.

  • We believe that healthy design for an aging community is healthy design for the whole community.

The Aging Well Whatcom (AWW) Steering Committee provides direction and oversight for the AWW initiative. The Steering Committee is broadly focused on Aging Well priorities and the implementation strategies in the Aging Well Blueprint, in collaboration with community partners. Members come to the table with their expertise and passion for any number of the issues being worked on, while also holding the Blueprint at large and being committed to advancing the vision as a whole.

The Steering Committee’s primary functions are to:

  • Oversee active and widespread communication about the blueprint.

  • Advocate for the endorsement of the blueprint’s community vision for aging well.

  • Develop the plans and practices to implement the strategies outlined in the blueprint.

  • Engage and build partnerships with organizations, businesses, funders, and other entities to ensure blueprint implementation.

Current Steering Committee Members:

Amy Hockenberry – Whatcom County Health Department
Barbara Juarez – Northwest Washington Indian Health Board
Becky Kirkland – PeaceHealth Center for Senior Health, Cascade Connections Board
Bethany Chamberlin – Northwest Regional Council
Bree Johnston, MD – Skagit Regional Health, Chuckanut Health Foundation Board
Chao-ying Wu, MD – Family Care Network (retired), Chuckanut Health Foundation
Chris Orr – Whatcom Council on Aging
Chuck Messinger – Opportunity Council
Heather Flaherty – Chuckanut Health Foundation
Heidi Bugbee – Generations Early Learning & Family Center
Janet Malley – Whatcom Transportation Authority
Jen Lautenbach – Lynden Community/Senior Center, Everson City Council
Josselyn Winslow – VSED Resources NW, Dementia Support NW
Katherine Romero – NW Regional Council Tribal Programs
Kathy Kershner – Whatcom County Council
Kenzie Nelson – Vibrant USA
Lona Johnson – Nooksack Tribal Health Center
Marie Eaton – Western Washington University, Palliative Care Institute
Rochelle Hollowell – East Whatcom Senior Group
Tammy Bennett – Whatcom Family YMCA
Tessa Whitlock – Chuckanut Health Foundation
Tonja Myers – Christian Health Care Center, Whatcom Hospice Foundation Board, Northwest Washington Workforce Development Council

Facilitation and support:
Lara Welker – Lara Welker Consulting
Katie Wahler – Aging Well Whatcom Intern