Welcome Cameron Kirkland
We are pleased to welcome Cameron Kirkland, who joined our staff in April as a Provider Relations Specialist with our new behavioral health Pro Bono Counseling program. He will focus his time on developing our volunteer therapist and counselor roster. We are thrilled to welcome Cameron to the team.
Cameron is no stranger to behavioral health. Prior to joining Project Access Northwest, he worked as a behavioral health therapist with Autism Learning Partners. As an onsite therapist, he was responsible for utilizing a behavior analysis method to provide behavioral improvement for adolescents along with adults on the spectrum accompanying developmental challenges. He also comes to this role with a personal connection and valuable experience navigating the behavioral health care space.
Outside of work, Cameron enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, specifically hiking. As a California transplant new to the Pacific Northwest, he is excited to explore the many hiking opportunities in our area. Cameron is also a self-proclaimed, avid reader. His literary interests are mainly focused on self-help and psychology books. If there is one book he could recommend, it is “The Sweet Spot,” by Paul Bloom.
Staff promotions
Michael Welke
Michael Welke has been promoted to a new and exciting role of Director of Donor Engagement.
Michael has been with Project Access Northwest since 2021. Beginning in his position as Provider Relations Manager and then Care Coordinator II. Michael has played a critical role as Interim Development Director in leading fundraising efforts for the organization, that have included significant growth of existing relationships and the securing of major commitments from new donors. Michael’s superb skills in donor-centered fundraising are already allowing individuals, foundations, corporations, and sponsors to find new, engaging ways to strike down barriers to health care.
As Director of Donor Engagement, Michael will continue to be responsible for revenue generation while playing a critical role in leading our effort to engage donors as our partners and in inviting all of our donors to new, and meaningful conversations that help us to realize our mission and vision.
Prior to joining Project Access Northwest, Michael’s impressive resume includes but is not limited to various posts as both Events and Program Manager. From 2006-2013, Michael also served as Conference, Events, and Travel Manager for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/HIV Vaccine Trial Network. Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts, Communications and Journalism from South Dakota State University. In his free time, Michael loves playing the drums and performing live music with his “kindie” rock band, snowboarding with his son, and traveling with his husband.
Yesenia Mendoza-Ramos
In equally exciting news, Yesenia Mendoza-Ramos has been promoted to a new and exciting role of Premium Assistant Program Manager.
Yesenia has been with Project Access Northwest since 2018. Beginning in her position as Health Home Care Coordinator, and then serving as Community Health Worker, and most recently in the first-ever position of Care Coordinator III withing the organization. During her tenure, Yesenia has become a certified Navigator by the State of Washington, giving her the tools and skills she needs to help others find their best health plans on the Washington State Benefits Exchange.
As Premium Assistance Program Manager, Yesenia will continue to be responsible for supporting enrollment of health insurance and programs for clients with cultural, linguistic, disability or other special needs. In her expanded role, Yesenia will work even more closely with hospital partners who invest in the Premium Assistance Program to realize cost savings that are in the millions, while connecting individuals living at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level with life-changing and often life-saving care.
Prior to joining Project Access Northwest, Yesenia’s impressive resume includes but is not limited to various posts as a fundraiser and events manager. Yesenia also served as a Care Coordinator II and as a Dental Receptionist at Sea Mar Community Health Centers, in Des Moines, Washington. Yesenia earned her Bachelor of Arts, Public Health from the University of Washington, and a Certificate, Non-Profit Administration from Seattle Central College. In her free time, Yesenia loves attending Seattle sports games – OL Reign and Mariners, traveling, and spending time with her dog Tommy.