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:

Ali de la Bruere, Health Ministries Network

Aly Robinson, Whatcom County Health & Community Services

Ana Clark, Opportunity Council

Angela Henderson, Nooksack Tribal Health Center

Becky Kirkland, PeaceHealth, Center for Senior Health

Bethany Chamberlin, NW Regional Council

Bree Johnston, MD, CHF Board, Skagit Regional Health

Chris Orr, Whatcom Council on Aging

Deanna Lane, NW Regional Council Tribal Outreach Program

Evan Samsill, Lynden Community-Senior Center

Heather Flaherty, Chuckanut Health Foundation

Janet Malley, Whatcom Transportation Authority

Jen Lautenbach, Lions Camp Horizon; Everson City Council

Josselyn Winslow, Dementia Support NW; VSED Resources NW

Karrie Inman, Whatcom Family YMCA

Marie Eaton, Palliative Care Institute, WWU; WA State Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Board

Rick Steele, Steele Financial Services

Rochelle Hollowell, Kendall Senior Center; Whatcom Community Health Worker Network

Tonja Myers, Christian Health Care Center; LeadingAge Washington Nursing Home Cabinet

Facilitation and support:
Lara Welker – Lara Welker Consulting