Board & Staff
Utah AHEC Statewide Advisory Board
John W. Barrett, MD
José E Rodríguez, MD, FAAFP
Executive Medical Director of the University of Utah Health Community Physician Group
John Barrett, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician. He received his degree from Columbia University in New York and completed his residency training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction Colorado.
He has practiced in various settings over 30 years working extensively with rural populations throughout the course of his career. He is the recipient of multiple awards, including twice receiving the US Public Health Service Achievement Medal. He has exemplified the triad of innovation, integration, and implementation. He has led teams for on-demand care, urgent care, and integrated care across the system.
John is currently the Executive Medical Director of the University of Utah Health Community Physician Group.
James A. VanDerslice, PhD
Jim VanDerslice, PhD
Jim VanDerslice, PhD is a Professor and Division Chief of the Division of Public Health in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine where he holds the TFH Morton Endowed Chair He is a member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and a Faculty Affiliate in the Population and Pedigree Resource, Utah Population Database. He earned his doctoral and master degrees in Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the School of Public Health, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, followed by post-doctoral study at the Carolina Population Center at the same institution.
His research focuses on the development and transmission of antimicrobial resistant organisms in the environment, and exposure ascertainment methods for large retrospective studies using spatial methods. He teaches graduate courses in data collection, data management and analysis and environmental health.
Prior to arriving at the University of Utah he served as the Senior Environmental Epidemiologist at the Washington State Department of Health, and as an Assistant Professor and Program Director with the El Paso Campus MPH program for the University of Texas – Houston, School of Public Health.
Jennifer Dailey-Provost, MBA
Jennifer Dailey-Provost, MBA
Legislator in House of Representatives
Jennifer L. Dailey-Provost, MBA, currently serves in the Utah House of Representatives, serving the constituents of District 24 in downtown Salt Lake City. She is also the former Executive Director of the Utah Academy of Family Physicians, where she focused on advocating for healthcare reform, particularly related to public health and primary care. Jennifer is passionate about improving health for all Utahans through working with health professionals to achieve the Quadruple Aim. In addition to holding B.S. in Business from the University of Utah and her M.B.A. from Westminster College, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health at the University of Utah. This exciting endeavor gives her the opportunity to work on research focused on transforming how health care (particularly primary care) is delivered in the health system.
Juliana Simonetti, MD
Juliana Simonetti, MD
Assistant Professor, Director of Obesity Medicine, Co-Director of Comprehensive Weight Management Program, Co-Director of PROMIS2U (Pre-matriculation Readiness for Ongoing Medical Student Success at the U) Program
Dr. Simonetti serves as the Director of the Obesity Medicine Program and co-director of the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at the University of Utah. She received her medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in Obesity Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at Boston University Medical Center. Dr. Simonetti holds board certification in both Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. With over a decade of experience in the field of obesity medicine, she has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed journals and authored book chapters on various topics concerning obesity treatment.
In addition, Dr. Simonetti serves as the co-director of the PROMIS2U (Pre-matriculation Readiness for Ongoing Medical Student Success at the U) program at the University of Utah. During her teenage years, Dr. Simonetti immigrated to the United States and faced a multitude of obstacles to achieve her medical degree. Having worked in underserved areas and being a member of a minoritized community, Dr. Simonetti has first-hand experience with the inequities within the healthcare system. She is passionate about diversifying the healthcare workforce and providing exceptional patient care.
Eli Bermudez, MS, PhD
Eli Bermudez, MS, PhD
Dean, Dixie State University College of Health Sciences
Dr. Bermudez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, M.S. in Environmental Sciences from the School of Public Health at the University of Puerto Rico, and his PhD in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He served for 22 years as a tenured faculty member, Department Chair of Applied Health Sciences, and Interim Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Indiana State University. At Indiana State University, he taught a variety of courses in environmental health and served as a committee member for numerous master’s theses and dissertations. His scholarship includes 18 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, 85 professional presentations, and 29 grants awarded, all in the disciplines of environmental health, and public health. He is currently the dean of the College of Health Sciences at Dixie State University in Saint George, Utah.
Matt McCullough, PhD
Matt McCullough, PhD
Associate Director of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network
McCullough is the Associate Director of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network, where he is responsible for telehealth services, operations, strategic planning, and development of new services and sites. He is also the Principal Investigator of the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC).
Mike Farrell, DO, MBA
Mike Farrell, DO, MBA
Geriatrics, University of Utah
Dr. Farrell is a geriatric physician currently practicing at the University of Utah’s Redstone Clinic. He works in diverse areas to address the unique needs of an aging population. He has also served as the Senior Medical Director at Rocky Mountain Care, and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine
Duane Winden, Ph.D., MSN/ed, MS, RN
Duane Winden, Ph.D., MSN/ed, MS, RN is the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Roseman University of Health Sciences in the College of Dental Medicine (CODM). He earned his doctorate in Physiology and Developmental Biology from Brigham Young University, a masters in nursing and nursing education from Grand Canyon University and a masters in zoology from Brigham Young University. He is a former director of biomedical sciences with research involving the characterization of Secondhand Smoke (SHS) and Materno-Fetal Interactions in Receptors for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE). His scholarship includes 17 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, and 35 professional presentations. He was instrumental in the curriculum development and accreditation, required to transform Roseman’s CODM to the country’s second 3-year dental school in order to make graduate education in dentistry more available to all students.
Jenifer Lloyd, JD, DVM, MSPH
Jenifer Lloyd, JD, DVM, MSPH
Deputy Director, Association for Utah Community Health
Jenifer has worked for the Association for Utah Community Health since August 2010 and has served as the Deputy Director since August 2011. Her primary role at AUCH is assisting Utah’s community health centers with best practices in regulatory and compliance issues and board development. She came to AUCH with a background in law and public health. Jenifer earned her J.D. from the University of Utah; her areas of interest are health law and disability law. Prior to law school, Jenifer worked for the Utah Department of Health and served in the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Jenifer earned her D.V.M. from Colorado State University and her M.S.P.H. from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
Martell Teasley, PhD
Martell Teasley, PhD
Dean, College of Social Work, University of Utah
University of Utah’s interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and dean of the University of Utah College of Social Work, president of the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work, and former editor-in-chief of the journal Children & Schools. His research primarily focuses on social work in school settings, particularly the vital role that social work can play in advancing educational equity. He is well known as an innovative and talented leader, having previously served as the chair of the Department of Social Work in the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Public Policy. Dr. Teasley’s experience also includes employment as a substance use disorder counselor, time as a licensed practical nurse, and a decade of service with the U.S. Army. He earned his Ph.D. in social work from Howard University, where his scholarship focused on African American adolescent development. He also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fayetteville State University and Virginia Commonwealth University, respectively.
Robert Pettitt, PhD, FACSM, ATC, CSCS
Robert Petitt, PhD, FACSM, ATC, CSCS
Dean, School of Health Sciences
Salt Lake Community College, Jordan Campus
Bob Pettitt is Dean for the School of Health Sciences at Salt Lake Community College. He has consulted national and international sports programs along with law enforcement and military groups. He attained the rank of full professor at two different universities, is a former department chair, and a former director of research & sponsored projects. His research has been funded by organizations such as Force Science®, MOXY Monitors, and the NIKE Sport Research Lab. He holds a PhD in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Utah, is Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Strength & Conditioning Association. He has published over 90 peer-review articles, given over 100 presentations, and is author of two books: Exercise Physiology Laboratories (2009) and Critical Speed (2023).
Larry Curtis Garrett, PhD, MPH, RN
Larry Curtis Garrett, PhD, MPH, RN
Assistant Professor, University of Utah, College of Nursing.
Larry Garrett, Ph.D., RN is an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah, College of Nursing. He earned his doctorate in Interdisciplinary Health Science from Western Michigan University. He was the first Health Informatics Fellow with the National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a former Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prior to working at the University of Utah, he was a partner in a public health software and consulting company where he provided consulting services to state and local health departments across the county. Later, Dr Garrett was employed at Comagine Health, on a variety of healthcare quality improvement initiatives. He is currently working on a project to improve primary care by creating opportunities for registered nurses to work at the top of their licensure. He has twenty-seven years of experience in health care consulting and teaching.
Valerie Herzog, EdD, LAT, ATC
Valerie Herzog, EdD, LAT, ATC
Dean, College of Health Sciences, Utah Tech University
Valerie Herzog serves as Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Utah Tech University. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training at Alderson-Broaddus College, her master’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of Virginia, and her doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration at Marshall University. She is a Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. She serves as a District Director on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Directors.
Jessica M. Hurtado, MPA
Jessica M. Hurtado, MPA
Director of Admissions, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine
Jessica's scholarly interests examine admissions practices, leadership development, and the role of higher education in strengthening workforce pathways. She has coauthored publications in the Journal of Higher Education and Harvard Education Press. Through her service on the Utah AHEC Board of Directors, she is committed to supporting educational opportunities that strengthen Utah's healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the state.
Utah AHEC STAFF
Director, Utah AHEC
Rachel Ceballos, PhD
Rachel Ceballos, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Utah AHEC
Dr. Rachel Ceballos is an Associate Professor in the Division of Public Health, within the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Utah. She serves as the Senior Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), is a member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program at HCI, and holds a Huntsman Cancer Institute Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.
Her research focuses on understanding the psychological and social impacts of cancer, particularly among communities experiencing health disparities, as well as advancing the science of community engagement in cancer prevention and control. Dr. Ceballos is deeply committed to integrating community engagement across all stages of the research process and emphasizes bidirectional learning between researchers and the communities they serve. She has extensive experience working with rural/frontier, African American, Native American, and Latino populations.
Prior to arriving at the University of Utah and HCI, she was an Associate Professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and an Affiliate Associate Professor in the Department of Health Systems and Population Health at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.
Dr. Ceballos earned her PhD in Biobehavioral Health from Pennsylvania State University, where she also completed her MS in Biobehavioral Health. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Biobehavioral Cancer prevention and Control Program at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She holds a BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and an AA in Liberal Arts from Skyline College.
Associate Director, Utah AHEC
Tatiana Allen-Webb, BS, CCRP
Tatiana Allen-Webb, BS, CCRP
Program Manager, Utah AHEC
Tatiana Allen-Webb, BS, CCRP, is the Program Manager for the Utah Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program. She coordinates the design, development, and delivery of statewide programs for the Utah AHEC – including ongoing program assessment and improvement. Tatiana has over 19 years of experience facilitating collaborations between community organizations and researchers with a main focus on health education and research.
Her career has focused on projects that aim at decreasing barriers, building bridges between communities, and increasing timely access to healthcare for the underprivileged. She is excited to bring this experience to her role with Utah AHEC.
Director, Southern Utah AHEC
Tyler Watson, PhD
Tyler Watson, PhD, MPH
Executive Director, Southern Utah AHEC
Dr. Watson brings more than 28 years of experience in healthcare leadership, public health, and education. He most recently served as a professor and Public Health Program Director at Brigham Young University–Idaho. He is also a Lieutenant Colonel with the Idaho Air National Guard’s 124th Medical Group and co-founder and CFO of the Rexburg Free Clinic. His career has spanned roles in epidemiology, health promotion, compliance, training, infection control, and occupational safety and health, all with a strong focus on underserved populations. Dr. Watson holds a Doctor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration and International Relations as well as a Master of Public Health from Idaho State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from the University of Utah. His experience in both civilian and military healthcare leadership, along with his commitment to mentoring the next generation of health professionals, positions him to continue UCRH’s mission of improving access to quality healthcare in rural communities.
Director, Crossroads Utah AHEC
Mindy Bateman, MS
Mindy Bateman
Director, Crossroads Utah AHEC
Mindy Bateman is the Director of the Crossroads Utah Area Health Education Center (AHEC) at Salt Lake Community College, where she has spent more than 26 years supporting students along the health professions pathway. Since 2009, she has led the Crossroads AHEC with a commitment to helping learners explore career options, access meaningful opportunities, and successfully prepare for future roles in healthcare. Her work spans statewide partnerships, interprofessional education, rural health workforce development, and collaborative initiatives with national organizations.
Mindy has served in multiple leadership roles with the National AHEC Organization—including Treasurer, President, and currently Co‑Chair of the Conference Planning Committee—and has been recognized with numerous state and national awards for her contributions to health education and student advocacy. She holds a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Utah.
Above all, Mindy loves mentoring students. She has worked with learners from high school through professional training and especially enjoys helping those who are first‑generation, unsure where to start, or exploring different healthcare pathways. Mindy is known for being approachable, supportive, and committed to helping students identify their strengths, build confidence, and take their next steps toward a rewarding career in healthcare.
Director, Northern Utah AHEC
Frederick Henderson, MHA
Frederick Henderson
Director, Northern Utah AHEC
Frederick Henderson, MHA, is honored to represent the Utah AHEC Program as the Center Director of the Northern Utah AHEC (NUAHEC). Mr. Henderson brings over ten years of experience in federal and foundation grant writing and grant management, fourteen years of experience instructing higher education health sciences courses, and a Master of Health Administration Degree to this position. Before joining the Utah AHEC in 2017, Mr. Henderson served as the Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross. He has a deep understanding of the northern Utah community and the needs of the population. The relationships and knowledge he has developed through collaborative efforts with multiple State of Utah and local governmental agencies, the United Way of Northern Utah, the Salvation Army, Utah Departments of Health, and other church and community safety net organizations bring important value and perspective to his current and continued service to the Utah AHEC Program.
Administrative Manager, Utah AHEC
Maisa Gomez, BS
Maisa Gomez
Administrative Manager
Maisa is the Administrative Manager for the Utah Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program. She is an administrative leader with more than twenty years of experience in implementation and management of health organizations, social programs and private companies. She has successfully managed private business, and effectively worked in socially driven organizations and in academic institutions. Maisa is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for disadvantage individuals in education and health.
Administrative Program Coordinator, Utah AHEC
Oreta Tupola, MSW/CHW
Oreta Tupola
Administrative Program Coordinator, Utah AHEC
Oreta Mapu-Tupola is a Community Health Worker. Her purpose is to serve as a voice with and for various communities in Utah bringing to the table expertise, experience, knowledge and awareness of any barriers, strengths and other cultural aspects of community that may enhance the work, mission and goals of the University in serving community. Oreta says, "As a Samoan Woman born and raised 2nd generation in the United States, it is still hard to navigate systems, especially University Systems. I think it is important to always be mindful of how different systems work and to best do this community engagement is important in building the infrastructure of Education, Opportunity and Success!"
Evaluation & Education Lead, Utah AHEC
Prudvi Marneedi, BDS, MPH, CPH, CDI
Prudvi Marneedi, B.D.S, M.P.H, C.P.H, C.D.I. serves as the Evaluation & Education Lead for the Utah Area Health Education Centers (Utah AHEC). In this role, he will focus on creating various evaluation tools and reports for the programs managed by Utah AHEC and its regional centers.
With a background in healthcare research, public health, and dental surgery, Prudvi brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. He is also an alumnus of the University of Utah and aspires to contribute to a just and equitable society.