SOPHE MIDWEST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Movers and Shakers
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, this skilled and energized team is the backbone of SOPHE Midwest. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about
our incredible Executive Committee.
PAST-PRESIDENT
Jeni Starr
Jeni Starr has been a health educator for over 20 years and currently serves as the Health & Wellness Specialist for the Kansas City Public Library where she leads the delivery of wellness resources and initiatives and builds strategic partnerships. She is passionate about health equity and weight inclusive wellness. She holds a Master of Education in Health Education from the University of Texas at Austin, a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College, and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist. When she isn’t working she enjoys gardening, traveling, sewing, and spending time with her husband, stepkids, two cats, and a retired racing greyhound.
Membership Officer
Monica Miller
Monica is a Support Specialist with the CDC Foundation where she works with state and local health departments across the country providing them with assistance in outreach, education, and research. Monica holds a BA in Geography from the University of Missouri Kansas City and anticipates completing her Master’s degree in public health at the University of Missouri in summer 2022. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, tending to indoor plants, cooking, kayaking, and going to the movies with her husband.
Advocacy Officer
Abby Bass
Abby is a Compliance Event Specialist with Compass Health Network. Abby holds a BA in Health Science from the University of Missouri and is a Certified Health Education Specilaist (CHES). She specializes in healthcare quality improvement, data analysis, and program evaluiation. Abby is passionate about using both data and avdocacy to create meaningful change. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the movies with her husband.
TREASURER
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PRESIDENT
Merissa Larson
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Merissa is currently an evaluation manager at St. Louis Integrated Health Network. She received her Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri, Columbia and holds a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential. Merissa has a drive for educating others about public health practices and the impacts they have to our world. Outside of SOPHE Midwest and work, Merissa enjoys hiking, pilates, gardening, getting creative via crochet and home decorating, reading, and videogames.
She is thrilled to be President for 2026/2027 term and can not wait to meet you all soon!
Evaluation and Learning Chair
Ethan Greenblatt
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Ethan Greenblatt is a Health Education Supervisor
at the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health, where he leads a team of health educators that respond to COVID, MPOX and STIs in the community. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri and holds a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification.
He is passionate about public health, specifically with interests in public health leadership, health education and health equity. When Ethan isn’t working, he enjoys fitness, playing golf, reading and traveling.
Student Officer
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President- Elect
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COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
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