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.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
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PRESIDENT-ELECT
Merissa Larson
Merissa Larson is currently working as a Data Analyst with Integrated Health Network. She aims to use her skills as a public health advocate to educate and inspire communities and individuals so that they can lead their healthiest lives. Merissa is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with a Master's in Public Health (MPH) and has a strong background in curriculum development and education. She previously served as the Interim Director of Culinary at St. Charles Community College and created the first degree and certificates offered. She enjoys spending time with her rescue chihuahua, crafting, fitness, and the occasional Netflix binge.
EVALUATION & LEARNING OFFICER
Lynette Lartey
Lynette is a dynamic public health researcher. She is a Research Associate Masters in the Population Health Formative Research Team at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Lynette has a strong background in community health, maternal and child health, and mental health disparities research for underserved and disadvantaged communities in the US and in sub-Saharan Africa. She is passionate about incorporating patients’, caregivers’, and care teams’ voices into research to develop more culturally congruent and equitable healthcare. Lynette holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education from Baylor University and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®). She enjoys cycling, running, gardening, and exploring her rich Ghanaian heritage!
HOUSE of DELEGATES REPRESENTATIVE
Michele Bildner
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Michele is an adaptive leader in public health education and promotion using principles of equity, anti-racism, and social justice for policy and systems change. She teaches Health Education and Promotion undergraduates at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. Michele is a Project Manager at the CDC Foundation where she works to establish public-private partnerships for health. Michele is busy with her DrPH in Leadership at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, where she is exploring what it means to be a leader in public health policy advocacy and development. She is an experienced consultant, practicing yogi, and aspires to be a more spontaneous traveler.
ADVOCACY 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.
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER
Jenna Wintemberg
Jenna Wintemberg is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Health Science and Public Health at the University of Missouri. Jenna holds her PhD in Health Promotion, MPH, and CHES. She is also a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and is a long-time advocate for tobacco control policies and increased access to cessation services. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new playgrounds with her daughter, walking her dog, and reading fiction/sci-fi/fantasy.
STUDENT OFFICER
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Daniel Mattheiss
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Daniel received his Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University in 2014 as well as his Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) certification. Currently, he is pursuing his MPH from A.T. Still University and is expected to graduate in 2024 and intends to take the MCHES® exam at that time. He is also a Public Health Educator with the Saint Charles County Department of Public Health where he wears many hats such as the Maternal Child Health (MCH) grant coordinator, Red Cross CPR Instructor, Guest Speaker, and CareTrak team member. In his limited free time, Daniel likes to spend time with his wife and young son, preferably outdoors.
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.
TREASURER
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