Meet our AHEC Scholars!

SITA AGTERBERG
I am a third-year physical therapy student at UW-Milwaukee. I graduated from UW-La Crosse with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. I’m passionate about inclusivity initiatives within PT and our patient populations. In my time at UWM, I started working with an organization called Advancing Diversity and Excellence in Physical Therapy. Our goal is to educate student physical therapists on diverse patient populations to build culturally competent PTs. I’m looking forward to learning more about social determinants of health and other health inequities in Wisconsin through AHEC Scholars. My goal is to work in school-based pediatrics when I graduate, and I plan on being an active part of the APTA.

KRYSTAL ALMAZAN
I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin where I have served various roles working towards increasing diversity in medicine. I was born and raised in Chicago, IL and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BS in Biology. Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree, I received a master’s degree in Biotechnology from Rush University Medical Center. I plan to go into Family Medicine and primarily serve in urban, underserved, and under resourced communities. I joined AHEC to arm myself with more knowledge and skills that will aid in my goal of serving underserved communities. During my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, watching Chicago sports, binging shows on Netflix, and spending quality time with family and friends.

CATRINA BANKS
I am a medical assistant, training to be a nurse at Milwaukee Area Technical College. I am the proud mother of three amazing children. A fun fact about me is that I am a part-time Scentsy consultant.

COLIN BOYLE
I am a medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. I grew up in Oshkosh, WI and went to UW-Madison for an undergraduate degree in biology. I was fortunate to be able to stay in Wisconsin for medical school and have enjoyed my time here tremendously. I am pursuing pediatrics as a specialty and recently matched at UC San Francisco for residency. I value continuity of care and the vulnerability patient and providers show, and hope to pursue Pediatric Hematology/Oncology while incorporating public and community health into my work. In my free time, I love weightlifting, running, reading, and trying new restaurants and cafes.

LAURA CARRILLO
I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I grew up in several states across the U.S. and call the San Francisco Bay Area home. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a double major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Cognitive Science, and a double minor in Chicano Studies and Linguistics. Before starting medical school, I worked as a clinical research coordinator in the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. As an aspiring pediatrician, I hope to serve as a teacher, researcher, mentor, and active community member working to understand and address health disparities and increase the diversity of future physicians and scientists. I am excited to have joined AHEC and look forward to developing my skills of cultural humility, community partnership, advocacy, and health education, while also gaining an understanding of the challenges faced by rural and underserved populations in Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy getting outdoors with my husband, son, and dog.

PAYAL CHADWA
I am pursuing my master's in Clinical Psychology and am currently working with clients who are addicted to substances. I believe that mental health is extremely important and often ignored in our society due to the stigma and costs associated with it. I am hopeful that in time we will be able to provide quality mental healthcare that is accessible to all of our citizens. I currently work as an Academic Advisor. Outside of advising and school, I enjoy taking my dogs on adventures, traveling (mainly to sample world cuisines), and spending as much time in lakes and oceans as I can in the summer months.
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LIANA DAWSON
I am a medical student at UW Madison in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health program (TRIUMPH). I am from St. Paul, MN and I did my undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Minnesota. I went into medicine after learning more about the complex history of the medical field and areas that led to distrust between healthcare and marginalized communities. I am interested in doing my residency in Family Medicine because I love building long- term relationships and want to also be an advocate for the future patients I serve.

BRITISH FIELDS
I am currently a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I am originally from the Westside of Chicago, IL. I completed my undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington, DC where I was Clinical Laboratory Science major. I then went on to do a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program at Dominican University in River Forest, IL where I received my second Bachelor’s in Medical Science. Before starting medical school, I worked as a Research Technologist at Versiti’s Blood Research Institute. As an aspiring Pediatrician, I plan to use my voice to advocate for those who have been wronged by the healthcare system and deliver care that will lead to disease prevention, better health outcomes, and ultimately a reduction in health disparities. I am truly excited to be a Milwaukee AHEC Scholar, as I am looking forward to the interdisciplinary learning with individuals who are also interested in working with marginalized populations. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, trying new Sunday brunch restaurants, and discovering new nail designs.

CAROLYN FLOOD
I am a current occupational therapy student at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI. I grew up in Appleton, WI and graduated from the University of WI-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology with minors in Health Promotion for Diverse Abilities and Leadership. I have a passion for helping others and want to touch the lives of many through my dedication to occupational therapy and positive outlook on life. I hope that my knowledge gained throughout the AHEC program will help me to best work with a wide variety of patient populations across diverse settings. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, doing craft projects, and hanging out with friends and family.

LYNDSEY GULLSTRAND
I am a Physician Assistant student at Carroll University. I am originally from Green Bay, WI and graduated from UW-Madison with degrees in Biochemistry and Spanish. Prior to PA school, I worked as a CNA at UW Health in Madison, WI for 2 years. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, baking, and cooking. As a PA, I want to work with underserved patients in urban areas and participate in medical mission trips abroad.

HEATHER HELLWEG
I am a PharmD candidate (2023) at the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy. I grew up on a family-owned sheep farm in Shiocton, WI and received my bachelor of science from St. Norbert College in 2021 through the 3+3 Dual degree program. While in pharmacy school, I am pursuing an academic concentration in population health to learn how social determinants of health can affect health outcomes. Recently, I’ve taken a special interest in the beautiful city of Milwaukee and am doing research on hypertension while volunteering at the Bread of Healing Clinics for uninsured adults. In my free time, I have been wedding planning with my fiancé for our wedding in June 2022. My dream is to be able to work in a clinic for medically underserved populations.

GIFTY MARFOWAA
I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I completed undergrad at the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Science-Business and a minor in International Development Studies. At MCW, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with patients from many backgrounds such as those at the Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured and pursue my interests in global health. After medical school, I hope to practice in a surgical subspecialty and advocate for patients from underserved communities at the surgical level. I joined AHEC Scholars with the hopes of developing my skills of cultural humility, partnership, and advocacy, and to become more aware of important social determinants of health within Milwaukee. In my free time I enjoy traveling, watching Korean Dramas, and restaurant hopping!

BRIDGET NELSON
I am currently a pharmacy student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. My goal is to use my public health knowledge to expand the breadth of my pharmaceutical career by applying clinical experience to community-based agendas. After graduating from this program, I would like to use both my pharmacy and public health backgrounds to commit to helping underserved populations. I believe the AHEC scholars’ program will be immensely beneficial in allowing me to expand my understanding and commitment to underserved populations in Wisconsin.

ADRIANA PEREZ
I am a medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I was born and raised in Colorado and attended the University of Colorado at Denver where I graduated with a BS in Biology. I also earned my Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from Rocky Vista University in Parker, Colorado. Before medical school, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and as a tutor/peer counselor for first-generation college students where I discovered my passion for education/teaching and working in underserved communities. After medical school, I hope to work for underserved populations, Spanish-speaking communities, and teach at a medical center.

CATHRYN PHOUYBANHDYT
I am a medical student pursuing my MD/MPH at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and part of the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program. Prior to medical school, I graduated from UW-Madison with majors in biology and Spanish with a global health minor, and then took a few years off to serve in AmeriCorps at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers while working as an EMT. My career-related interests are immigrant/refugee health, food systems, and adolescent medicine. Otherwise, catch me on my bike zipping around town, whipping up something savory in the kitchen, or disappearing into the outdoors on the weekends.

DANIELLE PRIESGEN
I am a didactic student in the Physician Assistant Program at UW-Madison. I graduated from Carroll University with a BS in Psychology and minor in Biochemistry. I grew up in Hartford, WI and now live in Milwaukee, WI. Between undergraduate and starting the PA Program, I worked as a kidney dialysis technician at DaVita. I am now working as a Registration Specialist in the Emergency Department at Froedtert. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, working out, trying new food places, and spending time with family and friends. I’m excited to join the AHEC Scholars and strengthen my cultural competency while networking with like-minded individuals.

SONIA RODRIGUEZ
I am currently in the Masters of Nursing program at Marquette University. I was born in Honduras and came to the United States as a teen. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science from Florida International University. I have worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for 10 years in underserved communities in South Florida. I am excited to join AHEC, to learn more about our communities, and connect with various healthcare professionals in Wisconsin. I am passionate about providing the best quality healthcare to every individual in need.

EMILY SCHLITZ
I am a graduate student in the PA program at Carroll University. I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May 2021 with degrees in Exercise Science and Psychology and a minor in Biology. Prior to PA school, I worked as a CNA in a nursing home and as a medical scribe in a pediatric mental health clinic. In my free time, I love to crochet, read, and enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. I am passionate about giving back to the community and hope to work to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to many populations.

MADISON SEGRIN
I am currently a first-year student at Carroll University's Physican Assistant program. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Kinesiology and a certificate in Athletic Healthcare. Prior to attending Carroll, I worked in the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine clinic at Children's Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, spending time with loved ones, and all things Wisconsin sports! I look forward to being a member of AHEC Scholars for the next two years and building connections with a diverse community of health professionals within the state of Wisconsin.

JENNIFER STAMOS
I am a third-year dental student at Marquette University School of Dentistry. I grew up in a southwest suburb of Chicago and have always had a passion for service. I attended DePaul University for undergrad, where I had the opportunity to volunteer in underserved communities at food banks, community centers, and free dental clinics. After dental school, I hope to work in an underserved, under- resourced, urban community. I am very excited to be part of AHEC, to become better connected with like-minded individuals, and learn more about the communities I will hopefully serve one day.
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LOGAN STIEGMAN
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Biology and Plant Pathology. In my clinical work, I am interested in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, grief, and group counseling settings. I am passionate about advocating for services for underserved communities and developing solutions to these issues. In my personal time, I enjoy playing board games, trying new foods, and seeing the latest movies.

RAQUEL VALDEZ
I am currently a third-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I am originally from Northern Mexico and I received a Bachelor of Arts from Pomona College, CA. Upon receiving my medical degree, I hope to become an OB/GYN and to serve minorities in urban communities. I am excited to have joined AHEC and hope to develop my ties to Milwaukee, WI as well as meet other healthcare students in the area. I am passionate about women's rights and health education. During my free time, I like to exercise and read!

KATE WAGNER
I am a third-year occupational therapy student at Mount Mary University. I attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where I graduated with a BS in Education. I went on to teach special education for 6 years, working with a diverse group of students with physical, developmental, and social-emotional disabilities. Through this work, I discovered my passion for reaching individuals with disabilities through the lens of occupational therapy. In pursuit of my doctoral degree in occupational therapy, I hope to work with underserved school districts to create learning environments that support their students' developmental, physical, and social-emotional wellbeing.