Rosie Strange is a registered tribal member of the confederated Tribes of Warm Springs but call themselves Indigenous to Turtle Island because their lineage to this land “North America” predates colonization, with Chicanx lineage. They are a Two Spirit IndigiQueer, non-gendered person. They are also a parent to two teens and 3 cats. They enjoy participating in their cultural practices, dancing, social justice and queer community work.

They became a Project Coordinator for Áqwłtpwisha Chúushna, a Native Support program of the Columbia Gorge Health Council in the spring of 2024. They have been a CHW along the Nch’iwana “Columbia River” since 2021. Serving self-identified Indigenous people at the fishing in lieu sites along the Nch’iwana on both sides of the river to access housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education and much more.  Prior to CHW work they have 10 years of experience working as a certified medical assistant in family practice also along the Nch’iwana.

They completed NEON’s Train the Trainer CHW training in 2024. They also have experience facilitating CHW and other trainings with NEON as a contract facilitator 2022-2023. They use their lived experience, training and knowledge to support understanding and learning of CHW work and advocacy.

Lissette Juarez is bilingual (Spanish & English) and bicultural with advanced training and experience as a community health worker. She was born and raised in Hood River and comes from Mexican origin. Her interest in community health began in 2014 during college when she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education. She is a certified CHW with 10 years of experience serving vulnerable populations. She has also gained clinical knowledge and experience working in healthcare, home health and hospice. With her hospice care experience, she became passionate about end-of-life education and support and in the fall of 2023, she completed her End-of-Life Doula Training.  

She joined Columbia Gorge Health Council (CGHC) as a Bridges to Health (B2H) CHW in 2018. During her time with CGHC Lissette was promoted to Lead CHW and again in her current role as Operations Coordinator. Lissette excels at modeling what it means to be a CHW and is a natural leader and supporter to other CHWs in the Columbia Gorge. She leads and facilitates the Columbia Gorge CHW Collaborative. In these monthly meetings members learn, network and share community resources with each other

She is also a cat mom of 2 and in her free time she likes to read and spend time with her husband outdoors or do DIY projects together. 

Araceli Avila is a Senior Community Health Worker (CHW) with 10 years of experience specializing in clinical and community-based health. She has experience working in hospitals and clinics, as a bilingual and bicultural CHW giving her the opportunity to work with a diverse population. Araceli is of Mexican origin and bilingual in Spanish and English and a trusted Promotora de Salud Superior (Health Promotor) among the Spanish speaking community. Araceli enjoys bringing her experience into the work as a leader among other CHWs who often come to her for advice.  Having completed NEON’s Train the Trainer CHW training in 2024, Araceli is excited to serve her community in this new capacity bringing others into this work.

As a mother of three grown children, Araceli describes herself as a compassionate and extroverted person who enjoys spending time in nature and with family.

Elizabeth Pérez was born and raised in Mexico, she then immigrated to the United Stated at the age of 14. Elizabeth is bilingual and bicultural. She began her professional career in this field in 2011, enrolling in and then completing a bachelor's degree in Community Health Education from Western Oregon University.

Elizabeth began her work as a health educator in a clinical setting helping patients manage chronic conditions during individual appointments, as well as during healthy eating and well-being groups, including leading a Tai Chi group at a mall. In 2018, Elizabeth joined the Bridges to Health Program, a program of the Columbia Gorge Health Council as a Community Care Coordinator in the local hospital. Elizabeth then moved to managing all incoming referrals, and her role more recently is supervising and supporting the CHW network team embedded in different partnered agencies throughout Wasco and Hood River counties.

Elizabeth is passionate about helping others, focusing on client-centered practices, approaching individuals as whole human beings. She believes everyone deserves to be heard and to have a supportive/encouraging hand walking along side.

Aside from her full-time job, Elizabeth is a mom of three children and enjoys spending time with her little family, as well as experiencing the beautiful views and places the Gorge has to offer.