PARCKA Team
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Dr. Gordon’s professional mission is to improve the access and quality of care of patients who have vulnerabilities. He is the Elbert F. and Marie Christensen Endowed Research Professor, tenured Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry, at the University of Utah School of Medicine and the Section Chief of Addiction Medicine at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. He is a physician, board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine. He founded and is the Director of the Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge, and Advocacy (PARCKA); he is a PI of the Greater Intermountain Node (GIN), a node of the NIH NIDA Clinical Trials Network; and he founded and is the Emeritus Director the Vulnerable Veteran Innovative Patient-Aligned-Care-Team (VIP) Initiative. He has a 20+ year track record of conducting research on the quality, equity, and efficiency of health care for vulnerable populations. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Substance Abuse and authored over 290 peer reviewed manuscripts (15.3% first authored, 27.2% senior authored, 40.8% authored with mentee) in high impact journals (H-index=53). He has received national recognition for his mentoring activities for post-doctoral trainees through senior faculty.
Gerald (Jerry) Cochran is a Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology at the University of Utah and serves as the Director of Research for the Program on Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge, and Advocacy. He also has an adjunct Associate Professor appointment with the University of Utah Department of Psychiatry and is core faculty with the Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation within the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.
Dr. Cochran’s area of expertise involves identifying and studying appropriate care for underserved populations in health care settings, with particular emphasis on individuals who use drugs and alcohol. He has extensive expertise in clinical- and system-level behavioral health services research. Dr. Cochran’s work has focused on development and testing of evidence-based practices for addressing opioid and other substance use in health care settings. Dr. Cochran’s work aims to improve substance use prevention and treatment services.
Elizabeth Howell, MD, MS, Professor of Psychiatry (Clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah, seeing patients at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and University of Utah Hospital. She is the Training Director for the Addiction Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine fellowship programs at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Principal Investigator for a NIDA Clinical Trials Network project (CTN-0100) on Opioid Use Disorder. Dr. Howell is Board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Her past leadership and service to national professional organizations is recognized with designations as Distinguished Life Fellow in the American Psychiatric Association [APA] (2017-present) and as Distinguished Fellow in the American Society of Addiction Medicine [ASAM] (2016-present). In addition to her education and research, she is an attending on the inpatient Addiction Consult Service at UUH.
Kristi has ten years of progressive research experience that includes design, implementation and management of clinical research projects in an academic setting. She received her bachelor's at the University of Utah in Health Promotion and is certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. She is responsible for coordination support to study investigators, staff and data management on several multi-site projects.
PARCKA Team
Jacob Baylis is a Sr Research Analyst specializing in addiction research within the Veteran Health Administration. He is currently a PhD student in the Population Health Sciences program at the University of Utah with an emphasis in Health Systems Research. He plans to explore the impact of telehealth prescribing on Veterans with substance use disorders for his dissertation. Jacob holds an MPH from Indiana Wesleyan University where he studied the effects of social determinants of health among individuals receiving HIV treatment. He has worked with PARCKA since 2020 in various roles related to evaluating care and improving patient outcomes within the Veterans Health Administration. He is passionate about using data to inform policies and improve treatment outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. His long-term goal is to advance healthcare policy and improve outcomes for at-risk groups through evidence-based, data-driven approaches. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family in the outdoors including skiing, camping, and climbing.
Priscilla Blosser is born to the Diné (Navajo) Nation. She is Honágháahnii, One-Walks-Around clan, born to the Korean race on her Father’s side. Kinłichíi’nii, the Red House People, on her maternal Grandfather’s clan. The bilagáana, white people, is her paternal Grandfather’s clan.
Priscilla graduated with her associate’s degree from Salt Lake Community College in 2010, then attended Westminster College and graduated in 2014 with a baccalaureate in Nursing. She spent the first 4 years of her nursing career on the inpatient Bone Marrow Transplant and Hematology unit at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. Priscilla made the transition from clinical nursing to clinical research nursing in 2019 and started with Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Clinical Trials Office, coordinating Phase I, II, and III Hematology clinical trials, where she was able to use her nursing skills and apply them to the research. She started working with PARCKA July of 2021, coordinating SUD-focused clinical trials. More recently she has expanded her knowledge of research to Implementation Science to promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies into routine healthcare and public health settings to improve population health.
Grace holds a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Community Health and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Utah. She is also a certified Clinical Research Coordinator through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Before joining PARCKA, Grace worked in the expressive therapy department at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, supporting community and substance use treatment groups through the ROPES course. She also worked for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services as a caseworker for the Division of Child and Family Services, where she focused her advocacy efforts for children and families through a social justice lens.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys making the most of Utah’s great outdoors—spending her free time camping, skiing, and hiking in the mountains.
Spencer graduated with a master’s in public health from the University of Utah in 2019 after completing an undergraduate degree in public health from Brigham Young University. As a graduate student, he worked as a Connect2Health mentor and with the University of Utah’s Hotspotting program to improve vulnerable patients’ access to healthcare, affordable housing, and other basic needs. Prior to working as a research analyst, he worked as a lead medical scribe for Robin Healthcare where he worked with otolaryngologists and urologists at UCSF. He is passionate about the potential of nutrition and physical activity to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. In his free time, he loves running and exploring new plant-based recipes.
Elysha received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2021. She is passionate about mental health and has worked in different levels of mental health treatment. Her previous research experience includes published research in therapy outcomes of LGBT+ students and the psychobiology of nonhuman primates, including as it relates to substance use. While she misses the monkeys, she loves working at PARCKA and collaborating with SUPeRAD.
Stephanie earned her Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Health Society in 2019 and Policy B.S, and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Utah in 2017. Ms. Castro is a medical interpreter, is bilingual in Spanish, and has been coordinating clinical trials focusing on persons with substance use disorder for 5 years. She also has extensive experience working with patients in healthcare settings as a result of working for 4 years at the Community Health Centers, a local FQHC, providing relevant and affordable comprehensive healthcare services prior to coming to the U of U. She is passionate about working with under-served communities because of the individuals who provided assistance to her growing up as a second-generation Latina in the USA. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family.
Jasmin E Charles, certified Physician Associate, is the Clinical Director of SUPeRAD (Substance Use & Pregnancy, Recovery, Addiction, Dependence) clinic; a specialty prenatal clinic for individuals of childbearing age with any form of a substance use disorder. SUPeRAD clinic is located in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Utah where Jasmin has the appointment of Adjunct Assistant Professor. She is also a Medical Clinician on several NIDA funded research trials for PARCKA (Program of Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge, Advocacy) in the Division of Epidemiology; Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah where she has a special interest in research with pregnant and postpartum people. Additionally, she is a visiting lecturer and lead coordinator for Women's Health rotations for the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. Jasmin received her undergraduate degree from Utah State University and completed the PA program at the University of Utah. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Addiction Medicine. Her areas of clinical interest and expertise include all aspects of women's healthcare with particular interest in substance use and pregnancy, marginalized population care, women's health care of incarcerated individuals, pregnancy, family planning and preventative health care. Prior to joining the OBGYN Department at the University of Utah, Jasmin practiced with the Community Health Centers as a family practitioner. In her free time she enjoys attending Bar Method fitness classes, hiking with her giant doodles Olive and Migo, attending fundraisers, spending time with her spouse and daughter and spreading joy.
Brooklyn is a study coordinator operating within the VA division of PARCKA. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Utah Honors College, with a minor in linguistics. Her research interests include evidence-based treatments for serious mental illnesses, primary care for vulnerable populations, and substance use disorder care for Veterans experiencing homelessness. She enjoys playing the viola and learning languages.
Cole previously worked for the State of Utah Health Department in its COVID Outreach program. He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Utah. Originally from Cedar City, Utah, Cole moved to Salt Lake City for school and decided to stay in the area. He lives with his dogs, Luna and Butter, and enjoys all things related to fitness and staying active, including swimming, hiking, and weightlifting.
Jacob Foringer is a Certified Peer Support Specialist committed to finding evidence-based practices that support individuals with Substance Use Disorder. His interests are working with antepartum and postpartum women. Jacob implemented the Peer Coaching Model into the SUPeRAD Clinic at the University of Utah Hospital in June of 2018. He regards this as his most impactful project to date. His professional goal is to be a Physician Assistant one day.
Lirit is a Research Development Associate here at PARCKA specializing in research projects involving medicinal cannabis. She received her doctorate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in pharmacology with an emphasis on screening cannabinoids for anti-cancer indications and anti-tumor medication interactions with the endocannabinoid system. Lirit is concurrently working with the Center for Medical Cannabis Research here at the University of Utah by reviewing literature to create an accessible library of evidence-based information. Her current research focuses on patient experience of the Utah Medical Cannabis Program and health outcomes related to enrollment. She enjoys collaboration and welcomes your questions regarding medical cannabis.
Mitchell earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Utah and holds certifications in Leadership, Justice, and Community Practice and Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Since 2018, he has worked in various roles within addiction research, primarily focusing on program coordination, community advocacy, and outreach. Passionate about social and community justice, Mitchell has extensive experience working with diverse populations and is committed to advancing equity in healthcare and treatment access.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Mitchell recognizes the disproportionate impact of substance use disorders on marginalized groups and is honored to contribute to PARCKA’s research efforts to improve SUD treatment and outcomes. Outside of work, he enjoys shopping, indulging in reality TV, and immersing himself in all things pop culture and astrology. Most of all, he loves spending quality time with his cats.
Carrie earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Teaching with a minor in French Teaching, followed by a master’s degree in Spanish Pedagogy. She discovered a passion for research during this time, working as a research assistant, completing an undergraduate thesis on language use in study abroad, and a master’s thesis aimed at better understanding multilingualism as a protective factor in the development of dementia. Carrie taught middle- and high-school students for several years in Utah public schools as well as one of its a private teen treatment programs. Still drawn to research, she then became a clinical research coordinator for the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Utah, and completed a graduate certificate in Biomedical Informatics before joining PARCKA in 2025.
Brady joined the team as a Clinical Research Coordinator with extensive experience in varying inpatient and outpatient clinical and research roles, including as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Psych Tech and Behavioral Health Specialist, Lead Medical Assistant, and Study Coordinator. He has always been passionate about mental health in particular and has strived to do all he can to improve the access to healthcare and medications for mental health patients in Utah. He has worked collaboratively with a number of leading physicians, especially within the University of Utah healthcare system, to maintain the efficacy of successful and effective treatment options for patients on their journey to healing.
Brady received his education at the University of Utah and has plans to continue furthering his education with a focus on Anthropology and Human Technology Interface Informatics. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, working on citizen science projects, being out in nature, and spending quality time with his family and two dogs.
Sophie Huebler is a biostatistician currently working with the VA division of PARCKA. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Population Health Biostatistics at the University of Utah. She is dedicated to the development of statistical methodologies that can be used to identify patterns of care and patient outcomes in studies that will lead to improved care for patients with substance use disorders. She spent the last couple of years in Denver before heading to Utah, where she enjoys skiing.
Grace is a senior coordinator at PARCKA specializing in perinatal and MOUD clinical trials. She is a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) from Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Gender Studies from the University of Utah. Before joining PARCKA, she coordinated Phase I-IV oncology drug trials at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Grace has extensive experience working directly with vulnerable populations in Salt Lake County and is passionate about implementing harm reduction strategies within our community. She spent 8 years serving individuals during labor and delivery as a trained birth doula.
Katie completed a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Utah State University. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in the Advanced Standing Social Work program at Utah State University. Katie has experience working with a variety of clients who experience substance use, mental health disorders, and trauma. As an intern in the Juvenile Probation mental health court, Katie provided adolescents and their families with as many resources as needed to succeed. While employed at Utah State University’s Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information center, Katie provided therapy for clients experiencing all types of interpersonal violence.
While at PARCKA, Katie went through extensive training to provide infant and toddler developmental assessments for the Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Expectant Mothers (MOMs) study. Katie is currently working as a patient navigator on the Healthy Opioid Prescription Engagement (HOPE) study and provides counseling and resources to participants working to follow their doctor’s opioid medication prescriptions. She wrote and presented an abstract on one portion of the HOPE study at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) 86th Annual Scientific Meeting in Montreal, Canada, in 2024 and is currently working to have the full research brief published. Katie is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (TF-CPT), Mind Body Bridging (MBB), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and MI Treatment Integrity Coding. In her free time, Katie enjoys rock climbing, river rafting, reading, writing, and spending time with her husband, son, and dog.
Nicole earned her master's degree in Sociology from Utah State University. Upon graduation she worked as an Epidemiologist for both the Idaho and Utah Departments of Health. Since 2010 she has worked in clinical trials in various roles such as clinical research coordinator, monitor, and regulatory coordinator. Nicole is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) from The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). Her research interest includes research regulations, especially those for vulnerable populations. From 2023-2024, Nicole served as the chairperson of the NIDA CTN Node Coordinators Work Group.
Carter earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the same institution. He works as a clinical research coordinator for PARCKA’s program evaluation of Utah’s Medical Cannabis Program. Prior to this role, he gained experience at a mental health and addiction rehabilitation center, where he witnessed individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges through persistence, compassion, and dedication. He is passionate about advancing his knowledge in the field to support others in improving their mental health and overcoming addiction. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, trying new foods, and following sports.
John A. Saunders is a pharmacist and clinical researcher at the University of Utah. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Utah in 2019 and holds a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Informatics. John’s research career began during pharmacy school, where he published a study on off-label dosing of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs). His recent work focuses on integrating pharmacists into outpatient substance use clinics and developing tools to help community pharmacists identify patients at risk of opioid misuse. John is passionate about leveraging data to answer novel research questions and supporting improved access to substance use care. He is also an advocate for animal welfare, volunteering with an organization that assists people in caring for their pets during times of crisis.
Meet Britnee: a University of Utah Health Promotion alum ('17) who speaks fluent Medical Terminology (thanks, pharmacy!). With 8+ years as a behind-the-counter pro, she's now bringing her coordination skills to PARCKA, tackling the fascinating world of Utah's Medical Cannabis Program and the PHARMTool Study (no, she doesn't dispense, but she does help make things run smoothly!). Britnee's always been a champion for behavioral health and her community – basically, she wants to help good things grow. Currently absorbing all things Implementation Science, she's ready to make evidence-based practices stick. Off-duty, you might spot her battling weeds in her garden, providing comedic relief on the golf course, or, most likely, being completely charmed by her two little ones and their new furry overlord, Spud.
Andrea is a Clinical Data Manager specializing in research related to substance use disorders and women’s health care initiatives. Currently working within PARKCA and the Veterans Health Administration, she manages data for projects focused on long-term trends and treatment outcomes for Veterans with substance use disorders, including the Buprenorphine Dosing for OUD Outcomes and Studying Treatment Episodes (BOOST) evaluation. Additionally, she contributes to the Stepped Care for Opioid Use Train the Trainer - Comprehensive Women’s Health Program (SCOUTT-CWHP), which aims to increase access to care for women Veterans. Andrea is currently pursuing a master’s in biomedical informatics at the University of Utah to continue gaining skills that will allow her to integrate data-driven insights to improve healthcare outcomes.
Laura graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix in 2019 after completing her Associate of Science in Nursing from College of Marin in 2018. Laura is joining the PARCKA team with over 2 years of inpatient nursing experience in both adult and neonatal medicine. She is passionate about education, social justice, and equal access to care. She is excited to be bringing these passions with her into her role as a Nurse Care Manager.
Kathryn received her Bachelors of Arts in History and Women’s Studies from Colorado State University and then earned her Masters in Public Health from the University of Utah in 2015. She has worked in clinical research since 2013, predominately focusing in women’s health, and joined PARCKA from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network at the University of Utah. Kathryn is passionate about merging the principles of public health and clinical research to make meaningful and sustainable change in people’s lives. In her free time, she enjoys skiing and spending time with her family.
Melissa completed a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Utah in 2023, with a certificate in Social Justice Advocacy. She supports PARCKA with qualitative research analysis and assistance. Prior to joining PARCKA, Melissa worked with local organizations on community-based research projects, collaborating with Salt Lake's underserved youth and marginalized populations. She is excited to be part of the PARCKA team and hopes to expand her research skills and knowledge.
Ashley White holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. With over a decade of experience in the substance use field, Ashley worked extensively as a mental health therapist in intensive outpatient treatment programs serving adults in the criminal justice system. For the past five years, she has been a vital part of the PARCKA team, contributing her expertise across a range of behavioral health initiatives. Recently joining the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, Ashley is actively training others in MI to further support projects with PARCKA. She remains passionate about serving vulnerable populations through the healing powers of mindfulness, creativity, and connection with the natural world.