Staff and Board of Directors
Allison Fine, MSW, LICSW
Executive Director & Founder
Allison's lifelong passion to support those living with chronic illness prompted her to start an organization focused on this cause, following more than a decade of social work and counseling.
In her private counseling practice, speaking engagements, and educational writing, Allison focuses her work on a variety of chronic illness populations.
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Allison has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas, and she has been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State since 2012.
Emily Woitas
Board President
Emily is proud to serve on the CCI board, with her passion for community and universal accessibility in mind. She is deeply inspired by the mission of the organization and is committed to amplifying its impact on individuals living with chronic illness. Drawing from her own experience living with chronic illness as well as her diverse background in childcare, Emily brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to the board. She lives in the heart of Seattle with her cat, Cosmo, and enjoys engaging with CCI's growing national board.
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Professionally, Emily works at Lemonade, an InsurTech company disrupting the insurance industry through AI-driven, innovative property and casualty insurance solutions. Lemonade also supports nonprofits by donating leftover premiums to organizations chosen by its community. As a car insurance product analyst on the Global Insights & Design team, Emily specializes in telematics and advanced analytics, leveraging data to drive insights and improvements.
Emily is dedicated to contributing her expertise and perspective to further CCI's mission, helping to create a more accessible and supportive environment for all.
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Joined January 2023
Tashau Asefaw
Board Vice President
Tashau is the Director of Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) and Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW). She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with an MBA, with experience in both healthcare and behavioral health. Tashau brings both personal and professional insights to the role as a board member.
As a person living with chronic illness, Tashau has firsthand experience of the challenges and complexities that accompany managing a chronic condition. Her personal journey has deepened her understanding of the physical, emotional, and social impacts of chronic illness. Professionally, she has designed, operationalized, and led teams providing services to address individual social needs in addition to advancing SDOH strategic initiatives. Tashau is committed to tackling the broader SDOH that contributes to disparities and inequities within marginalized communities, and she is eager to support the Center for Chronic Illness in its endeavors to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
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Joined May 2024
Shaila Lobo
Board Treasurer
Shaila is a seasoned executive with over 18 years of experience across global corporations such as Salesforce, where she serves as the Senior Director of Strategy and Transformation. In this role, she leads pivotal initiatives that redefine industry standards and drive transformative growth. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, data analytics, technology integrations, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and large-scale enterprise-wide transformations.
Shaila is passionate about transforming the healthcare industry through innovative digital transformations. Her goals include enhancing digital infrastructure, improving healthcare services, and ensuring the ethical application in decision-making processes.
Supplementing her professional experience, Shaila holds academic degrees in Medical Electronics and Industrial and Systems Engineering. Her rich career is further distinguished by numerous accolades and her active involvement in academic research and community service, highlighting her commitment to advancing healthcare and technology sectors.
Additionally, Shaila is a member of the Executive Council for Leading Change (ECLC), a global organization that unites executives to redefine the landscape of organizational change and transformation. She also serves on the board of the Icla da Silva Foundation, shaping their strategic direction, advocating for patients, and advancing their mission to save lives through bone marrow and stem cell transplants.
Based in San Francisco and living with her family in Alameda, CA, Shaila enjoys traveling, music, and outdoor activities in her free time.
Joined May 2024
Ellen Martinez
Board Secretary
Ellen is a single mother of her autistic son and is autistic and has ADHD herself, as well. She is currently in school to obtain a second bachelors degree, this time in computer science. Her first degree was in psychology.
Ellen has been dealing with chronic pain for over a decade and also suffers from heart disease and chronic fatigue. Because of these health issues as well as mental health issues, she has been a passionate volunteer crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line for the past 5 years. She wants to give support and hope to others who struggle.
Some of her hobbies and interests include reading nonfiction, making pillows, and caring for her dogs Gemma and Barney.
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Joined May 2024
Jake Johnston
Board Director
Jake is the co-founder of ConnecT1D, a nonprofit organization serving the emotional and social support needs of people impacted by Type 1 Diabetes. Jake served as the volunteer Executive Director and helped grow ConnecT1D from a volunteer run organization to a professionally managed and financially sustainable nonprofit. Jake is active in community organizations with an emphasis on social justice, health access and gender equity. Jake is the President of the Johnston Group, a public affairs consulting firm serving public hospitals and local governments.
​Jake has been inspired by CCI’s mission and is eager to bring his background in nonprofit growth and advocacy to CCI. His background with families impacted by chronic illness – as well as his personal experience living with chronic illness – gives him a deep appreciation for the work done by CCI and the firsthand experience in the role that community support plays in the emotional health of living with chronic illness.
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Joined January 2021
Shaideh Justinvil
Board Director
Shaideh is a dedicated advocate for individuals living with chronic illnesses, committed
to using her personal experiences, unique insights, and refined skills to support others and shed light on the complexities of life with a disability.
As someone living with limited mobility and oxygen dependency, Shaideh brings invaluable first hand understanding to her advocacy. Her journey inspires her mission to empower and uplift others facing similar challenges, striving to create a positive impact in their lives.
Shaideh earned a Bachelor of Science in English from Northeastern University in Boston, where she cultivated her expertise in writing, communication, and community engagement. With years of volunteer service, she has leveraged her skills and compassion to make meaningful contributions to her community.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Shaideh enjoys exploring her creative passions through
cooking, crafting skincare products, and immersing herself in the vibrant world of geek culture, including attending comic conventions.
Residing in Georgia, Shaideh finds joy and strength in the love and support of her husband and two daughters, cherishing the balance of her family life and her many passions.
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Joined January 2025
Cara O'Donnell
Board Director
Cara is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with chronic illnesses. With a background in project management, Cara brings a wealth of experience in healthcare management and patient advocacy. She holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and works at Mass General Brigham as a Project Portfolio Manager, where she oversees a variety of healthcare projects. Cara is currently pursuing her Masters in Healthcare Administration and simultaneously pursuing a Healthcare Leadership Graduate Certificate to further enhance her expertise.
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As an ulcerative colitis patient who lost her entire colon to the disease, Cara is passionate about improving patient access to care and advocating for mental health support. She has been actively involved in community outreach and educational programs. Cara joined the Center for Chronic Illness to further her commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by chronic health conditions.
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In her free time, Cara enjoys hiking, running, and traveling, and is honored to contribute to the mission of the Center for Chronic Illness.
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Joined January 2025
Kjerstin Laine
Board Director
Kjerstin is a digital storyteller with nearly 10 years of marketing and fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector, supporting organizations as an staff and board member across issue areas, including public media, education, civic engagement, human services and more. She is passionate about empowering nonprofits of all sizes in telling their story, and how they are uplifting and nurturing the communities they serve.
As a person living with chronic, invisible illnesses (endometriosis, ADHD), Kjerstin is passionate about accessibility in digital spaces. Using human-centered design and data practices, Kjerstin believes we can drive meaningful change toward solving our most pressing challenges, while ensuring accessibility is top of mind not just in technical systems, but in all of our work - through our words and actions on a day-to-day basis. She is honored to utilize her skills to support the critical work of CCI to support others like her.
Kjerstin is a lifelong Seattleite, living with her spouse and their cat in the same neighborhood where she spent most of her childhood. She currently works for Friends of Waterfront Park, the nonprofit responsible for stewarding and maintaining Seattle’s new 20-acre park, building an annual giving program from scratch. She holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University, where she also worked for a small Chicago public high school and learned the value of authentic storytelling to drive impact.
Outside of work, Kjerstin enjoys attending live music performances from local artists, playing story-rich video games and reading a variety of books, along with volunteering consulting time for nonprofits.
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Joined January 2025
Brandon Baucom
Board Director
Brandon is a seasoned insurance professional whose career has been marked by excellence and a unique ability to navigate challenges—both in his professional and personal life.
Brandon's journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Risk Management and Insurance from the University of South Carolina. He later earned his MBA from Washington State University.
Brandon launched his career as an underwriter, however in 2024, Brandon transitioned to HUB International as Vice President.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brandon's personal journey is one of resilience and inspiration. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and having faced thyroid cancer, Brandon has not only overcome significant health challenges but has used these experiences to deepen his empathy and commitment to helping others. His ability to persevere and succeed in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his character and determination.
Today, Brandon leverages his personal and professional experiences to provide unparalleled value to his clients, maintaining strong relationships with former colleagues and continually striving to improve the lives of those he serves. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring new destinations through travel, and cherishing moments with his family. These passions reflect his commitment to balance and well-being in all aspects of life.
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Joined January 2025
Karan Dawson, RPh, MS, PhD
Emeritus Board Member
Karan received her B.S. and M.S. in pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from the University of Washington. She completed a residency in hospital pharmacy at the Seattle Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Before joining the faculty at the UW as Director of Continuing Pharmacy Education, Karan worked at Valley Medical Center and the Seattle VAMC, where she developed interests in psychiatric medicine and substance abuse. She has taught in a variety of courses ranging from social and behavioral sciences to therapeutics and education, and helped institute the School of Pharmacy Plein Geriatric Certificate Program in Pharmacy. In addition to teaching, she currently consults at a local continuous care retirement communities providing clinical services to independent, assisted living, and nursing home residents, as well as professional staff. She volunteers with medical and nursing faculty in UConj 531: Mind Body Medicine.
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Joined March 2016
Interested in joining our CCI board? Learn more about our board member opportunity here! Contact Allison Fine with any questions or if interested at executivedirector@thecenterforchronicillness.org.
In Memorium
Gwen Gordon Drayton
October 10, 1949 - October 7, 2019
Served as board director from January 2017 - September 2019