About Us
Run by the community, for the community.
The Cascadia-Kigatto Community Health Clinic is governed by local elders, a community-elected board, and a network of trusted partners across Uganda and Oregon. Here is the team behind the mission.
Community-Driven Leadership
Run by the community, for the community.
The Cascadia-Kigatto Community Health Clinic belongs to the people it serves. The Village Council of Elders, the CKCHC Board of Directors, and the Uganda field team work together as equal partners — listening to the community, honoring local traditions, and making decisions that reflect what families in Kigatto actually need.
Village Council of Elders
The Council of Elders holds community authority and ensures the clinic's decisions honor local traditions, values, and the real needs of families in Kigatto.
CKCHC Board of Directors
The BOD provides strategic oversight, financial accountability, and bridges the clinic's global partnerships with community governance.
Uganda Field Team
Led by Kasirya Ahmed, the on-the-ground team coordinates day-to-day operations, community outreach, and preparation for the clinic's August 2026 opening.
Community Vetting Process
The community chooses its own care team.
When the clinic opens, every medical and administrative team member will go through a community vetting process led jointly by the Village Council of Elders, the CKCHC Board of Directors, and the broader Kigatto community. This ensures that the people providing care are known, trusted, and accountable to the neighborhood they serve.
Board of Directors
Meet the Board
The CKCHC Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, financial accountability, and bridges the clinic's global partnerships with community governance.
Mr. Kizito Ali
Chairperson
Mr. Mukuye Rashid
Vice Chairperson
Ms. Nakidde Barbra
General Secretary
Mr. Ssemusu Ismail
Treasurer
Mr. Kasozi Musa
Community Liaison Director
Ms. Mirembe Aminah
Community Mobilizer
Ms. Rehema Kaggwa
Women Representative
Uganda Field Leadership
Led by Kasirya Ahmed
On the ground in Uganda, the clinic's operations are coordinated by Kasirya Ahmed, our Ugandan Coordinator. Kasirya works directly with the community, the Council of Elders, and the CKCHC BOD to ensure that every decision reflects the priorities and values of the people the clinic serves.
Medical & Administrative Team
Serving with skill and community trust.
Every medical and administrative position at CKCHC is filled through a community vetting process. Our team is being finalized ahead of the August 2026 opening.
Medical Staff
- Clinical Officer
- Registered Nurse
- Midwife
- Community Health Workers (28)
Administrative Staff
- Clinic Administrator
- Records Officer
- Community Liaison
- Research Assistant
Positions are being filled through the community vetting process in partnership with the Village Council of Elders and the CKCHC Board of Directors.
Oregon-USA Council of Elders
Community HonoredOregon-USA Council of Elders
Honored by the people of Kigatto and trusted by the community, our Oregon-USA Council of Elders brings clinical expertise, public health knowledge, and deep human experience to guide the clinic's growth — friends who have earned the community's trust and carry its vision alongside us.
We know Umar prefers to call them an Advisory Board, but we choose to call them a Council of Elders — not because of their age, but because of what they have done for us. These are not strangers. They are people who have supported the son of the village for fifteen years, and who now continue to help improve our health, prevent disease, and save lives. We call them Elders because that is what they have earned.
Dr. Ashley Roach, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing, OHSU School of Nursing · VANAP Faculty, VA Portland Health Care System
As Umar's nursing faculty mentor at OHSU, Dr. Roach guided the clinical education that shaped the CHW Training Manual and continues to advise on evidence-based nursing practice for the clinic's care model.
Kyrie Thompson Kellett
Founder & Principal, Mason Bee Interpretive Planning · Portland, Oregon
A community engagement and interpretive planning expert, Kyrie brings strategic communications skills that help CKCHC tell its story and build lasting partnerships with donors and the public.
Monica Zimmerman, LAc
Licensed Acupuncturist
An integrative health practitioner who has worked with Umar for over a decade, Monica brings a holistic care philosophy to the clinic and contributed directly to its founding through generous support.
Charis Anne Baz
Project Manager · Innovation & Improvement Consultant · Advocate for Safety-Net Populations
With deep experience improving systems for underserved communities, Charis advises on program design and outreach strategy so no family falls outside CKCHC's reach.
Laura Stanley, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
A licensed counselor who has walked alongside Umar and his family through the years of building this clinic, Laura brings mental health expertise and personal commitment to the community's long-term wellbeing.
Merm Rosenbaum
Legal Advocate
A legal advocate who ensures CKCHC's governance and community agreements are grounded in fairness, protecting the rights and dignity of every person the clinic serves.
Volunteer Opportunity
We are looking for volunteers in Oregon.
As we prepare for the August 2026 opening, we are actively seeking volunteers based in Oregon — nurses, public health professionals, educators, and community advocates — who want to support training, outreach, and the clinic's launch. If you are in Oregon and want to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Apply to Volunteer