Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Prevention Fellowship

Learn, lead, and make a lasting impact in Washington State!

Since 2019, DBHR’s Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Section (DBHR-Px), in partnership with Washington State University’s (WSU) IMPACT Lab, has welcomed 36 passionate, inquisitive, and hardworking fellows into the DBHR Prevention Fellowship Program.

The DBHR Prevention Fellowship is a paid 10-month opportunity that grants unparalleled access to Washington State's leaders in behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery. Fellows play a pivotal role on the DBHR team, helping solve real world problems in prevention science, substance use prevention, and mental health promotion. Through these meaningful interactions, fellows gain invaluable insights into state, local, and community initiatives that profoundly impact the well-being of children, youth, and families across Washington State.

We are not currently recruiting Fellowship applicants; please stay tuned!

Traditional Fellowship

The DBHR Fellowship is a 10-month fellowship, designed to expand the field of substance use disorder prevention and build capacity in communities that currently implement CPWI.

The fellowship is broken down in to three phases: Phase 1 in Olympia, Washington working within the DBHR office; Phase 2 in an existing Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) community in Washington State, acting as a mentee under a current CPWI Coalition Coordinator; and Phase 3 in a high-need community.

DBHR Prevention Fellowship timeline

Quick Links

• Washington State University DBHR Prevention Fellowship page 
• Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants  
• Job description

Advanced Fellowship

The DBHR Advanced Fellowship is a paid 10-month opportunity for fellows holding advanced degrees (such as a master’s degree). In collaboration with DBHR staff, Advanced fellows focus on specialized projects tailored to their expertise related to prevention science, substance use prevention, and mental health promotion. 

Fellows’ projects are concentrated on local services, research/evaluation, and supporting the development and maintenance of an evidence-based registry. Fellows engage in a variety of activities related but not limited to professional development training, skill building, and all-cohort activities. 

Meet the DBHR Prevention Fellows

Alumni

Cohort 12

Beck Latronica

DBHR Prevention Fellowship Advanced Fellowship projects include:  Minerva test instrument alignment Project support for the SAP MIS reporting system transition from LGAN to Minerva    Advanced Fellowship participation based out of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. May - September 2025

Edith Dale

Education Master of Public Health - Global Health from the University of Washington Certificate in Global Health of Women, Adolescent, and Child Health DBHR Prevention Fellowship Advanced Fellowship projects include:  Providing program support to the Evidence-Based Program (EBP) team, including reviewing and updating the Athena EIP Registry Preparing administrative data to help WSU evaluators conduct analyses for next contract period   Advanced Fellowship participation based out of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. May - September 2025

Cohort 11

Tsion Beshah	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. July 2023 Phase 2: SE Seattle Phase 3: Seattle, Aki Kurose
Gavin Mina	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. July 2023 Phase 2: Vashon Phase 3: Concrete, United General District 304
Yonathan Zerfu	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. July 2023 Phase 2: Orting (Lakewood) Phase 3: N/A
Leah Marcotte	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. July 2023 Phase 2: Orting Phase 3: DBHR - HCA

 

Cohort 10

Ky Parrott	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2022 Phase 2: Mt Vernon Phase 3: Anacortes
Darcy Allen	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2022 Phase 2: South Whidbey Phase 3: Blaine.

Cohort 9

Gabriel Evanson	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. April 2022 Phase 2: Concrete *Cohort 9 Phase 3 was shortened due to changes in funding.
Jennifer Wilkins	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. April 2022 Phase 2: West Vancouver *Cohort 9 Phase 3 was shortened due to changes in funding.

Cohort 8

Desirae Armijo	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. September 2021 Phase 2: Educational Service District 101 Phase 3: Educational Service District 101
Yi (Eileen) Yu	DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. September 2021 Phase 2: Mt. Baker Phase 3: Mt. Baker

Cohort 7

Gilda Yruretagoyena	Education A.A.S., Chemical Dependency, Highline Community College, expected graduation December 2022 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. June 2021 Phase 2: Franklin/Pierce County Phase 3: Enumclaw
Cesar Zatarain Jr.	Education B.A., Criminal Justice and Criminology, Washington State University, 2021 Minor in At-Risk Youth Sociology, Washington State University, 2021 B.A., Psychology, Washington State University, 2021 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. June 2021 Phase 2: White Swan Phase 3: Mabton
Angel Cheung	Education B.S., Public Health - Global Health, University of Washington, 2021 B.S., Biochemistry, University of Washington, 2021 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. June 2021 Angel left the fellowship early to pursue other opportunities.

Cohort 6

Alexis Schmierer

Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2020 Certificates: Early Childhood Education and Family Studies, Washington State University, 2020 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2021 Phase 2: Port Townsend, WA Phase 3: Quilcene, WA Phase 4: Prevention System Manager Apprenticeship Post-Fellowship Employed as a Prevention System Manager with Washington State Health Care Authority.

Ridge Bynum	Education B.S. Psychology, Washington State University, 2021 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2021 Phase 2: Sunnyside, WA Phase 3: Selah, WA
Jacqueline Penner	Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2021 Certificates: Global Leadership and Family Studies, Washington State University, 2021 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2021 Phase 2: Omak, WA Phase 3: Tonasket,WA

Cohort 5

Akshaya Sivakumar	Education B.A. Sociology, Gonzaga University DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2020 Phase 2: Tumwater, WA Phase 3: Rochester, WA
Madeline Kramer	Education B.A. Public Health - Global Health, University of Washington DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2020 Phase 2: Deming, WA Phase 3: Port Angeles, WA
Isaac Derline	Education B.A. Community Health, Western Washington, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2020 Phase 2: Lakewood, WA Phase 3: Orting, WA Post Fellowship Employed as a Prevention System Manager with Washington State Health Care Authority.

Cohort 4

Sabrina DiGennaro	Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2020 Minor: Psychology, Washington State University DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2020 Phase 2: Marysville, WA Phase 3: Lakewood, WA Post-Fellowship Employed as the Strengthening Families Program 10-14 Community of Practice and Evaluator Coordinator for Washington State University. Sabrina is interested in pursuing a Ph.D in prevention science with a focus on substance use prevention. Within substance use prevention, Sabrina's primary interest is responding to the current opioid crisis. Sabrina's reflection.
Rachel Oliver	Education B.S. Psychology, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2020 Phase 2: Wellpinit, WA Phase 3: Medical Lake, WA Post-Fellowship Employed as Prevention System Manager Apprentice for the Washington State Health Care Authority. Rachel is interested in pursuing a master's degree in prevention science or public health. Ultimately, she would like to pursue law school and study public policy. Rachel's reflection.
Samantha Pangelinan	Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2020 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2020 Phase 2: Yakima, WA Phase 3: Granger, WA Post-Fellowship: Samantha is interested in pursuing a Ph.D in prevention science or a master's degree in counseling. Samantha's primary values are helping youth, families, and the community. Samantha's reflection.
Grace Wilkowski	Education B.S. Psychology, Washington State University, 2020 B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2020 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2020 Phase 2: East Valley School District, Spokane Valley, WA Phase 3: West Valley School District, Spokane Valley, WA Post-Fellowship Employed as the Coalition Coordinator of the Shadle Prevention and Wellness Coalition in Spokane. Grace would like to pursue a master's degree in public health with a concentration in health policy and administration. Grace's primary interest is to help bring mental health care to rural communities. Grace's reflection.

Cohort 3

Sophia Hilsen	Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2019 Phase 2: Friday Harbor, WA Phase 3: Port Angeles, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 3 Fellows had their fellowship extended until September 29, 2020 Post-Fellowship Employed as a Youth Empowerment Specialist and Family Advocate in Hawaii. Sophia is interested in pursuing her master’s degree in prevention science or child psychology. Sophia's reflection.
Emma Neller	Education B.A. Public Health & Global Health, University of Washington, 2019 Minor: Nutrition DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2019 Phase 2: Marysville, WA Phase 3: Lakewood, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 3 Fellows had their fellowship extended until September 29, 2020 Post-Fellowship Employed as a Research Assocate for the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors. Planning on pursuing a master's degree in public health. Emma's reflection.
Krista Timm	Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2019 Phase 2: Walla Walla, WA Phase 3: College Place, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 3 Fellows had their fellowship extended until September 29, 2020 Post-Fellowship: Employed as a Behavioral Health Specialist for Walla Walla County Department of Community Health. Krista's reflection.
Sazi Wald	Education M.S.W., University of Washington, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. October 2019 Phase 2: Tenino, WA Phase 3: Tenino/Rochester, WA Post Fellowship Employed as the Behavioral Health Transition Age Youth Stable Housing Policy Lead with the Washington State Health Care Authority Sazi's reflection.

Cohort 2

Endalkachew Abebaw	Education B.S. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 Certificate: Adolescent Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship: Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. June 2019 Phase 2: Auburn, WA Phase 3: Seattle, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 2 Fellows had their fellowship extended for an additional 6 months! Post-Fellowship Currently pursuing a concurrent master's in social work and public health. Employed as a Prevention System Manager with Washington State Health Care Authority. Endalkachew's reflection.
Mariel Irvan	Education B.S. Psychology, Washington State University, 2019 B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. June 2019 Phase 2: Darrington, WA Phase 3: Finley, WA Post-Fellowship Mariel is planning on pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. Mariel's reflection.
Tori McDermott Hale	Education B.S. Psychology, Washington State University, 2019 B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. June 2019  Phase 2: Tacoma/Parkland, WA Phase 3: Fife, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 2 Fellows had their fellowship extended for an additional 6 months Post-Fellowship: Employed as a Management Analysis III with the Washington State Health Care Authority. Tori's reflection.

Cohort 1

Alejandra Padilla	Education B.S. Psychology, Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2019 Phase 2: Mattawa, WA Post-Fellowship Alejandra left the fellowship early to pursue a new career opportunity.
Destiny Eversull	Education B.S. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 Minor: Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Washington State University, 2019 Certificate: Family Studies, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2019 Phase 2: Monroe, WA Phase 3: Sultan, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 1 Fellows had their fellowship extended for an additional 11 months! Post-Fellowship Destiny is currently applying to graduate programs in Child Psychology. She is planning to continue serving people and providing youth with opportunities. Destiny's reflection.
Kersten T. Tano	Education B.A. Human Development, Washington State University, 2019 DBHR Prevention Fellowship Phase 1: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA. January 2019 Phase 2: Bellingham, WA Phase 3: La Conner, WA Phase 4*: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, Olympia, WA Cohort 1 Fellows had their fellowship extended for an additional 11 months! Post-Fellowship Employed as a Prevention System Manager with the Washington State Health Care Authority. Kersten's reflection.

DBHR Prevention Fellowship Accomplishments

Accomplishments

2020 community shoutout to DBHR Prevention Fellows Emma and Sabrina

• Emma (Cohort 3) and Sabrina (Cohort 4) have spent a portion of their fellowship experience in the Marysville community. Recently, the Marysville Coalition Coordinator shared gratitude for the fellows:

"Thanks again for steering Emma and Sabrina my way this January-June. They have been tremendous assets and invaluable team members. Both provided unique skill sets and incredible passion. Our coalition and myself are stronger and better for their contributions and leadership. I feel for both of them with COVID-19 impacting their community networking opportunities yet they responded with flexibility and adaptability. They have been inspiring for me and I am confident they have a promising and rich future."

DBHR Prevention Fellow Endalkachew highlights the Starts with One campaign on KZOK 102.5

• Endalkachew (Cohort 2) shared a public service announcement on KZOK 102.5 highlighting the Starts with One opioid prevention campaign. On-air, Endalkachew shared a brief overview of the campaign and the importance of disposing and storing opioids in order to prevention opioid misuse in our communities. Click here to listen to a recording of Endalkachew on-air.

2019 Washington State Prevention Summit

• In November 2019, all of the current DBHR Fellows attended the Washington State Prevention Summit in Yakima. Collectively, all nine fellows hosted a workshop on prevention workforce development and the fellowship program. Through the workshop, the fellows conveyed how coalition leaders and prevention professionals at the local and state level can impact workforce development strategies.