Christine Legler DHSc, PA-C, was the founding director of the Pacific University Physician Assistant program and recently returned to assist with the development of the Doctor of Science program. She has extensive professional experience in clinical practice, healthcare administration and on-line education.
Kevin Rogers, DHSc, MA, MHA is the director of the Pacific University Bachelor of Health Science program as well as an assistant professor in the School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership at Pacific University. Before coming to Pacific, Kevin was the associate director at the Area Health Education Center in Honolulu, a federally funded program in the John A. Burns School of Medicine. There, he provided research support on the topics of Hawai’i’s healthcare provider shortage and K-12 healthcare career education opportunities. Kevin’s past work has included research support at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland on studies primarily related to adolescent mental health. Kevin received a bachelor of arts in international studies from Portland State University. He holds a doctor of healthcare science degree, as well as master's degrees in both counseling psychology and healthcare administration, all from Pacific University.
Deepa Srikant serves as an assistant professor within the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her interest lays in the domains of bilingualism, dementia, and cognitive communication abilities. Her long term objectives are to continue to study the impact of bilingualism and multilingualism in language preservation and attrition in healthy elderly and persons with neurogenic communication disorders. Her research aims to create awareness on symptoms of cognitive decline in elderly at the earliest stage possible and use strategies to reduce the progression of cognitive linguistic decline.
Laura Dimmler, PhD, MPA is the former director of the Pacific University School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership and Master of Healthcare Administration programs. Dr. Dimmler is also the former co-director of Pacific's PhD in Education and Leadership program. Dr. Dimmler has served in teaching and leadership roles with university healthcare management programs for more than thirty years, including appointments with Meharry Medical College, Cornell University’s Sloan program, and Montana State University. Prior to working in academe, Dr. Dimmler held positions with the Alaska Medicaid program, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (Division of Environmental Health), the HealthTrust Hospital System, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division, and rural healthcare practices and community hospitals in the Intermountain West.
Cindy Mai, MHA '20, graduated from Pacific University in 2020 with a master’s of healthcare administration and leadership. Cindy is an adjunct faculty member teaching diversity, equity, and systems thinking for the Pacific University Doctor of Science Program.
Dr. David Mandel, PhD is a Director of Implementation of Pre-AP Programs for The CollegeBoard, and a former high school principal in Tucson, Arizona. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Arizona. Dr. Mandel teaches diversity, equity, and systems thinking for the Pacific University Doctor of Science program.
Dr. Jill Speece is an assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. She is also currently an adjunct professor in Healthcare Administration at Pacific University and a continuous improvement consultant with Ridgerunner Engineering.
Dr. Hassell established the Integrative Medicine Program at Providence Cancer Center and specializes in evidence-based conventional and lifestyle medicine for treatment or reversal of heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer prevention and survivorship. In addition to his primary care practice, he is a clinical instructor in the training of Internal Medicine residents, has been chosen several times as one of Portland’s Top Doctors, and is a professor teaching courses for the Pacific University Doctor of Science program and for the School of Physician Assistant Studies.
Kammy Martindale, MHA '13, graduated from Pacific University in 2013 with a master’s of healthcare administration. Kammy is an adjunct faculty member teaching Healthcare Operations Management for the Doctor of Science program.
Amber Vanzant '03, MAT '04 holds a bachelor of arts in education and learning degree (with a minor in psychology) and a master of arts in teaching degree, both from Pacific University (GO BOXERS!). She is a former elementary teacher, having taught grades K-2 in the Hillsboro School District for ten years prior to returning to Pacific in 2018. Amber provides operational and administrative support for the School of Healthcare Administration and Leadership.
