Hi, I’m Robert Sorrells. I began my career at PNWU in 2007 and welcomed our inaugural DO class as the Director of Neuroscience and an Assistant Professor of Anatomy. Dr. Lex Towns and I set up the anatomy lab and created the anatomy curriculum, which has been significantly enhanced by the current faculty. I taught the Neuro course as well. Along the way, I earned promotions to Associate Professor and then Professor of Anatomy. In 2017, I became the Associate Dean of Preclinical Education. During that time, I worked with Roots to Wings under the direction of Dr. Mirna Ramos-Diaz. When she became ODEIB chief officer, I helped with office organization and the budget. I was honored to be designated as Professor Emeritus in 2022. I am also the PI of the NIH/PNWU funded summer intensive program, called SRPYP, which is a 7-week intensive science and culture program for indigenous youth in the valley. During my tenure here, I have worked closely with the Yakama Nation Elders, learning much from them. I have dedicated my professional journey to PNWU students, faculty, and staff, and the underrepresented youth of our valley. I live with my wonderful wife Helen, and our dog Keats here in Terrace Heights, and we love to travel and spend time with our 3 grandchildren. I play guitar, read every day, and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Come by the ODEIB office and let’s chat. You can ask how my dog got his name.
My name is Debbie Helgert and I am the Administrative Coordinator for the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. I have been with PNWU since June 2024. I started with the NINDS Summer Program and am now learning the ropes for the Roots to Wings Program. I am well-versed in aspects of the medical field, as I was a CST (certified Surgery Technician) for 27 years at Yakima Regional Astria Medical Center until its closure. I started my career as Military Police when I joined the Air Force. I then transferred careers into the surgical field. I am now a retired Veteran. When I left the service, I moved back to the great Northwest to Yakima. I have raised two children; one is a Veterinary Assistant and the other is a Sophomore at Washington State University in the Engineering Program. I have a small farm that takes in strays to live out their lives and be loved, which keeps me busy. I am involved in several volunteer activities throughout the years, but my favorite is the Madd Hatters Haunt during October. I like to read various genres of books, but especially murder mysteries. In life, I feel that I still am looking for what I want to be when I grow up, only now being grown up means retirement. I tell my children I am going to live to be 120 years old, just to annoy them.
ODEIB 2024-2025 Student Ambassadors
Hello! I’m Josh, an OMS IV. You may know me as last year’s OPP Scholar. I’m back, but in a slightly different role. My involvement with ODEIB stemmed from recognizing a pressing need for both our campus and the Yakima community to actively address the inequities faced by the underserved LGBTQ+ population. Over the years, I have dedicated my efforts to fostering inclusivity in our curriculum and campus environment, as well as advocating for broader systemic changes through national platforms like COSGP and AACOM. In my current role, I am focused on integrating educational resources into our existing curriculum, designed to equip students with the tools to better understand and address the unique challenges LGBTQ+ patients encounter in accessing care. This includes identifying ways healthcare providers can actively dismantle the barriers to care that institutions themselves may inadvertently create. Furthermore, I am committed to exploring new initiatives through which PNWU can engage meaningfully with the community, in alignment with our mission to serve and uplift underserved populations. Given the historical marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in this region, there is a critical opportunity for us to lead the way in restoring trust and ensuring equitable healthcare access for all. Through this work, I aim to build a more inclusive environment where both students and community members can thrive. When I’m not at school or on rotations, I spend most of my free time rock climbing and bouldering, either outside or at the gym. I prefer being outside and enjoy hiking and slack lining. At home, I’m usually brewing kombucha or tending to my houseplants and pet beetles. On my days off, you can find me wine tasting at Washington’s wonderful vineyards.
Hello! I am Jessica Beccari, a second-year medical student with a passion for anatomy, cervical spine HLVA, and eliminating healthcare barriers. As a first-generation student from a small rural town, I’ve navigated a unique path to becoming a doctor, and I’m excited to combine my love for learning with my desire to improve patient care. Through my role as an ODEIB Ambassador, my goal is to support marginalized communities through restorative justice and foster cultural competence among future healthcare providers. My current projects include developing LGBTQ+ curriculum and cultivating the ODEIB newsletter. When I’m not jamming to LoFi hip hop while I study or trying to develop my practical skills, I enjoy hiking, painting, nail art, and weightlifting.