Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative

About the NIHC

Founded in 2014, the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative (NIHC) is a PNWU program that provides interprofessional education, faculty professional development, and community service & engagement to advance team-based care and improve community health. Interprofessional education (IPE), as defined by the World Health Organization, occurs when “students from two or more professions learn about, from, and with each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes.”  Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is an extension of that concept into the clinical realm where “multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, caregivers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care.”  As defined by the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, IPE now refers to interprofessional practice and education, emphasizing the critical connection between the two concepts. 

NIHC Faculty & Staff

Caroline Harkins McCarty, PhD, OTR/L
Director of IPE

Dr. Harkins McCarty earned her clinical master’s in Occupational Therapy, PhD in Occupational Science, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Translational Research at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her clinical background includes school-based and clinic-based practice with children with developmental disabilities. She teaches across pediatric, psychosocial, and community-based practice areas, as well as occupational science and qualitative research methods. She brings extensive experience in interprofessional education, research, and practice—co-teaching foundational courses, developing IPEC-aligned training materials, and mentoring students in interprofessional doctoral programs. 

Jennifer Garehime, BS
Director of NIHC – Operations

Ms. Garehime holds a BS in Business with specialization in Management & Leadership from Capella University and an Associate of Arts and Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Yakima Valley College. Before joining PNWU, Ms. Garehime served as the onsite radiographer and clinic manager for multiple clinics within the Yakima Memorial Health Network. Ms. Garehime has been instrumental in supporting the collaborative’s initiatives, contributing to curriculum development, fostering student engagement, and expanding community outreach. With over 18 years of experience in healthcare management, administration, and health sciences education, Ms. Garehime is a dedicated professional committed to advancing IPE through her multifaceted expertise.

Dorian Gwynn, AA
Administrative Coordinator

Ms. Gwynn has an extensive background in customer service, project management, and administrative leadership. Her qualifications include an Associate of Arts degree from Pierce College, and she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University in Business Administration, Human Resources, and Project Management. She plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day activities of the NIHC, providing logistical coordination and ensuring effective communication among students, faculty, and institutional partners. Her responsibilities include managing event logistics, supporting program implementation, and maintaining operational efficiency. Her attention to detail and commitment to service help ensure that NIHC initiatives run smoothly and that all stakeholders are well-supported.