Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative

The NIHC is excited to announce Dr. Caroline Harkins McCarty as our new Director of IPE, beginning July 1, 2025. Stay tuned for more information as we welcome her into this role. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Keith Monosky for his outstanding service as Interim Director of IPE. We deeply appreciate his leadership and all he has contributed.

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

Jennifer Garehime

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. Her journey with PNWU began in 2015 when she assumed the role of Regional Site Administrator for the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Clinical Education Department. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of program manager for the NIHC, and in 2024 as the Director of NIHC-Operations. 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.