Our Staff

Safia Abdinur, B.S.

Administrative Assistant
Safia.Abdinur@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7690

Safia Abdinur Safia Abdinur provides administrative support for the Public Health Law Center Healthy Eating and Active Living team.

Prior to joining PHLC, Safia worked as an HR Specialist at Hennepin Healthcare, where she supported the day-to-day operations and assisted with special projects for the various HR functional areas. She also worked College of Education and Human Development Student Services at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to her human resources experience, she also has a background in public health, as an HR intern with the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota and an intern with the Future Public Health Leaders Program.

Education
B.S., University of Minnesota

Julie Amajuoyi, J.D.

Staff Attorney
Julie.Amajuoyi@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7697

Julie Amajuoyi Julie Amajuoyi is a staff attorney with the Public Health Law Center, providing legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues to public health professionals and organizations, legal professionals, and advocates in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Julie worked as a litigation associate at Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago, where she engaged in complex commercial and civil litigation, including trademark, trade secrets, patent, and insurance coverage cases. She also engaged extensively in pro bono work, including representing immigrants seeking asylum in the United States. In addition, she gained experience in public interest law working at Catholic Charities Legal assistance, where she provided legal advice and referrals to low income clients with legal issues involving family law, bankruptcy, land-lord tenant law, foreclosure, criminal law, and personal injury. While in law school, Julie served as an intern with the County's District Attorney's Office. And as an intern with Cornell's Legal Aid Clinic, she represented clients seeking disability and unemployment insurance benefits. In addition to her legal training and experience, Julie also has significant experience in the health care setting working as a nurse and holds a graduate degree in theological ethics.

Education
B.S., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities summa cum laude
J.D., Cornell University Law School, Managing Editor, Cornell Journal of Law & Public Policy
M.T.S., University of Notre Dame

Doug Blanke, J.D.

Executive Director
Doug.Blanke@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7520

Doug Blanke Doug Blanke is founder and executive director of the Public Health Law Center and holder of the Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Endowed Directorship. He oversees the Center’s programs, including its work to reduce the harm caused by commercial tobacco use, support healthy eating and encourage physical activity, with a focus on the health of marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Previously, as an assistant attorney general of the State of Minnesota, Doug oversaw the enforcement of the state’s consumer protection laws for a decade and played a key role in the historic litigation that resulted in the release of the secret documents of the tobacco industry. His international work has included helping the American Cancer Society monitor development of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the world’s only public health treaty; helping write the treaty guidelines for smoking regulation; and editing the World Health Organization's handbook on tobacco control legislation. He was the 2004 recipient of the American Lung Association's C. Everett Koop "Unsung Hero" Award for his contributions to tobacco control.

Education
B.A., Michigan State University
J.D., Yale Law School

Rachel Callanan, J.D., M.N.M.

Senior Staff Attorney
Rachel.Callanan@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7667

Rachel Callanan Rachel Callanan, a senior staff attorney with the Public Health Law Center, provides legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues to public health professionals and organizations, legal professionals, and advocates in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

Prior to joining the Center, Rachel was Regional Vice President of Advocacy for the American Heart Association where she led policy work in healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco control policy. With almost 18 years of experience on the front lines of passing state and local policies, Rachel has also led nonprofit advocacy with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, Minnesota Housing Partnership, and MN-NOW, and worked as a Research Associate at the Institute on Race and Poverty.

Education
B.A., University of Minnesota
J.D., Hamline University (St. Paul, Minnesota) School of Law
M.N.M., Hamline University School of Business

Kerry Cork, J.D., M.A.

Senior Staff Attorney
Kerry.Cork@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7509

Kerry Cork Kerry Cork provides legal technical assistance on tobacco and other public health law issues to public health professionals and organizations, legal professionals, and advocates throughout the United States. Kerry also helps oversee the development and dissemination of the Public Health Law Center's tobacco control publications. She has published and presented on many tobacco and health law issues and is a principal investigator on both national and local tobacco law research grants.

A long-time legal researcher and writer, Kerry has served as Internet legal counsel for the Dispute Resolution Institute and research attorney for the Legal Research Center. As a law student, Kerry was an editor on the Mitchell Hamline Law Review and a recipient of the Burton Brief Legal Writing Award. For 20 years, she operated her own successful corporate communications company. Her extensive public interest advocacy background includes work for the Hennepin County Legal Aid Society, political asylum cases for Advocates for Human Rights, and service as a guardian ad litem in child protection cases.

Education
B.A., University of Minnesota, magna cum laude
M.A., University of Minnesota
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Ross Daniels, A.I.C.P., M.P.H.

Community Planner/Policy Analyst
Ross.Daniels@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7687

Ross Daniels Ross Daniels is a community planner and policy analyst who works to support community efforts in aligning land use planning, community design, and public health law and policy goals.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Ross worked for over two years as an urban planner in WSP USA Inc.’s Nashville office, where he ensured National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for a variety of transportation projects, worked with local communities on inner city revitalization initiatives, and provided support to local transit agencies in their efforts to serve minority and low-income populations. He earned dual master’s degrees in Urban & Regional Planning and Public Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and while pursuing his degrees worked on a variety of projects related to community development and health. With the Wisconsin Extension, he explored the effectiveness of rural coalitions in promoting healthy eating and physical activity among children. He also collaborated with local planners in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, on an initiative to designate public land for urban agriculture. Additionally, he has worked with a broad coalition of citizens, higher education officials, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to understand the intersections between lead contamination and housing laws in Milwaukee. A Nashville native, Ross is an avid Titans and Predators fan, and likes to pretend he is a chef of southern cuisine.

Education
B.A., Vanderbilt University
M.S., University of Wisconsin – Madison
M.P.H., University of Wisconsin – Madison

Jima Fahnbulleh, J.D., M.P.H.

Staff Attorney
Jima.Fahnbulleh@mitchellhamline.edu

Jima Fahnbulleh Jima Fahnbulleh is a Staff Attorney at the Public Health Law Center where she provides national legal technical assistance on the impact of local preemption on commercial tobacco control laws and policies to public health advocates, public health organizations, and state and local health departments.

Prior to working at PHLC, Jima was an intern at the Centers for Disease Control Public Health Law Program. There she surveyed and analyzed how laws regarding Maternal and Child Health and HIV PrEP affect public health outcomes in marginalized communities. Jima also worked with numerous local health departments in her home state of Indiana in developing legal and public health responses during the opioid epidemic.

Jima loves to dance, travel, and spend time with her loved ones.

Education
B.A., Purdue University
J.D., Indiana University McKinney School of Law
M.P.H., Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health

Mike Freiberg, J.D.

Senior Staff Attorney
Michael.Freiberg@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7517

Mike Freiberg Mike Freiberg provides legal technical assistance to jurisdictions around the country working on various commercial tobacco control policies. Previously, he worked on research projects related to menthol in tobacco products, cigarette butt litter, and non-cigarette tobacco products. Mike has worked as an adjunct law professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, having taught classes in legislation and public health law. Mike also serves as a Minnesota State Representative and spent nine years on the Golden Valley City Council, helping to craft the city’s strong secondhand smoke ordinance that was adopted in 2004. From 1999-2001, Mike worked for a member of Congress as a legislative assistant specializing in health care.

Education
B.A., Georgetown University
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, salutatorian

Natasha Frost, J.D.

Senior Staff Attorney
Natasha.Frost@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.6454

Natasha Frost Natasha Frost provides legal technical assistance to stakeholders around the country in developing effective policies to promote healthy eating and active living. Natasha has done extensive research in the early care and education settings, including analyzing each state’s child care licensing structure and developing several state-specific resources. She is also an owner of a restaurant in southern Minnesota, which specializes in healthy, locally-sourced food. Throughout all her work, she seeks to identify how policies and systems impact health inequities, and how law can be used as a tool for change.

Prior to joining the Center, Natasha spent 10 years at the Alliance for Children’s Rights, a non-profit in Los Angeles, California. As the benefits program director, she created and managed a program that represents children and their caregivers to obtain public benefits. She handled more than 300 administrative fair hearings and recovered over $7,000,000 in funding on behalf of needy children. She also provided consulting and technical support to systemic efforts, including litigation and legislation, designed to overcome barriers to accessing benefits and services.

Education
B.A., University of Minnesota, magna cum laude
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, cum laude

Jessica Grosz, J.D.

Lead Senior Staff Attorney for National Technical Assistance
Jessica.Grosz@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.6416

Jessica Grosz

Jessica Grosz is the Lead Senior Staff Attorney for National Legal Technical Assistance at the Public Health Law Center and supports the Center’s nationwide provision of legal technical assistance to public health advocates, state and local health officials, and government attorneys working to advance health through commercial tobacco control-related laws and policies.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Jessica led the Agricultural Worker Project at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, where she provided legal representation, education, and outreach to agricultural workers to help improve their working and living conditions. She previously acted as a farmworker attorney at the Oregon Law Center and Legal Aid Services of Oregon, as well as a faculty immigration advisor and equity consultant at North Dakota State University. During law school, she held various legal internships focused on immigrant rights. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Education
B.A., St. Olaf College (Northfield, Minnesota), cum laude
J.D., University of Denver College of Law

Rebecca Hare, J.D., M.L.I.S.

Saeks Public Interest Residency Fellow
Rebecca.Hare@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7526

Rebecca Hare

Rebecca Hare is an Attorney Fellow at the Public Health Law Center providing legal analysis on law and policy to advance nutrition, food security, and public health. Rebecca brings a background in public service and expertise in research and information access to providing clear, focused, and actionable legal analysis in these areas.

Rebecca has experience assisting individuals navigating tenant-landlord disputes, immigration processes, general civil legal issues, and barriers to information access. Prior to joining PHLC as a fellow, Rebecca worked as a certified student attorney at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and the Community Legal Partnership for Health Clinic at the University of Minnesota Law School. Rebecca has also held research and public service positions in government, nonprofit, and law firm settings.

Rebecca is a volunteer with National Lawyers Guild and enjoys long-distance running, creative writing, and spending time in nature.

Education
B.A., Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minnesota), summa cum laude
M.L.I.S., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School

Natalie Hemmerich, J.D., M.P.H.

Staff Attorney
Natalie.Hemmerich@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7666

Natalie Hemmerich Natalie Hemmerich provides legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues to public health professionals and organizations, community advocates, and local governments throughout the United States. Natalie also works on issues of federal tobacco control, encouraging the Food and Drug Administration to enact strong regulations for the protection of public health.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Natalie was a policy fellow at the Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science at the Ohio State University. There she wrote about and researched issues relating to federal tobacco control including the intersection of law and science, the deeming regulation, e-cigarettes, and the regulation of synthetic nicotine.

Education
B.S., Bethel College (Mishawaka, Indiana), magna cum laude
J.D., Case Western Reserve University, cum laude
M.P.H., The Ohio State University

Kyra Hill, J.D.

Staff Attorney
Kyra.Hill@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7696

Kyra Hill

Kyra is a Staff Attorney at the Public Health Law Center, located in St. Paul Minnesota. Kyra provides legal technical assistance to public health professionals and advocates working on commercial tobacco control policies in California and throughout the United States. As part of the Center’s FDA project, she also closely monitors the federal regulation of tobacco products and works with state, Tribal, and national public health experts to identify opportunities to strengthen federal tobacco regulation. Prior to joining the Public Health law Center, she worked as an environmental attorney in North Dakota, where she represented community groups and individuals impacted by oil and gas development. She also served as an Energy Fellow at the Green Energy Institute at Lewis & Clark Law School, as a law clerk in the Natural Resources and Environment Section of the California Attorney General’s office, and as a law clerk at Food & Water Watch in Washington, D.C.

Along with other members of the Public Health Law Center who have expertise in the environmental field, Kyra has contributed to the development of the Center’s work on environmental problems caused by commercial tobacco products.

Education
B.A., Harvard University
J.D., Lewis & Clark Law School, cum laude

Desmond Jenson, J.D.

Lead Senior Staff Attorney for Federal Regulation, Commercial Tobacco Control Programs
Desmond.Jenson@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7612

Desmond Jenson Desmond Jenson’s focus is federal commercial tobacco control policy, primarily the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s regulation of tobacco products. An administrative law expert, Desmond closely monitors the FDA and other agencies and leads the public health community in identifying opportunities to strengthen federal tobacco regulation. He coordinates with local, state, Tribal, national, and global public health leaders, keeping them apprised of important regulatory changes and litigation impacting federal tobacco control efforts. Desmond drafts many of the Center’s comments to the FDA, helps to coordinate the filing of amicus curiae briefs in important litigation, develops educational materials explaining federal law, and speaks to public health audiences about tobacco control. Desmond also works closely with scientists, consulting on the development of research as well as writing manuscripts, to build an evidence base for legally-defensible tobacco control policies.

Desmond is a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law where he received a CALI award for Public Health law. As a research assistant at the Public Health Law Center during law school, he helped draft publications and provide legal technical assistance.

Education
B.A., Augsburg College (Minneapolis, Minnesota), cum laude
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Amanda Karls, J.D.

Staff Attorney
Amanda.Karls@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7618

Amanda Karls Amanda Karls brings over a decade of law, policy and community engagement experience to her work at the Public Health Law Center. She is adept at complex legislative and regulatory analysis and focuses on addressing issues at the intersection of food systems and health equity. Amanda’s prior professional experience includes litigation and appellate work in private legal practice, and legal analysis and thought leadership strategy for an international corporation. Amanda has been published in numerous legal journals in the U.S. and internationally. She holds degrees in law and international business, and spent over three years studying abroad with language immersion experiences in both French and Spanish.

Amanda has also lent her policy expertise to a variety of public service and non-profit organizations in appointed, elected and volunteer capacities and has significant board leadership experience. She currently serves as a commissioner on St. Paul and Ramsey County’s food justice commission, and as a steering member of a non-partisan, community-led organization dedicated to improving open, inclusive and representative government. She is a recipient of the Minnesota Justice Foundation Award for Achievement in Volunteer Public Service.

Education
B.A., University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota), cum laude
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Jay Kelly, M.B.A.

Communications Director
Jay.Kelly@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7631

Jay Kelly Jay Kelly is responsible for creating and implementing the national marketing communications strategy for the Public Health Law Center. He is tasked with strengthening the Public Health Law Center brand, and increasing awareness of the Center as an accessible partner for local, state, national, and international health organizations.

Jay began his career working for advertising and public relations agencies, and transitioned into marketing and communications management roles at several large Minnesota nonprofits, including Fraser and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, brand management, online marketing and communications, web site creation and optimization, media relations, email marketing, social media, and event planning. Jay has an undergraduate degree in journalism, and a Master of Business Administration, with a focus on marketing and strategic management.

Education
B.A., University of Minnesota
M.B.A., University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management

Tammy Kempf

Administrative Coordinator
Tamara.Kempf@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7506

Tammy Kempf Tammy Kempf provides day-to-day administrative support for the Public Health Law Center, including assistance with event planning and grant preparation. She has broad and diverse experience in customer service, computer applications, and administrative support. Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Tammy worked at 3M Company for over 19 years, managing auto and general liability claims and corporate insurance. She has also worked at the First Judicial District Court in Hastings, Minnesota.

Hudson Kingston, J.D., LL.M.

Staff Attorney
Hudson.Kingston@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7504

Hudson Kingston

Hudson Kingston is a staff attorney with the Public Health Law Center, providing legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues to public health professionals and organizations, legal professionals, and advocates throughout the United States.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center Hudson gained experience as a public interest lawyer with a focus on environmental law, consumer protection, and government and corporate accountability. Past employers include the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Center for Food Safety, Center for Digital Democracy, and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. While in law school he worked internationally on human rights in India and trade policy in Laos, and earned two LL.M. degrees in human rights and trade law while living in Singapore. He is a big fan of the Boundary Waters and is an avid runner, winning the Ely Marathon in 2017.

Education
B.A., Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota)
J.D., The University of Iowa College of Law, With High Distinction and Special Honors, Order of the Coif
LL.M., New York University School of Law
LL.M., National University of Singapore Faculty of Law

Stephanie Lackey, M.S.

Digital Communications Specialist
Stephanie.Lackey@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7695

Stephanie Lackey

Stephanie Lackey provides technology and communications support for the Public Health Law Center, helping to promote the Center’s online presence. She brings a diverse work and volunteer background to the department, including technology coordination with the University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center and a yearlong English resource internship with a forestry nonprofit in Huế, Vietnam. She also has several years of experience working in both the coffee and travel industries, two of her favorite conversation starters.

Stephanie holds a Master of Science in environmental studies and certificate of public health from the University of Montana – Missoula, where she focused her graduate studies on environmental justice. Stephanie also received a Bachelor of Arts in international studies-environmental commons and a certificate of Russian, East Europe, and Central Asian studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Education
B.A., University of Wisconsin – Madison
M.S., University of Montana – Missoula

Jon Lee, J.D.

Director of Operations
Jon.Lee@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7511

Jon Lee

Jon Lee is the Director of Operations at the Public Health Law Center, where he is responsible for general program operations, including fiscal management, grants and contracts compliance and reporting, program development, human resources management, and special projects.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center Jon served as the Office Manager and Project Manager at the Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College where his responsibilities included management of the center’s finances, including the finances of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, grants and contract administration, assisting in grant proposal submissions, student worker management, occasional web page writing and editing, and various other writing and editing projects. Before working at the Science Education Resource Center Jon was the manager of River City Books, an independent trade book store owned and operated by Carleton College in Northfield, MN.

Jon is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a Student Director at the Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners clinic and a clerk at the Office of the Minnesota State Public Defender.

Education
B.A., University of Minnesota
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School

Joelle Lester, J.D.

Director of Commercial Tobacco Control Programs
Joelle.Lester@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7603

Joelle Lester

Joelle Lester is the Director of Commercial Tobacco Control Programs at the Public Health Law Center. Joelle leads a team of 18 attorneys working to support tobacco control policy change throughout the United States. The Center does this by providing legal technical assistance to public health professionals and advocates, developing resources on the most effective legal and policy measures to reduce the burden of disease and death caused by tobacco use in the United States, and providing strategic leadership around bold policy options to end the tobacco epidemic. Prior to joining the Center, Joelle worked as a litigation associate at a private firm in Minneapolis.

Education
B.A., University of Wisconsin – Madison
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, cum laude

Jamie Long, J.D.

Staff Attorney
Jamie.Long@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7701

Jamie Long

Jamie Long is a staff attorney with the Public Health Law Center, providing legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues to public health professionals and organizations, legal professionals, and advocates throughout the United States.

Previously, Jamie worked in Congress as a Deputy Chief of Staff and legislative aide, handling a wide range of policy areas and managing a Congressional district office. He worked as a Litigation Associate for Morgan Lewis LLP. Jamie also serves as a Minnesota State Representative.

Education
B.A., Carleton College, magna cum laude
J.D., The George Washington University Law School, cum laude

Mary Marrow, J.D.

Senior Staff Attorney
Mary.Marrow@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7605

Mary Marrow Mary Marrow, a senior staff attorney with the Public Health Law Center, is working on legal and policy initiatives to increase access to healthy food and physical activity nationally. Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Mary was a public interest practitioner for over twelve years, focusing her efforts on poverty law, international human rights, and environmental advocacy. During the summer of 2010, Mary worked with the Center for Public Interest Law in Accra, Ghana, through a fellowship sponsored by the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide, conducting a comparative study of mining practices and the effectiveness of environmental regulations in the United States and Ghana. Mary has also served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa and managed a crisis shelter for the homeless in Alaska. Mary is an avid gardener and outdoor enthusiast.

Education
B.A., St. Olaf College (Northfield, Minnesota)
J.D., City University of New York School of Law

Nasimah Mayat

Senior Staff Accountant and Financial Analyst
Nasimah.Mayat@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.6335

Nasimah Mayat Nasimah works closely with the Director of Operations coordinating the center’s financial, budgetary, and grants and contracts reporting functions. In addition to holding a bachelor of commerce degree and a post graduate diploma in accountancy from the University of Natal, South Africa, she is also a qualified chartered accountant. Nasimah was born, raised and educated in South Africa. She has lived in the Twin Cities since 2003.

Education
B.Commerce, University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy, University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

Mark Meaney, J.D., M.A.

Deputy Director of Commercial Tobacco Control Programs
Mark.Meaney@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7642

Mark Meaney Mark Meaney is the Deputy Director of Commercial Tobacco Control Law and Policy at the Public Health Law Center. Mark leads a team of attorneys working to support tobacco control policy change throughout the United States by providing legal technical assistance to public health professionals and advocates, developing resources on the most effective legal and policy measures to reduce the burden of disease and death caused by tobacco use in the United States, and providing strategic leadership around bold policy options to end the tobacco epidemic.

Education
B.A., Creighton University
M.A., University of Wisconsin – Madison
J.D., University of Minnesota Law School, cum laude

Craig Moscetti, M.P.H.

Policy Analyst
Craig.Moscetti@mitchellhamline.edu
651.695.7624

Craig Moscetti Craig Moscetti conducts public health and policy research on commercial tobacco control, healthy eating, active living, and emerging public health issues.

Craig has a diverse public health background managing community programs, leading advocacy, developing strategic partnerships, and conducting policy research on international, federal, state and local public health issues. In addition to past positions with Allina Health, HealthPartners, the Global Health Council, and Congressional Research Service, Craig has also consulted for the Minnesota Department of Health, the American Heart Association, the Pan American Health Organization, and UNICEF.

Craig has also been active in the running and triathlon communities as a competitor, coach, race director, freelance writer, and former board member of the Minnesota Distance Running Association.

Education
B.S., Villanova University
M.P.H., The George Washington University School of Public Health

Renee Obrecht-Como, M.A.

Program and Grants Coordinator
Renee.ObrechtComo@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.6468

Renee Obrecht-Como Renee Obrecht-Como is responsible for grant agreement and contract compliance and accounts receivable operations, including the preparation of invoices. She also works closely with the Director of Operations, the Senior Staff Accountant and Financial Analyst, and the program teams to organize and manage grant proposal submissions and development efforts. Renee has more than 20 years’ experience with program compliance and administration and managing grant funding in both higher education and nonprofit settings, including awards from federal agencies, state and local government entities, and private foundations. Renee is also active in the fiber arts and supports climate beneficial, socially just food and fiber systems.

Education
B.A., Southwest Minnesota State University
M.A., University of Arizona
All but Dissertation towards Ph.D., University of Arizona

Natasha Phelps, J.D.

Lead Senior Staff Attorney for Minnesota Technical Assistance, Commercial Tobacco Control Programs
Natasha.Phelps@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7513

Natasha Phelps Natasha Phelps provides legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues to public health professionals and organizations, legal professionals, and advocates in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Natasha worked as a litigation associate at the firm of Aafedt, Forde, Gray, Monson, and Hager, where she defended clients against civil and workers’ compensation lawsuits. Natasha has also worked as a student attorney at the Office of the Public Defender in Ramsey County, a judicial intern for the Honorable James A. Cunningham, Jr. of the Tenth Judicial District Court, and a state legislative intern in Wisconsin. At William Mitchell, Natasha served as President of the Black Law Student Association and worked as a research assistant for the Center for Negotiation and Justice (on discriminatory voting laws) and for Community Mediation Services (on discrimination and restorative justice in school disciplinary practices).

Education
B.A., University of Wisconsin – Madison
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Melanie Plucinski, M.P.H.

Policy Analyst
Melanie.Plucinski@mitchellhamline.edu

Melanie Plucinski Melanie Plucinski provides public health and community engagement expertise to staff and projects of the Healthy Eating Active Living programs.

Melanie is originally from Northern Wisconsin and is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health with an interdisciplinary concentration in Health Disparities Research. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Social Justice. Most recently, Melanie worked for the City of Minneapolis in the Division of Race and Equity, advancing policy work to improve health outcomes for Black, Indigenous and People of Color community members.

In her previous role as the Prevention and Policy Manager with the American Indian Cancer Foundation, Melanie managed staff and programs with a focus in policy development, systems and environmental change, strategic planning, facilitation, creative problem solving and data analysis. She has also worked as the former Legislative Director of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and for the Department of Human Services as the American Indian Liaison.

Education
B.A., University of Minnesota
M.P.H., University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Julie Ralston Aoki, J.D.

Director of Healthy Eating and Active Living Programs
Julie.RalstonAoki@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7532

Julie Ralston Aoki Julie Ralston Aoki joined the Center in 2007 and has over two decades of experience in developing public policy for the public good. She coordinates the work of the Healthy Eating and Active Living team and provides legal technical assistance to support Tribal, state, and local communities in developing laws and policies to support healthy food systems, active living, and alcohol control in ways that advance health equity goals. She has written amicus briefs to support local public health laws; oversees the development of educational resources and materials; and provides educational and training presentations at state, regional, national and Tribal conferences. She has taught Public Health Law and Legal Writing as an adjunct professor. She is also the past president and current member of the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance Board, a volunteer member of the Robbinsdale Human Rights Commission, and the parent of three kids.

Before joining the Center, Julie served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Divisions. She is an avid science fiction reader and is working on learning to play the ukulele.

Education
B.A., Yale University, cum laude
J.D., The University of Iowa College of Law, summa cum laude

Nydia Rivera, B.S.

Administrative Assistant
Nydia.Rivera@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.6455

Nydia Rivera Nydia Rivera is the administrative assistant to the Commercial Tobacco Control Program.

Before joining the Public Health Law Center, Nydia worked as a chiropractic assistant, receptionist, and all-around office support for a small chiropractic office in Minneapolis.

Nydia is an avid reader and is a frequent user of both the Hennepin County Library and Saint Paul Public Library systems. A native of El Salvador, Nydia moved to San Francisco when she was eleven years old and lived in the Richmond district until her mid-twenties. Nydia has called Minnesota her home since 2009 but has not yet grown used to the cold winters.

Education
B.S., Metropolitan State University

Tracy Sides, Ph.D, M.P.H.

Policy Analyst for Special Projects
Tracy.Sides@mitchellhamline.edu

Tracy Sides Tracy Sides, a policy analyst for special projects with the Public Health Law Center, provides public health and epidemiology expertise to staff and projects of the Commercial Tobacco Control and Healthy Eating and Active Living programs.

Tracy is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and has extensive experience in a variety of public health settings. She worked on the successful Minnesota State tobacco litigation and has led research and evaluation projects for the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and community-based organizations. While at the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota she developed and managed public health surveillance systems; facilitated national working groups; and created training on epidemiology, data interpretation, and other public health topics for health professionals, attorneys, and the general public.

Education
B.S., University of Miami (Florida), cum laude
M.P.H., University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Ph.D., University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Kou Leng Thao, B.A.

Communications Specialist
Kou.Thao@mitchellhamline.edu

Kou Leng Thao Kou Leng Thao provides expertise in managing social media, digital content creation, and copywriting.

Kou has a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies and a minor in Digital Media Arts. He brings to the Public Health Law Center a wealth of experience in digital communications and health and has worked in healthcare, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and Genoa Healthcare; higher education, including Hamline University; and fitness and wellbeing industries.

Education
B.A., Hamline University

Andrew Twinamatsiko, J.D.

Lead Senior Staff Attorney for California Technical Assistance
Andrew.Twinamatsiko@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.6339

Andrew Twinamatsiko Andrew Twinamatsiko provides legal technical assistance on commercial tobacco control issues and other public health law issues to public health professionals, organizations, attorneys, and advocates throughout the U.S. He also provides training on the development and implementation of commercial tobacco control policies in state and local communities.

Prior to joining the Public Health Law Center, Andrew worked as a litigation attorney in Iowa and South Dakota at the offices of Crary, Huff, Ringgenberg, Hartnett & Storm P.C., where he represented municipalities and specialized in civil litigation and criminal defense. Andrew also worked as an immigration compliance officer at the University of South Dakota, where he advised international students and visiting scholars on immigration regulations and policies. Following his immigration to the U.S. from Uganda in 2009, Andrew attended law school at the University of South Dakota School of Law.

Education
L.L.B., Uganda Christian University, honors
J.D., University of South Dakota School of Law, high honors

Susan Weisman, J.D.

Senior Staff Attorney
Susan.Weisman@mitchellhamline.edu
651.290.7516

Susan Weisman Susan Weisman provides legal technical assistance to public health advocates and local, state, and federal government officials. Her work involves strategic consultation on the development, enactment, implementation, and enforcement of public health legislation, in-depth policy research on emerging issues, and publications and presentations on topics of interest. Current projects include state-level policy work on commercial tobacco control, healthy eating, active living issues, health-in-all policies, and health equity.

Susan has led a series of collaborative, community-academic studies, partnering with public health researchers and labor leaders to examine how to build support for healthy workplace policies and how to improve workers’ access to and use of effective tobacco cessation health care benefits. Before joining the Center in 2001, she served for many years as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings. She is a qualified neutral for the Minnesota courts in mediation and arbitration.

Education
B.A., The Ohio State University
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Colin Welker, B.S.

Policy Analyst
Colin.Welker@mitchellhamline.edu

Colin Welker Colin Welker is a policy analyst supporting the efforts of the commercial tobacco control team.

Before joining the Public Health Law Center, Colin worked for the American Indian Cancer Foundation and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. In both positions, he worked to advance policy, system, and environmental changes for Native communities across the country, focusing on commercial tobacco initiatives.

He also served as a fellow from 2015-2017 with Truth Initiative advocating for progressive policy to protect LGBTQ+ youth from the tobacco industry.

Education
B.S., Central Michigan University

Public Health Law Center Research Assistants

Doug Benton, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Anna Crouch, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Matthew Gabb, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Carly Johnson, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Rachel Lantz, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Samantha Marquardt, University of Minnesota Law School

Sarah Paulus, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Edmund Pine, University of Minnesota Law School

Lauren Shurson, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Jack Stinogel, University of Minnesota Law School

Adrian Uphoff, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Khou Yang, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Sabrina Zimmerman, Saint Louis University

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