Board of Directors
CWMA Board of Directors
The Catherine Washburn Medical Association (CWMA) is the volunteer board that manages CWMA support for the Lopez clinic by providing the facility and equipment. CWMA collects and manages donated funds to ensure that the Lopez clinic and other medical services remain available here on Lopez. The University of Washington Medical Clinic leases the clinic building from CWMA and operates the clinic. CWMA also provides leased space, building maintenance, and equipment for Lopez Island Physical Therapy (LIPT), and support as needed for Lopez Fire and EMS (FIRE), the Lopez Island Pharmacy, as well as emergency assistance to the community during the COVID pandemic. These unique relationships keep our island medical services on the leading edge of medical developments and technology and support the medical needs of the Lopez Island Community.
COMMITTEES
Buildings & Grounds: Kerby Phelps, Patrick
CWMA Communications: Anne Hall, Candace Downey
Nominations & Annual Meeting: Katherine Bryant Ingman, Lauren Stephens
LIHD Liaison: Taya Higgins, Michal London
Fundraising & Membership: Bob Buchholz, Candace Downey
Investment: Kerby Phelps, Bob Bochholz
Technology & Website: Katherine Bryant Ingman
Board Members
Katherine Bryant Ingman
President
Taya Higgins
Vice President
Taya and Mike discovered Lopez bicycling in the 70’s, bought property in the 80’s and became full-time residents in 2004. She spent 25 years at Seattle Children’s Hospital as a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinic manager. After moving to Lopez, she worked at Orcas Medical Center and then Lopez School. The access to quality medical care on Lopez is of primary importance. Her involvement in the Lopez community includes participating on the Friends of the Lopez Island Library board. She also worked with the SJ County health department as a contact tracer during the first year of the pandemic, as well as volunteering with the vaccine clinics on Lopez
Anne Hall
Secretary
Anne began her career as a teacher, counselor and administrator at preschool through college levels. Later she was ordained, and in 2011 moved to Lopez with her husband, Dr. David Hall, to pastor the Lutheran Church. Once retired, she served on the board of the Lopez Community Land Trust, and now volunteers with Island Rides and Meals on Wheels. Deeply concerned about the people of Gaza, Anne and David have been on eight Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR) medical missions to that enclave. Also through WPSR, they have worked tirelessly for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Anne is committed to supporting healthcare services on Lopez.
Bob Buchholz
Treasurer
Kerby Phelps
Member
Kerby Phelps purchased property on Lopez in 1974, and became a full-time resident in 1977. He worked for various contractors, then formed his own business in 1992, as a general contractor. This business continues to the present day. He has engaged in community volunteerism over the years. He and a friend operated a teen club at the Lopez Grange from 1987 thru 1999, and he has contributed to other youth related activities. Kerby is an active member of the Lopez Island Grange, and serves on the board of Lopez Island Community Church. He was project manager for the extensive remodel of Lopez Community Church sanctuary in 2002 -2003. Kerby is entering semi-retirement, and looks forward to continued involvement in his community.
Candace Downey
Member
Candace Downey has lived on Lopez for the past 19 years. She is employed by San Juan County Health and Community Services in the Maternal Child Health Division, currently serving as the WIC & Breastfeeding Coordinator. Equitable access to health care on Lopez is of huge interest to her. Candace was drawn to Lopez for its unique community spirit. Contributing back to the community are attributes she hopes to instill in her two sons Seamus and Ronan. Candace most recently served as the Lopez PTSA President and continues to volunteer time whenever possible at the Lopez School.
Michal London
Memeber
Michal and her husband fell in love with Lopez over more than 20 years of visiting by sailboat and on bike. In 2019, they found the property of their dreams, built a home, and moved here full-time in 2024. She is retired from a 30-year career in sales, with the last 15 spent in the medical field. Michal has worked in the pharmaceutical industry, in medical devices primarily related to coronary care, and finally with a company that provides evidence-based guidelines to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and more. She has experience with a gamut of providers, including solo practitioners, large health systems, Provincial Health Authorities in Canada, Medical Schools, Midwifery schools, and more. Those years of experience have given her a solid understanding of the challenges our current health care ecosystem presents to providers and patients alike. Working towards continued and improved healthcare options for all Lopezians is what drives her.
Lauren Stephens
Member
Lauren has lived on Lopez Island for 30 years and currently serves as Vice President of Ledger Investments LLC, managing commercial rental properties on Lopez. She was a member of the Lopez Lions Club for more than 25 years, until the club dissolved, and she contributed to many community projects through it during that time. She was elected to the Lopez School District Board, where she served for over a decade, and she also spent many years on the Fisherman Bay Sewer District board. She has previously served on the CWMA board as well, and in that role, she worked to help pass the Lopez Hospital District to support medical care on the island.
Patrick Havel
Member
Patrick moved to Lopez Island in 1992, and it was in high school shop classes that he found his way into carpentry. By 10th grade, he was already working full-time, building hands-on experience while he earned his diploma from Lopez School. He later lived off-island with his wife, Rachael, and their son, Alexander, continuing to sharpen his craft on jobs back on Lopez. During those years, he stayed active in his son’s BSA troop in Anacortes, serving as Pack Leader for several years and as Treasurer for six. After earning a degree in Business Management, he brought his family back to Lopez, where he now runs a general contracting business and works alongside his son. In his free time, he likes being outdoors with his dogs and playing games with family and friends. He has taken on a number of improvement projects for Lopez nonprofits over the years, and through his service on the CWMA board, he looks forward to continuing to give back to the community that helped shape him.