To accomplish its mission, the West Texas AHEC focuses on the following strategies:
- Introduce youth (K-12) to health careers
- Support rural clinical training for students who are in the health professions
- Provide practice support to existing health care professionals
- Promote healthy living
Who are We?
Tommy Sweat, MPH - Center Director
tsweat@mail.wtamu.edu
Office Phone: 806-651-3481
Tommy Sweat came to the Panhandle AHEC from another program at West Texas A&M University whose focus was providing professional development to rural teachers throughout Texas to enable them to provide technologically relevant instruction to their students. Prior to his employment with WTAMU, he worked in a variety of health management positions with the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department and the Travis County Purchasing Office. He holds an Masters of Public Health degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with an emphasis on Health Care Organization and Policy. He lives in Amarillo with his wife Sandra E. and daughter Sandra L., who will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall to major in engineering. He enjoys reading, being with his family, walking, and is currently engaged in a multi-year home remodeling project that will never end.
Karen Russell -Community Based Education Coordinator
Office Phone: 806-651-3482
Jennie Russell - Health Career Promotions Coordinator
jrussell@mail.wtamu.edu
Office Phone: 806-651-3483
Jennie Russell joined Panhandle AHEC in March 2007. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education from New Mexico State University and is in the process of completing her Masters of Science. Jennie is very involved in various community related activities; especially the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Alumni Association’s annual Leading the Legacy Golf Tournament which is a fundraiser for the association. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as playing golf and cooking.
Office Manager
Office Phone: 806-651-3480
Dee Pouzol - Web Designer
danielle@dream-up-designs.com
Dee Pouzol has moved from the Health Careers Promotions Coordinator to the Web Designer in order to spend more time with her family back in Maine. She is currently the owner and creator of "Dream-Up Designs"
(www.dream-up-designs.com) and working part-time as a Program Coordinator, Personal Trainer and Swim Instructor for the Cranmore Family Fitness Center in order to raise her three year old boy Zachary. She dearly misses her AHEC family and the state of Texas.
