Vi Whitmarsh

Tell Us a Little About Yourself

Born in 2000 in Portland, Oregon, I’m no stranger to the Pacific Northwest, and after moving to the Key Peninsula in 2005 I’ve since called Pierce County my home. I’m a recent graduate of the University of Washington, Tacoma campus, where I received my bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Social Science Research Methods. After my internship here at Elevate Health, I hope to enter a PhD program in Clinical Psychology to conduct research involving substance use and epigenetics. I find myself living outside the gender binary and thriving as a queer individual who is proud to be of Mexican American mixed heritage. My hope is to rely on my lived experiences to support those who share similar ones and remain flexible and open to others outside of my own.

Do You Have Any Pets?

My sister and I share custody of sibling voids (sometimes they’re cats, depending on the lighting), named Trix and Forte :)

Do You Have Any Hobbies?

I enjoy getting lost while exploring, working out and/or yoga, and going to Mad Hat Tea Shop in Tacoma and trying a new tea.

What is Your Favorite Way to Relax?

Listening to Hana Stretton’s music. I value taking time to slow down and be present with myself, so finding places to sit in silence and simply observe life is always rewarding: Like listening to the ocean and laughter at Ruston Way Waterfront, rain on my roof, wildlife calls at a local park, amateur artists playing on the street or bus, and frogs croaking in the summer.

When and Why Did You Join Elevate Health?

I joined Elevate Health in August of 2023! Considering my aspirations to enter graduate school, I was confident that working at Elevate Health would provide me invaluable professional experience and insight into the complexities of our healthcare system, further supporting the work I hope to achieve in the future.

What Kind of Work Do You Do at Elevate Health?

My work supports various teams throughout the organization! I’m in charge of our social media accounts, managing the extensive resource and contact lists that support the infrastructure of major upcoming projects, event planning/support, strategic planning and implementation, research, and many other things!

What Do You Like About Working for Elevate Health?

There’s something special about working with others that care about the work they do and each other. Elevate Heath has several different personalities and experiences that all collectively work towards the common goal of a thriving Pierce County through the advancement of whole-person health. I find this inspiring, and it gives me hope for a future in which communities participate in collaborative efforts towards common goals.

What Is Your Favorite Thing To Do in Pierce County?

The Washington State Fair is always fun to go to or visiting the Grand Cinema in Tacoma!

What is Your Favorite Restaurant in Pierce County?

Depends on my mood! Zen Ramen and Sushi Burrito in Tacoma for some lunch, Devoted Kiss Cafe in Gig Harbor for a great breakfast, T-Town Cafe in Lakewood for something fun, Weekday Best for a good breakfast sandwich. But after all that, I’d have to say probably my nana’s kitchen is always my top favorite :)

Are You Involved With Any Communities in Pierce County?

I support the Tacoma Needle Exchange when I’m able!