1. Outreach and Education
  2. Community

Meet the COE Team

Vision

To build sustainable partnerships between the University of Arizona Cancer Center and communities for a cancer-free Arizona.

Mission

Bridge the University of Arizona Cancer Center and communities in Arizona to ensure excellence in multidisciplinary, culturally relevant research, cancer prevention, and treatment through advocacy and communication.

Values

As the office of Community of Outreach and Engagement in the University of Arizona Cancer Center:

  • We respect and embrace the cultural diversity of the people of Arizona.

  • We value inclusivity and shared input.

  • We are committed to a healthier Arizona.

COE Team

Jennifer Hatcher, RN, MPH, PhD
Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement
Professor, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
(602) 827-2880

David O. Garcia, PhD, FACSM
Assistant Director for Community Outreach and Engagement
Assistant Professor, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
(615) 875-7560

Gabriel Escontrías, Jr., EdD
Program Director of Outreach
Adjunct Lecturer, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
(602) 827-2888

Omar A. Contreras, DrPH, MPH
Program Director of Policy and Translational Research 
(602) 827-2954

Octavio Castaños 
Health Educator, Senior 
(602) 827-2639

Desiree Jones, MPH
Health Educator, Senior
(602) 827-2931

Gabriela Ruiz
Health Educator
(602) 827-2934

Monica Yellowhair, PhD
Assistant Research Scientist
(520) 834-7667

René D. Herrera, MA, MPH, CPH
Data Analyst
(602) 827-2639​​​​​​​

Marci Ray
Executive Assistant
(602) 827-2639

Also, we can always be reached at UACC-COE@email.arizona.edu.

Locations

University of Arizona Cancer Center at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
625 N. 6th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
To make an appointment, call (602) 406-UACC (8222).

University of Arizona Cancer Center - North Campus
3838 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
To make an appointment, call (520) 694-CURE (2873).

University of Arizona Cancer Center - Orange Grove
1891 W. Orange Grove Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85704
To make an appointment, call (520) 694-8900.

Radiation Oncology at University of Arizona Cancer Center
1501 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719
To make an appointment, call (520) 694-7236.