Meet our Trainers

Pamela Alston, DDS, MPP

Oral Health and Policy Consultant

Dr. Alston is a liscensed dentist with over 25 years of experience providing oral health care to patients in hospital, abulatory, and correctional facility settings. She is on faculty at University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry and is the dental director of a safetynet clinic.

Shannon Bentley, RNc

Psychiatric Nurse Consultant

Ms. Bentley has worked in direct care with at-promise adolescents and in psychiatric settings.  She currently works as a nurse counsultant with a large residental education and training program.

Valerie Cherry, PhD

Director of Mental Health Education

Dr. Cherry, president of Cherry and Associates, LLC, is a clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in mental health.  Dr. Cherry is an experienced trainer in areas of multiculturalism, honest communications, substance abuse, and suicide and violence prevention in adolescents.

Julie Luht, MPH, CHES

Director of Education and Training

Ms. Luht has developed numerous courses for healthcare providers on violence, bullying, and suicide prevention, nutrition, and honest communication. She holds a Master’s of Public Health from George Washington University and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist. 

Cheryl Walker, RN, MSN

Nurse Consultant

Throughout her 30 year career, Ms. Walker has taught student nurses in nursing management, medical surgery, and clinical courses.  Her clinical areas of expertise include rural health, primary care, and adolescent health.  She has worked in private practice and has served in the government and the military.