The BACK Team

Helping Colorado Kids Breathe Better

Asthma Navigator Team

  • Rachel Armstrong
  • Misha Brtnikova, PhD, MPH
  • Lisa Cicutto RN, ACNP(CERT), PhD (Co-PI)
  • Melanie Gleason PA, MS
  • Anowara Begum, MPH
  • Melanie Gleason PA, MS
  • Maryann Ceballos (Lead Denver Navigator)

Full Research Team

  • Stan Szefler MD (Co-PI) – Asthma/School-based research
  • Lisa Cicutto RN, ACNP(CERT), PhD (Co-PI) – Rural community engagement, Asthma/School-based research
  • Amy Huebschmann MD, MSCS (Co-PI) – Dissemination and Implementation science
  • Melanie Gleason PA, MS – Asthma/School-based programs – major role in implementing/training
  • Arthur McFarlane – Asthma/School-based evaluation and social determinants of health outreach
  • John Brinton, PhD – Biostatistician, design and analysis
  • Lisa DeCamp MD, MSPH – general pediatrician, health disparities research
  • Sarah Brewer PhD – Mixed methods and qualitative research 
  • Misha Brtnikova, PhD, MPH – project manager
  • Holly Coleman, MSW – Trailhead partner, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement  
  • Anowara Begum, MPH – Senior research services professional
  • Rachel Armstrong – Research services professional

Community Partners

  • Children’s Hospital Colorado Breathing Institute
  • ACCORDS – Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science
  • State and Community Advisory Boards
  • Scientific Advisory Board
  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • Denver Public School District School Nurses
  • Acclaro Design, Inc.
  • Trailhead Institute
  • National Association of School Nurses
  • Colorado Department of Education Nursing Services

History

Colorado School-Centered Asthma Program Evolution 

2006 – Needs Assessment and Outreach Program

2008 – Pilot American Lung Association “Open Airways for Schools”

2009 – Step Up asthma counselor education and monitoring program

2012 – Building Bridges school RN care coordination program

2015 – Step Up expansion and Technical Assistance

2018 – AsthmaCOMP implementation and dissemination to new school districts; partner with CDE Regional Hubs

2019 – Organize approach to social determinants of health, telemedicine,

2020 – NHLBI DECIPHeR Implementation and Dissemination to school districts in rural Colorado and mid-sized urban cities

2023 – AsthmaCOMP Expansion – Designate SBAPs, sustainment

 

Navigators lead the way to better asthma control