MHFA Instructors

Hi! I'm Patrick and I am a pharmacy student in the class of 2025. I currently work in the UMMC–East Bank pharmacy department. I hold leadership positions with the Minnesota Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists, Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, Minnesota Pharmacy Student Alliance and I am an academic tutor! I'm still exploring my career interests but I currently have passion for medical affairs industry roles and ambulatory care. In my free time I enjoy trail running, cross country skiing, and reading!

My name is Caitlyn Calso, my pronouns are she/hers, and I am from Vernon Hills, IL. I am one of the Twin Cities Class Representatives for the Class of 2026, a clinic coordinator for the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, and am involved in Phi Lambda Sigma, Phi Delta Chi, and MPSA. I currently work as an oncology intern at the MHealth Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center in the IV Pharmacy and I have an internship at the CVS in Dinkytown Target. I have an interest in hematology/oncology and my goal is to complete a PGY2 oncology residency. Other than pharmacy, I love playing games on my Nintendo Switch, watching RuPaul's Drag Race, baking, and napping.

I am currently a Senior Strategic Initiatives Lead at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, providing leadership, coordination, and support for major organizational initiatives in the College. Prior to this role I was a Medication Management pharmacist for 8 years after graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2013, and completing the Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Residency. I could not be more excited about being back at the College of Pharmacy and contributing to training our future pharmacists.  In my free time I enjoy being with family and friends, swimming, skiing, and playing with my dog Indie.

My name is Megan Lehto and I’m a pharmacy student in the class of 2026 on the Duluth campus. I currently work at both Essentia and St. Luke’s hospitals. I am a lover of the outdoors and baking. I am passionate about mental health as I feel it is vital for our overall wellbeing. 

My name is Alexa Marlow and I am a pharmacy student in the class of 2026. I grew up in Hudson, WI but moved to Boston, MA for 6 years to do my undergrad and take some time off before pharmacy school. I currently work at HCMC as an intern and will be one of the clinic coordinators at PNC this upcoming year. My career interests are in emergency medicine and neuro/psych pharmacy. 

I am a pharmacy student in the class of 2025 who currently work as an inpatient pharmacy intern at Allina Health Mercy-Unity. I am the secretary for Kappa Psi Epsilon Fraternity and have an interest in managed care and industry. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family! 

Hi everyone, my name is Chenwei and I'm a pharmacy student in the class of 2026 on Twin Cities campus. Currently I work at M Health Fairview inpatient pharmacy and as a research assistant in the Center for Orphan Drug Research. My interests lie at the intersection of pharmacy and public health. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching TV shows, and road trips.

My name is Angelo. I am a student pharmacist in the class of 2025, with an interest in Cardiology and Diabetes. I am currently interested in pursuing a career in Medication Therapy Management/Ambulatory Care but still keeping my options open. I enjoy swimming, fishing, binge watching good shows, playing instruments, and spending time with family and friends. 

Kate France holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota Duluth and is currently a pharmacy student in the class of 2025 at the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy. She is the founder and CEO of Scientists Making Your Life Easier (SMYLE) LLC, a medtech and mentorship-focused company that produces accessible life-saving medical equipment while also providing opportunities for networking and assistance for underserved students interested in pursuing STEM projects and careers. Kate began this mission after her involvement in science fairs in high school and now works to share the knowledge and support that helped her become the scientist she is today. Kate loves needlework and crocheting, drinking coffee, and hiking along the North Shore of Minnesota. You can find her on social media as @franceinyapants.

Jamie is a former Math and Psychology high school teacher from rural South Dakota. She grew up curious about people and eager to understand how humans develop into unique, multifarious individuals. For the past 12 years, Jamie has worked in curriculum and strategic operations at the University of Minnesota and the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She currently lives in Saint Paul, MN with her husband, two elementary-aged kids and a one year old Terrier named Birdie. 

Dr Little is an Assistant Professor on the Duluth campus with lifelong personal and professional interest in mental health. Her adventures as a Registered Nurse include med-surg, pediatrics, managed care, education and psychiatry which included a stint on a psychiatric unit in a women’s prison. Dr Little is a certified coach (NC-BC, NBC-HWC) and is passionate about supporting people on their life journeys, and teaching and learning about health justice, community and public health, cannabis, Tibetan Medicine, antiracism in healthcare and the science and spirit of wellbeing. 

Laura Palombi is an associate professor on the Duluth campus and is also the current associate dean for students. She has taught mental health first aid since 2019, and enjoys connecting with communities as well as students, faculty and staff in her trainings. In addition to conducting trainings on mental health first aid, Dr. Palombi trains a diverse group of audiences in opioid overdose response and harm reduction.

Maggie is a Strategic Initiative Lead in the College of Pharmacy, where she provides leadership, coordination and support for major organizational initiatives with the College.  Prior to joining the College she was an ambulatory care pharmacist at Hennepin Healthcare, where she served since 2016 in the Coordinated Care Center (Ambulatory ICU), Healthcare for the Homeless, and GI/Liver clinics.  While at Hennepin Healthcare she also served as the PGY2 Ambulatory Care Residency Director, a clinical preceptor, and as a panelist for the MN Viral Hepatitis ECHO. Maggie received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University then completed the University of Minnesota Ambulatory Care Leadership Residency.  She then completed an M.S. degree in population health and a primary care research fellowship at the University of Wisconsin.

Laylia Yang is a pharmacy student in the class of 2025. She is currently a pharmacy intern at the University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank and holds several leadership positions in the College of Pharmacy including Class of 2025 Twin Cities Representative, Phillips Neighborhood Clinic Community Relations Education Associate, MHFA Coordinator, Psychiatric and Neurologic Collaborative Coordinator, among others. After pharmacy school, she hopes to pursue a pharmacy residency and specialize in pharmacogenomics or mental health. Outside of pharmacy school, she spends time with her friends, journaling, playing video games or guitar, and listening to music and audiobooks.