Emma Uridge, Research Assistant
What has been your favorite project?
My favorite project would have to be co-facilitating the Senior Care Task Force with Hina Shah. My mom works in the aging field, so discussing the project with her and how it relates to her work has been special.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
I recently came across a quote from David J. Whyte that sums up how I feel about career progression and passion. He says, “a true vocation always calls us out beyond ourselves; breaks our heart in the process and then humbles, simplifies and enlightens us about the hidden, core nature of the work that enticed us in the first place.”
What do you do when you are not working?
On the weekends, my friends and I will venture around Kansas City to our favorite thrift and consignment stores. My favorite places to go are Story Boutique in Leawood and Saks on Santa Fe in Overland Park. However, the best places to shop are estate sales.
After work, I have been doing a lot of yoga on my balcony to unwind and focus on something that isn’t a screen. Shifting away from screen time has been the motivator for a lot of my new hobbies. I am a fan of the “cottagecore” lifestyle so I am learning to pickle, can, and grow produce. My dad and I are currently conceptualizing a garden for him and my mom, so I am excited to test drive my homestead hobby.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place to visit is Big Sur, California. I travel there every other year because my aunt lives in that area. The combination of beaches and redwoods make it a magical place. Besides Kansas, Big Sur is the only place where I have felt at home. The people who live and work in the area are lovely and incredibly passionate about preserving what makes this area so special. If you ever want to visit, I recommend a stay at the Treebones Resort.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Teleportation: Great to satisfy my travel bug and has a minimal carbon footprint.
What is one food that you cannot resist?
Spicy pork rinds.
Welcome Cynthia Snyder and Kevin Kovach
HI everyone, I’m Cynthia
I’m Cynthia Snyder and I’m excited to be here! I started in August as an analyst. I’ve always worked in the nonprofit sector and have enjoyed a variety of roles. Most recently, I worked as a consultant, and the six years before that, at KDHE. While at KDHE, my programs focused on access to care and that continues to be a passion for me.
The picture is from my birthday weekend last year. We are picking chestnuts. I don’t recommend any harvest that requires leather gloves and a hacksaw, but I’ll usually try anything once.
I live here in Topeka and have since graduate school at Washburn. I enjoy hiking and cooking. I have a very dry sense of humor. I’m definitely a foodie.
Fun foodie facts about me:
If you ask me, “Hey, do you want to go for tacos?” the answer will always be, “Yes.”
My favorite restaurant is the Antler Room in Kansas City. https://www.theantlerroomkc.com/mobile-menu
My favorite taco is the Al Pastor from Taqueria Las Catrinas in southern New Mexico. When I wake up really early in the morning, I think about how I could be there by dinner, but I only get there about twice a year.
Hi Everyone, I’m Kevin
I'm Kevin Kovach, a new senior analyst. I look forward to working with everyone and contributing to the great work we do here at KHI. Prior to this role, I spent eight years at the American Academy of Family Physicians as the Senior Manager for Population and Community Health. There I led a team of six working on translating evidence and innovation into primary care. Before that I worked in state and local public health for about 13 years in epidemiology, emergency preparedness, and health promotion. I have a master’s degree in epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a doctorate in public health leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My biggest professional passions are building strong public health organizations, advancing health equity, and fostering innovation through mixed methods research and consulting.
I’m originally from Michigan but moved to Kansas City in 2008. I live in Shawnee with my wife, Kristin, and my sons, Desmond, Benjamin, and Jack. In my free time, I love watching movies and TV. I’m a big fan of horror and science fiction. I’m kind of a foodie and love trying out new restaurants. My kids have rekindled my love of rollercoasters and we’ve been to Silver Dollar City an embarrassing number of times this year. I’m also a big fan of the Detroit Pistons and grew up watching the Bad Boys and DETROIT BASKETBALL championship eras.
I think that pretty much sums things up for me. Please reach out to me if any of our interests overlap, or if you just want to chat.
Tatiana Lin Named Director of Business Strategy and Innovation
Tatiana Lin has been named KHI’s Director of Business Strategy and Innovation. In this new role, she’s responsible for advancing our mission through creative initiatives and programs in partnership with public, private and philanthropic collaborators. Congratulations, Tatiana!
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