Theresa Castellanos

LCDR Theresa Castellanos, PharmD is a pharmacist with the U.S. Public Health Service and stationed at Southcentral Foundation (SCF) in Anchorage, AK. She is an Integrated Clinical Pharmacist in a tribal facility that serves 70K Alaska Native and American Indian people and has managed vaccine clinics for 12 years. As a vaccine subject matter expert, she developed quality improvement protocols to increase immunization rates and decrease errors. She serves as a preceptor for students, residents of the SCF PGY1 Ambulatory Care Residency program, and trains medical assistants on immunizations and medication administration.

As an APhA certified immunization trainer, she trained over 45 pharmacists and technicians. In 2013, she implemented the first pharmacist-run flu clinic and now manages several vaccine clinics throughout the tribal system, overseeing over 300 staff and 10K vaccines. During the pandemic, the clinic converted to a drive-thru, safely and efficiently vaccinating an average of 40 people per hour.

This past year, she organized a “Boo to the Flu” themed vaccine clinic where staff dressed in costumes and patients received goody bags. She also led other clinics, targeting high risk populations at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, Brother Francis Homeless Shelter, Centennial Senior Housing facility, Covenant House, SCF Elders Program, and the Nutaqsiivik Program which helps high-risk expecting mothers and their families. For the last 3 years, she partnered with the State of Alaska, Anchorage Health Department, CDC, SCF, and Alaska Native Medical Center to offer free vaccines and administered over 2,000 vaccines in 6 days at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, the largest gathering in the Nation of Native people to address issues of public policy and government.

LCDR Castellanos graduated from Loyola University New Orleans and Howard University College of Pharmacy. She resides in Anchorage, AK with her husband and 2 young children.

Joel Thornbury

Joel Thornbury, a third-generation pharmacist with over 30 years of experience, has dedicated his career to improving healthcare access in rural Appalachia. As the owner of multiple independent pharmacies, he has been a leader in expanding immunization programs and public health initiatives, ensuring that underserved populations—including school-aged children—receive critical vaccinations. His innovative approach to pharmacy-based immunization has transformed access to care in Eastern Kentucky.

Beyond patient care, Joel is a tireless advocate for the pharmacy profession. His leadership roles include serving as Past President of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association (KPhA) and the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy, where he worked to advance pharmacist services, PBM reform, and expanded immunization authority. Currently, he serves as Speaker of the KPhA House of Delegates, where he continues to drive policy initiatives that strengthen the role of pharmacists in public health. In addition to his work in pharmacy, Joel is an active community leader who dedicates his time to numerous civic and service initiatives. He serves on local economic development boards, supporting small businesses and rural healthcare sustainability. A lifelong advocate for youth programs, he has been involved in mentorship programs, school health initiatives, and regional outreach efforts that promote wellness and public health literacy. An avid marathon runner, Joel also champions physical fitness and wellness programs that encourage healthier lifestyles within his community. Recognized with numerous state and national awards, including Kentucky Pharmacist of the Year and the KPhA Distinguished Service Award, Joel has also mentored pharmacy students for over 25 years, shaping the next generation of pharmacists. His unwavering commitment to patient care, legislative advocacy, and community service embodies the spirit of the APhA Immunization Champion Award. His work continues to influence pharmacy practice, healthcare policy, and public health initiatives that improve the well-being of communities across the region.

Ijeoma Uwakwe

Dr. Ijeoma Uwakwe is a registered pharmacist, a wife, and a mother of four. She is also the owner of WilsonValue Drug Store in Wilson, NC. Dr. Uwakwe earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a Masters in Clinical Research from Campbell University in 2009. She began her career at CVS Pharmacy, where she served as a staff pharmacist and later as a pharmacy manager. In 2014, she and her husband, Mr. Evan Uwakwe, opened their own independent retail pharmacy, WilsonValue Drug Store. The community values Dr. Uwakwe for her dedication to pharmacy delivery, her active engagement with the community, and her commitment to various clinical service projects, including mass immunizations, diabetes prevention and management, opioid harm reduction counseling, and blood pressure management. Her pharmacy is a well-respected resource for vaccinations in the city. Dr. Uwakwe also shares her expertise with the city of Wilson by serving on the Wilson Board of Health and Wilson Downtown development committee.