A tailored program to support your health and wellbeing

Our mission.

Healthy Foundations is committed to improving the health and healthcare experience of all members. We work to bridge gaps in care, empower self-advocacy, and inspire individuals to stay engaged in their life and health.

Healthy Foundations is dedicated to upholding the City of Portland’s Core Values:
Anti-Racism | Equity | Transparency | Communication | Collaboration | Fiscal Responsibility

This program jump-started my life. I am a different person because of this experience. Anyone who wants to improve their health should connect with Healthy Foundations.

Emily Swensen
Office of the City Attorney

What you can expect

This was one of the most positive healthcare experiences of my life. The team took time to work with me on my care plan and create experiences I understood and could then apply to other aspects of my life.

Brett Gaidos
Bureau of Emergency Communications

Meet your team

Health coaches

Health coaches support you in mobilizing internal strengths and insight, while maximizing external resources as you develop strategies for making sustainable lifestyle changes and living best with your health conditions. While health coaches do not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments or conduct therapy, they may provide expert guidance in areas in which they hold active credentials.

  • Chrissy Cralen

    Chrissy Cralen, MS
    She/Her/Hers

    503-501-8739

    Chrissy is a national board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC), registered dietitian (RD) and certified diabetes educator (CDE) that specializes in food and nutrition.

  • Elizabeth Connor

    Elizabeth Connor
    She/Her/Hers

    503-467-8051

    Elizabeth is a national board certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC) and a yoga therapist (C-IAYT) specializing in stress resiliency.

  • Susan Benner

    Susan Benner, MA
    She/Her/Hers

    971-277-8394

    Susan is a certified health and wellness coach and ACE certified personal trainer with a focus on movement and positive psychology.

  • Wayne Every

    Wayne Every
    He/Him/His

    503-720-3002

    Wayne is a registered nurse (RN) and certified asthma educator (AE-C) skilled in managing chronic health conditions.

  • Miranda May

    Miranda May, MA
    She/Her/Hers
    miranda.may@modahealth.com
    971-200-9273

    Miranda is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with an emphasis on emotional health and counseling support.

Program staff

  • Sara Eide

    Sara Eide, MPH
    She/Her/Hers
    Program Manager, City of Portland Health Engagement

    503-382-5352

    Sara oversees Healthy Foundations, the Preventive Care Initiative and other City of Portland healthcare projects. She is dedicated to meeting program objectives, improving healthcare utilization, and ensuring a positive member experience.

  • Heidi Jurgens

    Heidi Jurgens
    They/Their/Them
    Member Health Advocate

    855-466-6340

    Heidi offers support for City of Portland members with complex benefit and claims questions. They identify resources within Moda and the City to optimize health and addresses questions around the Preventive Care Initiative.

City of Portland staff

  • Joel Michels

    Joel Michels, MSN, FNP-BC
    He/Him/His
    Nurse practitioner & healthcare consultant

    503-823-5238

    Joel is an on-site clinical resource with the City of Portland’s benefits team. He can answer questions about medical treatment plans and provide information about health opportunities. His experience in primary care and occupational health gives him the expertise to provide privacy-protected consultations that help members navigate the latest research and guidelines to reach their goals and vision for health. Joel can help you with the following:

    • Right care, right time: Understand who to see and where to go for specific health concerns.
    • Medication education: Understand why you are taking medication, how it helps you, and what other options may be available.
    • Advocacy and support: Available to attend any health-related visit to help improve the experience.
    • Diagnosis education: Learn exactly what is going on, what to expect, and how to make it better.
    • Medical research on the internet: Assist with exploring treatment options and clinical trials or teach you about the most reliable resources.
    • End-of-life planning: What are your options?
    • Advanced directive support: Make your final wishes clear to providers and loved ones.
    • Care coordination: Who specializes in your conditions? Primary care and specialists explained; referrals are available upon request.
    • Occupational health and wellbeing: Are you handling a work-related injury or illness? Would you like help making your workplace a more positive and balanced place to be? City-wide initiatives may be able to help.

The Healthy Foundations team is very supportive, responsive and available.

Tara Carlson
Bureau of Development Services

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much time does it take for me to participate?
We meet weekly usually for an hour or less. This can change depending on your schedule and what we are working on together.
How long do I stay in the program?
Active participation, in which you meet with a coach regularly, lasts six months. We spend some additional time in the beginning of the program mapping out a plan for sustained wellness. Healthy Foundations will continue to be available to you for support as long as you maintain your health benefits with the City.
What do we actually DO together?
Since Healthy Foundations is a tailored program, it depends on you. First, we develop a plan to meet your health and wellness goals, but then we will often have experiential meetings. We’ve taken walks with people, cooked or explored grocery stores together, attended their doctor’s visits, practiced tai chi, and have even gone dragon boating together. If we can support you on your path to wellness, we’ll do it!
How was I selected?
Moda Health uses a variety of tools to determine who might benefit from the support offered by Healthy Foundations. Internal claims data helps identify individuals that might be living with a chronic health condition. Member referrals and word-of-mouth remain the most powerful tool to enroll members into the program.
Do you work with families?
Definitely. Eligible dependents living with chronic health conditions that are enrolled in the CityCore or CityNet plans are welcome to join the program. The employee does not have to participate in order for an eligible dependent to participate. Members are welcome to also invite family members to attend their Healthy Foundations meetings, if they choose.
Can I refer others to Healthy Foundations?
Yes, please do. Word of mouth and referrals help us find out who is ready to focus on their health and wellness. Feel free to share our website address or have folks contact us directly to learn more.
Will my information be shared with the City of Portland or anyone else?
Never. Your identity is not shared with the City of Portland. This program is compliant with the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that safeguards all personal and medical information.
How do you define a chronic health condition?
A chronic health condition may include diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, depression or anxiety, cardiac issues, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or any ongoing health issue. Contact Healthy Foundations to determine if the program is a good fit for your health and wellness needs.
Can I still see my same doctors and other healthcare providers?
Yes. We do not replace providers or care you already receive. We offer an additional layer of support. If you don’t have a provider that you like, the Healthy Foundations team can work with you to select a new provider.
What’s in it for Moda Health and the City of Portland? What’s the catch?
There’s no catch. By supporting your participation within this program, the City and Moda provide you with the motivation, tools, and resources to live your best life. It’s about doing the right thing. It just makes sense that improved wellbeing will increase your quality of life and can reduce medical issues down the road.

Thank you! This has been amazing. Everyone’s healthcare should be like this.

Joanne Johnson
Office of Neighborhood Involvement

Additional resources

Download program materials and other health resources

Fitness

Health equity

Mental/Emotional health

Positive psychology/Happiness

Relaxation/Stress management

Nutrition/Healthy eating