About OCAZ
The People Behind the Alliance

Annette Leal Mattern, President
Annette Leal Mattern is a 23-year survivor of ovarian cancer and a two-year survivor of breast cancer. She retired from US WEST/Qwest as Vice President of Marketing to devote herself to making a difference in women’s cancers. She published a book, Outside the Lines of Love, Life, and Cancer, about coping with cancer and surviving life.

Annette is president of the board of directors of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, where she also Chairs the Marketing & Communications Committee. She is a contributing writer for www.EmpowHer.com, a website known as “powerful women transforming health.” She is a LiveStrong inspirational speaker, sharing her story nationwide to motivate women to live their best life in spite of their diagnosis. She lives in Scottsdale, AZ with her husband Rich.

Ellen Krause Johnson, Treasurer
Ellen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in January 2008. Ellen is devoted to increasing awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer so that women can be diagnosed earlier and receive prompt treatment to live longer lives.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ellen and her husband David relocated from the Bay Area to Scottsdale in 2005. Ellen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Communications and is self-employed providing paralegal and accounting services to attorneys.

Laurel Pracht, Secretary
Laurel is a 10+ year survivor of ovarian cancer. A graduate of the University of NE College of Business, she had a successful career as a real estate broker in Colorado. She currently serves as Patient Advocate on the Gynecologic Committee, Southwest Oncology Group. Her advocacy for women with ovarian cancer led her to work with the National Oncologic PET Registry to assure coverage of PET scans by Medicare. She provides peer counsel to ovarian cancer patients online and is dedicated to conquering a disease that has "claimed the lives of too many of my friends!"

Laurel is the founder / director of the annual Teal Ribbon Golf Tournament in Sun City, AZ. where she now lives with her husband, Bob.

Christina Wofford, Media Advisor
Christina Wofford worked as a journalist for more than 15 years, most recently as the weekend anchor/reporter at CBS5 in Phoenix.

Christina is proud to be part of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona's mission because one of her mentors sadly died of the disease.

In her spare time Christina enjoys hiking with her husband, Jim McNamara, and their dog Nico.

Jennifer Mrozek Sukalo, MS, CHES
Jennifer is a facilitator and trainer of discovery-based learning programs as well as a motivational and educational speaker. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Exercise and Wellness and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.

Jennifer writes for LIVESTRONG.com and has been an educator and instructor in the Health and Wellness industry since 1988. Currently, she is developing a discovery-based, experiential learning program called Living Well and Loving It® designed to help cancer survivors create positive and sustainable change in their lives.

Kelly Colonello, CRNP, Medical Advisor
Kelly is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, relocating to the Phoenix area in 2004 to pursue her medical career as a Nurse Practitioner in Gynecologic Oncology. She received her Master's Degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She has 16 years experience in Gynecologic Oncology ranging from Oncology Research, Academic Medicine and now in Private Practice.

Kelly has an added passion for Ovarian Cancer having been involved with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Pittsburgh and Phoenix divisions, and was a co-leader for the Ovarian Cancer Support Group at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Kelly is a patient advocate and is quite honored to be part of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Arizona, reaching out to women with this challenging disease.

Sherry Zumbrunnen, RN, BSN, HN-BC, Spiritual Advisor
Sherry is a registered nurse with 29 years of experience and a special interest in Holistic Nursing. In addition, she holds a Masters in Nursing and is board certified in Holistic Nursing.

During her 25 years at Scottsdale Healthcare, Sherry has developed new hospital programs including a Disease Management program for people with heart failure, asthma, COPD, and diabetes.  A certified Kripalu/Amrit Yoga Instructor and Reiki Master, Sherry currently supervises the Body, Mind, Spirit Program at The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, helping countless survivors improve their experience.

Julie Westhoff, Board Member
Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and ovarian cancer in August of 2006. After she experienced staging and treatment misinformation during her initial breast cancer diagnosis, she became an advocate for women’s health issues, with her main focus being ovarian cancer. Julie would like all women to be informed about the silent symptoms we quite often overlook. Her goal is to empower women to play an active role in regards to their health and learn to seek out information.

Julie is the recipient of the 2010 Anne Rita Monahan Crusader Award for which she was recognized as a dedicated supporter and advocate who has made contributions for cancer awareness and has displayed determination and perseverance in her journey. Julie is employed as a Service Administrator for Brotherton Investment Consultants in Scottsdale. She is originally from a small town in central Kansas, but has called Arizona home since 1997.

Karen Nally, Board Member
Karen Nally lost her mother to ovarian cancer.  "That diagnosis forever changed my life.  As a result, I promised myself that I would do something, but I never could figure out what that something was."  

An attorney practicing since 1994 in the area of utility regulation and water and power law, Karen has found the way to make a difference by joining our board. She graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Arizona State University College of Law with a Juris Doctor Degree.

Joe Casey, Board Member
Joe lost his mother to Ovarian Cancer in June of 2009, and is honored to be part of a board with such dedication and commitment to the cause.  

Originally from South Dakota, Joe has been a part of the Arizona community for over ten years.  He is employed with Avnet Inc. as an Electrical Engineer, and spends all of his free time enjoying the outdoors with his family.  He lives in central Phoenix with his wife Katie and new son Aiden.

Michele Avery, Board Member Emeritus
Michele was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2004.  In 2008 Michele and Annette founded OCAZ and she lead the organization of the first Diamondbacks and Mercury Ovarian Cancer Awareness nights.  Michele has further championed the cause by engaging Costco to print an article about Ovarian Cancer in the Costco Connection and to run a PSA during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month throughout the US.  

Most recently, Michele served as Event Chair for the inaugural unTEAL a Cure 5K to benefit TGen’s Ovarian Cancer research program which raised over $122,000.