Board Members

Alyssa Maturen-Backlas, MSc.

President, Executive Director

Alyssa Maturen-Backlas is the Executive Director and President of the Immunization Alliance of Michigan. She received bachelors of science degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology, as well as a Master of Science in Global Health from Michigan State University. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic Alyssa worked in a rural emergency department where she developed a deeper appreciation and passion for vaccinations. Since then she has worked in various roles centering vaccine advocacy, education, and access. When not advocating for immunizations, Alyssa enjoys any and all outdoor recreation, Pilates, photography, and travel. She currently lives in Holt with her husband Joe, their corgi Moose, and their golden retriever Millie.

Why do you care about vaccinations? “I grew up hearing stories of how vaccinations saved my grandparents lives, especially with the development of the polio vaccine in 1952. They told first-hand accounts of people getting vaccinated because it was the right thing to do to keep their communities safe. I too can remember a time when vaccines weren't politicized, they were just important steps to take to protect yourself and those around you. There is so much misinformation surrounding vaccines and I want to do what I can to get us back to a place of understanding of vaccines as being one of the most important tools in the world we have for disease prevention.”

Joseph Fava

Vice President

Joseph is a pharmacist, receiving his Doctor of Pharmacy from Wayne State University in 2011. He has a passion for all things vaccination - safety, efficacy, administration, access, hesitancy, and research. His current research interest is focused on determining the most effective communication techniques to challenge vaccine misinformation.

Why do you care about vaccinations? “I love immunology, as well as preventive and public health.”

Elena Bair, MPH, CPHQ, CPPS

Secretary

Elena is a Senior Quality Consultant with iMPROve Health, where she leads and supports a range of statewide quality improvement initiatives focused on chronic disease management, preventive care, and health system performance. In addition to this role, she serves as the Lead Quality Improvement Advisor for the state of Michigan within the Superior Health Quality Alliance, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services-designated Quality Improvement Organization for the Great Lakes Region, guiding collaborative efforts to strengthen care delivery and advance population health outcomes. Through this work, Elena has been a strong advocate for increasing vaccination uptake among Medicare beneficiaries. Her efforts have included coordinating mobile vaccination clinics in nursing homes across Michigan, expanding access for some of the state's most vulnerable residents. With a commitment to data-driven improvement and increasing access to care, Elena brings deep experience in quality strategy, partnership building, and community-centered health initiatives.

Why do you care about vaccinations? "Vaccinations represent one of the most effective public health advancements we have. They offer a simple, efficient way to prevent serious illness, reduce the spread of disease, and protect the health of entire communities. A single shot takes only moments, yet its impact can last for years, preventing hospitalizations, reducing complications from chronic conditions, and saving lives across multiple seasons of illness. I'm especially passionate about vaccination because they help safeguard our most vulnerable populations, including older adults, people with chronic diseases, and those who cannot be vaccinated themselves."

Farah Jalloul-Rizk, Pharm.D., MBA

Treasurer

Dr. Farah Jalloul immigrated to the United States at the age of ten with her family. In 2012, she earned a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Biochemistry from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She went on to receive both her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ferris State University in 2017. Following graduation, she completed a fellowship with the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA).

Dr. Jalloul currently serves as the Director of Professional Development at MPA, where she leads initiatives that advance the scope and inclusion of pharmacists within the broader healthcare system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as a liaison between MPA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), facilitating critical communication between the state and pharmacists during the testing and immunization rollout. She continues to serve as the state’s pharmacy emergency preparedness coordinator and represents the pharmacy profession at the state level.

In recognition of her leadership, Dr. Jalloul was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Protect Michigan Commission in 2021 and the Public Health Advisory Council in 2022.

She has received numerous accolades for her contributions during the pandemic and beyond, including being named one of the Arab America Foundation’s “40 Under 40,” Carin’s Detroit 2021 “Rising Star in Healthcare,” a Pharmacy Times NextGen Pharmacist Rising Star, and the MPA Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner. She was honored with the 2023 American Pharmacists Association Hubert H. Humphrey Award — established to recognize pharmacists who have made significant contributions to government and legislative service. Most recently, she has been awarded the Bowl of Hygeia, one of the profession’s most prestigious honors for outstanding community service.

Why do you care about vaccinations? “As a pharmacist, caring about vaccines is essential because we play a critical role in public health and patient access to care. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals, often interacting with patients more frequently than primary care providers. This uniquely positions us to identify vaccine needs, address hesitancy, provide education, and administer immunizations directly at the point of care. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventing disease, reducing hospitalizations, and saving lives. By promoting and delivering vaccinations, we help prevent outbreaks, protect vulnerable populations, and contribute to healthier communities. Pharmacy's involvement strengthens public trust and ensures broader reach, especially in underserved areas where access to other healthcare services may be limited. Embracing vaccines as part of our practice is not just good healthcare—it’s essential to advancing the role of pharmacy in preventive medicine.”

Rachael Choat, MSN, RN, AMB-BC

Medical Lead

Rachael Choat is a registered nurse with over 23 years of experience in ambulatory care, care management, and population health. She currently serves as Manager of Care Management at Corewell Health Medical Group East, where she leads a multidisciplinary team supporting transitions of care, preventive care, chronic disease management, and value-based care initiatives across multiple clinic sites. Rachael holds a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western Governors University, along with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) from Henry Ford Community College. She is board-certified in ambulatory care nursing (AMB BC) and holds additional credentials in population health, quality and safety, and advanced care planning. She is an active member of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing and the American Care Management Association. Throughout her career, Rachael has held progressive clinical and leadership roles, with a consistent focus on reducing barriers to care, closing gaps in preventive services, and advancing health equity. Earlier in her career, she oversaw the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and managed vaccine inventory, strengthening her hands-on understanding of how operational processes and community trust directly impact vaccination rates. Outside of her professional work, Rachael enjoys spending time on Michigan's lakes—or anywhere near the water—along with time with her grandchildren and her German Shepherd, Harley Quinn.

Why do you care about vaccinations? "I care deeply about vaccinations because I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases. As a nurse, I cared for a parent who had just lost their infant to pertussis—an experience that underscored how vulnerable infants are and how critical community protection can be. I also lost a former manager and mentor to cervical cancer; she was considered 'too old' to receive the vaccine when it became available, a loss that highlighted how access and timing can change lives. Additionally, hearing a mother share the story of losing her college-aged daughter to meningitis—what began as 'just a headache'—reinforced how quickly these illnesses can turn tragic. These experiences have shaped who I am as a person, a nurse, and a fierce advocate for immunizations, fueling my commitment to vaccine confidence, equitable access, and preventing unnecessary loss across Michigan."

Kara Robbins, CPHT, RxOM

Medical Lead

Kara Robbins has been the pharmacy operations manager at Walgreens for 8 months and a senior certified technician for 9 years. She has a passion for the medical profession and providing vaccines to her patients. She has held various licenses throughout her career but pharmacy is where she can administer vaccines throughout the day. Kara married her husband in October of 2025 after meeting at Walgreens. They have a 7 year old daughter who loves to get her vaccines from Mama every year.

Why do you care about vaccinations? “I care because I’ve seen and experienced personally what happens when vaccines aren’t given to patients. These epidemics can be prevented!”