About Our Team

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission: “NW Kidney Connection exists to bridge the gap in kidney care by connecting patients and their spouses with essential resources, education, and community support—empowering them to make informed decisions and access life-saving care with dignity.

Our Vision: A world where every young adult facing kidney disease, and the people who love them, has access to compassionate, informed, and connected care.

Meet The Board

Dakota Watson

Board President

Dakota is a lifelong kidney patient and transplant recipient who brings deep personal experience and unwavering dedication to NW Kidney Connection. Diagnosed at birth and receiving a transplant at age 17, Dakota has spent his life navigating the complexities of the kidney care system. His journey fuels his passion to ensure other adults don’t fall through the cracks. Dakota founded NW Kidney Connection to build the community, resources, and support he wished he had, and to change the story for the next person facing kidney disease.

Vice President

Raquel, known by many as Rocky, entered the kidney care system as a pediatric patient and has spent much of her life navigating the realities of chronic kidney disease. Her early experiences shaped her deep understanding of the lifelong challenges kidney patients face, especially during the transition into adult care. Now an advocate and leader, Rocky is committed to making sure others don’t face those same challenges alone. As Vice President of NW Kidney Connection, she leads our Marketing and Communications efforts, using her voice and lived experience to build visibility, connection, and community for kidney patients and their spouses.

Raquel "Rocky" Ramirez

Secretary

Machen is a kidney patient currently on dialysis and a passionate advocate for patient-led change. His journey through the kidney care system has shown him how vital it is for patients to have a voice, not just in their own care, but in the systems that shape it. As Secretary of NW Kidney Connection, Machen ensures our governance remains strong, transparent, and mission-driven. He brings thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and a deep sense of purpose to everything he does, helping guide our organization with integrity and heart.

Machen Newton

Phillip Anthony

Treasurer

Philip is the spouse of a kidney transplant recipient and brings a caregiver’s heart and a sharp eye for detail to his role as Treasurer of NW Kidney Connection. Walking alongside his partner through the kidney care journey has given him deep insight into the emotional and logistical challenges that patients and their loved ones face. Philip is passionate about financial transparency, responsible stewardship, and ensuring that every dollar supports our mission. His lived experience helps ground our work in compassion, accountability, and real-world impact.

Martin Watson Jr.

Chair, Development and Funding Committee

Martin is a dedicated supporter of the kidney community and the proud father of a transplant recipient. Watching his son navigate life with kidney disease inspired him to get involved and help others facing similar challenges. As Chair of the Development and Funding Committee, Martin brings energy, creativity, and a personal commitment to growing NW Kidney Connection’s reach and sustainability. Whether he’s brainstorming fundraising ideas or connecting with potential partners, Martin is always focused on how we can better serve patients and their spouses, and build a lasting foundation for the future.

Chair, Programs, Services, and Outreach

Melissa West brings passion, creativity, and lived experience to her role as Chair of Programs, Services, and Outreach at NW Kidney Connection. A kidney transplant recipient, Melissa personally understands the challenges of transitioning from pediatric to adult care. She uses that insight to lead programs that uplift young adults living with kidney disease and their families across the Pacific Northwest—ensuring they feel supported, connected, and empowered throughout their journey.

Melissa West

Jennifer Sanders

Chair, Insurance and Risk Management

Jennifer Sanders brings both professional diligence and personal perspective to her role as Chair of Insurance & Risk Management at NW Kidney Connection. As the mother of a daughter newly on dialysis, Jennifer understands the urgent need for secure, reliable systems that support families facing kidney disease. She leads NWKC’s efforts to assess risk, protect our programs, and ensure that every service we offer is delivered with care, integrity, and safety in mind.