Staff

Jamie McDonald, M.P.H. – Executive Director

Jamie McDonald has worked for the American Academy of Pediatrics – Orange County Chapter as a Health Educator, Program Director, and now Executive Director for over 20 years, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs and material on a variety of children’s health issues. She has nearly 30 years experience working collaboratively with diverse groups of community partners, professionals, individual champions (e.g., parents, volunteers), and government/legislative representatives, and has taught health sciences courses for over 15 years at California State University, Long Beach. Jamie has a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara and received her Master’s degree in Public Health from California State University, Long Beach.  Jamie, her husband and two sons live in Long Beach with their dog, guinea pigs, and four chickens, enjoying music, theater, and gardening.

Emma Course – Program Coordinator

Emma Course came to AAP-OC in 2012, after having worked at CHOC Children’s Hospital for over 10 years as the Reading Program Coordinator. Her experience coordinating a successful & organized program for so many years allows her to share her tips on maintaining an active program and provides technical assistance when needed. She assists clinic sites to engage their parents & children in developing a love of books and reading. Emma took on the role of CME Coordinator for AAP-OC in 2016 and coordinated activities for Continuing Medical Education until 2022. Emma added coordinating the Clinic in the Park Program in July 2020, during the Pandemic. In-person Health Expos were put on hiatus and efforts were shifted to educating Community Partners on topics of safety and injury prevention.  When restrictions were relaxed, Clinic in the Park now participates in partner organization’s outreach events, providing education on safety equipment, fitting and distributing to underserved families in Orange County. Emma assists in any AAP programs or events as needed, and truly enjoys the variety her job offers. Outside of the office, Emma enjoys family-time with her husband, two grown kids & their spouses and 4 grandkids, as well as cooking, traveling, decorating, volunteering, and of course reading.

Elizabeth Sturdy – Project Coordinator

Elizabeth Sturdy is a Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Project Coordinator for the American Academy of Pediatrics – Orange County Chapter (AAP-OC). She first started her work for AAP-OC as an intern while completing her undergraduate degree in Health Care Administration at California State University, Long Beach. She has been with the Chapter since 2021 and has assisted in a variety of areas including administrative work, Chapter membership, continuing medical education, and supporting important initiatives such as Project Firstline and ACEs PRACTICE. Elizabeth enjoys the versatility of her job and is grateful to be working for an organization that allows her to fulfill her passion for helping those in need and serving her community.