Staff Directory

Gary Remafedi, M.D., M.P.H., Director
612-627-6820 • remaf001@umn.edu
Gary Remafedi, M.D., M.P.H. is the Director of the Youth and AIDS Projects and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Remafedi received his baccalaureate degree from Yale University and medical degree from the University of Illinois. He completed his pediatric residency training at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, and a Master's Degree in Public Health and fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He has published and lectured widely on the topics of adolescent sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. His regular professional activities include caring for pediatric and adolescent patients, research in adolescent medicine, and teaching physicians at the University of Minnesota. His eclectic (and eccentric) hobbies and interests include Buddhism, orchid culture, kickboxing, and opera.



Cynthia Orstad, Executive Administrative Specialist
612-627-6820 • orsta002@umn.edu
Cynthia holds a BA in English, Health, and Physical Edication as well as a MS in Vocational Rehabilitation. After stints in South Dakota, Wyoming, California & Colorado, Cynthia calls Minnesota home. CO loves: R&B, spicy food, the North Shore, Mother Earth, playing 3rd base, the MN Lynx, camping/hiking/canoeing, and her four-legged friends.

Kevin Watson
watso262@umn.edu
Kevin is currently an undergrad studying Physical Anthropology and Forensic Science. Growing up in rural Minnesota he spent as much time as possible reading, some favorite authors include (Laurell K. Hamilton, Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks, Tanya Huff and many more). Currently all his spare time is spent raising a puppy named Xena and balancing four lives.

Val Smith, Case Manager - HIV Prevention and HIV+ Programs
612-627-6829 • smith182@umn.edu
Val graduated from Concordia College in St. Paul and has a B.A. in Liberal Arts. Val has been a YAP employee since 1998. She works as a HIV Prevention Coordinator as well as an HIV Case Manager. Val also supervises the YAP outreach workers. Little known facts about Val; although she may appear to be a Diva this has not always been the case. As a child Val was forced to grow up without weaves and fake finger nails. Her favorite pet was a one legged chicken named Hoppy. Unfortunately Hoppy died suddenly when he didn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain.

William Grier, Peer Educator
612-627-4853 • grier007@umn.edu
Details not available.