Meet the DH IRB Staff

Brian.J.Brotzman@Hitchcock.org

Brian Brotzman is an IRB Analyst with the Reliance Team. In this role, he assists investigators with collaborative research endeavors, often focusing on reliance by a single IRB of record.

With over 12 years of experience in the area of human research participant protections, he has served in various roles including review of both biomedical and social-behavioral research, FDA-regulated research review, ClinicalTrials.gov reporting, Exempt research determinations, and compliance monitoring. Brian has worked at several institutions, including The University of Iowa, Yale, Penn State, and Florida State. He has obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling and has obtained a Certified IRB Professional (CIP) certification.

Brian enjoys helping others. He is a genuine and straight-forward individual. He enjoys spending time reading, cooking, or being outdoors with his dog.

Evangelina.J.Espinoza@Hitchcock.org

Evangelina Espinoza, MS, is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB). Evangelina has been part of the IRB office since 2024.

Before stepping into this role, Evangelina worked for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus IRB as well as the department of otolaryngology. Her research experiences span pre-clinical, translational and clinical methods with a particular emphasis on metabolism, diabetes and tobacco use in vulnerable populations. Using her combined research expertise and cultural competency, Evangelina adds perspective and passion to the team. She is dedicated to the advancement of research at Dartmouth Health and upholding the welfare of those we serve.

Isaac.T.Farr@Hitchcock.org 

Isaac Farr is a Research Application Support Analyst with the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Isaac has been a part of the IRB office since 2026.

Isaac supports the Huron eIRB system and brings four years of information technology experience to the role. His background spans technical support in both the public and private sectors, including service with the state of New Hampshire. Through his experience in application support, system administration, and process improvement, he helps enhance the efficiency and support the needs of staff across the organization.

Outside of work Isaac has a variety of hobbies he enjoys including hiking, fishing, blacksmithing, and woodworking when he isn’t spending time with his family and dog.

Evynne.L.Gartner@Hitchcock.org

Evynne Gartner is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB). Evynne has been part of the DH IRB office since 2023.

She has an extensive background in clinical research, providing her with valuable expertise regarding regulatory and compliance standards, government regulations and ethical oversight. Her multifaceted background spans pre-clinical pharmaceutical research, oncology research, and anesthesia and critical care research, each of which contributing to her comprehensive knowledge of the complex and ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Antoinette.R.Jamison@hitchcock.org

Toni Jamison is a research compliance and training professional with over 12 years of experience in animal research and a strong foundation in technical instruction. She spent much of her career supporting researchers as a trainer and subject matter expert in laboratory animal science, before transitioning into human subjects research oversight. With 3 years of IRB experience, Toni is passionate about fostering interpersonal relationships with research staff and providing clear, accessible training on IRB policies and ethical research practices. She holds a Master’s degree in Comparative Biomedical Sciences from the University of Georgia and is passionate about fostering a culture of collaboration, clarity, and compliance in research environments.

Outside of work, Toni is a certified Oyster Ambassador with a flair for creating engaging, sensory-driven experiences that blend education, hospitality, and fun. Whether shucking at a tasting or designing oyster-inspired gatherings, Toni brings people together through her love for storytelling, sustainable seafood, and the rich culture surrounding oysters.

Tonya.L.LaClair@Hitchcock.org

Tonya LaClair serves as the IRB Manager for the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB), where she plays a key leadership role in supporting the ethical conduct of human subjects research across the organization. Tonya joined the Dartmouth Health IRB office in 2019 as one of the earliest team members and has been instrumental in helping to shape the IRB’s growth and operations.

Before her role at Dartmouth Health, Tonya spent 11 years with the Dartmouth College Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS), where she developed a strong foundation in regulatory compliance and research ethics. Her deep experience across both academic and clinical research settings gives her a comprehensive understanding of IRB processes and investigator support.

Tonya is deeply passionate about advancing ethical research and takes pride in fostering collaborative relationships with the research community. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, soaking up sunny, warm weather, and spending time with dogs.

Shannon.E.Sewards@Hitchcock.org

Shannon Sewards is the Director of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and the Administrative Director of the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board. In this role, she leads the HRPP and oversees human subject research at Dartmouth Hitchcock and its clinics. 

With over 20 years of experience in human subject protection and regulatory compliance, she has held leadership roles at various institutions nationwide, including Harvard University, the University of Washington, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Charles R. Drew University. Shannon’s educational background is in Psychology, with an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a graduate degree from Pepperdine University. 

Shannon is a process-oriented individual who enjoys solving problems and troubleshooting difficult situations. She has a particular interest in streamlining IRB procedures and developing new methods to adapt to the constantly changing regulatory landscape. In her free time, she loves being outdoors: camping, hiking through the woods, and skiing when there’s snow.

Christopher.J.Sokol@Hitchcock.org

Christopher Sokol is an IRB Analyst with the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (DH IRB). Christopher has been part of the IRB office since 2026.

Christopher worked at Harvard University as a Lab Manager and Research Assistant for the Schacter Memory Lab. He focused on lab operations, administrative duties, IRB maintenance, and research efforts. He has also worked at McLean Hospital assisting with projects associated with Depression and Memory through the use of fMRI and EEG instruments. Christopher is committed to advancing research through continual progress and innovation, while maintaining standards and protocols ensuring safety, integrity and quality. He currently resides in New Hampshire where he enjoys hiking, skiing, fishing, golf and cooking.

Kelly.J.Stevens@Hitchcock.org

Kelly Stevens, J.D., CIP, is the IRB Reliance Supervisor for the Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB).  In her role, she is responsible for leading the reliance process and negotiating relationships between the DH and outside/external IRBs, including institutional and commercial IRBs. Kelly has part of the DH IRB office since 2021.

Kelly has a long background in regulatory compliance and research. She is a 2001 graduate of the Maine School of Law and an attorney licensed to practice in Maine and New Hampshire. She is a Certified Institutional Review Board Professional (CIP) and holds a certification from the Maine Regulatory Training and Ethics Center (MeRTEC).  She worked in the Maine legal system as a criminal defense, child protective and real estate attorney.  She has always had a deep interest in regulatory compliance and has been working in that field for many years.  Prior to coming to DH, she was the Regulatory Compliance Administrator for the University of Southern Maine Office of Research Integrity and Outreach.

Kelly’s hobbies include hiking and traveling internationally.

Allegra.R.Vazquez@hitchcock.org

Allegra Vazquez, M.S, is an IRB Analyst with Dartmouth Health Institutional Review Board (IRB). She brings a strong scientific foundation and eight years of experience in research ethics gained through her previous roles at Colorado State University.

Allegra's scientific acumen is demonstrated by her contributions to multiple peer-reviewed publications in fields such as gut health, vascular function, and nutritional interventions. Coupled with her previous role as a Clinical Research Coordinator, she has honed her skills in regulatory compliance, data management, and quality control analysis within scientific settings. Her unique blend of scientific knowledge, research experience, and IRB proficiency, combined with her deep passion for upholding ethical standards in human subjects research, drives her commitment to advancing research and fostering collaborative relationships between Investigators, regulatory bodies, and the IRB.

Allegra loves hiking, camping, cooking, dancing, and all types of music- except Polka.