for the Master of Science in Health Sciences degree Acknowledgments

special thanks to all those who helped make this study possible and who contributed to shaping who I am today. My professor/supervisor/thesis advisor, Dr. Sorensen, I am forever grateful for your wisdom, support, and the way you have patiently and painstakingly guided me through the research process. It has been a pleasure to both work with and learn from you these past two years. Dr. Cooper, thank you for expanding my view of health and for your interest in community and global health. I appreciate your value of ethics, various cultures, and open mind to less traditional ways of research. Dr. Stocks, you were able to communicate difficult research concepts into simple and practical terms, which empowered me to complete this study. Thank you for reminding me to take one step at a time and for believing in my abilities. My research assistant, Edith Sandoval, provided valuable insight into the Hispanic culture and language in addition to extending her friendship. The staff at St. Paul’s, especially Jackie Erlandson, contributed depth and value to this project; thank you for your flexibility, enthusiasm, and support. Also, Carmen Sosa has been a huge resource to the Garden at St. Paul. Thanks to Lisa Minton who willingly transcribed the IR