Meet Our Team
Meet the Pelvic Pain Coalition of Utah team advancing endometriosis education, pelvic pain support, advocacy, and research awareness across Utah.
Meet the Board Members
Melissa Dean
President and Co-Founder
Tiffany Holmes
Board Member
Ashley F. Hendrickson
Vice President and Co-Founder
Sherry Harding
Board Member
Doctor Mark Dassel
Medical Doctor and Board Member
Endometriosis is under researched and treatment options are lacking for all of those who endure debilitating pelvic pain. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Mark Dassel, and we have compiled a team of Endometriosis warriors such as myself, to step up and do something to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from Endometriosis. Through continuing education, inclusive events, public advocacy, and creating a sense of community, we aim to shift the conversation around Endometriosis toward understanding, innovation, and hope.
Purpose Statement
The Pelvic Pain Coalition of Utah exists to improve the quality of life for those affected by pelvic pain by bridging the gap between medical providers and the patient community. Through continuing education, inclusive events, and public advocacy, we aim to shift the conversation around pelvic health toward understanding, innovation, and hope.
Core Team
Director of Programming- Melissa Dean
Oversees events for both providers and patients, coordinates logistics and content. Founder of the Endo Warrior 5k event. Oversees all functions of the race, and the foundation.Community Engagement Manager- Sam Beckstead
Builds relationships with patients, caregivers, and local organizations; leads storytelling, outreach. Create materials for community to navigate the world. Creates engaging community events, with the purpose of benefitting Endometriosis patients.Marketing Coordinator & Fundraising Lead- Sherry Harding
Organizes 5Ks, donor campaigns, grant writing, and sponsorships. Works closely with vendors and sponsors for fundraising events.Volunteer Coordinator- Ashley Fishburn Hendrickson
Supports day-to-day ops, schedules, and volunteer onboarding.Volunteer Coordinator- Tiffany Holmes
Supports day-to-day ops, schedules, and volunteer onboarding. Community outreach
About Mark W. Dassel
Dr. Mark Dassel is a fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon (MIGS) with advanced expertise in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. He completed his MIGS fellowship at the University of Louisville and has extensive experience in laparoscopic and robotic gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Dassel is deeply committed to improving the lives of patients with complex gynecologic conditions, offering individualized care that prioritizes long-term relief and quality of life. His clinical focus includes endometriosis excision, pelvic pain evaluation, and minimally invasive management of fibroids and other benign gynecologic disorders.
He serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he contributes to resident education and surgical training. Dr. Dassel is also active in national organizations, including the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS), and has presented on topics related to pelvic pain and advanced gynecologic surgery.
