Center For
Community Health Worker
Excellence
Center
Partnerships
Presenter and Presentation Information
Dr. Melissa Dyer
Bio:Melissa Dyer is a Professor at Kent State University and is a Registered Nurse with 24 years of experience. She has earned her BSN (1999), MSN (2003), MBA (2003), and PhD (2022) from Kent State University. Melissa is Kent State University’s Community Health Worker Program Administrator. Her research area of interest is the role of the healthcare professional in assessing, identifying, and providing interventions for victims of human trafficking. She has presented on this topic at national and international conferences. Melissa teaches a variety of courses at Kent State University. These include Parent and Newborn Nursing, Health Care Policy, and Community Health Nursing. She is the Faculty Advisor for Kent State University's Student Nurses' Association. Within her role as a nurse, Melissa has worked in labor and delivery, high-risk perinatal, mother/ baby, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, outpatient fetal evaluation, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit settings. Prior to teaching, she worked in hospital administration. She lobbies and advocates for healthcare policy issues at the state and federal levels. Melissa has served as an American Delegate to China to study that country’s education and healthcare systems and is an Education Leadership Policy Fellow. She has received KSU’s Outstanding Teaching Award, Graduate Student Senate International Award, Professional Development Excellence Pool Award, Advisor Excellence Award, and Outstanding Faculty Award. Melissa and her husband, Steve, live in Green, Ohio. They have two sons, Logan (19) and Carson (15).
Presentation Name: Breakout 1A: Helping Victims of Human Trafficking- Spotlight on
Community Health Workers
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Morgan
Kaneesha Brown
Bio: Kaneesha Brown, SWT, CHW, QMHS is a Case Manager and Social Work Intern at Anchored In Hope Counseling. With over 7 years of experience as a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and 4 as Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS), Kaneesha has dedicated her career to working with diverse populations, individuals, and families. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Spring Arbor University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW).
Presentation Name: Breakout 1B: Empowering Equity: The Role of Community Health Workers
in Advancing Social and Racial Justice
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Armstrong 1
Dr. La’Shardae Scott
Presentation Name: Breakout 2A: Stop Working in Silos and Foster Collaboration- Building A Community Approach
Time: 11:35-12:35 pm
Location: Armstrong 1
Francisco Caro & Javier Alvarez
Bio: Francisco Caro is the Programs Manager at Equitas Health for Health Center Programs in
Columbus, Ohio. In this role, he oversees the programmatic coordination of housing-first
initiatives, HIV case management programs (Ryan White), and HIV/STI prevention
strategies, including PrEP health navigation, harm reduction initiatives, and HIV/STI
testing. With years of experience in public health, Francisco is focused on innovative harm
reduction and sexual health advocacy for marginalized communities.
Presentation Name:Make Space & Take Space: Creating/Mobilizing Affinity Spaces to Address Health Disparities Amongst Marginalized Groups
Time: 11:35-12:35 pm
Location: Morgan
Hayley Lyons
Presentation Name: Trauma Recovery: Linking, Connecting and Advocating for
Individuals/Families and Survivors of Crime
Time: 2:35-3:35 pm
Location: Morgan
Dr. Jennifer Glassman
Bio: PhD, CCC-SLP, CHES serves as an associate professor and program director in the Speech Language Pathology program at The University of Toledo (UToledo). She earned her doctorate in Health Education in 2017. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and an American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech language pathologist. She teaches courses in childhood speech, language disorders, and fluency. Jennifer also assists in coordinating the Interprofessional Education (IPE) program at UToledo where she works with students from 10 health disciplines to improve patient-centered health care. Her research interests include the relationship between communication disorders and health. She has served on the board of directors for the Ohio Speech Language Hearing Association as co-chair of University Affairs/Clinical Education.
Presentation Name:Breakout 3B: Enhancing Communication with Individuals with
Communication Disorders: Strategies and Best Practices
Time: 2:35-3:35 pm
Location: Armstrong 1
Jennifer Retzler & James Stringer
Bio: Jennifer Retzler graduated with her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University and has held her Social Work licensure in the state of Ohio since 2013. Jennifer has worked as a case manager throughout her career in varying roles throughout Southwest Ohio. In January of this year, Jennifer became the Manager of the Mercy Health Partnership Program where she previously worked as a case manager for 5 years. This year Jennifer, with the support of the Community Health Department within Mercy- Cincinnati, welcomed 3 full-time Community Health Workers to integrate this role into primary care practices across the Cincinnati Market.
James Stringer is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative and Cultural Studies.
James started his career at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in the Supply Chain Management Division. James transferred into the Social Services area as a Community Health Worker. To further his knowledge, he became a Certified Community Health Worker. During his tenure at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, he assisted in teaching the certification classes for community health workers.
In April 2024, James started working at Bon Secours Mercy Health Hospital in Community Health as a Certified Community Health Worker.
Presentation Name: Breakout 4A: Integrating Community Health Workers into Primary Care Practices to Inform Health Outcomes
Time: 3:40-4:40 pm
Location: Armstrong 1
Dr. Egondu Onyejekwe
Bio: I have a variety of educational degrees and training. I started with a BSc (Honors) degree in Zoology. I continued with four additional and individual master's degrees in Zoology, Public Health Administration, Health Education, and Industrial and Systems Engineering (with a specialty in Neural Networks – aka Artificial Intelligence). I have a doctorate in Communications with a specialty in Information systems.
Professionally, I am a retired professor of health informatics with over 20 years of teaching at a university level. I also retired from the Ohio State University after a lucrative career in information systems/technology. I worked for five years at the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus, Ohio. I consulted with the World Health Organization for over five years. Currently, I work with the National Council of Negro Women Inc., Columbus Section (NCNWCSO). Here, I serve as the Chief Grant Strategist and the Director of S.E.E.E (Serve, Educate, Elevate, and Empower). Additionally, I serve as the supervisor of Community Health Workers (CHWs) at NCNWCSO.
As a Certified Community Health Worker, and an Oncology Patient Navigator who volunteered at both Life Care Alliance, and at Cancer Support Community in Columbus, I have come full circle with different career experiences. I am excited to find that my qualifications and personal strengths align with both my current job and my years of experience in diverse fields, such as Health Information Systems (HIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) which has recently emerged as a necessary skill and as a CHW supervisor.
As a lifelong learner, I bring a comprehensive set of skills and look forward to sharing and learning from others.
Presentation Name: Breakout 4B: CHWs as Health Equity Champions
Time: 3:40-4:40 pm
Location: Morgan
Jason Lucas & Hailie Arnold
Bio: Jason Lucas is the Director of Education at the Community Education Group (CEG), where he leads initiatives to train CHWs in Appalachia through CEG’s flagship program, CHAMPS. Jason is also an adjunct instructor in the Communication department at Ohio University, where he has taught since 2009, specializing in the impact of culture on communication.
Hailie Arnold has attained a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and currently works as an Education Program Coordinator with the Community Education Group in West Virginia. Her goals and passions revolve around reducing suffering within marginalized communities by addressing health disparities and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Presentation Name: Breakout 1C: CHAMPS: Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Innovative Training and Support for Community Health Workers
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Edison 1
Dr. Dawn Graham, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Jones-Ramierz
Presentation Name: Breakout 1D: CHWs and The FAN--Enhancing Health Communications
Among CHWs
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Edison 2
Sierra Mason
Bio: Sierra Mason is a mother, creative, and advocate dedicated to supporting marginalized
communities through advocacy, activism, and crafting. A valedictorian graduate of the
Central Ohio Pathways HUB CHW Program, Sierra has spent years working as a grassroots
organizer, supporting families facing adversity, and advocating for mental health and
equity. As the founder of Craftivist LLC, Sierra has transformed her passion for creativity
into a community-oriented platform that raises awareness for social justice causes. Her
commitment to community building and empowerment shines through her work, in
advocacy, business owner and as a Community Health Worker
Presentation Name: Breakout 2C: I’M A CHW because I HAD A CHW
Time: 11:35-12:35 pm
Location: Edison 2
Olivia Degitz & Evelyn Nagy, Ruth Dudding
Bio: Olivia Degitz is the Friendship Bench Program Manager at the Athens City-County Health Department. A native Ohioan, Olivia was raised in Columbus and attended Oberlin College where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience. Olivia’s love for southeast Ohio began after undergrad when she served two terms as an AmeriCorps member in Athens and Marietta. After her national service, Olivia attended graduate school at The Ohio State University, where she received her Master of Social Work Degree in Community and Social Justice, and her Master of Public Administration in Public Budgeting and Finance. Olivia became the Friendship Bench Program Manager in 2022 and was responsible for the implementation of the Friendship Bench Program in Athens County. Olivia is also the President of the Board of Directors for Community Food Initiatives, a local nonprofit that works towards building an ethical and sustainable local food system in southeast Ohio. In her free time, Olivia loves to garden, hike, and spend time with her husband and two cats.
Evelyn Nagy - I have spent most of my life as a witness to women’s stories of healing, perseverance, resilience, strength, and hope. Nothing compares to sitting with a woman in the moment when she discovers her true personal power and moves from a state of shame into her own empowerment. It is in this moment that I have seen true healing begin. It is moments like these that have made it a joy to go to work every day in a women’s residential treatment center for the last 25 years. The women I have worked with over the years have been my greatest teachers, and given me the experience needed to work as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and as a Friendship Bench Community Health Worker.
Presentation Name: Breakout 2D: Bringing Community to the Decision-Making Table -
Community Driven Program Implementation
Time: 11:35-12:35 pm
Location: Edison 1
Tracy Williams-Johnson
Bio: Tracy Williams-Johnson, Licensure Manager, overseeing the Licensure and Customer Service units of the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Mr. Williams-Johnson brings more than 20 years of management and leadership experience in health care customer service to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Most recently, he supervised the daily operations of three Mt. Carmel Health System telephone call centers and served as the primary point of contact for customer service and call escalation. Mr. Williams-Johnson also supervised the daily operations of the Health Plan call center at Molina Healthcare and the Emergency Communications Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In these roles he trained, coached, and mentored staff members and managed HR and personnel functions including hiring, supervising and performance evaluations. He serves as the OBN’s representative on the Center for Community Health Worker Excellence and spearheads certification of CHWs in the state.
Presentation Name: Breakout 3C: Community Health Worker Certification and the Ohio Board of Nursing
Time: 2:35-3:35 pm
Location: Edison 1
MeKayla Pullins & Synthia Copher
Bio: My name is MeKayla Pullins, I graduated from The University of Toledo with my bachelors of science degree in public health issues, and currently progressing through my master’s program at Columbia Southern University, pursuing my master’s of public health with a concentration in community health education. I have been working in Dayton Children’s Pediatrics as a Certified Community Health Worker, specializing in asthma, for three years. In addition to my role as a CHW at Dayton Children’s Hospital (DCH), I serve as the Chairperson of the Black Employee Resource Group (BERG). Whether I am providing community resources for my asthma patients and their families to help them reach their optimal level of health, or I am providing a safe space for minorities and people of color overcome their career barriers – being an advocate for equitable care across the board is my true passion.
Outside of the work I do at Dayton Children’s and in the community, I’m a simple girl who enjoys spending time with my two mini me’s, my friends and family, window shopping, working out, trying new good food, and resting my eyes when it’s all said and done.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share the resources and benefits of the DCH community health work asthma program.
Synthia Copher lives in Dayton, OH, and is a dedicated manager of Community Health Workers with over six years of experience serving underrepresented communities at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Synthia specializes in health education, outreach, and connecting individuals with vital resources. Her work focuses on promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to healthcare services for all.
Synthia believes in supporting, advocating, and helping families navigate through the healthcare system. She began her journey volunteering and mentoring at an alternative high school and now dreams of having a Life Center to provide social needs and life skills to the community. Her passion for public health is driven by her deep commitment to improving health outcomes in her community.
Synthia attended Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH, graduating with an associate degree in applied science with a major in accounting/business management. Then she graduated from Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, OH, with a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in health and human service. She is attending the University of Phoenix, pursuing a master’s in public health. Synthia serves on various committees: Sickle Cell Advisory Committee Board since 2008; Parent Advisory Committee with Bureau with Children Medical Handicap, Ohio Department of Health since 2012; Region 4 Midwest Genetics Collaborative Parent Form since 2015; and the Parent Advisory Council Dayton Children since 2015
Presentation Name: :But what does it cost? Examining the Cost-Effectiveness of a
CHW Program
Time: 2:35-3:35 pm
Location: Edison 2
Denise Harris
Bio: Denise Harris, M.Ed., LPC is a highly experienced professional in the field of community health, currently serving as the Director of Care Coordination at Health Care Access Now, where she has made a significant impact for the past seven years. Her role involves empowering others by emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and professional growth.
Denise is a firm believer in the idea that one's network can surpass their net worth when integrating effective practices, and she advocates for community health workers (CHWs) to view themselves as CEOs of their caseloads. This perspective not only fosters individual growth but also opens pathways for CHW’s into leadership roles within the field. Denise encourages CHW’s in the path of learning how to do their best work by implementing excellence as a daily practice .
With over 26 years of experience, Denise has a rich background that includes supervising a maternal and child health team, overseeing school-based services, and working as a licensed Counselor. Her dedication to the field was recognized in 2020 when she received the Cradle Cincinnati Change Award for her outstanding work in redesigning outreach to pregnant women during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Outside of her professional life, Denise is passionate about coaching and mentoring, studying African American history, and enjoys reading. She also cherishes spending time with her three grandchildren.
Presentation Name: Breakout 4C: CHW Professionalism
Time: 3:40-4:40 pm
Location: Edison 2
Ella Thomas
Bio: Ella Thomas M.ED., C-CHW, RMA is the Director of Education and Staff development and a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Health Care Access Now, where she has made a significant impact since 2016. With over 20 years of experience in various hospitals and doctor's offices, Ella has dedicated her career to improving community health.
Presentation Name: Breakout 4D: The Importance of Joining Professional Organizations
CHW Program
Time: 3:40-4:40 pm
Location: Edison 1
Leilani Monfort
Bio:Leilani Monfort is a proud second generation Filipina American who grew up in Los Angeles, California. Leilani moved to Columbus, Ohio in 2015 to access critical medical care for her child and has happily called it home ever since. Shortly after obtaining her CHW license, Leilani was honored to manage the LifeCare Alliance Cancer Clinic Food Pantry for 2 years. She has spent the last two years as a case manager with LifeCare Alliance Cancer Services, and is passionate about advocating for dignified qualify care for all.
Presentation Name:Breakout 1E: Integrating Community Health Workers into a Rural Local Health Department
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Armstrong 2
Johnna Miller
Bio: Johnna is a lifelong resident of Ross County, Ohio who embraces her Appalachian roots and loves to advocate on behalf of her family, friends, and neighbors. She started her journey in public service serving as a booster for her children’s many activities during school and as a club advisor for 4-H. Professionally she worked for Ohio State University for many years as program assistant on multiple cancer research projects that focused on tobacco cessation and cancer studies in Southern Ohio. In recent years she has worked as a SNAP-ed program assistant, teaching the residents of Ross County the benefits of a healthy diet by going into our schools and senior living centers, sharing good food and nutrition education. Today she is employed by the Ross County Health District in the position of Certified Community Health Worker where she focuses on helping the underserved populations in our community with resources related to the day-to-day struggles they may encounter while caring for themselves and their families.
Presentation Name: Breakout 1F: Community Health Work in Rural Appalachia
Time: 10:30-11:30 am
Location: Armstrong 2
Alicia Gregory
Bio: Alicia Gregory, LSW, specializes in social work with a strong commitment to using asset-based storytelling to enhance community and organizational impact. Through her deep understanding of social dynamics and community needs, Alicia seeks to assist nonprofits in crafting narratives that not only showcase their success but also resonate with and benefit the broader community. Her experience in social work enriches her ability to tell stories that are both respectful and empowering, highlighting the strengths and resilience of individuals and groups. Alicia’s passion for storytelling is rooted in her belief that ethical storytelling can transform organizational impact.
Presentation Name: Breakout 2E: Creating "Back-Pocket" Impact Stories: Empowering
Community Health Workers
Time:11:35-12:35 pm
Location: Armstrong 2
Tifani Kendrick
Bio: Tifani Kendrick is an Inspirationalist, a breath of fresh air
to the greater collective. Originally from Springfield, Ohio,
Tifani has spent the last 25 years serving youth and
families with her career evolving from Early Childhood
Teacher Assistant, to leading 50 youth from 3rd grade to
graduation as the Miracle-Gro Kids Program Director, to
operating mentor programs in 4 different schools through
her non-profit D’Light House Family Center.
In her current role as Associate Project Manager with
Urban Strategies, Inc. she leads a team of staff, volunteers,
and partners in empowering families in Poindexter Village
with resources that help them to be stable and thriving.
This work prioritizes health, housing stability, education,
and economic mobility.
Presentation Name: Breakout 2F: Ubuntu: Healing as a Community
Time:11:35-12:35 pm
Location: Glenn 1
David Ellsworth, Erica Harris, & Jennifer Kucera
Bio: Jennifer Kucera was born with a disability called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Jennifer has been advocating for herself her entire life but recently has become a systems change advocate. Jennifer is a leader in the disability space across Ohio and across our country. She is the chair of the Ohio Olmstead Task Force, chair of the Developmental Disabilities Council, works at a center of independent living called the Center for Disability Empowerment as the Healthcare Outreach Coordinator. She also was appointed to the National Council on Aging's Direct Care Workforce Advisory Committee.
Presentation Name: Breakout 3E: Pathways to Inclusion: Practical Strategies for Accessible
Health Services to People with Disabilities
Time: 2:35-3:35 pm
Location: Glenn 1
Rachel Capilitan
Bio: Rachel, also known as Zate Elaine in the alternative communities they serve, has been a
Licensed Community Health Worker since August 2023. They are sex and kink positive as well
as polyamorous. Connecting people, offering community, and creating safe spaces for
individuals in LGBTQIA2S+ and other alternative communities is their passion .
In May of 2023 Rachel became the small business owner of LC Alternative LLC which offers
specialized events designed with folx in alternative communities in mind, such as BDSM, Fetish
and Kink, as well as LGBTQIA+ and Polyamory. They are currently working on a website with
educational offerings.
Rachel was home schooled, and grew up in the Seventh Day Adventist church, but left
membership in 2019. People in alternative lifestyles and communities are still not accepted in
this denomination, as well as many other denominations.
After attending their first Solo Polyamory Conference in 2017 and meeting people for the first
time who were of different orientations and using different pronouns, they became passionate
about educating people regarding alternative lifestyles.
Rachel has come to learn that it’s not about what you agree with; it’s about keeping an open
mind and realizing that everyone’s experience is different, and that’s ok. In BDSM education, we
talk about the law of 2 feet: if you see something you don’t like, you can simply leave the
situation. This does not apply to CHW work. It is our job to meet people where they are and
provide them resources to live their life with dignity.
Rachel has found her work rewarding and fulfilling as it fuels her passion for creating safe
spaces for everyone to grow and to feel accepted and safe
Presentation Name:Breakout 3F: Gender-affirming assessment and care: Creating a safe
practice for LGBTQIA2S+ clients
Time: 2:35-3:35 pm
Location: Armstrong 2
Susan Davis, Fred Garcia, Margarita Concepcion, & Jessica Ames
Bio:
Presentation Name: Breakout 4E: Addressing Social Determinants of Health for the Oncology
Patient Through Community Navigation
Time:3:40-4:40 pm
Location: Armstrong 2
Precious Brown & Emily Wannemacher
Bio: Precious Brown is an aspiring public health professional with a strong passion for health equity. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University in 2019 and is currently completing her Master of Public Health at Kent State University, specializing in health policy and management, with an expected graduation in December 2024. For the past two years, she has worked as an asthma community health worker at Dayton Children's, where she has been dedicated to supporting children and families in managing their conditions.
Driven by her commitment to promoting wellness and equity, Precious is particularly focused on underserved communities. She is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has equitable access to quality healthcare and that disparities in service delivery are addressed. With a strong background in both psychology and public health, she strives to improve health outcomes through advocacy, resource allocation, and evidence-based interventions.
Emily Wannemacher, BSN, RN, is the Quality Improvement Consultant for the Center for Health
Equity. Emily joined Dayton Children’s in 2017 and has held a variety of nursing and nursing
related roles, before joining the Center for Health Equity in 2021. Emily is responsible for
collaboration with members both inside and outside of the Center for Health Equity to integrate
the value of equity into their quality improvement efforts.
Emily focuses on utilizing quality improvement methodology to develop, implement, and
evaluate processes and programs through an equity-focused lens to improve patient outcomes.
She integrates best practice recommendations and evidence-based research to map and
improve workflows that direct equitable, safe care. Emily has a special interest in addressing the
non-medical barriers that members of the Dayton community face and has lead the
implementation of screening for social needs in Dayton Children’s ambulatory clinics
Presentation Name: Breakout 4F: Moving from Consultation to Integration: The Power of
CHWs in Pediatric Asthma Care
Time: 3:40-4:40 pm
Location: Glenn 1
2024 Ohio Statewide CHW Conference Awards
