President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (The Mass League)

Michael Curry, Esq. is President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, which represents 50 health centers, serving over one million patients out of 285 practice sites across the Commonwealth. The Mass League provides clinical, advocacy, workforce, data, legal and compliance support for its members. Under Michael’s leadership, the organization has doubled in size over the last four years with over 100 staff, secured the largest contract in the association’s history at over $300 million to administer the state’s provider loan repayment program (MA Repay), and launched the nation’s first Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy, Inc. (IHE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to promote and engage in community-driven research, evaluation, and public policy to achieve health equity.

During the early battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael was appointed by the Massachusetts Senate to the legislatively created Health Equity Task Force, which he co-chaired, aimed at addressing the health disparities that were realized and magnified by COVID-19. He was also appointed by then Governor Charlie Baker to the COVID-19 Vaccine Working Group and served on the Department of Public Health’s Health Equity Advisory Group, the City of Boston’s Health Inequity Task Force, and the City of Brockton’s Social Justice Task Force. He gained a reputation for always being the equity voice in the room. The experiences led him to co-launch the Health Equity Compact (HEC), a collection of over 85 c-suite leaders of color aimed at driving health equity reform in Massachusetts. In just three years, the HEC filed the first in the nation omnibus health equity reform bill, hosted the state’s first of its kind annual Health Equity Summit, worked with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation (BCBSMAF) to publish a Cost of Inequity report (making the business case to eliminate health disparities), and partnered with MassINC. to capture and publish a poll on the topic.

Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, and she is a member of the People, Place and Health Collective (PPHC) at Brown University.

Dr. Macmadu is a substance use epidemiologist and harm reduction researcher, and her program of research: (1) examines the social determinants of drug use and overdose; (2) investigates evidence-based approaches to mitigate drug-related harms; and (3) advances justice and health equity in marginalized subgroups, including BIPOC communities, people who use drugs, and persons affected by the criminal legal system.

To date, Dr. Macmadu has authored or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and one book chapter. Several of these works have been published in leading journals, including first-authored publications in The Lancet Public Health, JAMA Network Open, American Journal of Public Health, Addiction, and the International Journal of Drug Policy, and one co-authored manuscript in The Lancet.

Dr. Macmadu is a multi-Brown alumna, having received her PhD in epidemiology (’22), her MSc in behavioral and social sciences (’15), and her BA in ethics (’14) from Brown University.

Health policy Associate, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT

Michaela is the health policy associate at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, and is responsible for policy analysis, advocacy, research, and project management in areas related to health, dental and oral health, and Medicaid. Michaela received her Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross and Master of Public Health from Brown University, focusing on Maternal and Child Health. Her Master’s thesis focused on obstetric, state, and interpersonal violence with respect to reproductive health care in Ireland. She is passionate about affordability and access to person-centered, high quality maternal and children’s health care.

CEO, Women's Fund of Rhode Island

Kelly Nevins has been a leader in the nonprofit sector since 1990, with expertise in strategic development, motivating teams and individuals, workplace equity and community relations tools, program development, and public speaking. She holds a Master's degree in Education and Leadership, as well as an Executive Certificate in Public Policy. Her top 5 Gallup Strengths include Learner, Input, Responsibility, Achiever, and Relator.

The CEO of Women's Fund of Rhode Island since 2016, Nevins often speaks about the status of women and girls, why investing in women pays off, and using a gender lens to create systems change. She was honored in 2020 as Social Sector Industry Leader by Providence Business News and received the Secretary of State’s Medallion Award.

Nevins is the Secretary of the RI Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, and serves on the boards of the United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Advisory Board, Grantmakers Council of RI, and Women’s Funding Network.

Project Director of the East Bay Community Action Program’s Warren Health Equity Zone (Warren HEZ)

Kristin Read is the Project Director of the East Bay Community Action Program’s Warren Health Equity Zone (Warren HEZ) founded in 2021. Kristin is a Warren resident with deep experience in non-profit management, community engagement and early education.

The Rhode Island Department of Health provides seed funding for the Warren HEZ, which is supported by East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) as its backbone agency. Kristin has led diverse teams committed to increasing diversity, equity, access and inclusion in education and workforce development in a variety of settings including Museums, Higher Education and Early Education. Kristin immediate past experience is as Director of Education at the Providence Children’s Museum where her department championed the importance of free play and equal access to creative experiences. She has a BS in Elementary Education and an MS in Organizational Leadership, from Wheelock College.

Senior Director of Health Equity Initiatives, Thundermist Health Center

Susan Jacobsen currently serves as Senior Director of Health Equity Initiatives at the Thundermist Health Center, where she is responsible for the development and oversight of strategies to improve the health of patients and communities via whole-person/family, place-based approaches, including the Health Equity Zone work across the health system. Thundermist Health Center, a non-profit, federally qualified community health center, provides primary care, behavioral healthcare, and dental services to over 50,000 patients in Woonsocket, West Warwick, and Washington County, Rhode Island.

Thundermist also has the honor of serving as the ‘backbone’ agency for the Woonsocket HEZ and West Warwick HEZ. Susan also serves as the project director for a Washington County behavioral health planning initiative with the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Health Equity Zone. Susan is a licensed mental health counselor and an expert in behavioral health systems and policy development. She is particularly interested in how total health is supported by communities that foster social cohesion, engagement, and interdependence. Before joining Thundermist in 2015, Susan was the executive director of the mental health association of Rhode Island. She is a graduate of Bucknell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Gender/Women’s Studies and of West Chester University, earning a Master of Arts in experimental and clinical psychology. She also studied holistic counseling at Salve Regina University in preparation for licensure in Rhode Island. Susan is a resident of South Kingstow

Community Health Navigator in obstetrics, Sturdy Health

Emily Tilano holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tufts University School of Medicine (2024), with a focus on epidemiology and biostatistics, and a Bachelor of Science in Community and Public Health Promotion from Rhode Island College (2021). She has extensive experience in public health, having worked as a Senior Community Outreach Advocate at Providence Community Health Centers and currently serving as a Community Health Navigator in obstetrics at Sturdy Health.

Consultant and graduate researcher, Brown University's School of Public Health

Casey Parker is a consultant and graduate researcher at Brown University's School of Public Health. Parker completed her MPH coursework at Brown in 2022 and went on to work with Harvard Medical School nonprofit Asniya to build culturally sensitive mental health curricula for AIAN adolescents. Her work focuses on mental health, women’s health, behavioral health interventions and related policy. As a Rhode Island Native, she cares deeply about state healthcare concerns and addressing inequity.

Disparities Specialist , Rhode Island Department of
Health

Haita Ndimbalan is a passionate public health professional, advocate for health equity, and a proud alumna of both Providence College and Emory University. Following the earning of her master’s degree in public health from Emory University Haita began working for the Rhode Island Department of Health in 2022. As a Rhode Island native, it was important to her to give back to her community and take part in the work that creates better health outcomes for all Rhode Islanders.

Haita currently specializes in Maternal and Child Health overseeing federal grant initiatives in her state. Her most recent work has been involved in the Maternal Health Innovation a federal grant awarded by HRSA. As part of this grant Haita works alongside community members appointed to the Rhode Island Maternal Health Taskforce and other RI Department of Health staff in the development and implementation of the Rhode Island Maternal Health Strategic Plan. Haita is passionate about her work as it allows her to help address health disparities and improve health outcomes for Rhode Island's most vulnerable populations.

Training Coordinator at Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention (PONI).

Elijah McCray, B.S., is currently at Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention completing an AmeriCorps VISTA term as the Training Coordinator, with the intent of improving harm reduction messaging and overdose response throughout Rhode Island, especially for marginalized communities.

Elijah is passionate about furthering equitable research that will lead to interventions that can bridge significant health gaps, as evidenced through his current work on the Harm Reduction Survey and past work with the Center for the Study of Children at Risk, the CAH Kids Lab at USC Keck School of Medicine, and the Dennery/Yao Lab at Brown University. He is an alumnus of Brown University ‘24, where he received an Sc. B. in Biology, and will be applying to medical school in the 2025-2026 cycle.

Resident Service Manager, One Neighborhood Builders

Wendy Sanchez was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, with family roots in El Salvador. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional Program Support Services from the University of Phoenix, specializing in community support within human services and criminal justice.

Since 2011, Wendy has been employed at One Neighborhood Builders, a nonprofit organization. She began her tenure as a certified community healthcare worker at the onset of the pandemic. She later transitioned to the role of Resident Service Coordinator and was subsequently promoted to Resident Service Manager. Her work primarily focuses on eviction prevention and housing stability.
Wendy is deeply passionate about serving her community and finds great fulfillment in her work.

Director of Human Services Division, City of Providence

Rachel Ferrara, MSW, is an accomplished social work professional with a robust human service, program management, and public health background. Currently serving as the Human Services Division Director for the City of Providence, Rachel provides strategic oversight for programs focused on prevention, behavioral health supports, and the social determinants of health while managing staff, budgets, and grant opportunities. She advises the Mayor and senior policy staff on crucial health issues and works to advance the social determinants of health through collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.

Before joining the City of Providence, Rachel held leadership positions at The Providence Center and Finger Lakes Independence Center, where she managed multiple programs and spearheaded data collection and evaluation efforts. Her work has focused on improving program design, quality assurance, and strategic decision-making to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Rachel is also pursuing a Doctor of Social Work degree at the University of Southern California, focusing on social innovation and leadership. With a solid commitment to community-based solutions, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work in advancing public health and social justice.

Community Engagement Specialist at Advance RI- CTR

Hilda Castillo is the Community Engagement Specialist at Advance RI- CTR and is an energetic people person and a passionate advocate for the community. Hilda has over 30 years of experience working with the community through research projects at the Brown University School of Public Health and within community organizations across Rhode Island. Hilda's work at Brown includes study subject & site recruitment, study retention, being a liaison with community providers, implementing & monitoring of telephone interviews, as well as data collection and data entry. Hilda is committed to the community, and serves as a guide, opens doors, and gives hope to its members.  

Manager Community Health Network at the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Erica Hanson is the Community Health Network Manager at the Rhode Island Department of Health.  She brings over 20 years of community health experience to RIDOH as the former Community Impact Director at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.  Erica supports the work of the Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management in the Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health Program, and coordinates and promotes a variety of no-cost evidence-based lifestyle change programs available to Rhode Islanders.

Chief Health Equity Officer for Care New England and as a Medical Director for Integra’s Medicaid Accountable Entity program & Co-Lead of the Advance RI-CTR Community Engagement & Outreach Core (CEO)

A graduate of Brown Medical School, Dr. Diaz completed his residency and fellowship training in General Internal Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital and a Master of Public Health also at Brown University. Since 2001 he has worked as a primary care physician in Pawtucket, RI and previously served as the Chief of Medicine at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island. He currently serves as the Chief Health Equity Officer for Care New England and as a Medical Director for Integra’s Medicaid Accountable Entity program. At The Warren Alpert Medical School, he is an Associate Dean for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs in the Office of Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion where he works with medical school and health system colleagues on community engagement and pathway programs to increase exposure and access to healthcare careers for high school and undergraduate students. His research interests focus on healthcare quality and barriers to cancer screening. Dr. Diaz is a Co-Lead of the Advance RI-CTR Community Engagement & Outreach Core (CEO) and directs the operations and activities of the Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN).

Chief of the Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB at the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Tom is the Chief of the Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB at the Rhode Island Department of Health. Tom was previously the STD Director at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Executive Director of AIDS Project Rhode Island. Tom has an undergraduate degree from Vassar College and a Masters in Public Health from the State University of New York at Albany.

Chief Clinical Officer for the Care Transformation Collaborative of Rhode Island (CTC-RI)

Dr. Nelly Burdette is a visionary leader and innovator in integrated behavioral health, with over 15 years of experience driving transformative change in healthcare. With a Doctorate in Health Psychology  and advanced training in Primary Care Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Burdette has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between mental and physical health care for underserved populations with an equity lens. Dr. Burdette has designed and implemented groundbreaking integrated care programs across federally qualified health centers, community mental health agencies, specialty clinics, and the Veteran’s Administration. Her expertise extends to training and mentoring healthcare professionals nationwide, equipping them to deliver evidence-based care within the context of a psychologically safe team. 

Professor of the Practice of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health

Elizabeth Burke Bryant is a Professor of the Practice of Health Services, Policy & Practice at Brown University School of Public Health where she is based at the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute. She is working to close disparities in maternal and child health, starting with family mental health, through policy and systems change. A child advocate with over 30 years of experience in advancing equitable policies and programs to improve the well-being of children, youth and families, she served as Executive Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, a children’s policy and research organization, from its founding in 1994 to 2022. Under her leadership, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT became the state’s premier child advocacy organization with a national reputation for its work to improve the health, education, early childhood development, economic security and safety of Rhode Island’s children with a core focus on equity and closing disparities by race, ethnicity and income.

During her tenure, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT helped to achieve a nationally recognized RI Pre-K program, full-day kindergarten, near universal children’s health insurance coverage, a significant reduction in childhood lead poisoning, and reversal of a law that required 17-year-olds to be tried as adults and sent to adult prison. Prior positions included Director of Policy and Housing Court Prosecutor for the City of Providence and Advisor to the Women’s Prison Mentoring Program. She received her BA from the University of Vermont and law degree from George Washington University Law School. She served as Co-Chair of the Partnership for America’s Children, a national network of state and local child advocacy organizations, Policy Advisor for the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and Co-Chair of the Rhode Island Early Learning Council. She was named USA TODAY’s 2023 Woman of the Year for Rhode Island.

Community Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor

am an artist, mother of four, experienced community doula, and certified lactation counselor based in Providence, Rhode Island. Currently, I serve as the co-facilitator for the Maternal Health Task Force’s Perinatal Systems Work Group, co-founder and board member of the Rhode Island Birth Worker Co-op, and director of RhodeIslandBirth.com [rhodeislandbirth.com]. Previously, I was the co-president of Doulas of RI from 2018 to 2021.

My experience includes supporting families through physiologic birth at home or in the hospital, inductions, cesarean births, birth at any size, VBAC, and experiences shaped by trauma, loss, or varying access needs. Walking alongside people as they plan, advocate, and often fight for a safe, respectful transition to parenthood has deeply shaped my advocacy and legislative work in the state.
As someone who has navigated pregnancy, parenthood, and the experience of mothering a child with a disability, I recognize dedicated, in-person doula care as life-saving for families and those experiencing pregnancy. They are my greatest teachers.

Co-founder and Director of SISTA Fire

Ditra Edwards is the Co-founder and Director of SISTA Fire, a powerful grassroots organization building the collective power of women and non-binary people of color in Rhode Island. A proud Black woman born and raised in Providence, Ditra brings over 25 years of experience in racial and economic justice work. Her Rhode Island roots—accent and all—are woven into her leadership, blending the lessons she’s gathered from Boston to Washington, DC, and beyond. Her life’s work centers on connecting people to their values, vision, and power to create meaningful, structural change.

Ditra believes deeply in a people-centered approach to transforming systems and building community power. In 2015, her heart called her home to Rhode Island to be closer to family. In 2017, she was awarded the Rhode Island Foundation Innovation Fellowship to launch SISTA Fire, turning her vision of a stronger, united community into reality. Before founding SISTA Fire, Ditra served as the **Director of Strategic Partnerships and Program Director at The Praxis Project in Washington, DC, where she helped communities harness media and policy advocacy to advance health justice. She led strategic development, fundraising, and the design and execution of key initiatives. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to justice, connection, and collective liberation.

Director of Prevention for the Women’s Resource Center

Sydney Ormerod is the Director of Prevention for the Women’s Resource Center, where she has worked in different capacities within the department for the past 10 years. Sydney has a B.S in Healthy Communities from Roger Williams University, a degree that combines both the education of Public Health and Community Development.

Prior to taking the Director position, Sydney spent much of her time supporting the community outreach efforts for the Newport Health Equity Zone’s strategies that are aimed to address the inequities that Newport residents face, supporting the decrease of the many forms of violence that exist.
Experience working as both a Community Organizer and Project Manager has increased her skills to support the leadership development and convening between both community members and local partners.

Valuing resident voice, prioritizing conversations around racial equity and intentionally supporting the shifting of current practices, polices and structures that remain, play a strong role within Sydney’s core commitments.

Managing Director of the Central Providence Opportunities Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ)

Anusha Venkataraman is the Managing Director of the Central Providence Opportunities Health Equity Zone (CPO-HEZ), housed within backbone organization One Neighborhood Builders. CPO-HEZ is a collective impact initiative spanning the nine neighborhoods that comprise ZIP codes 02908 and 02909 and guided by the Central Providence Roadmap, a ten-year vision for health and economic equity. Anusha’s career has spanned community development, planning, public policy, political organizing, and the arts.

Prior to her time with ONB, Anusha served as the Executive Director of the NYC Racial Justice Commission, where she stewarded an historic public process of reviewing the city’s charter through the lens of racial justice, resulting in three ballot initiatives advancing racial equity that were adopted overwhelmingly by NYC voters in November 2022. Anusha also held positions in the NYC Office of the Mayor, including Chief Service Officer and Senior Advisor for Land Use, as well as in the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development where she was the Senior Director of Neighborhood Planning & Preservation. She began her career in the nonprofit sector as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at the Steel Yard in Providence and spent five years nurturing arts, activism, and environmental & social justice with El Puente in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Pratt Institute and a bachelor’s in international relations from Brown University.

Chief Operating Officer, Thundermist Health Center

s Thundermist’s chief operating officer for the last 11 years, Matt is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Thundermist’s medical, behavioral health, and dental sites and services. Having previously served as the health center director at Tri-County Community Action Agency, Matt brings a wealth of experience in practice transformation and innovation to Thundermist. Prior to working at Tri-County, Matt served in various capacities at Family Service of Rhode Island, first as the director of home-based services and then as their vice president of clinical services.
He holds his undergraduate degree in psychology from Saint Lawrence University and his Master's in Social Work from New York University. Matt also earned his master's in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island. Matt is a recipient of multiple awards, the Champion for Community Change Award from the Washington County Coalition for Children, Professional Service Award from the RI Pharmacist’s Association and the First Annual New York University School of Social Work Excellence in Social Work Research Award.

Cancer Team Lead, RI Department of Health, Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management/Bard Member Rhode Island Public Health AssocIation (RIPHA)

Ms. Lamy currently serves on the board of RIPHA and is the Cancer Team Lead within the RI Department of Health's Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Economics and a Master’s degree in Health Outcomes Research.

Erica has a 13-year tenure in clinical, community, and public health settings – specializing in the areas of cancer prevention, linkage to care, harm reduction, STI prevention, and community education/outreach

Faculty, Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Women & Infants Hospital

Julia K Shinnick, MD has is faculty in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Women & Infants Hospital. Dr. Shinnick completed her undergraduate degree at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. She later attended medical school at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating in 2016. Dr. Shinnick then returned to New England to complete her residency and fellowship training at Women & Infants/Brown University. Dr. Shinnick is passionate about advancing the care of patients with pelvic floor disorders through patient-centered research.

Community Outreach Coordinator in the Drug Overdose Prevention Program, Rhode Island Department of Health

Nya Reichley, MPA joined RIDOH in May of 2022 as a Community Outreach Coordinator in the Drug Overdose Prevention Program, working in naloxone distribution and supporting harm reduction and mobile outreach organizations. She is also the co-chair for the Rescue Workgroup (or Naloxone Strategy Workgroup) of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force, whose mission is to ensure that overdose reversal medications (i.e. naloxone) and public awareness about opioid overdose and response are delivered to all Rhode Islanders, with special attention to populations and people who are most vulnerable and underserved.

Health Program Administrator Division of Community,
Health and Equity, Rhode Island Department of Health

James Day, Health Program Administrator for the CDC grant “Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities”. Before joining RIDOH in the Spring of 2022, I worked for many years as a consultant for drug prevention coalitions in RI, specifically in Providence, Newport, and Newport County. My career has been spent working in non-profits (John Hope Settlement House, Providence YMCA, and the Pawtucket YMCA) that have a strong mission of community wellness for all our neighbors.

Program Manager- Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone, One Neighborhood Builders

Michael Nina is a dedicated public health leader, community advocate, and education champion with a strong track record of service in mental health, health equity, and civic engagement. As a Certified Community Mental Health Agent, Licensed Health Insurance Broker, and Certified Community Health Worker in Rhode Island, he has worked extensively to bridge healthcare gaps and empower underserved communities.

His contributions have been recognized with multiple awards and honors, including the 2019 National ACAP Award, a Community Leadership Citation from the City of Providence, and various leadership awards from organizations such as the African Alliance of Rhode Island, the Guatemalan American Association of RI, and Renaissance Adult Day Healthcare Center.

His leadership extends to numerous advisory boards and committees, including:
• African Alliance of RI (AARI)
• Community Health Workers Association of RI (CHWARI) (Founding Member)
• RI Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity
• Governor Dan McKee’s COVID-19 Advisory Committee & Transition Task Force
• City of Providence Ambassador for the Hispanic/Latino Community
• President of the Advisory Committee for Centro de Innovación Mujer Latina
• Providence School Board Member

Mobile Integrated Health Project Coordinator and EMS State Data Manager at the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Center for Emergency Medical Services

Marta Kryschuk began her EMS career in 2018, quickly advancing to the position of EMS Lieutenant, a role she still holds while continuing to work as a Paramedic. Along with a range of EMS certifications and licenses, Marta is certified in ACLS, PALS, HandTevy, TECC, and as a Stop the Bleed Instructor. Her passion for EMS extends to teaching EMT and Advanced EMT-Cardiac classes, where she is dedicated to helping students become exceptional healthcare providers.

Associate Director of Community Infrastructure at ONE Neighborhood Builders

Dominique Resendes (she/her) is the Associate Director of Community Infrastructure at ONE Neighborhood Builders, the backbone entity for Central Providence Opportunities: A Health Equity Zone. Dominique has been working in community health since 2017, previously serving as the 02907 Health Equity Zone Program Manager at West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation. Dominique is passionate about addressing health inequity and working with the community to support neighborhoods that are thriving and resilient.

Dominique is an alumna of Salem State University, where she was a double major in Political Science and Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations. She also completed the Core Certificate Program through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice in 2020. Dominique is a Massachusetts native, but currently lives in Providence with her partner and house plants.

Director of Community Engagement for the COBRE on Opioids and Overdose

Michelle McKenzie (she/her) is a harm reductionist, a person in recovery and has been involved in harm reduction research for more than 25 years. She is the Director of Community Engagement for the COBRE on Opioids and Overdose. She co-founded PONI, Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention in 2006, which provides IM naloxone and other harm reduction supplies to community-based organizations in Rhode Island. She is a long-standing member of the Governor's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force and co-chair of the Rescue Working Group of the task force.

Overdose Prevention Program Director at Project Weber/RENEW (PWR) and Co-Director of nation’s first state sanctioned Overdose Prevention Center

Dennis A. Bailer is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder. He is the Overdose Prevention Program Director at Project Weber/RENEW (PWR) and Co-Director of nation’s first state sanctioned Overdose Prevention Center.

Director of Community Outreach and Overdose Prevention at Community Care Alliance

Christa Thomas-Sowers is the Director of Community Outreach and Overdose Prevention at Community Care Alliance. In December of 2018, Christa was integral to the launch of our Opioid Center of Excellence. This was followed up by creating the Safe Haven Drop-in Center in February 2021, serving homeless, co-occurring folks with active substance use and mental health challenges. She has been a leader Statewide in terms of rolling out harm reduction efforts, working closely with community partners, growing the team to address the increasing need in our community. To date, over 2,000 individuals have been served by Christa and her staff using a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences in the Brown University School of Public Health

Alison Tovar is an Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences in the Brown University School of Public Health. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Tovar received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University in 2001, a master’s in public health from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2005, and her Ph.D. from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in 2009. Dr. Tovar was a faculty in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at The University of Rhode Island from 2012-2021 and joined the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown School of Public Health in 2022. She is also the interim director for the Center for Health Promotion and Health at the Brown School of Public Health and co-director for the Community Engagement and Outreach Core for Advance RI-CTR. Dr. Tovar’s research focuses on understanding factors that shape eating behaviors early in life among historically marginalized populations, developing community-based interventions among these populations and evaluating policies that promote healthy eating

State Senator, Represent Providence District 6

Tiara is a State Senator who represent Providence District 6. In her time in office, she had been a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, working families, housing and tenant rights, and expanding abortion access in Rhode Island.

Since 2021, she has passed bills that have expanded abortion access to Medicaid recipients and state employees, a process to seal eviction records, critical childhood lead safety bills, and made Juneteenth a paid state holiday. She serves on the Senate Commerce Committee, Housing and Municipal Government Committee, and the Education Committee. She is a Board Member of the RI Abortion Fund and commissioner of the RI Commission on Prejudice and Bias

Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer at United Way of Rhode Island

Kyle L. Bennett is a visionary leader in public policy, collective impact, and community development, dedicated to advancing equity and improving health outcomes across Rhode Island. With over two decades of experience spanning government, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropy, Kyle has been at the forefront of integrating Health in All Policies (HiAP), ensuring that social determinants—housing, education, economic stability, and community well-being—are central to decision-making processes.

As Chief of Staff & Public Affairs Officer at United Way of Rhode Island, Kyle leads policy initiatives that drive systemic change to promote racial and economic justice. His work has been instrumental in shaping strategic partnerships between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to address pressing social issues through a Collective Impact framework.

Associate Director of Advocacy & Organizing, Central Providence Opportunities Health Equity Zone

Lucy Berman is the Associate Director of Advocacy & Organizing at the Central Providence Opportunities Health Equity Zone. With a background in political and community organizing, they are passionate about building grassroots power, strengthening democracy, and creating more equitable communities.

OneCranston HEZ Project Manager

Ivy Swinski is the Project Manager for the OneCranston Health Equity Zone. Ivy is a lifelong resident of Cranston, graduating from Cranston East, andwent to Marymount Manhattan College to study Costume Design and Playwriting. After living in New York City for 5 years, Ivy came back to Cranston to work as Project Manager for the OneCranston HEZ where she became a certified Community Health Care worker. In her role as project manager Ivy works with our residents to create low-cost high impact community interventions to help on a variety of topics. Her work focuses on making sure that the table where decisions are made is as big and welcoming to as many people as possible.

Principal Epidemiologist, HEZ Initiative, RIDOH

Jennifer is a Principal Public Health Epidemiologist and the Evaluator for the Health Equity Zone (HEZ) Initiative at RIDOH. She brings varied experience in epidemiological and medical research, evaluation, data analysis, and statistics. Jennifer completed undergraduate studies in biology at Boston College and graduate studies in applied statistics at Penn State University. She is currently enrolled at the Brown University School of Public Health with the goal of completing her MPH/PhD in Epidemiology.
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Her research spans various disciplines in medicine, epidemiology, and social sciences. Working in the HEZ initiative, she has gained a new focus and mindset for evaluation practice that aligns with the community-led, place-based vision of health equity by addressing social determinants of health at the community level. She truly enjoys the challenge of evaluating this innovative initiative and revealing its impact on the health of Rhode Islanders. She is honored to be part of the HEZ team supporting health equity in her home state.

Planning and Programming Specialist, Center for Chronic Care & Disease Management Division of Community Health & Equity, Rhode Island Department of Health

Steven Williamson is a long-time resident of Smith Hill in Providence. He has a history of community involvement and activism dating back to ACT UP Boston in the early 1990s. He helped to found Project Weber in Providence and served on the board that oversaw the merger that created Project Weber/RENEW. He currently works at the RI Department of Health and teaches part time at the University of Rhode Island. Steven earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Connecticut where his dissertation research focused on the Ngöbe people and their relationship with the national government.

Assistant Director of Health / Maternal and Child Health Director, Rhode Island Department of Health

Deborah Garneau serves as RI’s Maternal and Child Health Director at the RI Department of Health. Her expertise includes aligning systems, addressing structural drivers of health, incorporating authentic community engagement in all phases of public health programs, fortifying community-based workforces, and leading initiatives that strategically plan and monitor systems change with an equity lens.

Her programmatic interests are in achieving equity for MCH populations, especially perinatal individuals, and children with special needs. She worked as a mental health clinician and administrator within child welfare prior to state service.

Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention Education & Outreach Coordinator, Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Community, Family Health & Equity

Ms. Tavares is the Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Drug Overdose Prevention Program (DOPP) and Co-Chair of the Racial Equity Working Group (REWG) for Governor McKee’s Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force. She also leads the BIPOC Affinity Group, fostering an inclusive space for professionals of color.

She provides overdose prevention education to high-risk populations and advocates for racial equity in public health. She played a key role in making the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) the first state agency certified as a Recovery Friendly Workplace.
A Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) Scholar, Ms. Tavares is passionate about addressing health disparities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, learning, and spending time with family.

Executive Director, Centro de Innovación Mujer Latina (CIML)

Evylegna Rodríguez is the Executive Director of the Centro de Innovación Mujer Latina (CIML), where she leads important initiatives for the well-being of the Hispanic community, with a special focus on Mental Health and Comprehensive Social Assistance. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s in Community Psychology with a specialization in Project Development. Throughout her career, Dr. Rodríguez has worked tirelessly on designing and implementing programs that address the most pressing needs of vulnerable Hispanic communities, particularly those who speak only Spanish or indigenous dialects.

In her role at CIML, she has implemented innovative projects aimed at improving access to mental health services and comprehensive social support, as well as training and empowering Community Health Workers. Her approach is based on providing culturally appropriate solutions that strengthen the community’s well-being and promote health equity.

Dr. Rodríguez is a strong advocate for equity and social inclusion and has been an active voice in creating opportunities to improve the quality of life for Hispanic individuals who speak only Spanish or indigenous dialects in all aspects of society.

Senior Director Government Programs & Communication, Prospect Health Services RI

Garry Bliss currently serves as Senior Director Government Programs & Communication for Prospect Health Services RI. In that role, he manages a Medicaid Accountable Entity with approximately 20,000 attributed members and a Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (MSSP ACO) with almost 5,000 attributed members. During his seven years at Prospect, he has led their initiatives related to expanding Integrated Behavioral Health and Health-Related Social Needs. Another priority has been expanding services to address the needs of individuals with substance use disorder.

Before joining Prospect, Garry was at Care New England, with both Integra and The Providence Center, where he led their Medicaid Accountable Entity and community engagement. Prior to joining The Providence Center, Garry served as Senior Legislative Assistant to Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, Director of Legislative Affairs for Rhode Island General Treasurer Paul J. Tavares, Chief of Policy for Mayor David N. Cicilline, and Director of Community Development, City of Providence.
In his free time, Garry writes fiction and creative non-fiction. His fiction has appeared in Gramarye, Salt + Mirrors + Cats, M Presents: The Dread of Winter, and more. His essay, “Accumulations” (Tahoma Literary Review), was listed as a Notable Essay in Best American Essays 2020.

Deputy Chief of the Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for EMS

Megan Umbriano is the Deputy Chief of the Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for EMS. She has served in this position since February 2023, managing multiple responsibilities, including grants management for the Center. Megan has 19 years of experience working in the fire/EMS field, starting as a Junior Firefighter at the North Scituate Fire Department when she was just 15 years old. Megan's love for EMS has blossomed over years of service to her town and working in the private EMS sector. Starting with an EMT license, she advanced through ranks to EMT-Cardiac and Lieutenant, now serving as her fire department's first female President.

DPP Specialist with the RIDOH Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health Program.

Katlynn Kisla is a Registered Dietitian and the DPP Specialist at the Rhode Island Department of Health. She collaborates with Erica in the Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health Program to coordinate Ready for Health, the state’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. With over 10 years of experience in nutrition services, public health, and program development, she combines clinical expertise with community-driven solutions to enhance diabetes prevention efforts.

Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Dr. Uebelacker is a Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She is also Director of Research at Butler Hospital and is a licensed clinical psychologist. Her research interests center on developing and testing interventions to improve mental and physical health in people with depression, chronic pain, medical conditions such as HIV, and opioid use disorder. Specifically, she has developed and tested yoga interventions, interventions to promote physical activity, and behavioral health interventions integrated into medical settings.

Prevention Supervisor Care Ocean State (ACOS)

Raynald Joseph began working for AIDS Care Ocean State (ACOS) in 2004. He began as an outreach volunteer, and through his years he has moved through all the positions in the Prevention Unit (Outreach Worker, Prevention Worker, and Prevention Specialist/Outreach Coordinator) and now is the Prevention Supervisor. He currently manages all of the prevention programs within ACOS including the Street Outreach program, HIV and HCV testing, and Rhode Island’s Syringe Services Access & Drug User Health Program, ENCORE. Raynald is deeply passionate about the community he lives and works in. Working and serving in the community that he has grown up in has allowed Raynald to give back in numerous ways; 1. He is able to provide education and services to a much needed population, in a manner that is well received. 2. He is able to empower the community by hiring and working with people that reflect and come from the community we serve.

Director of Community Health at Project Weber/RENEW,

Arlo Narva is the Director of Community Health at Project Weber/RENEW, where they oversee the implementation of clinical services, health programming, and research. Arlo also serves as the community co-chair of the Substance Exposed Newborn working group of the Governors Overdose Taskforce. They are a social worker, harm reductionists, and full-spectrum doulas. Prior to their role at Project Weber/RENEW, they led a Title V-funded Doula program at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health that serves pregnant and postpartum people who use drugs. They also worked at Prevention Point, Philadelphia's largest harm reduction organization, which serves over 40,000 people a year, as an HIV/HCV tester and case manager. Perinatal substance use, and community public health in harm reduction settings are their areas of interest and expertise.