Howard Cabral
Professor of Biostatistics
Boston University School of Public Health
Howard Cabral is Professor of Biostatistics, a co-director of the Biostatistics Graduate Program, and the Director of the Biostatistics and Research Design Program of the Boston University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. He has over 30 years of teaching, consulting, collaborating, and statistical research experience in a variety of biomedical fields. These include public health, epidemiology, behavioral sciences, health services, and basic physical sciences research and practice. His students have included undergraduates, Master's and doctoral level students in biostatistics and other public health disciplines, biomedical post-doctoral and clinical fellows, and faculty seeking additional training in statistical methods. His research spans both observational studies and randomized clinical
trials, including well known studies in cardiovascular health and studies of the effects of substance use on human health across the life span. He has extensive experience in the analysis of longitudinal health data, especially those collected in urban areas with ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. His methodological interests are in the analysis of longitudinal data, the effects of missing data on statistical estimation, and statistical computing. Dr. Cabral’s collaborative research has most recently examined the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on development from birth through age 22, randomized trials of problem solving education in treating parental depression, a randomized trial testing a peer-based model in retaining those infected with HIV in primary care, models to enhance the care of homeless patients living with HIV, differences in child and maternal health in those who did and did not received intervention through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) linking vital statistics, administrative public health and clinical databases in Massachusetts, and the neurobiological changes in the brain among normally aging animals as well as those resulting from stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease among participants in the Framingham Heart Study. He is also a statistical consultant to the department of public health in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Cabral provided his research and statistical methodologic expertise to a review panel of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science that examined the effects of parental depression on parenting practices and child development and published a widely recognized book on its findings. He is also a developer of the BODE Index for patients with COPD, a nationally and internationally employed tool for risk assessment that has been cited in the literature over 1,460 times to-date.
Professor of Biostatistics
Boston University School of Public Health
Howard Cabral is Professor of Biostatistics, a co-director of the Biostatistics Graduate Program, and the Director of the Biostatistics and Research Design Program of the Boston University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. He has over 30 years of teaching, consulting, collaborating, and statistical research experience in a variety of biomedical fields. These include public health, epidemiology, behavioral sciences, health services, and basic physical sciences research and practice. His students have included undergraduates, Master's and doctoral level students in biostatistics and other public health disciplines, biomedical post-doctoral and clinical fellows, and faculty seeking additional training in statistical methods. His research spans both observational studies and randomized clinical
trials, including well known studies in cardiovascular health and studies of the effects of substance use on human health across the life span. He has extensive experience in the analysis of longitudinal health data, especially those collected in urban areas with ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. His methodological interests are in the analysis of longitudinal data, the effects of missing data on statistical estimation, and statistical computing. Dr. Cabral’s collaborative research has most recently examined the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on development from birth through age 22, randomized trials of problem solving education in treating parental depression, a randomized trial testing a peer-based model in retaining those infected with HIV in primary care, models to enhance the care of homeless patients living with HIV, differences in child and maternal health in those who did and did not received intervention through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) linking vital statistics, administrative public health and clinical databases in Massachusetts, and the neurobiological changes in the brain among normally aging animals as well as those resulting from stroke, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease among participants in the Framingham Heart Study. He is also a statistical consultant to the department of public health in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Cabral provided his research and statistical methodologic expertise to a review panel of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Science that examined the effects of parental depression on parenting practices and child development and published a widely recognized book on its findings. He is also a developer of the BODE Index for patients with COPD, a nationally and internationally employed tool for risk assessment that has been cited in the literature over 1,460 times to-date.
Adan Cajina
SPNS Coordinator DPD/HAB
HRSA
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Adan Cajina has almost 30 years of experience in the area of evaluation, research and systems analysis in both the private and public sector. In the past 21 years, he has utilized his skills to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Cajina served as a statistician to the CDC-funded HIV Surveillance program for the Washington, DC EMA, within the District of Columbia’s Department of Health. Since 1999, he has been working for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), first as a Health Statistician for the Office of Science and Epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS Bureau, and as Director of Evaluation for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Since 2006, he has been serving as Chief of the Demonstration and Evaluation Branch, the unit that administers the Part F – Special Projects of National Significance Ryan White program.
His early career in the private sector included work for major consulting companies in the area of management consulting, marketing and pharmaceutical research, and public opinion surveys. Mr. Cajina holds a Master of Science degree in Operations Research and Management Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Analysis and Engineering from The George Washington University.
SPNS Coordinator DPD/HAB
HRSA
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Adan Cajina has almost 30 years of experience in the area of evaluation, research and systems analysis in both the private and public sector. In the past 21 years, he has utilized his skills to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Cajina served as a statistician to the CDC-funded HIV Surveillance program for the Washington, DC EMA, within the District of Columbia’s Department of Health. Since 1999, he has been working for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), first as a Health Statistician for the Office of Science and Epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS Bureau, and as Director of Evaluation for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Since 2006, he has been serving as Chief of the Demonstration and Evaluation Branch, the unit that administers the Part F – Special Projects of National Significance Ryan White program.
His early career in the private sector included work for major consulting companies in the area of management consulting, marketing and pharmaceutical research, and public opinion surveys. Mr. Cajina holds a Master of Science degree in Operations Research and Management Sciences, and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Analysis and Engineering from The George Washington University.
Clara Chen
Assistant Director
Boston University School of Public Health, BEDAC
Cohort Discussions 6. Evaluation Session
Clara Chen is the Assistant Director of Operations at the Boston University School of Public Health's Data Coordinating Center. She has over 15 years of research experience, including project management, data management, and statistical analyses.
Assistant Director
Boston University School of Public Health, BEDAC
Cohort Discussions 6. Evaluation Session
Clara Chen is the Assistant Director of Operations at the Boston University School of Public Health's Data Coordinating Center. She has over 15 years of research experience, including project management, data management, and statistical analyses.
Sarah Cook-Raymond
President & CEO
Impact Marketing + Communications
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Sarah Cook-Raymond is a seasoned communications professional with extensive editorial, production management, accounts management, and marketing campaign development expertise. Her report for the White House received the “Best Custom Publication” award by The Association for Women in Communications, and her research has been featured at conferences across the country, including the National Communications Association Conference.
Sarah came to Impact in 2005 after working as a Technical Writing Specialist for the Research Foundation of New York State and as an adjunct professor of English and the humanities for
for the State University of New York. At Impact, Sarah’s primary roles are the oversight of day-to-day operations including contracting, clearances, finance, project management, and human resources, and as editor-in-chief.
Sarah’s involved with Impact's project teams, always ensuring they meet the highest quality standards while maintaining adherence to project goals and timeframes. Sarah also assists clients with concept and brand development, writing, research, targeted messaging, and public relations. She serves as a senior account executive on multiple projects, including the communications deliverables related to the $2.35 billion federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
Sarah has a B.A. in English writing from St. Lawrence University, where she graduated magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors, and an M.A. in English and communications from the State University of New York, Potsdam where she graduated with distinction.
President & CEO
Impact Marketing + Communications
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Sarah Cook-Raymond is a seasoned communications professional with extensive editorial, production management, accounts management, and marketing campaign development expertise. Her report for the White House received the “Best Custom Publication” award by The Association for Women in Communications, and her research has been featured at conferences across the country, including the National Communications Association Conference.
Sarah came to Impact in 2005 after working as a Technical Writing Specialist for the Research Foundation of New York State and as an adjunct professor of English and the humanities for
for the State University of New York. At Impact, Sarah’s primary roles are the oversight of day-to-day operations including contracting, clearances, finance, project management, and human resources, and as editor-in-chief.
Sarah’s involved with Impact's project teams, always ensuring they meet the highest quality standards while maintaining adherence to project goals and timeframes. Sarah also assists clients with concept and brand development, writing, research, targeted messaging, and public relations. She serves as a senior account executive on multiple projects, including the communications deliverables related to the $2.35 billion federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
Sarah has a B.A. in English writing from St. Lawrence University, where she graduated magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors, and an M.A. in English and communications from the State University of New York, Potsdam where she graduated with distinction.
Alicia Downes
Director of Federal Programs
AIDS United
Site Presentations Group 4. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management
Day 2 Welcome and Plenary
Day 3 Welcome
Cohort Discussions 3. Stigma Reduction
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Alicia Downes serves as the Director of Federal Programs at AIDS United. Alicia got hooked on sociology during her first semester of college despite her family hope for a Computer Science degree. She received her Master of Social Work from University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and has almost 10 years of experience in mental health. Alicia began work in the HIV field almost 20 years ago, when she was hired as a Ryan White Case Manager. Three months later, she was helping her uncle find HIV services, along with educating her family about HIV. Alicia has experience managing federal grant from SAMHSA, CDC, HRSA, and private foundations. Prior to joining the staff of AIDS United, Alicia worked as a consultant on this project the AIDS United HRSA SPNS project. She also recently served as the Midwest AIDS Education and Training Center of Missouri Site and Peer Program Manager and an instructor, teaching Community Health Worker classes.
Director of Federal Programs
AIDS United
Site Presentations Group 4. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management
Day 2 Welcome and Plenary
Day 3 Welcome
Cohort Discussions 3. Stigma Reduction
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Alicia Downes serves as the Director of Federal Programs at AIDS United. Alicia got hooked on sociology during her first semester of college despite her family hope for a Computer Science degree. She received her Master of Social Work from University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and has almost 10 years of experience in mental health. Alicia began work in the HIV field almost 20 years ago, when she was hired as a Ryan White Case Manager. Three months later, she was helping her uncle find HIV services, along with educating her family about HIV. Alicia has experience managing federal grant from SAMHSA, CDC, HRSA, and private foundations. Prior to joining the staff of AIDS United, Alicia worked as a consultant on this project the AIDS United HRSA SPNS project. She also recently served as the Midwest AIDS Education and Training Center of Missouri Site and Peer Program Manager and an instructor, teaching Community Health Worker classes.
John Hannay
Public Health Analyst
HRSA HAB DPD SPNS
John Hannay is a public health analyst and project officer in the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Branch of the HIV AIDS Bureau at HRSA. SPNS initiatives in which John has been involved are the Digital and Social Media (Lead Project Officer), Capacity Building Assistance to RWHAP Jurisdictions (Lead Project Officer), Opioid Systems Coordination, Housing and Employment Services, and Black MSM and Behavioral Health.
John has been involved in HIV work in the private non-profit and public sector since 1983. Before working in SPNS, John was in HAB’s Global HIV Program. Before his time at HAB, John did private consulting work related to HIV and a number of other public health issues and worked on HIV Prevention Issues for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. John is a health educator by profession.
Public Health Analyst
HRSA HAB DPD SPNS
John Hannay is a public health analyst and project officer in the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Branch of the HIV AIDS Bureau at HRSA. SPNS initiatives in which John has been involved are the Digital and Social Media (Lead Project Officer), Capacity Building Assistance to RWHAP Jurisdictions (Lead Project Officer), Opioid Systems Coordination, Housing and Employment Services, and Black MSM and Behavioral Health.
John has been involved in HIV work in the private non-profit and public sector since 1983. Before working in SPNS, John was in HAB’s Global HIV Program. Before his time at HAB, John did private consulting work related to HIV and a number of other public health issues and worked on HIV Prevention Issues for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. John is a health educator by profession.
Heather Hauck, MSW
Deputy Associate Administrator
HRSA HAB
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
Heather L. Hauck, M.S.W., LIC.S.W., is the Deputy Associate Administrator at Health Resources and Services Administrator. Ms Hauck was previously at the Director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration. The Maryland Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration leads statewide public health efforts to improve the health of Marylanders by reducing the transmission of infectious diseases, helping impacted persons live longer, healthier lives, and protecting individuals and communities from environmental health hazards. Ms. Hauck is the Ex Officio Chair of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) and has been a member of the organization since 2003. She serves on NASTAD’s Executive Committee, Membership Committee, and the NASTAD Global Program Ethiopia team. Prior to joining the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Ms. Hauck was an independent consultant providing technical assistance to hospitals, national associations, and state public health agencies on HIV program development issues. She served as the Section Chief of the New Hampshire HHS Division of Public Health STD/HIV Section in Concord, NH from 2003 to 2006. Prior to her work in New Hampshire, Ms. Hauck was a co-director and a social worker in the Washington Hospital Center Social Work Department in Washington, DC. She has a Master of Social Work degree from the National Catholic School of Social Service, Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Deputy Associate Administrator
HRSA HAB
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
Heather L. Hauck, M.S.W., LIC.S.W., is the Deputy Associate Administrator at Health Resources and Services Administrator. Ms Hauck was previously at the Director of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration. The Maryland Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration leads statewide public health efforts to improve the health of Marylanders by reducing the transmission of infectious diseases, helping impacted persons live longer, healthier lives, and protecting individuals and communities from environmental health hazards. Ms. Hauck is the Ex Officio Chair of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) and has been a member of the organization since 2003. She serves on NASTAD’s Executive Committee, Membership Committee, and the NASTAD Global Program Ethiopia team. Prior to joining the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Ms. Hauck was an independent consultant providing technical assistance to hospitals, national associations, and state public health agencies on HIV program development issues. She served as the Section Chief of the New Hampshire HHS Division of Public Health STD/HIV Section in Concord, NH from 2003 to 2006. Prior to her work in New Hampshire, Ms. Hauck was a co-director and a social worker in the Washington Hospital Center Social Work Department in Washington, DC. She has a Master of Social Work degree from the National Catholic School of Social Service, Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
Corliss Heath
Health Scientist
HRSA
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Corliss D. Heath has nearly 25 years of professional experience in public health and HIV research. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and a graduate of Emory University with a Master of Public Health degree in Biostatistics and a Master of Divinity degree, respectively. She also holds PhD in Applied Anthropology specializing in Medical Anthropology from the University of South Florida (USF) (Tampa, FL). She previously worked as a Research Analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention in Atlanta, GA. Currently, Dr. Heath is a Health Scientist in the Division of Policy and Data (DPD) at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)/HIV/AIDS Bureau in Rockville, MD. There she leads and coordinates various projects, while providing guidance, evaluation, implementation, and training to assure the provision of high quality HIV intervention, care and treatment services.
Health Scientist
HRSA
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
Dr. Corliss D. Heath has nearly 25 years of professional experience in public health and HIV research. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and a graduate of Emory University with a Master of Public Health degree in Biostatistics and a Master of Divinity degree, respectively. She also holds PhD in Applied Anthropology specializing in Medical Anthropology from the University of South Florida (USF) (Tampa, FL). She previously worked as a Research Analyst at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention in Atlanta, GA. Currently, Dr. Heath is a Health Scientist in the Division of Policy and Data (DPD) at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)/HIV/AIDS Bureau in Rockville, MD. There she leads and coordinates various projects, while providing guidance, evaluation, implementation, and training to assure the provision of high quality HIV intervention, care and treatment services.
Thelma Iheanyichukwu, MHA, HIMS
Public Health Analyst/Project Officer
Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau
Thelma Iheanyichukwu, MHA, HIMS, is a Public Health Analyst/Project Officer in the HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau’s Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program. She began her federal career through HRSA Pathways Recent Graduates Program with the SPNS Program in 2016 and have supported several initiatives. Thelma is a Project Officer for grant recipients funded under the SPNS Black Men who have Sex with Men (BMSM), Housing and Employment, Rapid ART Start, and Black Women Initiatives. Thelma enjoys wine tasting.
Public Health Analyst/Project Officer
Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau
Thelma Iheanyichukwu, MHA, HIMS, is a Public Health Analyst/Project Officer in the HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau’s Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program. She began her federal career through HRSA Pathways Recent Graduates Program with the SPNS Program in 2016 and have supported several initiatives. Thelma is a Project Officer for grant recipients funded under the SPNS Black Men who have Sex with Men (BMSM), Housing and Employment, Rapid ART Start, and Black Women Initiatives. Thelma enjoys wine tasting.
Esther Jennings
Senior Research Manager
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Cohort Discussions 6. Evaluation Session
Esther Jennings is Senior Research Manager for the Center for Population Health at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She received her Master of Public Health from Tufts University with a concentration in nutrition. She is experienced in public health, minority health and nutritional epidemiology research, with diverse populations and age groups.
Senior Research Manager
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Cohort Discussions 6. Evaluation Session
Esther Jennings is Senior Research Manager for the Center for Population Health at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She received her Master of Public Health from Tufts University with a concentration in nutrition. She is experienced in public health, minority health and nutritional epidemiology research, with diverse populations and age groups.
Tracy Matthews
Deputy Director
Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
CAPT Tracy Matthews is the Acting Director for the Division of Policy and Data in the HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau. For the last 8 years, she has served as the Deputy Director, responsible for leading the HIV/AIDS Bureau and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) data collection and analysis, policy guidance, implementation science, data dissemination, clinical performance activities, and technical assistance and training. She joined HRSA in 2002 as a RWHAP Parts C and D project officer. She has her BSN from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s in Health Administration.
Deputy Director
Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
CAPT Tracy Matthews is the Acting Director for the Division of Policy and Data in the HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau. For the last 8 years, she has served as the Deputy Director, responsible for leading the HIV/AIDS Bureau and Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) data collection and analysis, policy guidance, implementation science, data dissemination, clinical performance activities, and technical assistance and training. She joined HRSA in 2002 as a RWHAP Parts C and D project officer. She has her BSN from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s in Health Administration.
Bria Mirante
Senior Health Communication and Digital Marketing Specialist
Impact Marketing + Communications
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Bria Mirante is a public health professional with over six years of experience managing, developing, and implementing communications, digital marketing, and public health education activities to advance agency mission goals, increase awareness of their programs and priorities, and increase visibility across key stakeholder audiences. As Senior Health Communication and Digital Marketing Specialist at Impact Marketing + Communications, Mirante develops strategy and dissemination work for a range of health communication projects.
Senior Health Communication and Digital Marketing Specialist
Impact Marketing + Communications
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Bria Mirante is a public health professional with over six years of experience managing, developing, and implementing communications, digital marketing, and public health education activities to advance agency mission goals, increase awareness of their programs and priorities, and increase visibility across key stakeholder audiences. As Senior Health Communication and Digital Marketing Specialist at Impact Marketing + Communications, Mirante develops strategy and dissemination work for a range of health communication projects.
Minu Mohan
Graduate Research Assistant
UML
Minu Mohan is a Research Assistant for the Black Women First ETAP. She is a public health graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. She has a background in Dentistry and have a keen interest to working in areas of research focused in promoting health for marginalized populations facing socio-economic burden and other health inequities. Having received the Provost's Graduate Fellowship for high achieving Master’s student, she aims to earn her doctorate degree and work further to enhance the health of those who are particularly vulnerable to poor health conditions, status and services and other manifestations of structural inequities. She works closely with Dr Serena Rajabiun and Dr Angela Wangari Walter of University of Massachusetts who are the Principal Investigators for the Black Women First ETAP Project.
Graduate Research Assistant
UML
Minu Mohan is a Research Assistant for the Black Women First ETAP. She is a public health graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences. She has a background in Dentistry and have a keen interest to working in areas of research focused in promoting health for marginalized populations facing socio-economic burden and other health inequities. Having received the Provost's Graduate Fellowship for high achieving Master’s student, she aims to earn her doctorate degree and work further to enhance the health of those who are particularly vulnerable to poor health conditions, status and services and other manifestations of structural inequities. She works closely with Dr Serena Rajabiun and Dr Angela Wangari Walter of University of Massachusetts who are the Principal Investigators for the Black Women First ETAP Project.
Chau Nguyen
Public Health Analyst
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau SPNS
Chau Nguyen is a Project Officer in HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau’s Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program. She has been with HRSA/HAB since 2012 and has worked in the field of HIV/AIDS for over 15 years, including with NIH, CDC, DoD and PEPFAR. Chau has led the development, implementation and evaluation of numerous SPNS Initiatives, and is a Project Officer for grant recipients currently funded under the SPNS Housing & Employment, Black Men who have Sex with Men (BMSM), Opioid, Rapid ART Start, and now Black Women initiatives. In her ‘free’ time, she also helps to manage a full household of 3 kids, 2 cats and a dog (who you may see bomb zoom calls from time to time J).
Public Health Analyst
HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau SPNS
Chau Nguyen is a Project Officer in HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau’s Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program. She has been with HRSA/HAB since 2012 and has worked in the field of HIV/AIDS for over 15 years, including with NIH, CDC, DoD and PEPFAR. Chau has led the development, implementation and evaluation of numerous SPNS Initiatives, and is a Project Officer for grant recipients currently funded under the SPNS Housing & Employment, Black Men who have Sex with Men (BMSM), Opioid, Rapid ART Start, and now Black Women initiatives. In her ‘free’ time, she also helps to manage a full household of 3 kids, 2 cats and a dog (who you may see bomb zoom calls from time to time J).
Simone Phillips
Training
Stokely Phillips Griffin Group, LLC
Site Presentations Group 1. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management; Trauma-Informed Care -Abounding Prosperity, AIDS Care Group, Grady Health System
Cohort Discussions 1. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management
Simone Phillips is founder of the SPG Group, LLC Consultancy Firm, a company that provides professional and personal development training to non-profit, for profit, faith based organizations and individuals in the areas of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, HIV+ Peer Development, Facilitation Skills, Stigma and Diversity. For the past 10 years Phillips has contributed to the production and execution of federally funded projects including the Peer Education and Training Sites Project (PETS) and the Peer Re-engagement Project (PREP) where she worked to build organizational capacity for peer utilization, provided training to equip peers and their organizations to improve HIV positive retention in care and facilitate HIV suppression through medical adherence. Additionally, Phillips has worked with the Illinois Department of Public Health Association and Washington University’s Project ARK on their Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) Demonstration Project to accomplish the goal of optimizing linkage to, retention in, and re-engagement with care and prevention services for newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed racial and ethnic minorities with HIV. Currently, Simone Phillips serves as a Practice Transformation Coach for the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center (MATEC) working with a local federally qualified health center to identify and treat HIV infection within their patient population.
Training
Stokely Phillips Griffin Group, LLC
Site Presentations Group 1. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management; Trauma-Informed Care -Abounding Prosperity, AIDS Care Group, Grady Health System
Cohort Discussions 1. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management
Simone Phillips is founder of the SPG Group, LLC Consultancy Firm, a company that provides professional and personal development training to non-profit, for profit, faith based organizations and individuals in the areas of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, HIV+ Peer Development, Facilitation Skills, Stigma and Diversity. For the past 10 years Phillips has contributed to the production and execution of federally funded projects including the Peer Education and Training Sites Project (PETS) and the Peer Re-engagement Project (PREP) where she worked to build organizational capacity for peer utilization, provided training to equip peers and their organizations to improve HIV positive retention in care and facilitate HIV suppression through medical adherence. Additionally, Phillips has worked with the Illinois Department of Public Health Association and Washington University’s Project ARK on their Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) Demonstration Project to accomplish the goal of optimizing linkage to, retention in, and re-engagement with care and prevention services for newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed racial and ethnic minorities with HIV. Currently, Simone Phillips serves as a Practice Transformation Coach for the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center (MATEC) working with a local federally qualified health center to identify and treat HIV infection within their patient population.
Terry Plater
Senior Graphic Designer
Impact Marketing + Communications
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Terry Plater is a talented graphic designer with more than a decade of experience as a designer, illustrator, and production artist for a range of clients across corporate, nonprofit, and federal sectors. As a skilled artist himself, Terry brings an astute eye for aesthetics and visual design.
Senior Graphic Designer
Impact Marketing + Communications
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Terry Plater is a talented graphic designer with more than a decade of experience as a designer, illustrator, and production artist for a range of clients across corporate, nonprofit, and federal sectors. As a skilled artist himself, Terry brings an astute eye for aesthetics and visual design.
Nakesha Powell
Program Manager
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Site Presentations Group 3. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management; Intimate Partner Violence
Cohort Discussions 4. Intimate Partner Violence
Nakesha Powell is a Health Communications Specialist. She holds dual degrees in Public Administration with an emphasis in public health management and Business Administration. Powell spends both her days and nights ensuring the manifestation of her personal belief that “everyone deserves access to quality healthcare without regard to income or race.” She is a 2021 Community Health Leadership fellow with The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine. Powell currently serves as co-chair for the Women’s Caucus Program Planning Committee for the American Public Health Association. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family. On any given day, Nakesha is sure to be somewhere impacting lives through mentoring and other civic engagement. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Program Manager
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Site Presentations Group 3. Red Carpet; Peer Engagement, Patient Navigation, Enhanced Case Management; Intimate Partner Violence
Cohort Discussions 4. Intimate Partner Violence
Nakesha Powell is a Health Communications Specialist. She holds dual degrees in Public Administration with an emphasis in public health management and Business Administration. Powell spends both her days and nights ensuring the manifestation of her personal belief that “everyone deserves access to quality healthcare without regard to income or race.” She is a 2021 Community Health Leadership fellow with The Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine. Powell currently serves as co-chair for the Women’s Caucus Program Planning Committee for the American Public Health Association. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family. On any given day, Nakesha is sure to be somewhere impacting lives through mentoring and other civic engagement. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Serena Rajabiun
Assistant Professor
UML
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
Serena Rajabiun is the Principal Investigator for the Black Women’s First Evaluation and Technical Center Provider HRSA SPNS project. She has over twenty years of international and domestic public health experience. She has over a decade of leadership experience on multisite projects funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau. She is currently the Co-Principal Investigator for the HRSA/SPNS Improving Health Outcomes through Coordinated Housing & Employment Services and the Dissemination of Evidence-Informed Intervention Dissemination and Evaluation Center, and a Co-Principal Investigator on Improving Access to Care: Using CHWs to Improve Linkage and Retention in HIV Care, She has over 15 years experience designing and leading qualitative and quantitative
studies as part of seven multi-site evaluations and providing evaluation and programmatic technical assistance to HRSA Ryan White demonstration grantees, She has organized several multisite meetings with grantees, and coordinated and collaborated with over 20 grantees on publishing and disseminating the results form multisite initiatives in peer-reviewed journals and at national conferences. Ms. Rajabiun has authored several peer reviewed articles and developed field manuals on engaging and retaining PLWH in care and treatment.
Assistant Professor
UML
Day 1 Welcome and Introduction
Serena Rajabiun is the Principal Investigator for the Black Women’s First Evaluation and Technical Center Provider HRSA SPNS project. She has over twenty years of international and domestic public health experience. She has over a decade of leadership experience on multisite projects funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau. She is currently the Co-Principal Investigator for the HRSA/SPNS Improving Health Outcomes through Coordinated Housing & Employment Services and the Dissemination of Evidence-Informed Intervention Dissemination and Evaluation Center, and a Co-Principal Investigator on Improving Access to Care: Using CHWs to Improve Linkage and Retention in HIV Care, She has over 15 years experience designing and leading qualitative and quantitative
studies as part of seven multi-site evaluations and providing evaluation and programmatic technical assistance to HRSA Ryan White demonstration grantees, She has organized several multisite meetings with grantees, and coordinated and collaborated with over 20 grantees on publishing and disseminating the results form multisite initiatives in peer-reviewed journals and at national conferences. Ms. Rajabiun has authored several peer reviewed articles and developed field manuals on engaging and retaining PLWH in care and treatment.
Venita Ray
Co-ED
Positive Women's Network - USA
Meaningful Involvement of Black Women with HIV in All Aspects of Our Programs and Wrap Up
Venita Ray is the deputy director of the Positive Women’s Network-USA, a national membership organization for women living with HIV. Venita served as the public policy manager for Legacy Community Health, a federally qualified health center in Houston, TX, where she monitored HIV related health policy and managed an advocacy training program for people living with HIV. In 2016, Venita led a citywide effort to end the HIV epidemic in Houston and drafted the Roadmap to Ending the HIV Epidemic in Houston. Venita has led anti criminalization efforts in Texas defeating an effort to allow HIV test results to be subpoenaed in criminal prosecutions and defeated attempts to introduce new HIV criminalization legislation. Venita was diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and is deeply committed to equity, racial justice and developing the leadership and meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in all decisions that impact the HIV community.
Co-ED
Positive Women's Network - USA
Meaningful Involvement of Black Women with HIV in All Aspects of Our Programs and Wrap Up
Venita Ray is the deputy director of the Positive Women’s Network-USA, a national membership organization for women living with HIV. Venita served as the public policy manager for Legacy Community Health, a federally qualified health center in Houston, TX, where she monitored HIV related health policy and managed an advocacy training program for people living with HIV. In 2016, Venita led a citywide effort to end the HIV epidemic in Houston and drafted the Roadmap to Ending the HIV Epidemic in Houston. Venita has led anti criminalization efforts in Texas defeating an effort to allow HIV test results to be subpoenaed in criminal prosecutions and defeated attempts to introduce new HIV criminalization legislation. Venita was diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and is deeply committed to equity, racial justice and developing the leadership and meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in all decisions that impact the HIV community.
Judith Scott
Assistant Professor
Boston University
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Judith Scott, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Social Work and a co-investigator for the Black Women First Initiative. Her current research agenda focuses on how trauma—especially physical child maltreatment and racism—affects parenting and mental health among families across cultures. She is especially interested in understanding how protective processes such as ethnic-racial socialization and coping can buffer families against deleterious effects on mental health. Her secondary research interests are evaluating small and medium non-profit community organizations serving families.
Assistant Professor
Boston University
Day 3 Closing Sessions
Judith Scott, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Social Work and a co-investigator for the Black Women First Initiative. Her current research agenda focuses on how trauma—especially physical child maltreatment and racism—affects parenting and mental health among families across cultures. She is especially interested in understanding how protective processes such as ethnic-racial socialization and coping can buffer families against deleterious effects on mental health. Her secondary research interests are evaluating small and medium non-profit community organizations serving families.