SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Lynell Westbrook Cooper
Youth Empowerment Through De-escalation: Understanding Trauma
Lynell Westbrook Cooper is the Owner/Operator of Rose Project Counseling & Consulting LLC and on the faculty at the Phylis Lan Lin School of Social Work and Counseling. She has more than 20 years dedicated to youth and family services, addictions, victim advocacy, and batterer intervention services in Indiana. Her work spans from therapy for Intimate Partner Violence and mental health issues to significant community engagement and advocacy.
Camille Walker
Youth Empowerment Through De-escalation: Understanding Trauma
Meet Camille Walker, owner of Lamira Wellness as well as a skilled and passionate Yoga Instructor since 2021, specializing in Hatha and Kundalini Yoga. With a deep understanding of Yogic principles and a nurturing holistic teaching style, Camille creates a harmonious space for students to explore the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of Yoga, helping them find balance and inner transformation.
Capri Tucker
Drug and Sexual Education: Healthy Living
Choices for Youth
Capri Tucker is a Certified Community Health Worker. She is committed to making a difference in underserved communities through her life and professional experiences. She advocates for health equity and fosters connections within said communities. Her goal is to improve well-being and quality of life for all by providing education, support, and access to quality health care and resources.
Curtis Warfield, M.S.
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management:
A Lifestyle
Curtis Warfield is a Systems Analyst for the State of Indiana. He is a survivor of chronic kidney disease and very passionate about advocating for and educating the community by bringing awareness to kindney disease and organ donation. He is a sought-after publicspeaker at national and international conferences and he writes articles/blogs discussing his kidney journey.
Tamika Zapolski, Ph.D.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Normalizing Discussion
on Mental Health
Dr. Tamika Zapolski is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky in 2013 under the mentorship of Dr. Gregory Smith. Dr. Zapolski is a clinician working in both the pediatric and adult clinics through IU Health, with clinical expertise in substance use, emotion dysregulation, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for both youth and adults.
Fran Smith
Intersectionality within Marginalized Communities
Fran Smith (they/she) is a neurodivergent nonbinary queer person of color, nonprofit professional, spoken-word artist, and diversity & inclusion advocate. Fran is the President and Founder of a nonprofit for the LGBTQ+ community, the Central Indiana LGBTQ+ Young Adult Group (CILYAG), and is also the Community Outreach Coordinator at HealthNet Community Health Centers. Fran advocates for marginalized groups and speaks out against prejudice.
Tomorrow Thomas, CCHW
Drug and Sexual Education: Healthy Living
Choices for Youth
Tomorrow Thomas is a Certified Community Health Worker in the HIV Services Department at Healthnet Community Health Center. She has more than 9 years of experience in healthcare and has worked in various positions in Geriatrics, OB/GYN, Hospital Care, Clinical Trials, and Research. Her passion for community advocacy, outreach, and providing care for minorities has led her to her current position. Her ultimate goal is to empower individuals who come to her seeking assistance, and inspire them to achieve a healthier and happier existence that aligns with their unique vision and goals.
Catrinka Prestly, M.S., B.S.
We Do Recover!
Catrinka currently serves as the Forensic Treatment Services Director (Recovery Works) for the State of Indiana’s Division of Mental Health and Addictions. She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal
Justice from Kaplan University and continued her education to receive a Master of Science Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University. Catrinka has 15+ years in the criminal
justice and social services field, serving various public and private sectors. In addition to her service in Indiana, she is a professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and continues to teach at various colleges throughout the country.
Deanna Dwenger,
PsyD, HSPP
We Do Recover!
Dr. Deanna Dwenger is the Executive Director of Behavioral Health for the Indiana Department of Correction. She is a graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a doctorate in clinical psychology and concentration in forensics. Her passion for Corrections began while working with pre-adjudicated juveniles and court-ordered domestic violence perpetrators in the Chicagoland area. She currently focuses on ensuring an integrated care model to serve the incarcerated population. Dr. Dwenger is passionate about delivering quality addiction services and mental health treatment.
Raymond Powell
We Do Recover!
Raymond Powell, Indianapolis Public School Board Officer and Program Manager at PACE Indy, Inc., specializes in MRT and Certified Addiction Peer Recovery. Committed to driving positive change in individuals and communities, he hails from Gary, Indiana, attended Emerson Performing Arts School and Gary William A. Wirt High School, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University. His approach, rooted in personal experience, earns him respect and relatability in the community.
Tina McIntosh
Access and Understanding for Seniors and Caregivers
Tina McIntosh, founder of Joy’s House, started the adult day and caregiver support service in 1999 at age 27. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, she studied English and Interpersonal Relations at Ball State University for her Bachelor's and later earned a Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration. Currently, she serves as President and CEO, focusing on development, community relations, and innovating caregiver support and education programs in Indiana. Tina’s new book, Embrace the Imbalance: Things You Need to Know from People I Wish You Knew, shares life lessons, reflecting her belief in uplifting others and the power of community.
Theresa Bonner
Access and Understanding for Seniors and Caregivers
Theresa Bonner is a caring, kind, and loving individual who wears several hats. She is a leader in her church community, helping monthly to feed and clothe the underserved in the 46218 ZIP code. She provides Pastoral support to grieving family members and friends in her community as well. Theresa is Joy’s House’s first paid employee and, as the Family Care Director at the Broad Ripple campus, she continues to proudly assist in carrying out its mission to serve and support aging adults and their caregivers.
Abby Vincent
Access and Understanding for Seniors and Caregivers
Abby Vincent is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, End-of-Life Doula, and the Care Services Director at Joy’s House. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Anderson University and earned a Master of Social Work Degree from Indiana University. Abby completed training to become an End-of-Life Doula with Going with Grace and earned proficiency with the National End of Life Doula Alliance. She has been in social work for 25 years and loves working with the aging community. Abby has experience working with older adults with depression, anxiety, grief, and loss issues, and supporting those at the end of life.
Normajo Moore
Access and Understanding for Seniors and Caregivers
Normajo Moore has an A.S. in early Childhood and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She has decades of experience in early childhood learning and has also worked as a consultant in that area. For several years, Ms. Moore taught adult remedial reading at Ivy Tech Community College and administered the General Education Diploma test at Indianapolis Public Schools. She retired in 2003 from the Early Childhood field.
Nyla Lee
Cancer Awareness Screening and Prevention
Nyla Lee is a graduate of Indiana University. She is the Health Disparities Coordinator for the Indiana Breast and Cervical Cancer program at the Indiana Department of Health. Her role is to make the program more accessible and equitable for the individuals that it serves. She has served in this role for almost 3 years and has developed several projects that focus on reducing cancer-related health disparities. She has also been involved in improving health equity through community outreach, the development of health initiatives, and collaboration with various organizations throughout Indiana.
Nasser Hanna, M.D.
Cancer Awareness Screening and Prevention
Dr. Nasser Hanna received his B.A. in Biology from Saint Louis University and his M.D. from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, then completed an Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Iowa and an Oncology Fellowship at Indiana University. There, he joined the faculty in January 2001. His focus has been in the area of lung cancer, research, caring for patients, medical education, and advocacy. He is the Founder of End Lung Cancer Now, which is a part of the Community Outreach and Engagement arm of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. His team is leading efforts to expand lung cancer screening to Hoosiers.
Dr. Sherri L. Session
Faith Panel
Dr. Sherri L. Session is a preacher, teacher, chaplain, group facilitator, and Companionship trainer. She currently works as a Project Coordinator for IU Health Spiritual Care. Through her work with the IU Health Congregational Care Network and the Center for Congregations, Sherri has worked to build the capacity of Indiana congregations for over 10 years. Sherri is an ordained deacon and minister at Progressive Baptist Church in Indianapolis, where she has served in several capacities, including Executive Minister.
Rev. Gregory Morse, MDiv
Faith Panel
Rev. Greg Morse has more than 30 years of experience serving congregations in both Indiana and Illinois. Greg graduated with his Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He completed a one-year fellowship Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the Behavioral Health unit at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Greg serves as a staff chaplain for IU Health Congregational Care Network. Currently, he is partnering with Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) on a grant-funded program that addresses substance misuse prevention with adults 50+ in central Indiana.
Rep. Robin Shackleford
Food Accessibility for Residents of Indiana
Elected in 2012, Indiana House District 98 Rep. Robin Shackleford serves as ranking Democrat on the Public Health Committee. She is also a member of the Insurance and the Courts and Criminal Code committees. Shackleford is an independent life and health insurance broker. She was previously a project manager for both Crowe Horwath and Engaging Solutions consulting firms. Shackleford worked for Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson as the Diversity Affairs Director. She has worked as a policy and research specialist for the Indiana Health Care Association. Shackleford is a graduate of Indiana University and IUPUI, having earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Affairs. She currently serves as Board President for Pathway Resource Center, and is a former board member for Indy Reads and Martin University.
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Kierra Tucker
Education and Wellbeing For Children
Kierra Tucker is a proud alumnus of Ball State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Her professional journey has been shaped by her experiences in the Marion Superior Court System and Social Services field. Currently, her passion lies in public health, as she is devoted to building sustainable bridges among professional networking partners and local communities throughout the state of Indiana. With her faith as her anchor, she finds immense joy and fulfillment in serving youth in ministry and extending a helping hand to humanity.
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Kelley M Holman, MPH
Intersectionality Within Marginalized Communities
Kelley Holman has been employed at the Indiana Department of Health for three years, where she has served as the Local Health Department Liaison in the Department of Clinical Quality Management and Community Impact within the division of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis since January 2024. Her previous role at IDOH was in the Prevention Department within the same division, where she served as an STI Prevention Specialist. Prior to joining IDOH, Kelley worked in the healthcare industry as a Histology Technician for a major urology clinic in Indiana, as well as in various roles in the pharmaceutical and clinical industries across the state.
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Marika Baptist
Food Accessibility for Residents of Indiana
Marika Baptist is a Practice Coach who supports Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in implementing change strategies for clients managing chronic diseases. Through her involvement with the Indiana Primary Care Learning Collaborative, she champions the adoption of trauma-informed approaches to care among health center staff. Currently, Marika leads the Indiana Department of Health's Health Equity Council, collaborating with its members and various divisions to establish equitable processes and practices across program areas. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), a Master of Education from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and she is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Health Science at the University of Indianapolis.
Robin Shaw
Education and Wellbeing For Children
Robin Shaw serves as Head of School at The Oaks Academy Pre-Kindergarten Education Center in Indianapolis. Prior to this role, Robin held several different positions in education, including leading Prior Learning Assessment for adult learners at Martin University and as Vice President for Administration at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri. She has been involved in the development, launch, and opening of two early learning centers and served the State of Missouri as a member of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group from 2009-10. Robin holds an M.S.W. from The University of Georgia-Athens, a law degree from The University of Chicago Law School, and a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, where she is a Saul Zaentz Fellow.
Francine Epperson
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: A Lifestyle
Francine Epperson, AGS, joined the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center 33 years ago as the Clinical, Hereditary, and Neuropathology Research Coordinator. Ms. Epperson retired in 2020, later returning to the IADRC as DEI Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. She plays a crucial role in various groundbreaking research projects, and has more than 75 combined research manuscripts, posters, abstracts, and oral presentations. Recognition for her DEI contributions has led to several awards, including being the inaugural recipient in 2019 of the Indiana University School of Medicine Outstanding Staff Commitment to Diversity Award, the 2022 Best Oral Presentation at the Alzheimer’s Association Health Disparities Conference, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2023 IU School of Medicine Building Bridges Award. Ms. Epperson like to refer to herself as an advocate and visionary for reducing health disparities as they relate to healthy brain aging in the African-American/Black.
Karen Campbell
Dementia and Healthy Brain Aging: What We Are Doing to Preserve Memory in African American and Black Communities
Karen Campbell is an anchor/reporter with WTHR in Indianapolis. She moved to the Hoosier State in 2019 from Maryland. She is the youngest of four girls who has taken full responsibility of being a long-distance caregiver for her mother, who has dementia. When she's not working, Karen enjoys teaching fitness classes, including Zumba. She's a certified personal trainer as well as CPR-certified. She is a board member with the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, and the Indianapolis Public Library's African-American History Committee.
Priscilla A. Barnes, MPH, Ph.D., MCHES
Dementia and Healthy Brain Aging: What We Are Doing to Preserve Memory in African American and Black Communities
At the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Dr. Priscilla Barnes’s focus is on public health partnerships, community engagement, coalition development, and community health improvement plans. As a faculty affiliate for the Center for Rural Engagement, she has worked directly with communities throughout southern Indiana to develop the Community Health Improvement Program. Dr. Barnes is a Principal Investigator with the R24 Collaborative for Aging Research and Engagement study, the goal of which is to make sure African-American/Black communities are informed and inspired to increase their knowledge about brain health and Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia. She is a 2021 Fulbright Scholar and has authored or co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed articles.
Vivien Carter
Dementia and Healthy Brain Aging: What We Are Doing to Preserve Memory in African American and Black Communities
Vivien Carter (she/her/hers) is a dynamic leader as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter. She leads its ALZ Equity for Indiana Initiative, which is dedicated to outreach for populations disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities. Vivien provides strategic direction and leadership to the Chapter’s efforts in advancing health equity in underserved and overburdened communities. She ensures DEI principles are integrated into all aspects of the Chapter's work. Her commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable environments extends beyond her workplace, actively driving change within the community. Her efforts reflect her dedication to creating spaces where everyone's voices and experiences are valued and celebrated. In 2022, she had the honor of being named one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 20 in Their Twenties, a program that celebrates Indy’s top emerging leaders. She is a proud member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series (SKL) 47th class. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Management from Manchester University.
Dr. Omolola (Lola) Adeoye-Olatunde
Dementia and Healthy Brain Aging: What We Are Doing to Preserve Memory in African American and Black Communities
Dr. Omolola (Lola) Adeoye-Olatunde is the Darr-Channey Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Purdue University. She founded and serves as Principal Investigator for HER (health equity research) Lab, focusing on reducing health disparities and advancing health equity. She is the Director of Community Engagement and Evaluation for the Center for Health Equity and Innovation. Her research investigates the effective implementation of community-based programs to reduce health disparities, and she collaborates with community-based organizations globally to address inequities. Her collaborative work has received recognition, including the Bowl of Hygeia Award, the AcademyHealth Emerging Leader Award, being a National Institutes of Health - National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Institute Scholar, and being named a Top 40 Under 40 Minority Health Leader by the National Minority Quality Forum.
Dr. Danielle Henderson
Dementia and Healthy Brain Aging: What We Are Doing to Preserve Memory in African American and Black Communities
Dr. Danielle Henderson earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville. She completed both her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Health Psychology emphasized Cardiac-Pulmonary Behavioral Medicine. In October 2018, she began her clinical-track faculty position in the Department of Psychiatry at IU School of Medicine, and in December 2021 she was appointed Assistant Dean for the Center for Inclusive Excellence. Dr. Henderson works as a clinician and supervisor in a variety of clinical settings at the School of Medicine and IU Health. Dr. Henderson is also passionate about diversity work, bringing this energy to her role as a member of the IU Psychology Internship Program’s Executive Committee spearheading diversity efforts, and as a member of the Association for Psychologists in Academic Health Centers’ Committee on Disparities and Diversity. Additionally, she chairs the Department of Psychiatry’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and co-chairs the Indiana Psychological Association’s DEI Committee.
Dr. Tameka Jones
Dementia and Healthy Brain Aging: What We Are Doing to Preserve Memory in African American and Black Communities
Dr. Tameka Jones is a board-certified family physician.
She was raised in Indianapolis and is a proud product of Indianapolis Public Schools. Dr. Jones’s path to medicine began during her time at Arsenal Tech High School, where she was in the health professions magnet and graduated as valedictorian of her class. She continued her educational path by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Fisk University, a Master’s in Renal Pathology from IUPUI, and a Medical Degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her specialty training at Community Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Jones is passionate about providing exceptional care to all of her patients. She has a special interest in preventive care and in empowering her patients in the management of their chronic conditions.
Shana Evans BSN, RN,
SANE-A
Drug and Sexual Education: Healthy Living Choices for Youth
Shana Evans is the SANE Program Coordinator for Reid Health and is a registered nurse with a BSN from Miami University of Ohio. She is a forensic nurse who received her certification as a SANE-A (sexual assault nurse examiner for adults and adolescents) in 2021. She has specialized training to provide care, evidence collection, forensic photos, and courtroom testimony on victims of violent crimes such as Intimate partner/domestic violence, strangulation, sexual assault, Pediatric sexual assault, child or elder abuse, human trafficking, and trauma assault victims. Prior to starting her current role as SANE Program Coordinator in 2022, she had 4 years’ experience as a nurse at a long-term care facility, 13 years’ experience as an emergency room nurse and 8 years’ experience as a SANE trained nurse while working as an emergency room nurse.
Dr. Misha Rhodes
Dr. Misha Rhodes is the Chief Medical Officer for CenterWell Kentucky and Indiana and is an Internal Medicine physician with more than 20 years’ experience. She graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. She has spent most of her career caring for acute and hospitalized patients, before transitioning into value-based care. Prior to joining CenterWell Senior Primary Care, Dr. Rhodes managed the Kentucky and Indiana markets for a value-based care, full-risk Medicare Advantage program, before going on to serve as a Regional Medical Officer for CareMore/Aspire. There, she oversaw the North Central region, composed of teams dedicated to primary care for both Medicare and Medicaid patients, as well as teams providing in-home palliative care. In this role, Dr. Rhodes gained invaluable experience and knowledge of value-based care, HEDIS/STARS, risk adjustment and the importance of accurate provider documentation. Dr. Rhodes is a native Kentuckian, based in Louisville. In her spare time, Dr. Rhodes enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, working out, and remodeling homes.
Latrice Ligon
Medicare and Social Security
Latrice Ligon’s career path in public health started when she became a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California in 1988. She discovered there were other ways of helping those in need, quickly leading her to community outreach and public health. For more than 20 years, she has worked in the public health sector and has truly enjoyed helping others. She is currently a certified community health worker, and looks forward to the impact the Health Equity Council can make on her community and how the efforts will be sustained for many years to come. Her education and awards include Pacific Coast College, Licensed Vocational Nurse, IVY TECH Community College, Associate of General Studies, Certified Community Health Worker Training, Most Creative Award, and Certificate of Community Champion Award. Latrice enjoys crafting, reading, traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Jessica Herzog-Hall
Medicare and Social Security
Jessica Herzog-Hall is a graduate of Bellarmine University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. During her academic career, Jessica dedicated herself to understanding all aspects of what a survivor of violent crime experiences. Prior to joining Indiana Youth Services Association, Jessica worked at Chaucie’s Place as a Prevention Education Coordinator, helping to educate the community on child sexual abuse prevention and suicide prevention. Jessica earned her Master’s of Social Work in December 2021. While working toward her graduate degree she served as the Region 5 Coalition Coordinator at the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP) and then transitioned to Director of the ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Indiana Coalition. Jessica is an ACE Interface Master Trainer, a Healing-Centered Engagement Practitioner, and trained in Mind, Body, Medicine. It is her passion to help educate and move communities toward a trauma-informed and healing-centered environment.
Vic Oditah, Jr.
Community Health and Education: Black Greek Letter Organizations' Perspective
Vic Oditah, Jr. is the Founder & Executive Director of a youth career exploration program called Project O.G. Incorporated. Vic is responsible for setting the organization's strategic direction and ensuring its operations are aligned with its mission to ensure our youth are making informed decisions about their future careers and opportunities. Vic holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology & Anthropology from DePauw University and an MBA in Project Management from Strayer University. He has more than 10 years of experience working in the tech industry, between Genesys & Ultimate Kronos Group, which are major players in the software application development, Artificial Intelligence, and workforce management space in Indianapolis.
Komal Kaur Chohan
Intersectionality within Marginalized Communities
Komal Kaur Chohan is President of Umeed-Hope, a nonprofit committed to empowering survivors of family violence. As a former special education teacher and community-based caseworker specializing in trauma-induced behaviors, domestic violence, and mental health, Komal passionately fosters open dialogues and provides essential support. Her expertise and dedication break down barriers, creating a safe space for survivors to seek help and healing.
Nina Goradia SEP
Youth Empowerment Through De-escalation: Understanding Trauma
Nina Goradia is a coach who has been practicing the body-based trauma healing modality of Somatic Experiencing for the last 12 years. She has also been a physical therapist for 20 years. These backgrounds afford her both physical and emotional perspectives on regulation of the nervous system. In her coaching practice, she works with individual clients and groups to help them release stress stored in their nervous systems at the physical level, through somatic trauma-releasing exercises. She has also taught this work to students and teachers in the Indianapolis Public Schools system, in university talks, and at professional trauma conferences, so people can have tools to regulate and release the trapped emotions of stress and trauma from their bodies.
Dr. Francesca Duncan
A Community Conversation on Cancer Prevention and Screening
Dr. Francesca Duncan is a Pulmonologist and Intensivist at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Health, and Eskenazi Health. She cares for patients in the Intensive Care Unit with an array of critical conditions, as well as seeing patients with pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and lung cancer. She is also a physician scientist with expertise in disparities of lung cancer along the continuum, including lung cancer screening, early detection, guideline concordant treatment, and associated outcomes. She is interested in going beyond identifying the social determinants of health leading to disparities in lung cancer diagnosis and outcomes. Her research involves assessing ways to address those disparities by testing potential strategies to increase early lung cancer detection through lung cancer screening; educating primary care providers, patients, and community members about lung cancer screening; and ensuring equitable lung cancer treatment, particularly among Black and Hispanic patients who carry the burden of this disease. Locally, she serves as a member of the Eskenazi Health Lung Cancer Screening Multi-Disciplinary Committee, where she works closely with the screening program to ensure equitable screening for underserved patient populations. Nationally, she serves on the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable Health Equity Task Group, which seeks ways to achieve equitable lung cancer care from screening to treatment, particularly in disadvantaged and minority communities.
Jody Barbour
Education and Wellbeing for Children
With more than 18 years of service in both ministry and education, Jody Barbour brings a wealth of experience and passion to her calling. Having worked with a college ministry for 11 years and co-founded a church with her husband, Bobby — where they served for seven years — she has been instrumental in fostering community and spiritual growth. Currently, as the Admissions Recruitment Manager for The Oaks Academy in Indianapolis, Jody is committed to driving renewal and restoration in the city, championing diversity, and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to thrive. Her deep love for Indianapolis and its people fuels her mission to see the city flourish.
James W. Officer, III
Community Health and Education: Black Greek Letter Organizations' Perspective
James Officer, III has 27 years’ experience in coaching others to maximize their opportunities. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautic Technology and his Master of Public Administration from Indiana State University. James has led teams in the financial services, proprietary education, and disabilities service industries. As an experienced speaker/trainer, James has facilitated more than 300 seminars and was a speaker on the TEDx stage in May 2017. James also published his first book in 2017, “Keep Calm & Grow Rich: A Guide to Choosing Your Destiny.” In 2020, James published his second book, “Forgive & Grow Rich: There will Be No Apology,” and his third in the series, “Shift and Grow Rich,” in January 2024. In 2014, James founded DASHMASTERS, a professional development company that provides clients the tools and insights to grow through every season of their lives. As a consultant, James has worked with companies all over the U.S. to build capacity, develop strategy, and improve employee retention and engagement. James and his wife Trish, are the parents of four adult children and five grandchildren. James is making a living by what he earns and making a life by what he gives.
Dr. Martin F. Hill, Sr., Ph.D.
Community Health and Education: Black Greek Letter Organizations' Perspective
Dr. Martin F. Hill, Sr. is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He attended Indiana University-Bloomington, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He attended Michigan State University and received his Master of Arts in Counseling and Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology. He has more than 25 years of clinical experience and 15 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, he works for Life Health, Inc., a subcontractor to Serco, Inc., supporting the Department of the Navy, where he works with Navy and Marine Corps reservists and their families. Dr. Hill is very engaging with clients, establishing a strong therapeutic relationship. He uses cognitive behavioral techniques centered on addressing emotional concerns, developing solutions using evidence-backed techniques and promoting client-centered approaches. He has experience in addressing multicultural and LGBTQIA issues. He focuses on improving the overall well-being of each client.
Brittany Butterfield
Brittany Butterfield is a Health Equity and Diversity Specialist with the Indiana Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Preparedness. Her background is in Social Work, with previous roles as Children's Services Director with Sycamore Services, Assistant Director of Community Mental Health Services for Bowen Center in Marion County, and in Care Coordination for Children's Special Healthcare Services and the Moms Helpline.
Valerie Gathers, MD, FACOG
Community Health and Education: Black Greek Letter Organizations' Perspective
Valerie Gathers, MD, is an Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Ascension St. Vincent in Fishers, Indiana. She is a native of Indianapolis, graduate of IU Bloomington and University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Gathers did her Ob/Gyn residency at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY and has been practicing in the Central Indiana area since 2013. Dr. Gathers is Board certified and has centered her practice on Minimally Invasive Surgery, Advanced robotic surgeries, obstetrical maternal well-being, and preconceptual counseling. She also has a special interest in lactation education and social determinants of health. Dr. Gathers has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for over 20 years and is currently active in Alpha Mu Omega chapter. She has served in many roles including chairing Membership, Awards and the Health Committee. She has worked in conjunction with the sorority on Heart disease awareness, Cancer prevention initiatives, and COVID education and outreach. Dr. Gathers is married with a 4 year old daughter Mackenzie and 7 year old son Maxwell. During her spare time, Dr. Gathers enjoys traveling, listening to podcasts, and "Everything" Disney.
Cesar Mares
It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Normalizing Discussion on Mental Health
Cesar Mares is a rising 2nd year medical student at IU School of Medicine’s West Lafayette campus. Prior to starting graduate studies, Cesar’s most passionate endeavor was working as an Education Program Specialist for the Indiana Latino Institute, a non-profit geared towards addressing inequities in higher education attainment for Latinos across the state of Indiana. Here, Cesar co-created monthly programming in Marion County for middle school and high school Latino parents that later secured $500,000 in grant funding to expand past county lines. Today, Cesar continues to dive deeper into his desire to serve Hoosier minority groups. On campus, he is a co-investigator for a grant project that aims to create an early exposure primary care curriculum for URiM Tippecanoe County elementary/middle school students. This summer, he is working as a research assistant for a study aiming to understand the role of parental and community support in buffering the negative impacts of racial discrimination on mental health amongst Latino adolescents. When not buried deep in a science fiction book, Cesar enjoys taking strolls on the Canal downtown and going on hikes at state parks!
Dustin Ziegler
Cherish Your Mind
Dustin Ziegler is a program director for Anthem Indiana with a focus on caregiver support and programming for the new Indiana PathWays for Aging program that is scheduled to launch on July 1, 2024. Before joining Anthem, Dustin was vice president of clinical integration for CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions. In this role, Dustin focused on partnership development and collaborative service delivery models between CICOA and health and hospital systems. Dustin was also the founder of the Dementia Friends Indiana program established in 2017, of which CICOA is the state administrator, and was the recipient of the 2019 IU School of Medicine Torchbearer Award in the state of Indiana in recognition of the impact the Dementia Friends Indiana program has on improving population health for families living with dementia. Before CICOA, Dustin led the development of the clinical engagement program at the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana, which was recognized as one of the best programs in the nation. Dustin received his degree in gerontology from Indiana University.