The CHAI Advisory Committee

Mary Jones

Dr. Mary Jones serves as the Director of Workforce Development and Adjunct Faculty at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. She has worked in the field of Public Health in various sectors (state, non-profit, healthcare) for more than 15 years. Her research and public health experiences include chronic disease prevention, community engagement and organizing, health equity,  collation building and sustainability, workforce education and training related to the translation of research into public health and health care settings, and program implementation/management/evaluation.

Dr. Jones is a United States Air Force Veteran and serves her community in multiple capacities. Dr. Jones serves as: an at-large board member for Wholespire (optimizing health and wellness in all communities);  a member of the Advisory Board for the SC Breast and Cervical Cancer and Early Detection; member of SC DHEC’s Workforce Development Committee; member of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (public service sorority);  member of the Health and Wellness Ministry at First Northeast Baptist Church; member of the school improvement council in the Richland 2 school district

Angel Bourdon

Angel Bourdon is the Director of Community Health & Innovation with the SC Hospital Association (SCHA). In her role with SCHA, Angel leads community health and equity efforts through Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas (HPHC) and AccessHealth (AHSC) by supporting member hospitals, developing program strategy and providing technical assistance for The Duke Endowment-funded communities.

Previously, Angel worked with Prisma Health in Community Health and Information Technology. In those roles, she led the health system’s strategies for the Community Health Needs Assessment for 2016 and 2019, the launch and expansion of the school-based telehealth program and research and development of enterprise Business Intelligence and Population Health technology strategies.

Angel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Communication from Columbia College and Master of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. She is an avid volunteer and a believer of lifelong learning as a graduate of the United Way of the Midland’s Blueprint for Leadership program, SCHA’s Management Academy and a variety of other personal development programs. She also serves on several community boards and committees and received her Results-Based Accountability Certification from the Clear Impact Academy in 2021.

Karen Nichols

Karen Nichols, MBA, became the Executive Director for the Upper Midlands Rural Health Network (UMRHN) in June 2014. UMRHN is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004 to enhance partnerships and collaboration among rural health and human service providers. In this role, Karen provides leadership in developing program, organizational, and financial plans and policies that fulfill the mission of the organization. The mission of UMRHN is to improve health in Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster counties in South Carolina by increasing access to care, health promotion, and education.

Holly Pope

As a research associate with the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation (CARE) at the Arnold School of Public Health, Holly’s research interests include the evaluation of how communities access services and information and community partners contribute to solutions through mixed methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups. Holly specializes in using qualitative research methods in the context of quality improvement projects to inform stakeholders to address issues of racial equity.

Karen Nichols

Karen Nichols, MBA, became the Executive Director for the Upper Midlands Rural Health Network (UMRHN) in June 2014. UMRHN is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004 to enhance partnerships and collaboration among rural health and human service providers. In this role, Karen provides leadership in developing program, organizational, and financial plans and policies that fulfill the mission of the organization. The mission of UMRHN is to improve health in Chester, Fairfield, and Lancaster counties in South Carolina by increasing access to care, health promotion, and education.

Holly Pope

As a research associate with the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation (CARE) at the Arnold School of Public Health, Holly’s research interests include the evaluation of how communities access services and information and community partners contribute to solutions through mixed methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups. Holly specializes in using qualitative research methods in the context of quality improvement projects to inform stakeholders to address issues of racial equity.

Holly Pope

As a research associate with the Center for Applied Research and Evaluation (CARE) at the Arnold School of Public Health, Holly’s research interests include the evaluation of how communities access services and information and community partners contribute to solutions through mixed methods, including in-depth interviews and focus groups. Holly specializes in using qualitative research methods in the context of quality improvement projects to inform stakeholders to address issues of racial equity.

Zack King

Zack King is a CHW ally and advocate that specializes in supporting organizational and collaborative efforts to advance the health and well-being of communities. Zack has a background in community health development, with a specific focus in advancing intersectional opportunities between healthcare organizations, public health, and community-based organizations. Throughout his career, Zack emphasized equity-oriented approaches that mobilize collective action, build authentic relationships, and grow the strengths of communities and organizations.

Reeshemah Mckelvey

Ms. Reeshemah Mckelvey is the Director of Access Health Tri-County Network and has been employed with the agency for 10 years. Reeshemah oversees a team of Community Health Workers and Care Navigators who lead Roper St. Francis Health’s navigation of the chronically ill uninsured and underinsured patients’ population to include diabetes management and prevention efforts.  MS. Mckelvey has over 17 years of experience in the Human Services and Population Health field.  She has committed herself to advocating and serving marginalized populations in the Tri-County Area.

Reeshemah Mckelvey

Ms. Reeshemah Mckelvey is the Director of Access Health Tri-County Network and has been employed with the agency for 10 years. Reeshemah oversees a team of Community Health Workers and Care Navigators who lead Roper St. Francis Health’s navigation of the chronically ill uninsured and underinsured patients’ population to include diabetes management and prevention efforts.  MS. Mckelvey has over 17 years of experience in the Human Services and Population Health field.  She has committed herself to advocating and serving marginalized populations in the Tri-County Area.

Marek Calhoun

Marek Calhoun resides of Darlington, SC and has lived in Darlington County since 2001. Marek currently serves as the Director of Social and Community Services for CareSouth Carolina’s Community Health Services Division. CareSouth Carolina is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina. Marek received his Associate’s of Arts degree in Management from Northeastern Technical College, a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology from Coker University. He later received an Master’s of Arts degree in Community Mental Counseling from Webster University and a Master’s of Science degree in the Administration of Justice and Security from the University of Phoenix.

Marek is a member of the greatest fraternity in the world, THE Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. where he holds the office of Keeper of Records and Seal for the Chi Iota chapter in Florence, SC. Marek is a diehard Las Vegas Raiders fan. Marek enjoys cooking and spending time with his family especially his wife Eutashia and their new addition to the family, baby boy Darry. When ask what drive and motivates him, Marek says “I want to make a difference in the lives of people, that’s what drives me every day; knowing that I have touched and made a difference in the lives of those in the community we serve.”

Pennie Jewel

Pennie Jewell is a certified Community Health Worker with over 30 years of experience providing advocacy, care coordination, direct care, health education, social support, capacity building and case management. She is the founder of Athens Home Care Solutions (AHCS), an organization providing non-medical home care services in her community where she is currently developing strategies to integrate a Community Health Worker program. Pennie enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing pickleball and paddleboarding.

Terri Jowers

Terri Jowers, CCHW, is a Barnwell County native and founding member of the South Carolina Community Health Worker Association (SCCHWA). Currently, she serves as Interim Executive Director of SCCHWA.

Jodi Rodgers

I am Jodi Rodgers,  a certified CHW and Access Kershaw Supervisor. I have worked with the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County and Access Kershaw since 2016. I live in Cassatt SC, but originally from Beckley WV. I graduated from Marshall University in Huntington WV in 2000 with a BA in Counseling. I am a sports mom to my 2 teenagers, so you will find me on the sidelines during my off time.

Dara Brown

Dara Brown, MPH is the Senior Community Health Coordinator at Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center. She has over 25 years experience in public health. Ms. Brown has experience as a community health worker working at the individual, group, and systems levels.

Sonya Del Rio

Sonya Del Rio is the Director of Enabling Services for Tandem Health in Sumter SC. Prior to her role at Tandem Health, she worked for the Department of Human and Health Services for 10 years as an Eligibility Specialist. She holds a B. A. in Human Services, an Associate‘s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associate’s in Human Services. She is a Certified Community Health Worker, and a Certified Medical Assistant.

Sonya Del Rio

Sonya Del Rio is the Director of Enabling Services for Tandem Health in Sumter SC. Prior to her role at Tandem Health, she worked for the Department of Human and Health Services for 10 years as an Eligibility Specialist. She holds a B. A. in Human Services, an Associate‘s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associate’s in Human Services. She is a Certified Community Health Worker, and a Certified Medical Assistant.

Sonya Del Rio

Sonya Del Rio is the Director of Enabling Services for Tandem Health in Sumter SC. Prior to her role at Tandem Health, she worked for the Department of Human and Health Services for 10 years as an Eligibility Specialist. She holds a B. A. in Human Services, an Associate‘s degree in Early Childhood Education and an Associate’s in Human Services. She is a Certified Community Health Worker, and a Certified Medical Assistant.

Victoria Adewumi

Victoria Adewumi, MA, CHW, MPH is a public health practitioner and Community Health Worker with over 10 years of experience in municipal, non-profit, K-12, higher education and faith-based organizational settings. Victoria’s work includes facilitating community empowerment and establishing health equity interventions for historically marginalized populations through coalition building, direct service, case management, policy and advocacy. Victoria is on the Leadership Team of the Community Health Worker Center for Research and Evaluation (CHW-CRE) where she supports the development of common process and outcome indicators to evaluate CHW programs globally. Victoria holds a BA/MA from the University of New Hampshire, and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University. Victoria is a current DrPH student at Johns Hopkins University, and was awarded both a MPH and DrPH Bloomberg Fellowship from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative.

Victoria Adewumi

Victoria Adewumi, MA, CHW, MPH is a public health practitioner and Community Health Worker with over 10 years of experience in municipal, non-profit, K-12, higher education and faith-based organizational settings. Victoria’s work includes facilitating community empowerment and establishing health equity interventions for historically marginalized populations through coalition building, direct service, case management, policy and advocacy. Victoria is on the Leadership Team of the Community Health Worker Center for Research and Evaluation (CHW-CRE) where she supports the development of common process and outcome indicators to evaluate CHW programs globally. Victoria holds a BA/MA from the University of New Hampshire, and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University. Victoria is a current DrPH student at Johns Hopkins University, and was awarded both a MPH and DrPH Bloomberg Fellowship from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative.

Victoria Adewumi

Victoria Adewumi, MA, CHW, MPH is a public health practitioner and Community Health Worker with over 10 years of experience in municipal, non-profit, K-12, higher education and faith-based organizational settings. Victoria’s work includes facilitating community empowerment and establishing health equity interventions for historically marginalized populations through coalition building, direct service, case management, policy and advocacy. Victoria is on the Leadership Team of the Community Health Worker Center for Research and Evaluation (CHW-CRE) where she supports the development of common process and outcome indicators to evaluate CHW programs globally. Victoria holds a BA/MA from the University of New Hampshire, and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University. Victoria is a current DrPH student at Johns Hopkins University, and was awarded both a MPH and DrPH Bloomberg Fellowship from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative.

Cyndi New

Cyndi New, currently serving as Self Regional’s Director of Community Health & Health Equity, brings a wealth of experience from her dynamic 20-year career in healthcare. With a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Lander University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Anderson University, she has effectively blended her medical expertise with a strong business acumen. With certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Results Based Accountability, New is dedicated to implementing comprehensive healthcare programs that prioritize health equity, social determinants of health, and community well-being, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities.

Cyndi New

Cyndi New, currently serving as Self Regional’s Director of Community Health & Health Equity, brings a wealth of experience from her dynamic 20-year career in healthcare. With a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Lander University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Anderson University, she has effectively blended her medical expertise with a strong business acumen. With certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Results Based Accountability, New is dedicated to implementing comprehensive healthcare programs that prioritize health equity, social determinants of health, and community well-being, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities.

Cyndi New

Cyndi New, currently serving as Self Regional’s Director of Community Health & Health Equity, brings a wealth of experience from her dynamic 20-year career in healthcare. With a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Lander University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Anderson University, she has effectively blended her medical expertise with a strong business acumen. With certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Results Based Accountability, New is dedicated to implementing comprehensive healthcare programs that prioritize health equity, social determinants of health, and community well-being, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities.

Wilma Moore

I’m Wilma Jackson Moore from Spartanburg, SC.  I work as a Community Engagement Coordinator for the United Way of the Piedmont, and am fortunate to be located in my neighborhood, the Highland Community. I am 63 years old and I have two wonderful children, Briana and Kiyounnie, who is now living with the Lord, and a beautiful grandson, Kace McCreary Means who just turned two. I have been working in community service since 2008 and I am a Certified Community Health Worker, graduating the inaugural class in 2020.

Wilma Moore

I’m Wilma Jackson Moore from Spartanburg, SC.  I work as a Community Engagement Coordinator for the United Way of the Piedmont, and am fortunate to be located in my neighborhood, the Highland Community. I am 63 years old and I have two wonderful children, Briana and Kiyounnie, who is now living with the Lord, and a beautiful grandson, Kace McCreary Means who just turned two. I have been working in community service since 2008 and I am a Certified Community Health Worker, graduating the inaugural class in 2020.

Wilma Moore

I’m Wilma Jackson Moore from Spartanburg, SC.  I work as a Community Engagement Coordinator for the United Way of the Piedmont, and am fortunate to be located in my neighborhood, the Highland Community. I am 63 years old and I have two wonderful children, Briana and Kiyounnie, who is now living with the Lord, and a beautiful grandson, Kace McCreary Means who just turned two. I have been working in community service since 2008 and I am a Certified Community Health Worker, graduating the inaugural class in 2020.

Mayra Lubov

Mayra Lubov is a community health worker and the PASOs Deputy Director. She has more than 15 years of experience in serving the community through various roles in both the U.S. and South America. She truly believes that education is a powerful and vital tool for our communities to thrive. 

Noelle Wiggins (she/her)

Currently the Co-Principal Investigator of the CHW Center for Research and Evaluation (formerly, the CHW Common Indicators Project), Noelle has over 35 years’ experience working on teams that use popular/people’s education, the Community Health Worker (CHW) model, and participatory research and evaluation to advance health and educational equity. Noelle served as Assoc. Director of the landmark Natl. Community Health Advisor Study and co-wrote the study chapter that identified the core roles and competencies of CHWs. Noelle has a BA from Yale University, an MS from the Harvard School of Public Health, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Portland State University.

Noelle Wiggins (she/her)

Currently the Co-Principal Investigator of the CHW Center for Research and Evaluation (formerly, the CHW Common Indicators Project), Noelle has over 35 years’ experience working on teams that use popular/people’s education, the Community Health Worker (CHW) model, and participatory research and evaluation to advance health and educational equity. Noelle served as Assoc. Director of the landmark Natl. Community Health Advisor Study and co-wrote the study chapter that identified the core roles and competencies of CHWs. Noelle has a BA from Yale University, an MS from the Harvard School of Public Health, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Portland State University.

Noelle Wiggins (she/her)

Currently the Co-Principal Investigator of the CHW Center for Research and Evaluation (formerly, the CHW Common Indicators Project), Noelle has over 35 years’ experience working on teams that use popular/people’s education, the Community Health Worker (CHW) model, and participatory research and evaluation to advance health and educational equity. Noelle served as Assoc. Director of the landmark Natl. Community Health Advisor Study and co-wrote the study chapter that identified the core roles and competencies of CHWs. Noelle has a BA from Yale University, an MS from the Harvard School of Public Health, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Portland State University.

Carey Rothschild

Carey Justice Rothschild is the System Director of Community Health Policy and Strategy for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. A certified CHW herself, Carey has experience developing and managing programs to identify and address social needs and barriers to health. She belives that CHWs are an essential component in aproving health for individuals and of our larger communities.

Carey Rothschild

Carey Justice Rothschild is the System Director of Community Health Policy and Strategy for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. A certified CHW herself, Carey has experience developing and managing programs to identify and address social needs and barriers to health. She belives that CHWs are an essential component in aproving health for individuals and of our larger communities.