Meet Our Team.
AAHP staff is made up of a dedicated team of culturally competent healthcare professionals who are on a mission to advance the health of African Americans in Montgomery County.
AAHP Leadership Team
George McFarland, MSW
AAHP Program Manager and CEO and President of McFarland and Associates, Inc.
George McFarland has more than 46 years of experience developing programs and providing service in the areas of health care, education, employment and economic sustainability. A resident of Montgomery County for more than 41 years, Mr. McFarland has worked closely with numerous federal, state and community organizations in the County and throughout the U.S. to improve the quality of life for people whose lives are affected by health risks. He has authored and implemented more than $100 million in grants and contracts to promote health and human development, playing a major role in shaping our understanding of the influence of behavior on overall health and wellness.
Under his leadership, McFarland & Associates, Inc., provides program and management consulting services in health care, social science research, education, criminal justice, housing, information technology, and substance abuse prevention. A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, George McFarland holds a bachelors in political science from Howard as well as a master of social work in social policy formation from Howard University.
Nkossi Dambita, MD, MPH, MS
Clinical Director
Dr. Nkossi Dambita is the Director of Clinical Services at McFarland & Associates in the African American Health Program in Montgomery County, Maryland. Dr. Dambita is a public health physician trained in epidemiology at SUNY at Buffalo where he received his Master of Science degree. Dr. Dambita received his MPH in health systems management from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and a master’s in health sciences informatics from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. For more than two decades, he has directed public health programs at the state and local levels, as well as internationally. He has successfully managed major public health projects, including the serological monitoring of HIV in Maryland and the surveillance of bioterrorism in Baltimore City.
Dr. Dambita has provided education and advisory services to governments and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs). He has been faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine since 2006. He is a passionate advocate of knowledge management systems as a means of delivering knowledge at the point of need for better decision-making in Public Health.
Andrea Guy-McFarland, MSW
Senior Associate for Project Development and Quality Assurance
Andrea Guy-McFarland began her long career in public service and social work as a community organizer in Philadelphia. In support of services and programs that help the mentally handicapped, mentally retarded and emotionally disturbed, and children in need of protection, she has held leadership positions that involved developing policy and procedures; designing, implementing and evaluating programs; assisting in the preparation, monitoring, and adjustment of budgets; and managing and supervising staff, among other tasks. For ten years, she served as the District Program Manager, Deputy District Administrator, and District Administrator (on an as-needed basis) as well as the Vice-president of operations for two social service organizations.
In these roles, she was responsible for a welfare reform case management contract and supervised and coordinated social services for programs related to alcohol and drug abuse, mental health, and other health issues. After relocating to the DC metropolitan area, she worked as the Deputy Director of Planning, Policy and Program Support for DC Child and Family Services for 15 years. In 2015, she joined McFarland and Associates as a senior associate for project development and quality assurance, where she is responsible for staff development and quality assurance. Ms. McFarland holds a bachelor’s in liberal arts from Temple University as well as a master’s in social work from University of Pennsylvania. She also has numerous professional affiliations, volunteers extensively, and has been recognized for her work and dedication with accolades that include the Valeria Bullard Black Administrator of the Year Award.
Monica Brame, SHRM-SCP, PMP, MBA
Chief Financial & Business Operations Officer
Monica Brame has more than 15 years of federal contracting, program management and accounting experience with several health and human services agencies. Early in her career, she worked for KPMG performing client engagement and later worked as an analyst for Lockheed Martin, where she provided financial support and leadership. Prior to joining McFarland and Associates, she worked as an accountant for the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Ms. Brame joined AAHP as a finance manager providing managerial leadership and staff direction for financial and accounting administration, company operating budgets, payroll operations, accounting deliverables, cost management and pricing proposals, internal audits, fiscal reporting, and business controls.
She later became McFarland’s CFO and business operations office; in that role, she provides guidance in the design and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives for measurement of company progress against contract requirements. She also currently works as a consultant in finance, contracts, human resources, accounting and sales. A certified PMP, she holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Morgan State University and a master’s in management, and an MBA from University of Maryland University College. She is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants and Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor society.
AAHP Staff
Nelson Bolima
Community Health Worker
Nelson Bolima brings a unique blend of skills and hands-on experience in various healthcare and logistics settings to his role as a Community Health Worker. His most recent role as a Data Entry Specialist at the American Diversity Group involved managing patient information and enhancing operational efficiency. Mr. Bolima has substantial experience as a medical intern at Adventist Health Care White Oak Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a first-generation immigrant, he aspires to become a doctor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universities at Shady Grove and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Liberty University, along with certifications in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Public Health.
Joyceta Cole, M.Ed.
Data Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Joyceta Cole is an experienced professional with over 15 years in the educational sector. She previously excelled as a medical records clerk at Yes Care Corp. and as an elementary school teacher in Virginia. Currently, she serves as the administrative assistant for AAHP, with some additional responsibilities as a certified community health worker and DPP Lifestyle Coach. Additionally, she is actively involved in volunteer work, including leadership roles in community and religious organizations. Ms. Cole holds a master’s in education from Walden University, a bachelor’s in health information management from the University of Arizona, and a bachelor’s in education from Columbia Union College.
Sybil Cooper, BSN, RN, CM/DN, IBCLC
S.M.I.L.E. Nurse Case Manager
Ms. Cooper has over 10 years of professional experience as a registered nurse, certified lactation consultant, and birth doula. Her clinical expertise is centered on providing prenatal, birth, and postpartum support, as well as education, to women and children through adolescence. Her extensive experience in delivering high-quality care and education to expecting and postpartum families serves her well in her role as AAHP’s SMILE Lactation Consultant. Ms. Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University and is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters, whom she supports as a dedicated dance mom.
Charlene Day, RNC-OB, MSN, CNS, C-EFM
Nurse Case Manager
Charlene Leslie Day is a Certified OB Clinical Nurse Specialist with over 35 years of experience in obstetric and maternal–child nursing. In her role as a SMILE RN Case Manager for the African American Health Program, she is committed to reducing health disparities through education, home visits, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support clients and their babies in reaching their highest potential. Over the course of her career, she has worked at prestigious institutions such as New York University Hospital, North University Hospital, Walter Reed Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Ms. Day also holds credentials as an NRP Instructor, Fetal Monitoring Instructor, and Certified Registered Nurse, and remains dedicated to professional growth through ongoing conferences and continuing education opportunities. Originally from New York City, Ms. Day holds an associate’s from Helene Fuld School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CW Post Brookville Campus, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Hunter College.
Latiffah Douglas, BS, RN , C-EFM
Nurse Case Manager
Latiffah Douglas is an experienced Registered Nurse with a strong clinical focus in perinatal care and a deep commitment to health equity. In her role as a Perinatal RN II at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, she provides holistic care to mothers and newborns during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. She is skilled in managing high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, informed, and supportive birth experiences.
Latiffah is particularly passionate about minority health and actively works to address the disparities affecting birthing people today. Her background in community health and addiction recovery has shaped her approach to patient care—centered on advocacy, education, and cultural sensitivity.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from the University of Maryland and an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Frederick Community College. Latiffah is also certified in ACLS, BLS, Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and STABLE.
Stacy Gantz, MPH
Community Health Worker
Stacy Gantz is a public health professional with expertise spanning multiple fields including outpatient care, rehabilitation, health advocacy, and health education. Prior to joining AAHP, Ms. Gantz worked as a contact tracer investigator for the Department of Health. In this role, she educated residents about COVID-19 mandates and helped manage programs and initiates for COVID outreach. As an assistant physical therapist at Forever Fit Physical Therapy, she helped patients get the care they need by helping doctors and planning health-related events. Ms. Gantz has certifications as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Montgomery College, Takoma Park and received her BS in exercise science as well as her MPH from Trinity Washington University.
Candita Hinds
Mental Health Specialist
As AAHP’s mental health specialist, Candita Hinds brings more than a decade of experience supporting and improving community mental health and wellness. In addition to her work at AAHP, Ms. Hinds is the CEO and founder of HAVE Therapy LLC, which provides evidence-based counseling to individuals of all ages. Her career includes roles as a rehab specialist, licensed therapeutic counselor, and social services assistant, highlighting her commitment to improving mental health across diverse populations. Candita holds dual master’s degrees in Professional and Counseling Psychology from Washington Adventist University and is both a licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified supervisor.
Taliyah Jackson, MSN, RN
Chronic Disease Management Nurse
With experience in labor and delivery, postpartum care, and pediatric intensive care, Taliyah Jackson brings a well-rounded approach to maternal and neonatal health. In her most recent position at the High-Risk Perinatal Center at Holy Cross Hospital, she provided expert care for patients facing complications such as preterm labor, hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Her clinical training includes rotations in pediatric cardiovascular intensive care and cardiothoracic surgery at UPMC hospitals, where she gained expertise in advanced patient care techniques. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from La Roche University and a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences from Florida Atlantic University. Taliyah is passionate about women’s health and community service, having served as the Women’s Health in Medicine Chair for the American Medical Student Association and a chapter president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Certified in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), fetal monitoring, and nurse management, she is committed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Iye Kanu, MBA, BSN, RN, CPC
Nursing Supervisor
Iye Kanu is a maternal health advocate and clinical leader with nearly 20 years of experience bridging frontline care, health systems innovation, and reimbursement strategy. A registered nurse and certified professional coder, Ms. Kanu brings deep expertise in maternal-child health, healthcare coverage and reimbursement policy, and equitable access to care. Currently serving as the Nursing Supervisor of the SMILE Program, Iye leads a nurse-led home visiting initiative that supports Black and underserved birthing families. Ms. Kanu’s clinical background spans labor and delivery, postpartum, neonatal care, and critical care nursing. In addition, Ms. Kanu has led payer initiatives on reimbursement and medical policy at health plans such as CareFirst BCBS and Optum (United Healthcare) and has contributed to health disparities research at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing where she co-authored peer-reviewed publications on symptom management and coping during breast cancer treatment and intimate partner violence. Ms. Kanu holds an MBA in Information Systems & Analytics from the University of Maryland, a BSN from Johns Hopkins University, and a BS in Biology from Mount Saint Mary’s University.
Saron Kebekabe
Community Health Worker
Saron Kebekabe is a passionate advocate for community health, specifically dedicated to engaging with the Ethiopian community in Montgomery County, MD. Through her role at McFarland Associates/African American Health Program, she actively researches critical health issues, including remote patient monitoring and mental health disparities. Saron’s passion lies in Health Informatics and Health IT, where she aims to leverage technology to improve healthcare outcomes. Currently, she is pursuing a major in Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Dr. Erica C. McFarland
Senior Health Advisor/Researcher
Dr. Erica McFarland, DVM, serving as AAHP”s Senior Health Advisor/Researcher, is a highly skilled medical professional with a deep passion for advancing healthcare and health services, especially among underserved populations. Her focus on chronic disease prevention and management, combined with her passion for research and unwavering commitment to understanding, developing, and enhancing best practices in healthcare service delivery, underscores her profound commitment to advancing health outcomes for AAHP’s clients. As a veterinarian, she worked as a Contractor for Vetco Clinics and as an Associate Veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital. With extensive experience in vaccine administration, blood collection, and wellness exams, she has provided mobile veterinary services across multiple states since 2014. Previously, Dr. McFarland worked at Dominion Animal Hospital, where she excelled in soft tissue surgeries and dental extractions. Her commitment extends beyond clinical duties, having served as a Community Outreach Coordinator with McFarland & Associates Inc. Dr. McFarland earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Science from Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University, obtained in 2001.
Gabriellia E. McNeil, MPH, MA
Community Health Worker/HIV Navigator
Gabriellia E. McNeil is a distinguished healthcare professional and educator with a diverse background in public health, biological sciences, and music performance. In her role as a Community Health Worker and HIV Navigator, Ms. McNeil promotes preventive healthcare, connects clients to vital resources, and collaborates with other AAHP staff to address comprehensive health needs. Prior to joining AAHP, Ms. McNeil worked as a Unit Secretary at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital and held several teaching and mentoring positions in anatomy, physiology, and biology. Her academic credentials include a Graduate Certificate in Cellular and Molecular Biology from George Mason University, a M.P.H. from American Public University, an M.A. in Piano Performance from Morgan State University, and dual B.S. in Biological Sciences and B.A. in Music Performance: Piano from Oakwood University, both cum laude.
Dylan Owens, BS, MPH
Research Associate and Community Health Worker
As a Community Health Worker, Dylan Owens brings her passion for public service and health education. She has led and managed several projects for AAHP’s breast cancer program, developing multi-media educational materials and collaborating with different organizations to coordinate community events, successfully raising awareness and providing Montgomery County women access to mammograms. She assists with literature reviews, grant proposals, and identifying students for internships with AAHP. Additionally, she has experience working with high-risk patient populations and developing customized care plans to address their medical, functional, and psychosocial needs. She received her Bachelor’s of Science at James Madison University as NCAA Division I tennis player and member of the Honors College. She then spent two years working as a registered behavioral therapist for children with autism spectrum disorder, and has interned at the National Cancer Institute, before receiving her Masters in Public Health from George Washington.
Mahalet Samson
Community Health Worker
Mahalet Samson is currently an accomplished senior at the University of Maryland, where she is majoring in biochemistry and minoring in mathematics. Through the University of Maryland’s Gemstone Honors Program, Ms. Samson has conducted extensive research on biomarkers and Alzheimer’s Disease throughout her undergraduate career. Since 2019, she has worked as a medical scribe at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD, where she documents patient information, procedures, radiographic findings, medication lists, and more. Ms. Samson also gained professional care experience through her internships for the Pregnancy Aid Center and at Holy Cross Hospital. Active in her school and her community, Ms. Samson holds leadership roles for the Student Success Leadership Council and the Ethiopian and Eritrean Students Association, and is a team leader with the Maryland Mentor Corps and the vice-president of the Hopeful Project, a food and resource pantry for homeless Prince George’s County residents.
Darlene Saunders, PhD, MPH, MCHES®
Diabetes Specialist
Darlene Saunders is a highly accomplished professional with more than 25 years of experience in public health and public health education. She has worked in various administrative and leadership positions within the private sector and government organizations, most recently serving as Administrative Program Manager for the Prince George’s County Health Department. In this role, she was responsible for developing, implementing, and managing programs that improve the health of her community. She has also served on the faculties of and provided expertise for various academic institutions including Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, University of Vermont, University of Maryland, and Duquesne University. Dr. Saunders holds certifications as a master trainer with the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and Diabetes Self-Management Program from the Self-Management Resource Center and as a lifestyle coach from the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. Dr. Saunders holds membership in several professional organizations, including the Society of Public Health Education and the American Association of Public Health. Dr. Sanders has a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland School of Public Health, and holds an MPH from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Darlene also has dual degrees in School Health Education & Community Health from Old Dominion University.
Jodesia "Mya" Smalls
Community Health Worker
Jodesia Smalls brings her passion for community health and public service to her role as a Community Health Worker. As a Community Health Intern for AAHP, she focused on maternal health and diabetes prevention, helping to develop treatment plans, assisting in community health screenings, and contributing to the Black Family’s Defying Diabetes Prevention Program. Ms. Smalls is certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED by the American Red Cross, demonstrating her readiness to respond to emergencies. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Maryland College Park.
Wanda J. Smith, MSW
Social Worker
With a professional emphasis on therapy, crisis intervention, case management, education and community outreach, Wanda Smith’s career in social work spans over twenty years. Ms. Smith recently worked as an adult protective services supervisor for the Fairfax County Government, where she oversaw case outcomes and ensured compliance with federal and state laws and procedures. She also has experience serving the aging and disabled population. Ms. Smith received her bachelors in social work from California State Polytechnic University and her masters in social work from University of Maryland at Baltimore.
Christin Statkiewicz, MSN, RN
S.M.I.L.E. Nurse Case Manager
Ms. Statkiewicz brings 15 years of clinical expertise with a focus on medical-surgical nursing. As a Maternal Health Nurse Case Manager, Ms. Statkiewicz specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies, providing individualized care to improve birth outcomes and address health disparities. She is dedicated to supporting women throughout pregnancy and motherhood, ensuring they receive essential resources and comprehensive services for a positive perinatal and postpartum experience. Her passion for maternal health and extensive patient management skills make her a strong advocate for equitable, healthier birth outcomes. Ms. Statkiewicz holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration from Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Jennifer Vega, BSN, RN, NC-BC, CD
Nurse Case Manager
Jennifer Vega is a devoted Registered Nurse with over seven years of nursing experience. As a Board-Certified Nurse Coach, Certified Doula, and Newborn Care Specialist, Jennifer combines clinical expertise with a warm, compassionate approach. Her work focuses on guiding families through prenatal, postpartum, newborn care, and lactation support, ensuring they feel confident and cared for at every stage. She is passionate about maternal health advocacy and believes in empowering parents with the knowledge and support they need to thrive. Ms. Vega holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
Autumn Williams, MPH
Community Health Worker
Autumn Williams works as AAHP’s community health worker while also pursuing her Master of Public Health at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Ms. Williams brings to AAHP a wealth of key skills such as presentation design, grant writing, research, and client-customer relations. Prior to joining AAHP, she worked as director of legal and compliance/HR manager at a political field firm in Washington, D.C. She served as a Maternal and Infant health intern at the Department of Health and Human Services where she reviewed needs assessments, conducted literature reviews, and assisted the Thrive by Five Coordinating Council. Ms. Williams holds several certifications, including FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Assistance) certification. She received her bachelor’s in chemistry from Albany State University in Albany, GA.
Juliette Williams
Community Health Worker
Ms. Williams brings to her position as a community health worker a strong background in recruitment, community outreach, coordinating and training volunteers, and fundraising. She spent more than a decade as an account executive with the National Marrow Donor program’s Be the Match Registry, where she helped increase the number of African Americans in the National Bone Marrow registry by 200% and was recognized as one of the top five account executives nationally. Ms. Williams received her bachelors from Virginia State University and completed graduate coursework at Howard University and the University of Iowa.
AAHP Consultants
Robina Barlow
Plant-Based Nutritionist and Food for Life Instructor
Robina Barlow is a Certified Food for Life Instructor focused on improving health outcomes for individuals through food and nutrition. Her classes provide nutrition information and food preparation demonstrations. Class topics include healthy basic, kickstarting your health, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and weight control. She has enjoyed watching her class participants improve their biometrics and health through healthy eating and other lifestyle changes.
Under his leadership, McFarland & Associates, Inc., provides program and management consulting services in health care, social science research, education, criminal justice, housing, information technology, and substance abuse prevention. A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, George McFarland holds a bachelors in political science from Howard as well as a master of social work in social policy formation from Howard University.
Tenecia Brown
Chronic Disease Prevention Program Evaluator
Tenecia A. Brown has dedicated her career to creating sustainable urban environments through exciting, positive, and healing multicultural diverse programming for all generations. Her career is marked by notable achievements in STEM and public health outreach, where she has excelled as a dynamic professional with a high-performance track record in life sciences, science education, and transdisciplinary engineering. Tenecia is also a respected leader in developing mentoring programs and serving as a public speaker and facilitator across various STEM activities. Her commitment extends to her role at the Community College of Baltimore County, where she teaches general chemistry and coordinates outreach engagement for STEM students.
Tenecia’s dedication to community service is evident through her continuous involvement with local grassroots movements, such as the Baltimore Peace Movement, where she addresses public and mental health issues like gun violence. She also significantly contributes to various community mediation and environmental justice events, showcasing her commitment to improving public health and community wellbeing. Tenecia’s work, enriched by her role as a seasoned grant writer and human resources professional, demonstrates her profound impact on communities and her relentless pursuit of fostering environments that support health, education, and empowerment.
D. “Amaadi” Coleman
Chronic Disease Prevention Program Evaluator
D. “Amaadi” Coleman is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in fitness, wellness, and data analysis. As the Belly Therapist® and founder of Fit Tribe Wellness LLC, she focuses on empowering women through fitness, wellness, and the natural healing of diastasis recti, leveraging her decade of experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Ms. Coleman’s commitment extends beyond her business, collaborating with nonprofits like MomCares and the Bloom Collective to support postpartum mothers, and serving on boards dedicated to empowering women of color.
Her journey into wellness was preceded by a career in research and data management in the criminal justice and public health sectors, marked by significant contributions to program evaluation and data analysis. Holding a M.A. in Public Policy from George Washington University and a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland at College Park, Ms. Coleman has a passion for maternal and infant health that drives her continuous efforts to support mothers in their health and healing journeys.
Jeffery M. Johnson, PhD
Men's Health Coordinator
Dr. Jeffery M. Johnson serves as the President and CEO of the National Partnership for Community Leadership, an influential nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the service capacity of community-based agencies to empower low-income parents and youth. Under his leadership, the organization has spearheaded some of the nation’s most significant social welfare research projects focused on men and fathers. Since 1997, Dr. Johnson has organized an annual international fatherhood conference that draws policymakers, practitioners, and parents from across the globe, significantly shaping discussions on fatherhood and family dynamics.
Dr. Johnson has been pivotal in legislative developments concerning family welfare; he played a key role in the passage of The Father’s Count Bill in 1999, which laid the groundwork for federal funding of responsible fatherhood programs. As a seasoned speaker, he has delivered presentations at over 300 conferences worldwide and is recognized as a leading authority on issues related to fathers and families, youth development, workforce development, and urban poverty, with a special focus on the experiences of African-American men and families.
Dr. Johnson’s academic credentials include earning a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from the University of Michigan. His commitment extends beyond his professional endeavors to substantial civic involvement. He has served in various capacities, including a 25-year tenure as a volunteer and board chairman for the United Way of the National Capital Area, and currently, he is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Morehouse College Research Institute. Dr. Johnson has received numerous awards for his national and international work, including being named National Fatherhood Leader of the Decade by 100 Fathers Inc. and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Focus on Father Network for his contributions to promoting positive father engagement. Dr. Johnson also leads the Men’s Fellowship Ministry at The Peoples Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD, continuing his lifelong commitment to community service and leadership.
Langston Smith, DDS
Oral Health Consultant
Dr. Langston D. Smith, renowned for his contributions as an endodontist and a Navy veteran, has dedicated much of his career to public service and education. Following a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Navy, where he retired as a Captain, Dr. Smith held key positions including Executive Officer at the Navy Dental Center in Norfolk, VA, Commanding Officer at Navy Center Northwest in Bremerton, Washington, and Director of Dental Operations at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, D.C.
After retiring from the Navy, Dr. Smith joined Howard University College of Dentistry as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Endodontics Department, a role he held for 12 years. His commitment extends beyond academia to community health outreach, serving on the Montgomery Cares Advocacy Board and coordinating health outreach at Colesville United Methodist Church. He is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists and serves as Deputy Surgeon General for Dentistry in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Johnson has been pivotal in legislative developments concerning family welfare; he played a key role in the passage of The Father’s Count Bill in 1999, which laid the groundwork for federal funding of responsible fatherhood programs. As a seasoned speaker, he has delivered presentations at over 300 conferences worldwide and is recognized as a leading authority on issues related to fathers and families, youth development, workforce development, and urban poverty, with a special focus on the experiences of African-American men and families.
Vicki Russell Walton
Cancer Specialist
Vicki Russell Walton, a two-time breast cancer and COVID-19 survivor, embodies resilience and advocacy. As the CEO of It’s In The Genes, LLC and It’s In The Genes II, Inc., motivational speaker, radio host, chronic disease educator and breast cancer advocate, Ms. Walton leverages her experiences to educate and inspire. Certified in various health disciplines, she has served on several cancer boards and works to educate and support people with cancer and cancer survivors on their health journeys. Her motto, “Stay In Your Happy Place,” underscores her belief in the power of spiritual resilience. She shares her empowering message globally, making a significant impact on health and wellness communities.
Brenda Woods-Francis, MPH, RDN, LDN, PMP
Dietitian/Nutritionist
Brenda Woods-Francis, MPH, RDN, CKM, brings extensive expertise to her role as a Dietitian/Nutritionist Consultant for the African American Health Program. With a robust background in public health, nutrition, and project management, Ms. Woods-Francis has held several leadership positions in notable health organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and DC WIC Program. Her significant contributions to HIV/AIDS programs, maternal and child health initiatives, and workforce development training underscore her ability to improve health outcomes through education, capacity building, and the application of best practices in public health nutrition. Ms. Woods-Francis has over 10 years of experience in providing direct nutritional services. She processes Certificates of Training in Adult Obesity Interventions and a Certificate of Training in Health and Wellness Coaching.
Ms. Woods-Francis’s educational credentials include a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Secondary Education from Winthrop College. She has also completed postgraduate coursework in education and leadership, including a certificate in Leadership & Management from Johns Hopkins University. Her professional certifications include being a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN), Certified Knowledge Manager (CKM), and Change Management Registered Practitioner (CMP). Ms. Woods-Francis is an active member of the American Dietetic Association and the American Public Health Association, where she has served in leadership roles, including as a founding member of the HIV/AIDS Section. Her dedication to public health is evident in her numerous professional accomplishments and her continuous efforts to address health disparities within the African American community.
