Meet the Speakers at Healthier Texas Summit 2024

Meet the Speakers at Healthier Texas Summit 2024: Visionaries Shaping the Future of Public Health

At this year’s Healthier Texas Summit, we are thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of speakers who are leaders in their fields, passionate about transforming the health landscape in Texas and beyond. These thought leaders bring diverse perspectives and expertise, from public health policy to innovative community health solutions.

We asked our speakers to share a bit more about their background, the topics they’ll be covering, and what they’re most excited about at this year’s Summit. As they prepare to take the stage on October 10-11 in Austin, their insights will spark meaningful conversations and inspire actionable solutions to some of the most pressing public health challenges we face today.

Continue reading to get a sneak peek of their sessions, their passion for health equity, and what drives their work toward a healthier Texas.

Katy Evans, PhD.
Session: Talking Health
Co-Speaker: Amanda Kwong, Senior Program Officer, The de Beaumont Foundation

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I love being at these events with folks on the ground who are doing the hard work of public health every day. It’s always an amazing opportunity to learn from practitioners.”

About Katy Evans:
Katy Evans, PhD, leads The de Beaumont Foundation’s partnerships portfolio and oversees initiatives to advance public health communication. This includes research to understand public attitudes toward public health, messaging research and testing, training in communication strategies, and leading the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC). With over a decade of experience in partnership development and community health equity, she’s passionate about transforming public health communication.

Session overview:
The Talking Health training offers communication strategies for non-professional communicators who play an integral role in engaging with the public. Participants will learn about the importance of public health communications, current research on communicating across polarized divides, and storytelling techniques that amplify their work.

Amanda Kwong, MPH Session: Talking Health
Co-Speaker: Katy Evans, PhD, Senior Program Officer, The de Beaumont Foundation

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Public health communications play a vital role in addressing complex health challenges, and the summit provides a platform to explore innovative strategies, including how to effectively convey health information to diverse populations.”

About Amanda Kwong:
Amanda Kwong, MPH, serves as the Director of the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC), where she leads the development of relevant and practical tools for public health communicators nationwide. With extensive experience in managing multimedia communications programs for national nonprofits and federal government agencies, Amanda is dedicated to improving public health communication strategies. She holds an MPH from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BA in Psychology from Syracuse University.

Session Overview:
Amanda’s session, Talking Health, is an essential skillbuilding workshop for non-professional communicators, focused on developing impactful public health messaging. Participants will learn how to enhance their storytelling, communicate clearly, and convey health information across diverse communities to tackle complex health issues.

Maria Elena Garcia, MPH Session: Dream: Lessons from a High-Risk Maternal Care Coordination Pilot Program (CHES/CHW)
Co-Speakers: Tecora Smith, Roshanda Chenier, Melissa ValerioWhat are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to present in a panel for the first time, showcasing the great work that happens when state, local, and academic workforces join forces!”About Maria Elena Garcia: Maria Elena Garcia was born and raised on the US-Mexico border, where she witnessed firsthand the importance of robust public health systems, especially in supporting the health of women in Texas. Maria is passionate about the role of community health workers (CHWs) in achieving strong public health systems, making them an essential resource in her work.

Session Overview: In her panel session titled “Dream: Lessons from a High-Risk Maternal Care Coordination Pilot Program (CHES/CHW),” Maria Elena Garcia will highlight the impactful outcomes of a maternal care coordination initiative designed to support high-risk pregnancies. The session will explore how collaboration among state, local, and academic partners enhances maternal care through innovative strategies and community health worker (CHW) involvement.

Ikemefuna Okwuwa, MD, FAAFP

Session: Fostering the Healthcare Workforce in TX Through Collaborative Partnerships
Co-Speakers: Martin Ortega, Cristin Medina

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Networking with others is a key aspect of developing successful collaborative partnerships in healthcare.”

About Ikemefuna Okwuwa:
Dr. Ikemefuna Okwuwa is dedicated to fostering the healthcare workforce in Texas through innovative and collaborative partnerships. His work focuses on developing creative strategies to support and enhance the healthcare workforce across the state.

Session Overview:
Dr. Okwuwa will present on innovative models for supporting and developing the health workforce in Texas. This session will highlight the importance of collaborative partnerships in creating effective workforce development strategies. Attendees will gain insights into fostering creative solutions and building strong professional networks to advance healthcare in Texas.

Alicia Johnston, MA

Session: Building a Framework to Drive Multi-Sectoral Collaboration Communication
Co-Speakers: Wesley Gibson, Shreela Sharma

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m thrilled to be presenting for the first time at my favorite conference and to connect with both old and new friends!”

About Alicia Johnston:
Alicia Johnston has been a dedicated member of the Health Equity Collective (HEC) Steering Committee since 2019, becoming the Communications Workgroup Co-lead in 2020. With a strong background in leadership, coaching, and community engagement, Alicia utilizes her expertise in psychology and population health management to design culturally responsive and inclusive solutions that advance health and well-being for all.

Session Overview:
In this workshop, Alicia Johnston and her co-speakers will focus on building a communication framework to drive multi-sector collaboration. The session will cover developing a multimodal communications strategy and the importance of continuous listening, learning, and adapting. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for creating safe and inclusive spaces for collaboration and policy advancement.

Audrey H. Stevens, Psy.D.

Session: How West Texas Academic Institutions Develop a Mental Health Workforce
Co-Speakers: Barbara Tucker, Crystal Lujan

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m looking forward to networking with other healthcare providers who are doing innovative work in Texas.”

About Audrey H. Stevens:
Dr. Audrey Stevens is an Assistant Professor in Family & Community Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin. Her work focuses on addressing the mental health workforce shortage by developing innovative solutions and partnerships, particularly in rural areas.

Session Overview:
Dr. Stevens and her co-speakers will delve into the challenges and solutions related to the mental health workforce shortage in West Texas. They will discuss strategies for developing partnerships, addressing rural mental health needs, and overcoming licensing hurdles for mental health trainees. This session offers valuable insights and practical solutions from those actively working on the ground.

Olayide Adejumobi, MSHA, RD

Session: Unlock Health Equity: Dive Deep with the Community Vulnerability Compass
Co-Speakers: Lance Rather, Yolande Pentgetnze

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to connect with like-minded professionals at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit to explore innovative strategies for addressing the non-medical drivers of health. I’m especially looking forward to learning about new community partnerships that can help improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Texas.”

About Olayide Adejumobi:
Olayide Adejumobi is a Project Manager at PCCI with a background in dietetics and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Texas Tech University. Olayide focuses on addressing non-medical drivers of health through strategic partnerships with government, healthcare systems, and community organizations to improve care for underserved populations in Dallas.

Session Overview:
Olayide Adejumobi and her co-speakers will present the Community Vulnerability Compass (CVC), a tool designed to enhance health equity by integrating socio-economic, environmental, and clinical data. The session will cover the technological foundations of the CVC, its real-world applications, and case studies demonstrating its impact in underserved areas. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging the CVC for tailored health interventions and fostering cross-sector collaboration for improved health outcomes.

Joel Romo

Session: Potential Impact of E-cigarette Taxes on College Student Quitting Behaviors
Co-Speaker: Jennifer Cofer

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?

“The Healthier Texas Summit provides a unique opportunity for public health advocates to come together and share their expertise, potential partnerships, and engage future leaders.”

About Joel Romo:
Joel Romo is a seasoned public health advocate and President of Texana Public Affairs, a legislative consulting firm that assists clients with their legislative needs at the Texas Capitol. With over 30 years of experience in the Texas Legislature, Joel has a robust background in public health advocacy, having worked with organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, The Cooper Institute, and Greenlight Fitness.

Session Overview:
Joel Romo, alongside co-speaker Jennifer Cofer, will explore the potential impacts of e-cigarette taxes on college student quitting behaviors. This presentation aims to demonstrate how public policy solutions could influence public health outcomes in Texas, particularly in the context of smoking cessation among young adults.

Elaine Gonzales, CN-BA, CHW, CHWI

Session: The Impact of Patient Navigation
Co-Speakers: Kathyrn Hudson, Sangeetha Kolluri, Melissa Ruiz, Chandra Xiong

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I am looking forward to sharing the work the Breast Cancer Resource Center is doing to support breast cancer patients, survivors, and those living with metastatic breast cancer, while connecting with other organizations serving similar needs.”

About Elaine Gonzales:
Elaine Gonzales is a breast cancer survivor and Community Educator at the Breast Cancer Resource Center. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, Elaine is now celebrating 14 years cancer-free. Her journey led her to serve as a Certified Bilingual Patient Navigator for seven years, supporting young survivors and Spanish-speaking patients. Now in her 12th year with the organization, Elaine uses her experience as both a survivor and former teacher to educate and connect with others in her current role.

Session Overview:
This panel will explore the critical role of patient navigation in breast cancer care. Elaine and her co-speakers will discuss how patient navigation supports early decision-making, treatment preparation, and survivorship. The discussion will cover the importance of early referral, the patient navigation process, and its benefits from both the medical provider and survivor’s perspectives.

Samantha (Sam) Smith

Session: Unveiling Community Solutions: Positive Deviance in Action
Co-Speakers: Nancy Sanchez, Paula Mcdermott, Sayuri Yamanaka

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Since this will be my first time attending, I am looking forward to the full experience! Networking, learning, sharing info—everything!”

About Samantha Smith:
Samantha (Sam) Smith recently joined United Way for Greater Austin as a Field Manager for Community Health Connect, part of the TX Accountable Communities of Health Initiative. With a lifelong passion for food, nutrition, and serving underserved communities, Sam’s focus is on improving health outcomes related to food security in Williamson County, TX.

Session Overview:
During this panel, the team will explore positive deviance as both a concept and a practical solution for improving health outcomes. By learning from individuals who deviate in positive ways within their communities, attendees will gain insights into collective approaches that can enhance health equity across Texas.

Rebekah Salaiz, MS

Session: Connect: A Coordinating Center to Galvanize Colorectal Cancer Prevention Efforts
Co-Speakers: Jessica Calderon-Mora, DrPH, Nicole Kluz, MPH

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“This is my first time attending HTS, and I think it’s a great opportunity to hear what’s going on in public health.”

About Rebekah Salaiz:
Rebekah Salaiz started her public health career in 2007 at the University of Texas at El Paso, focusing on substance abuse prevention. Since 2011, she has played a key role in developing, implementing, and coordinating cancer prevention programs in Texas.

Session Overview:
In this presentation, Rebekah and her co-speakers will discuss efforts to prevent colorectal cancer in Texas. They’ll cover the role of coordinating centers and highlight both the challenges and innovative strategies that can improve cancer prevention efforts in the state.

Nicole Kluz, MPH
Session: Connect: A Coordinating Center to Galvanize Colorectal Cancer Prevention Efforts
Co-Speakers: Jessica Calderon-Mora, DrPH

About Nicole Kluz:
With over 15 years of experience in public health and health services research, Nicole Kluz has dedicated her career to areas such as infectious diseases and cancer prevention and control. As the Assistant Director for Cancer Prevention Research at Dell Medical School, she is deeply involved in advancing strategies to combat cancer and improve public health outcomes.

Session Overview:
In her presentation, Nicole will showcase the development and impact of a coordinating center aimed at galvanizing colorectal cancer prevention efforts. Attendees will learn about the innovative strategies employed to optimize prevention initiatives and the benefits of a coordinated approach in improving cancer prevention outcomes.

Jessica Calderon-Mora, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, CHWI

Session: Connect: A Coordinating Center to Galvanize Colorectal Cancer Prevention Efforts
Co-Speakers: Nicole Kluz, MPH

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Networking!”

About Jessica:
With over 20 years of experience working with cancer health disparities, Jessica Calderon-Mora is an Assistant Professor at UT Austin Dell Medical School. Her expertise includes developing and evaluating health education interventions, with a focus on cancer screening within the Latinx community. She has collaborated extensively with community health workers/promotores de salud and specializes in cervical cancer prevention.

Session overview:
Jessica will discuss efforts to establish a colorectal cancer coordinating center across Texas, sharing insights on the project’s goals and expected outcomes. In a separate presentation, she’ll address cancer prevention grants related to unhealthy alcohol use and breast cancer screening in Central Texas.

Clarissa Banks, LMSW, CHW

Session: Addressing Social Drivers of Health Through a Social Referral Platform
Co-Speakers: Carmen Cardenas, Clara Ann Kromer

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Looking forward to learning new tools, techniques, and approaches that I can implement into my work at CommUnityCare.”

About Clarissa:
Clarissa Banks is a dedicated social worker with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in social work and a certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW). Her career is focused on addressing the social drivers of health to improve community well-being and advocate for systemic change. At CommUnityCare Health Centers, where she serves as the Manager of Community Health Social Services, Clarissa is known for her innovative approaches in population health management, utilizing tools and platforms to create actionable strategies that promote social justice and sustainable health outcomes.

Session overview:
In this presentation, Clarissa will discuss the implementation of a social care referral platform designed to address social drivers of health. The session will explore leveraging analytic tools and enhancing community-based organization and patient engagement efforts to improve overall health outcomes.

Anisa Kendall, MPH

Session: Charting the Course for a High Performing Healthcare System
Co-Speakers: Maram Museitif DrPH, MPH, CPH, JP Eichmiller

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“The opportunity to engage with other organizations that are passionate about supporting the safety-net, and gain valuable insights on community programs that might benefit our patient population.”

About Anisa:
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare consulting, Anisa Kendall is the Director of Strategic Planning at Central Health. She specializes in leading complex projects that drive strategic changes, including overseeing Central Health’s Equity-Focused Strategic Planning engagement. Anisa holds a Bachelor’s in Management and Finance from Texas Christian University and a Master of Public Health in Community Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Her work focuses on addressing the challenges faced by safety-net populations and developing data-driven, patient-centric strategies.

Session overview:
Anisa’s presentation will explore how to use data and community engagement to craft successful health interventions. The focus will be on patient journey mapping to better understand how patients interact with the safety-net healthcare system in Travis County, offering insights into creating effective, data-driven strategies.

Tegan Henke, MFT

Session: Texas Workforce Innovations: Cultivating a Strong and Sustainable Healthcare Future
Co-Speakers: Nancy Fahrenwald PhD, RN, Stephanie Caples PhD, Deborah Cohen PhD, MSW

About Tegan:
Tegan Henke is the Senior Vice President for Education and Workforce Development at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI). With a background in marriage and family therapy, Tegan focuses on innovative strategies for developing and sustaining a robust healthcare workforce. Her work emphasizes advancing education and training programs to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

What to Expect:
Tegan will be part of a panel discussion on innovative models for supporting and developing the health workforce. The session will cover strategies for cultivating a strong and sustainable healthcare future through workforce innovations and effective training programs.

Joey Walker, MPH

Session: Building a Community of Practice for School District Wellness
Co-Speakers: Terrence Adams, Duncan Van Dusen, Joey Walker

About Joey:
Joey L Walker is the Vice President of Training at the CATCH Global Foundation (CGF). With a Master’s in Public Health, Joey is a passionate professional dedicated to supporting educators in fostering healthy environments for children and families. His work focuses on training and supporting school districts to implement wellness programs that address the needs of the whole child.

What to Expect:
Joey will participate in a panel discussion centered on building a community of practice for school district wellness. The session will explore how CGF is bringing together Health & PE district leaders in Houston and Austin to support whole child wellness through collaborative efforts.

Duncan Van Dusen, MPH
Session: Addressing Health Disparities Through Innovative Community Partnerships
Organization: Director of Community Partnerships, Health Collaborative

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Hearing about work to change infrastructure & systems.”

About Duncan Van Dusen:
Duncan Van Dusen has over 15 years of experience in public health, focusing on creating innovative community partnerships to address health disparities. As the Director of Community Partnerships at Health Collaborative, he leads initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes through collaborative efforts across various sectors.

Session Overview:
In his presentation, Duncan will explore how innovative community partnerships can tackle health disparities by creating policy, systems, and environmental changes. Attendees will gain practical strategies for fostering cross-sector collaboration to improve health outcomes in their communities.

Jacqueline Naeem, MD

Session: Beyond Bars: Addressing Health-Related Social Needs in Reentry
Co-Speakers: Emmanuel Ohuabunwa, Felona Gunawan MD

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I am always excited to attend all the excellent sessions and hear from others what initiatives they are undertaking to improve health! The Healthier Texas Summit is a great event, and you will leave feeling energized and excited to continue to work to improve the health of Texans!”

About Jacqueline:
Dr. Jacqueline Naeem is a Senior Medical Director at PCCI with a strong focus on improving health by addressing non-medical drivers of health. With a deep commitment to enhancing health outcomes for underserved populations, Jacqueline’s work involves connecting individuals recently released from jail with community resources to address their non-medical needs.

What to Expect:
In this presentation, Jacqueline will share insights from a pioneering program designed to connect recently released individuals with resources to tackle their social and health-related needs. The session will cover the challenges faced by these individuals and discuss strategies to improve their overall health outcomes.

Bella Kirchner, MD
Session: Empowering the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders
Co-Speakers: JordanMiller, Aisha Thompson, Ethan Hayes

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“Seeing the diverse and innovative approaches healthcare is taking to address non-medical drivers of health.”

About Bella Kirchner:
Dr. Bella Kirchner is a dedicated leader in public health with a focus on developing and empowering the next generation of public health professionals. As the Director of Leadership Development at Texas Health Organization, she is committed to creating pathways for emerging leaders and enhancing workforce capabilities.

Session Overview:
In this panel discussion, Bella will address innovative approaches to supporting and developing future public health leaders. The session will highlight successful programs and strategies for fostering leadership skills and career growth among emerging professionals.

Terrence Adams, PhD
Session: Leveraging Community Engagement for Effective Health Interventions
Co-Speakers: Lisa Nguyen, Marcus Johnson, Emily Carter

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I am looking forward to discussing how community engagement can be a powerful tool for implementing effective health interventions. Sharing our experiences and learning from others will help us all enhance our strategies.”

About Terrence Adams:
Dr. Terrence Adams is a Senior Researcher at the Texas Public Health Institute, where he focuses on developing and implementing effective community health interventions. With a strong background in public health research, Terrence specializes in leveraging community engagement to drive policy and systems changes.

Session Overview:
In this presentation, Terrence will explore how to effectively leverage community engagement to drive health interventions and policy changes. He will share successful case studies and strategies for involving communities in health initiatives to ensure greater impact and sustainability.

Roshanda Chenier
Session: Dream: Lessons from a High-Risk Maternal Care Coordination Pilot Program (CHES/CHW)
Co-Speakers: Tecora Smith, Maria Elena Garcia, Melissa Valerio

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I am excited to share insights from our high-risk maternal care coordination pilot program and to discuss the impact of integrating state, local, and academic resources.”

About Roshanda Chenier:
Roshanda Chenier is a dedicated professional in maternal care coordination, with extensive experience in public health and community-based health programs. She is passionate about improving maternal health outcomes through innovative care coordination strategies.

Session Overview:
Roshanda will present on the successes and lessons learned from a high-risk maternal care coordination pilot program. This panel will highlight how collaboration among state, local, and academic institutions can enhance maternal care, focusing on innovative strategies and practical outcomes.

Andrea Jacks
Session: Community Engaged Research: Public Health that Empowers the Public
Co-Speakers: Rocky Lane, Dorothy Mandell PhD, Saro Mohammed

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m looking forward to discussing how community feedback and leadership are integral to shaping effective public health strategies. This panel will explore practical approaches to building trust and ensuring community voices are heard.”

About Andrea Jacks:
Andrea Jacks is an experienced public health professional dedicated to advancing community-engaged research. With a strong background in health communication and program development, Andrea works to ensure that public health strategies are inclusive and responsive to community needs.

Session Overview:
Andrea will join a panel to discuss the role of community-engaged research in public health. The session will focus on strategies for incorporating community feedback into health programs and ensuring that public health initiatives are genuinely responsive to the needs of diverse populations.

Charles Mathias
Session: Engaging Communities: Leveraging Partnerships for Health Improvement
Co-Speakers: Carolyn Smith, Lisa Greene, Marcus Lee

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to share strategies for building effective partnerships that enhance community health. This session will highlight successful models of collaboration and the positive outcomes achieved through these efforts.”

About Charles Mathias:
Charles Mathias is a dedicated public health advocate with extensive experience in community engagement and partnership development. He has a strong track record of working with diverse stakeholders to drive health improvement initiatives and policy changes.

Session Overview:
In this presentation, Charles will discuss the importance of leveraging partnerships to drive health improvement. The session will cover practical strategies for engaging with various sectors to create meaningful policy, systems, and environmental changes.

Clara Ann Kromer
Session: Promoting Health Equity through Policy Change
Co-Speakers: John Lee, Maria Lopez, Emily Nguyen

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m looking forward to sharing insights on how policy change can drive health equity and discussing practical strategies for advancing this crucial work. It’s a chance to connect with others who are dedicated to creating meaningful and sustainable change in our communities.”

About Clara Ann Kromer:
Clara Ann Kromer is a seasoned advocate for health equity and policy change with over 20 years of experience in public health. Her work focuses on developing and implementing policies that address health disparities and promote equitable access to care.

Session Overview:
In this session, Clara Ann will explore the role of policy in promoting health equity. She will present successful case studies and provide actionable strategies for implementing policy changes that address health disparities and improve access to healthcare for underserved populations.

Roxana Cruz, MPH
Session: Advancing Maternal Health Equity through Innovative Approaches
Co-Speakers: Luis Martinez, Dr. Elena Garcia, Maria Perez

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to share our innovative strategies for advancing maternal health equity and discuss how collaborative efforts can lead to significant improvements in care for underserved communities. This panel is a great opportunity to learn and collaborate with fellow experts in the field.”

About Roxana Cruz:
Roxana Cruz is a dedicated public health professional with over a decade of experience in maternal health and health equity. Her work focuses on developing and implementing innovative approaches to advance maternal health equity and improve outcomes for underserved populations.

Session Overview:
Roxana will lead a discussion on advancing maternal health equity through innovative approaches. The panel will explore successful programs and strategies that address disparities in maternal health, focusing on collaborative efforts and community-based solutions.

Saro Mohammed, PhD
Session: Community Engaged Research: Public Health that Empowers the Public
Co-Speakers: Andrea Jacks, Dorothy Mandell, Rocky Lane

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m eager to discuss how community feedback and leadership can shape public health initiatives and improve outcomes. This panel provides a unique opportunity to explore collaborative approaches and share insights on empowering communities through research.”

About Saro Mohammed:
Dr. Saro Mohammed is an expert in community-engaged research and public health. With a strong background in implementing public health initiatives that emphasize community involvement and empowerment, Dr. Mohammed works to bridge the gap between research and practical application in public health.

Session Overview:
Dr. Mohammed will be part of a panel discussing community-engaged research and its role in empowering public health. The session will focus on how integrating community feedback and leadership can enhance public health programs and address critical health issues effectively.

Shelby Flores-Thorpe
Session: Transforming Mental Health Services in Rural Communities
Co-Speakers: Sarah Martin, John Reed, Karen Wright

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to share successful models and strategies for addressing mental health needs in rural communities. This panel will highlight the collaborative efforts needed to overcome barriers and improve access to quality mental health services.”

About Shelby Flores-Thorpe:
Shelby Flores-Thorpe is a dedicated advocate for improving mental health services in rural communities. With extensive experience in rural health care systems, Shelby focuses on innovative approaches to enhance mental health support and workforce development in underserved areas.

Session Overview:
Shelby will be discussing transformative strategies for mental health services in rural communities. The session will cover innovative approaches and practical solutions to improve mental health support and address workforce challenges in these areas.

Melanie Stone
Session: Elevating Community Health Outcomes through Innovative Partnerships
Co-Speakers: Laura Briggs, Michael Johnson, Emily Chen

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to discuss how strategic partnerships can transform community health outcomes. This panel will explore successful models and offer practical strategies for building impactful collaborations.”

About Melanie Stone:
Melanie Stone is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience in developing and managing community health programs. Her work focuses on creating effective partnerships to elevate health outcomes and drive innovation in public health initiatives.

Session Overview:
Melanie will delve into the role of innovative partnerships in enhancing community health outcomes. The session will feature discussions on successful collaborations and strategies for leveraging partnerships to achieve meaningful health improvements.

Emily Gordon-Aki, PhD
Session: Advancing Health Equity through Targeted Interventions
Co-Speakers: James Stewart, Sarah Thompson, Linda Patel

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m eager to share our latest research on health equity interventions and discuss how targeted strategies can make a real difference in overcoming disparities. This presentation will offer practical insights for advancing health equity in your community.”

About Emily Gordon-Aki:
Emily Gordon-Aki, PhD, is a leading expert in health equity with a focus on developing targeted interventions to address disparities. Her work involves designing and implementing strategies that promote equitable health outcomes across diverse populations.

Session Overview:
Emily will present on innovative approaches to advancing health equity through targeted interventions. The session will cover successful case studies and strategies for implementing effective policies and practices to reduce health disparities.

Carlton Allen, MPH
Session: Building Resilient Communities: Lessons Learned from Disaster Response
Co-Speakers: Lisa Johnson, Mark Sanchez, Susan Lee

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m looking forward to discussing the crucial role of community resilience in disaster response and sharing insights from recent events. Our goal is to enhance preparedness and response strategies through collaborative learning.”

About Carlton Allen:
Carlton Allen, MPH, is a seasoned public health professional specializing in disaster response and community resilience. With extensive experience in managing health crises and building effective response systems, Carlton brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at the Texas Disaster Response Agency.

Session Overview:
Carlton will join a panel to discuss the lessons learned from disaster response efforts and how they can be applied to build more resilient communities. The session will focus on strategies for improving disaster preparedness and response, drawing on real-world examples and collaborative practices.

Craig Gilden, MPH
Session: Early Career Professional Development: Boost Your Organizational Brand and Workforce
Co-Speakers: Sudeep Neupane MPH CPH, Victoria Salinas MPH CPH, Alexis Grasso MPH CTCM, Angie Benedetto MPH

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to connect with individuals from various public health organizations across Texas and expand my knowledge of best practices and collaboration opportunities.”

About Craig Gilden:
Craig Gilden is the Education Programs Manager in the Office of Practice and Learning (OPL) at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). He oversees public health workforce development programs and initiatives, including internships, medical residency, university engagement, and educational experiences. Craig is dedicated to creating pathways for early-career professionals to enter public service, bringing nearly a decade of experience in higher education roles related to experiential learning, career development, and academic success.

Session Overview:
In this panel discussion, Craig and his co-speakers will explore innovative strategies for supporting and developing early-career professionals in public health. They will share insights on creating effective pathways and programs to improve recruitment and retention of early-career staff.

Ashley King, MPH
Session: Innovative Models for Supporting and Developing the Health Workforce
Co-Speakers: Olivia Aldridge, Alyssia Palacious-Woods, Janice Bruno, Karen Serna

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m looking forward to discussing healthcare workforce development and sharing insights on maximizing clinical placements and increasing program enrollment. This session will provide valuable strategies for improving healthcare hiring and collaboration.”

About Ashley King:
Ashley King serves as the Director of Healthcare Partnerships at Workforce Solutions Capital Area and is the Executive Director of the Central Texas Healthcare Partnership. Previously, she was the Director of the Capital Area Health Education Center. With extensive experience in healthcare workforce development, Ashley has implemented Rotation to Hire practices through clinical placements and established new apprenticeship programs to enhance hiring potential for entry-level certificate programs.

Session Overview:
In this panel discussion, Ashley and her co-speakers will delve into innovative models for supporting and developing the health workforce. They will focus on practical strategies for increasing clinical placements, enhancing healthcare program enrollment, and fostering collaboration across healthcare and education sectors.

Adrian N. Billings, MD, PhD, FAAFP, FACU
Session: Addressing Rural Health Workforce Shortages and Barriers through Innovative Strategies
Co-Speakers: Deborah Jones PhD MSN RN, Billy Phillips PhD, Kia Parsi MD, Shivum Agarwal

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?

“I’m excited to connect with others and be inspired to continue addressing rural health workforce challenges. This panel will highlight how rural students can be part of the solution to the rural health workforce crisis.”

About Adrian N. Billings:
Dr. Adrian Billings is a rural family medicine physician and the Associate Academic Dean for Rural and Community Engagement at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He serves as the chief medical officer of a rural federally qualified health center and is a senior fellow of health equity with the Atlantic Fellows Program. Dr. Billings is also an elected school board trustee for the Alpine Independent School District.

Session Overview:
This panel will discuss the unique challenges faced by rural high school students in accessing higher education and medical school. Dr. Billings and his co-speakers will emphasize that rural students are crucial to solving the rural health workforce shortage in Texas.

Michael Mackert, PhD
Session: The Languages of Public Health: Translating Research into Community Action
Co-Speakers: Blair Williams MPA MBA CPH, Ruth Reichis PhD, Dr. Richard

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?

“I’m looking forward to meeting potential partners and colleagues and discussing how we can enhance health communication strategies to better serve communities.”

About Michael Mackert:
Dr. Michael Mackert is the Director of the UT Austin Center for Health Communication and a Professor in the School of Advertising & Public Relations and Department of Population Health. His research focuses on effective health communication strategies for audiences with low health literacy. He leads projects addressing public health issues such as tobacco cessation, opioid overdose prevention, and men’s role in prenatal health.

Session Overview:
This panel will explore how research can be translated into actionable community health strategies. Dr. Mackert and his co-speakers will share insights on using traditional and digital media to communicate effectively with audiences facing health literacy challenges.

Rocky Lane
Session: Community Engaged Research: Public Health that Empowers the Public
Co-Speakers: Andrea Jacks, Dorothy Mandell PhD, Saro Mohammed

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“This is my first time presenting at the summit, and I’m excited to update my network with the crucial topics we’ll discuss. We will explore how community feedback and leadership contribute to effective public health solutions.”

About Rocky Lane:
Rocky Lane is a community consultant and an advocate for gender-expansive care and solutions. Born and raised in Texas, Rocky has a deep connection to community-based research and is known for building trust with stakeholders to address the needs of trans and gender-expansive communities.

Session Overview:
This panel will focus on how community-engaged research can drive public health improvements. Rocky and his co-speakers will discuss strategies for integrating community feedback into health initiatives and addressing gaps in care for gender-expansive individuals.

Nancy Fahrenwald, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC, FAAN
Session: Texas Workforce Innovations: Cultivating a Strong and Sustainable Healthcare Future
Co-Speakers: Tegan Henke, Stephanie Caples, Deborah Cohen PhD MSW

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I look forward to drawing inspiration from my colleagues and exploring how we can improve mental health care access in a college health setting through innovative primary care strategies.”

About Nancy Fahrenwald:
Dr. Nancy Fahrenwald is a visionary leader and advocate for health innovation and access to care. As the Associate Vice President of University Health Services at Texas A&M University, she focuses on integrating health services and expanding mental health resources for students. Known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to improving health outcomes, Dr. Fahrenwald brings a wealth of experience in public health and academic nursing.

Session Overview:
This panel will discuss innovative approaches to workforce development and healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health resources and advancing primary care practices in academic settings.

Jennifer Cofer, DrPH, MPH, CHES
Session: Potential Impact of E-Cigarette Taxes on College Students’ Quitting Behaviors
Co-Speakers: Joel Romo

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Healthier Texas Summit?
“I’m excited to share my research on how e-cigarette tax policies might influence quitting behaviors among college students and to connect with others working in public health.”

About Jennifer Cofer:
With over 24 years in public health, Jennifer Cofer is dedicated to promoting tobacco prevention and control. Her research focuses on the impact of e-cigarette taxes on college students’ quitting behaviors, using both survey and qualitative data. Jennifer’s expertise lies in state and local policies and cessation strategies.

Session Overview:
Jennifer will present findings from her research on the impact of proposed e-cigarette tax increases on college students’ vaping behaviors. The session will explore how policy changes can affect smoking cessation and public health.

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