We are the Community Health Advocacy Team
Our goal is to promote community health through advocacy and education.
Paige is a young psychology graduate hailing from the New Haven community area. Attending various schools throughout the community, and ultimately graduating from the University of New Haven, a passion for working with individuals blossomed into a passion for the nonprofit sector. She is eager to leverage her connections in the city to help achieve better public health outcomes.
A young woman currently attending Eastern Gateway Community College as a Criminal Justice Major, on the path to graduating in Spring of 2022. Val is an advocate for her community, working for multiple nonprofits such as Cornell Scott and CHCACT, to ensure that her community and the people in it are all safe and healthy. She believes that the most important thing she can do for her community is to educate them. She hopes to continue working alongside health centers and other nonprofits in CT to become more connected to her community while obtaining her second degree in public health and work towards her lifelong goal of joining the FBI.
Obtained her master’s in public health degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and an MD degree from Igbinedion University Nigeria, where she was trained to be a doctor. She dedicated much of her career to providing outstanding clinical care and providing medical leadership in identifying and carrying out care services that meet needs of communities back in Nigeria and here in the Unites States. Esi joined CHCACT to further the mission of promoting and aligning the work of health centers, with stakeholders, to improve the health and wellness of all. As a member of the Community Health Advocacy Team (CHAT), She works to provide health and disease prevention information to people in Bridgeport community with medical needs and assist them in adopting healthy behaviors. She says “The work of community health outreach is more important than ever. I am excited to join the CHAT!”
As part of the Community Health Advocacy Team (CHAT) Nancy hopes to bring her passion and dedication to working with communities that have been historically underserved. She brings over 12 years of experience with working with Nonprofit organizations throughout NYC and the 5 boroughs. Her extensive outreach experience includes leading and supervising team of outreach and Health Navigators to seek out and connect families to medical and mental health services. Facilitated monthly wellness groups and Community Health related workshops. Assisted in organizing numerous community Health fairs, mobile /Street outreach Teams for initiatives on HIV/ Diabetes and Asthma education awareness. Worked weekly with HIV Outpatient program, DETOX/Rehab centers, Family and Men’s shelters and Parole/Probation programs. She is currently attending Naugatuck Valley Community College and pursuing her AA degree in Human Services.
Graduate of Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion Studies and concentration in Community Health. Chris has previous work experience as a community health worker in the Danbury community working in a vaccine program. The combination of his work experience & educational background in community health is a great fit for the current goal we want to reach as a CHAT member. Chris believes our efforts to increase the health of the community by providing education about COVID 19 and the health resources available within the local community will be accomplished.
Dusty earned his Bachelor’s degree in 2013 in English from the University of Vermont, followed by his Master’s degree in teaching from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in 2015. He is an advocate for equality as an activist and speaker for the transgender community, especially transgender youth. He has worked on changing the education gap and promoting equal opportunities in Connecticut alongside teachers and lawmakers from Connecticut’s urban centers. He is delighted to be joining the Community Health Advocacy Team (CHAT) from CHCACT. He believes it is critical to educate Connecticut about the COVID-19 vaccination and is excited to be a part of the conversation.
A recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Science and a Master of Science in Business and Analytics, Kayshauna endeavors to become a healthcare provider, in hopes of serving in women’s health. In September, she became a nationally certified phlebotomist under the NHA. Because of her career pursuits and experience, she is very excited for the opportunity to work in the community of Hartford and help others to achieve and receive the healthcare they desire!
Rachel is a recent transplant to Connecticut, having just relocated from southern Idaho. Rachel brings with her a fierce love for rural communities, a passion for various social issues, and a desire to positively influence long-term community health. She is wrapping up a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and hopes to land at the intersection of public health & public policy, working to bridge the gap that prevents people from accessing affordable healthcare. Rachel looks forward to learning more about Connecticut and serving her new community by providing reliable, data-driven education opportunities.
Megan comes from a unique background of serving local communities in a variety of ways. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in public health. Her background includes work in food insecurity and policy, corporate wellness, law enforcement and emergency preparedness. She recently coordinated a vaccine equity grant in the New Haven area before becoming the Director of VAXX program for CHCACT. She looks forward to working with many nonprofits, faith based organizations, FQHC and more to serve some of the most underserved populations in the state.