At Wake Forest University, I serve as an Assistant Professor in Implementation Science, where my work centers on improving health outcomes for communities that have been marginalized through health system-community partnerships and addressing food insecurity. My role allows me to blend academic research, clinical practice, and community engagement to create lasting change. I’m especially passionate about supporting vulnerable populations, including older adults, caregivers, and individuals impacted by dementia and food insecurity. My commitment to health equity is demonstrated through my involvement with the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention.

Over the years, I’ve contributed to the development and implementation of several community-driven initiatives. I founded and served as the clinical director of the Wake Forest Baptist Health mobile health program, designed to provide accessible care to uninsured individuals in underserved areas. I have also founded Fresh Food Rx, a produce prescription program in partnership with several community-based organizations. This work focused on meeting people where they are—both physically and relationally—to reduce barriers to care and improve overall health outcomes. My approach to community health is rooted in participatory research and the principles of implementation science, ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of the community are at the heart of every solution.

My research efforts span several key areas, including food insecurity, geriatrics, and the health and well-being of caregivers. I’ve published studies on Medicaid transformation, food is medicine, and the integration of community voices in healthcare delivery models. My recent publications include:

"Using the Environmental Health Disparities Framework to understand Black and Latino perspectives of a local fertilizer plant fire. BMC Public Health." (2024)

“North Carolina's Medicaid Transformation: The Early Enrollee Experience” in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (2023)

“Perceptions of North Carolina’s Medicaid Transformation: A Qualitative Study” in the North Carolina Medical Journal (2023)

“The Integration of Community Voice in the Implementation of a Mobile Health Program” in Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action (2023)

I’m proud to hold board certification as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. My academic training includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from East Carolina University and a Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. As a nurse researcher, I’ve secured several federal, state, and foundation grants, and I’m honored to be one of the first nurses to receive the HRSA Geriatric Academic Career Award.

I’ve spent much of my career dedicated to community-engaged research, education, and advocacy. I’ve led collaborative projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of all people and have worked with diverse community partners to address health disparities. This work has been the cornerstone of my mission to create equitable, person-centered healthcare models that prioritize dignity, access, and sustainability for all.