AHI - Key Persons
Anastasia is a two-time Washington University in St. Louis graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Global Health and Environment) and a Masters of Public Health. She is an AmeriCorps VISTA Member working with AHI through the Opioid Prevention and Education Network at Michigan State University (OPEN-MSU). The goal of OPEN-MSU is to build the capacity of local efforts to create or expand opioid prevention, intervention, and treatment opportunities in low-income communities. In partnership with AHI, Anastasia will assist in developing resources and interventions to help health care professionals address adolescent opioid prevention and misuse in strengths-based ways. She is passionate about eliminating health disparities at all levels through various projects. She cannot wait to begin her year of service with AHI and OPEN-MSU to address these issues. Her hobbies include dancing and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Intermediate
Ashley comes to AHI from the clerical team in the OR/PACU department at the University of Michigan Hospital and the Cardiovascular Center. She has spent several years supporting nursing, anesthesia staff, surgical services, administration, clerical staff, and patients throughout perioperative care at Michigan Medicine, and is currently working toward her undergraduate degree in healthcare administration. She is very excited to get involved with community outreach and help support providers who are making strides in equitable healthcare for all adolescents. She is looking forward to being a part of something that is growing every day and truly making a difference in many young lives across the country. When she is not working, Ashley is usually hanging out with her kids and husband. She likes to cook, bake, travel, swim, go to concerts, craft, and create digital media.
Aubrey began with the University of Michigan in August 2021. She began her journey in the financial sector, working at Wells Fargo for several years as a regional loan document specialist and then as an office manager in the subsidized housing property management industry, before pursuing her bachelor's in public communications and culture studies from the University of Michigan - Dearborn.
It was there that she realized her passion for helping others and decided to pursue a master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan while working in development and fundraising in the nonprofit sector. She soon advanced, becoming a membership and marketing director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit where she supported all aspects of membership at multiple locations in the Detroit area. With a focus on fundraising, Aubrey transitioned to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society before finally landing at what she calls her career home, the University of Michigan.
Aubrey has a passion for learning, traveling, hiking, new foods, podcasts, and all things Michigan. Go Blue!
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor Emerita / School of Nursing
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Media Assistant
Cindy is a junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Biology, Health, and Society and minoring in Sociology of Health and Medicine. During her time at the University, she has conducted research with the Center for Health Disparities and Innovation Studies to determine the most significant factors contributing to health disparities in underserved racial communities. Through her work at AHI and her research project, she will continue conducting outreach activities in various communities in the upcoming year. Cindy is passionate about advocating for equitable health care and furthering racial justice outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, making music, and spending time with her loved ones.
Job Titles:
- Family Medicine Physician and Health Services Researcher
Cornelius D. Jamison is a Family Medicine physician and health services researcher currently serving as Co-Medical Director of AHI. He earned his bachelor's degree in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a MSPH in Public Health Studies from Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine. Dr. Jamison went on to earn his medical degree from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and received his residency training at Duke University/Southern Regional AHEC in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He completed his fellowship in the National Clinician Scholars Program at the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan and the US Department of Veterans Affairs as a VA Scholar. His passion revolves around adolescent and sexual health, specifically preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections among minority and underserved individuals. He is interested in developing interventions and healthcare practices that will improve STI prevention, including expanding the use of Expedited Partner Therapy. His career in academic medicine focuses on integrating the clinical duties of a primary care physician with his interests in healthcare research and health policy to improve the care for adolescent and patients in underserved communities.
Dana L. Thomas, MPH is a connector and collaborator who leverages the strengths of her team to build the capacity of youth, organizations, and faculty to address health equity locally, nationally, and globally. She has over two decades of experience working alongside communities and institutions using a participatory action approach to improve health, address health equity, and build capacity through training. She has traveled the world (and in her own backyard) with youth to increase their public health skills, competency, and cultural awareness and appreciation. Her work with communities in the recovery stages of disasters has taken her to Flint, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thomas has expertise in partnership development, program development, and evaluation. Her applied work and interests include health equity; rural and island health; applied research to address community and organizational capacity building; public health preparedness; and evidence-based public health. She is not afraid of the unknown and has a willingness to engage in moments of discomfort to stretch her understanding of humanity. She loves a good story and uses storytelling to engage and inspire individuals, particularly the future generation of leaders. She earned a BA degree in History from Wayne State University and an MPH degree in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan.
Marlanna Landeros, MSW (She/Her)
Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse With a Master of Science
Emily Rowland is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Science in Health Systems from the University of Ottawa and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Public Health at the University of Toronto. She has worked clinically in level III NICUs as well as in behavioral health settings with individuals experiencing mental health crises. Emily's non-clinical background includes employment in a variety of research and academic settings, such as with the maternal and child health unit at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and as an evaluation expert with University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. She brings expertise in delivering trauma-informed care to individuals in times of crisis and vulnerability- particularly with adolescents and new mothers. She is passionate about improving relationships between healthcare providers and their patients in an effort to achieve better physical and mental health outcomes. When she is not working, Emily finds joy in podcasts, yoga, and spending time with her family.
MavaMarie Cooper, MPH (She/Her)
Frankie McIntosh received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice & Sociology with a minor in Computer Science at the University of Michigan-Flint. Frankie is passionate about working with various community organizations and nonprofits in Flint and Detroit, MI. Before joining AHI, they worked as a program facilitator at the Latinx Technology and Community Center, empowering youth through programming that involved community engagement and leadership development. Poetry has always been a consistent joy in their life. As an artist living in Flint, MI, Frankie can share their truth and encourage others to do the same by connecting with the local community. This inspired Frankie to create poetry programs and mental wellness programs among adolescents in Flint and Genesee County. By engaging communities and implementing programs, Frankie has always advocated the importance of arts and culture in mental health and adolescent development.
Gina Liu (she/her) is a senior in the University of Michigan School of Public Health Undergraduate Program studying Community and Global Health with minors in Urban Studies and Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies. She is the former President of the United Asian American Organizations (UAAO), which is an Asian American-based racial and social justice coalition on the U of M campus. Through these experiences, she has gained interest in advocating for marginalized communities with a health-focused lens. She was drawn to AHI's diverse initiatives, such as sexual health access and racial equity and AHI's youth empowerment framework. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and embroidering used clothing.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator - Youth Engagement
Iman is a graduate from Michigan State University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Health Promotion. In May 2024, Iman will graduate from the University of Michigan with a Master of Public Health degree in Population and Health Sciences, with a certificate in Health Behavior Methods and Skills. Before joining AHI, Iman worked at Karmanos Cancer Center in social work and case management, providing resources and support to patients and their families. Iman has a passion for building community, especially across diverse populations. Iman brings a wealth of experience working with adults in clinical settings and with youth in community settings. She is excited to apply her experiences and knowledge to support AHI's work. In her free time, Iman enjoys spending time with her toy poodle Chai, indulging in true crime podcasts and shows, listening to reggae and neo soul, and being anywhere near the water.
Lauren is a two-time Eastern Michigan University graduate, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education in 2005 and her Master of Science in Community Health Education in 2016. Her career has been focused on educating young folx about health, well-being, and language acquisition. Before joining AHI in December 2019, she worked in various areas of health, including group fitness and personal training, weight loss consulting and nutrition, delivering corporate wellness initiatives, and as a health coordinator at Eastern Michigan University's Wellness Center. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) through the National Commission on Health Education and is certified in HIV testing and counseling. At the Adolescent Health Initiative, she works with health care settings all over the country to support improvements in adolescent-centered care and integrating voice in health care. In addition to this, she facilitates AHI's teen advisory council and leads their youth engagement efforts. She has a passion for empowering folx to reflect on their biases, unlearn societal norms that have harmed and marginalized many people, utilize an anti-racist lens in their lives, and adopt a healing justice approach to their work. Her value of connection and passion for well-being is woven throughout her experiences.
Lina Magid is currently a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. Driven by a profound interest in investigating the impact of racism on the health outcomes of young individuals, her scholarly pursuits extend beyond the confines of the classroom as she endeavors to unravel the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to health disparities among marginalized communities. Lina is looking forward to working with AHI to help with the implementation of preventive measures tailored to the needs of minority youth. In her free time, Lina enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director at the Adolescent Health Initiative
Marlanna Landeros is currently the Assistant Director at the Adolescent Health Initiative (AHI). She received her bachelor's in sociology and her master's in social work at the University of Michigan. Marlanna previously worked at the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security Office, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student Programs, where she was responsible for establishing and monitoring the progress of DEI expectations, goals, and programs for staff and students across the three UM campuses and the health system. She is also an adjunct lecturer for the U-M School of Social Work focusing on macro practice courses that advance student skills, tools, and techniques for successful work in the field.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Marketing Specialist
Riss Giammalva is a storyteller, communications and marketing specialist, and joyful movement enthusiast living on land stolen from Peoria, Anishinabewaki, and Waawiyatanong peoples, now known as Detroit-ish, Michigan. They strive to create space where they can support folks in confidently communicating their grand ideas and aspirations visually, verbally, and creatively through inclusive, accessible, and diverse content creation and marketing strategies.
After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with a minor in Graphic Communication from Eastern Michigan University in 2019, Riss realized they were missing the stories of an entire population of people, and therefore, is currently in pursuit of a degree in American Sign Language Interpretation from Wayne County Community College District.
Riss is dedicated to ongoing learning and unlearning around social justice, equity, accessibility and inclusivity. They have special interests in trans, queer, fat and disabled populations and improving their health care access.
Sara Kleine is a senior at Ohio State University studying Public Health with a focus in sociology and psychology. Throughout her time at Ohio State, she has volunteered as a Wellness Ambassador and worked as a student assistant at the Student Wellness Center, where she does presentations and outreach on topics including safer sex, stress management, and alcohol and drug use. She also volunteered at the Ohio HIV Hotline for two years, providing support and information for Ohio residents dealing with HIV and other sexual health issues. Sara is passionate about access to comprehensive sex education, specifically in healthy relationship skills, consent, and STI prevention. In her free time, she loves hiking, skiing with the OSU Ski Team, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Specialist
- Writer
Scott Mooney is a writer and communicator who loves telling stories to bring communities together. He's held several roles in marketing and communications, most recently at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. After stints in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and England, he is excited to be back in Ann Arbor, where he grew up. He's also worked as an educator and tutor, teaching young people to find their voices through writing, so he's excited to collaborate with AHI as they empower adolescents to advocate for the equitable healthcare they deserve. When he's not working, he enjoys performing improv comedy, writing fantasy novels, and playing video games with his husband.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Assistant Professor / Department of Pediatrics
Skye McCormick is a graduate student at the University of Michigan pursuing a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work degrees. She approaches her work from the belief that everyone is doing the best they can and that systems and processes still have a long way to go to meet the needs of oppressed individuals and communities. Skye is fascinated by how the systems and structures we live in affect individual experiences of health and wellness. Skye is particularly interested in all things evidence-based, harm reduction, and centering individuals as the expert in their own lives.
Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring Ann Arbor and has recently returned to Irish dancing after a long hiatus.
Tahrima Khanom is a social worker with nearly ten years of experience in public health, domestically and internationally. She obtained her master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan with a concentration in management of human services and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Wayne State University in Detroit. From grassroots advocacy and direct care work to program management and administration, Tahrima has a wide range of experiences that have given her a unique and valuable perspective in creating real change in our communities. Before joining the Adolescent Health Initiative team as Program Manager, Tahrima worked in various settings, including hospital health systems, federally qualified health centers, county health departments, and nonprofit organizations. Tahrima is passionate about developing data-driven, community-centered solutions to help address society's most pertinent needs. In her free time, Tahrima is busy planning her next adventure.
Job Titles:
- Co - Medical Director
- Division Director, Adolescent Medicine / Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry
- Pediatrician
Terrill Bravender is a pediatrician and adolescent medicine physician who serves at co-medical director of AHI. He attended college and medical school at the University of Michigan, received his residency training in Pediatrics at Duke University, and completed his fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. While a fellow, he received his Master of Public Health from Harvard University. He is currently the David Rosen Professor of Adolescent Medicine and also serves as the Executive Director of the UM Comprehensive Eating Disorders Program. He has served as chair of both the General Pediatrics Exam Committee and the Adolescent Medicine Subboard for the American Board of Pediatrics and is currently the president of the Michigan Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. His career has been focused on breaking down the barriers between physical and mental health care for adolescents and young adults and on training the next generation of physicians regarding the importance of patient-centered care.
Job Titles:
- He / Him ) Youth Engagement Intern
Tommy received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomolecular Science from the University of Michigan in 2020. He is currently a first-year dental student at the University of Michigan. Tommy has been working with adolescents for the last couple of years through teaching and mentorship. He was also an active member of AHI's Adolescent Champion Teen Advisory Council (TAC TAC), where he explored youth's needs and learned from his peers. He is interested in working with adolescents in the future and is looking forward to advocating for them by exploring avenues to include all youth voices.