Our Staff The principal office of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council is in Nashville, Tennessee. Staff and contractors pursue our ambitious agenda in research, training, education, organizing, and advocacy from offices in various locations. Staff members include: Bobby Watts, MPH, MS, CPH Chief Executive Officer G. Robert “Bobby” Watts is the chief executive officer of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and oversees all aspects of the Council’s activity in advocacy, training, technical assistance, research, peer support, organizing, and fund development. A nationally recognized advocate and leader in meeting the health needs of people without homes, he has more than 25 years of experience in administration, direct service, and implementation of homeless health services. He began his work with people experiencing homelessness as a live-in staff member of the New York City Rescue Mission in Manhattan. Learn more about Bobby. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: bwatts@nhchc.org Hugo Aguas, MA Research Associate Hugo works with the research team to research health outcomes using data driven methodologies, Hugo collaborates with other community health partners throughout the country to develop educational materials pertaining to medical care for those experiencing homelessness. Hugo also disseminates data and provides ease-of-access to community partners throughout the nation, and assists in writing publications and scheduling educational seminars on public health amongst those experiencing homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: haguas@nhchc.org Lauryn Berner, MSW, MPH Research Manager Lauryn works with the research team to support the Health Care for the Homeless field by developing and disseminating knowledge, increasing visibility of HCH-related research through publications and external collaborations, and providing data-driven support to inter-departmental teams and workgroups. Lauryn serves as the Council’s subject matter expert on housing and HIV, and her work has focused on the social determinants of health. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 230 | Email Address: lberner@nhchc.org Alaina Boyer, PhD Director of Research Alaina provides oversight and guidance for the research activities of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, which include quality improvement projects and providing educational resources for health care clinics that serve individuals experiencing homelessness. She coordinates and facilitates the Research Committee and Practice Based Research Network initiatives, which are currently focused on improving health outcomes and providing quality care across systems for vulnerable populations. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 233 | Email Address: aboyer@nhchc.org Lily Catalano, BA Clinical Manager Lily coordinates the work of the Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network and develops resources to improve access to and quality of health care for people experiencing homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 231 | Email Address: lcatalano@nhchc.org Katherine Cavanaugh, MSW Consumer Advocate Katherine staffs the National Consumer Advisory Board (NCAB), helps to coordinate consumer initiatives, and further develops Council relationships with local Consumer Advisory Boards (CABs). Contact Information Phone Number: (443) 703-1320 | Email Address: kcavanaugh@nhchc.org Andrea Crowe, MA Advancement Coordinator Andrea maintains the Council's donor and membership database; manages fundraising lists of individuals, organizations, and foundations; and provides a range of administrative services in the areas of philanthropy and member relations. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 234 | Email Address: acrowe@nhchc.org Brandon de la Cruz, MM Media and Technology Manager Brandon manages media-based communication activities for the Council -- including webinars, videography, photography, and music production -- and provides guidance and support for information technology services. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 249 | Email Address: bdelacruz@nhchc.org Barbara DiPietro, PhD Senior Director of Policy Barbara directs the policy and advocacy activities for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. This includes conducting policy analysis, providing educational materials and presentations to a broad range of policymakers and other stakeholders, coordinating the Council’s policy priorities with national partners, and organizing staff assistance to the Policy Committee and the National Consumer Advisory Board. Contact Information Phone Number: (443) 703-1346 | Email Address: bdipietro@nhchc.org Jennifer Dix, BBA Communications Coordinator Jenn provides assistance with the Council’s marketing and branding efforts. This includes supporting effective communication strategies via email communications, newsletters, marketing materials, website content, and social media. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 225 | Email Address: jdix@nhchc.org Julia Dobbins, MSW Director of Medical Respite Care Julia joined the Council in 2012 and leads our work on medical respite care. She provides guidance and oversight for medical respite activities including training, technical assistance, and resource and program development. Additionally, she is the staff liaison to the Respite Care Providers’ Network (RCPN) and coordinates and facilitates the activities of the RCPN steering committee. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 232 | Email Address: jdobbins@nhchc.org D. Michael Durham, MTS Community Engagement Manager Michael is responsible for strategic relationship-building and increasing representation of marginalized communities in all of the Council’s work. Leaning on these relationships, he coordinates the Council’s largely peer-to-peer technical assistance program, which provides support to health centers and other organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. He also supports the CEO in certain racial equity initiatives. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 246 | Email Address: mdurham@nhchc.org Dorothy (Dott) Freeman, PhD Senior Director of Advancement Dott is the Council's Senior Director of Advancement and has more than 25 years of fundraising experience in a variety of areas, including service-oriented nonprofits, health care, and education. Heading the Council's Advancement Team, she leads our philanthropy, communications, membership, media, and technology initiatives. Contact Information Phone Number: (207) 333-8877 | Email Address: dfreeman@nhchc.org Melanie Harper, BA, LSSGB Director of Finance & Administration Melanie is responsible for oversight of all the financial and administrative functions of the Council and staffs the Finance & Personnel Committee. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 229 | Email Address: mharper@nhchc.org Darlene Jenkins, DrPH Senior Director of Programs Darlene oversees the work of the Education and Research Teams. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 228 | Email Address: djenkins@nhchc.org Joseph Kenkel, BS Research Assistant Joey works with the research team to support the Health Care for the Homeless field by developing and disseminating information, increasing visibility of HCH-related research through publications and external collaborations, and improving the HCH field and community’s capacity for quality improvement and engagement in research. Joey also performs activities aimed to increase the knowledge base, skill set, and resources of health center staff engaged in supportive housing initiatives in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 226 | Email Address: jkenkel@nhchc.org Kelli Klein, BA Behavioral Health Coordinator Kelli provides technical assistance and supports the Council’s work on behavioral health and homelessness, focusing on the integration of behavioral health into primary care settings. She works specifically on the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Center of Excellence (CoE) for Behavioral Health Technical Assistance (BHTA), which includes the development and execution of webinars and peer learning opportunities through communities of practice. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 247 | Email Address: kklein@nhchc.org Katie League, LCSW-C COVID-19 Project Manager (Policy Team) Katie works with the policy team to support the Council’s efforts surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic. She works to identify and promote promising practices, common challenges, and key policy issues faced by the HCH community. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: kleague@nhchc.org Cindy Manginelli, BS Director of Community Engagement Cindy directs the Council’s efforts to engage and create a diverse community of individuals, coalitions, and programs that directly address issues at the intersection of homelessness and health care. She also manages the Council’s ongoing work to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community of those who experience and address homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 239 | Email Address: cmanginelli@nhchc.org Julia Nettles-Clemons, BA Administrative Coordinator Julia has a variety of responsibilities in the areas of finance and administration that include accounts receivable and accounts payable, office maintenance, clerical work, operations, and database support. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 221| Email Address: jnettles@nhchc.org Courtney Pladsen, DNP, FNP-BC, RN Director of Clinical and Quality Improvement Courtney leads initiatives to improve the delivery of primary care, substance use treatment, and mental health care nationally. She directs training and quality improvement initiatives, and contributes to research and policy recommendations on emerging clinical issues affecting people experiencing homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: cpladsen@nhchc.org Brett Poe, BS Research Associate Brett works with the research team to support the Health Care for the Homeless field by developing and disseminating information, increasing visibility of HCH-related research through publications and external collaborations, and providing data-driven support to inter-departmental teams and workgroups. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 242 | Email Address: bpoe@nhchc.org Regina Reed, MPH Health Policy Manager Regina is responsible for representing the interests of the Council to policymakers and organizational partners in Washington, D.C., working with the Policy Committee to advance the Council’s advocacy agenda, developing policy positions and analyses, and mobilizing member organizations, service providers, and other advocates to end poverty and homelessness. Contact Information Phone Number: (443) 703-1337 | Email Address: rreed@nhchc.org Caitlin Synovec, OTD, OTR/L, BCMH Medical Respite Manager Caitlin is an occupational therapist with clinical experience working with adults experiencing homelessness to improve quality of life and engagement in their preferred communities. As the Medical Respite Manager, she works with the Director of Medical Respite on projects of the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC) and the Respite Care Providers’ Network (RCPN). Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292 | Email Address: csynovec@nhchc.org Cecilia Willoughby, BA Training and Meetings Coordinator Cecilia manages logistics and educational content for the Council’s major training events, including our annual National Health Care for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium, Regional Training, and Governing Membership Meeting. She serves as the point person for these major training events working in concert with the Director of Finance and Administration, Administrators Committee, other staff members, and other stakeholders. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 241 | Email Address: cwilloughby@nhchc.org Cecilia Willoughby, BA Training and Meetings Coordinator Cecilia manages logistics and educational content for the Council’s major training events, including our annual National Health Care for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium, Regional Training, and Governing Membership Meeting. She serves as the point person for these major training events working in concert with the Director of Finance and Administration, Administrators Committee, other staff members, and other stakeholders. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 241 | Email Address: cwilloughby@nhchc.org Terri Woodmore, MS Communications Manager As part of the advancement team, Terri develops and coordinates ongoing communications and media strategies, and maintains high-quality communications including mass emails, newsletters, marketing materials, website design and content, social media, and audio/video packages. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 245 | Email Address: twoodmore@nhchc.org Brenda Wright Executive Assistant Brenda serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO and is responsible for Board meeting preparation, special projects, and administrative support including scheduling, preparing executive documents and correspondence, managing travel itineraries, maintaining files, and other administrative duties. Contact Information Phone Number: (615) 226-2292, Ext. 251 | Email Address: bwright@nhchc.org Search for: COVID-19 Join Donate FollowFollow Find Best Practices and Research View resources on health care and homelessness. FIND Immediate Help Now Browse homeless service organizations near you. TAKE ACTION TO End Homelessness Lift your voice for health care and housing justice! REQUEST Technical Assistance Request advice or training in homeless health care. Emergency Preparedness People experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable during natural disasters, and are often subject to discrimination during recovery. Too often resources are prioritized for people who were displaced from their homes by natural disasters, even though nothing fundamentally differentiates those that were made homeless by extreme weather and those who otherwise lack stable housing. Review the resources below to prepare your clients and programs to respond to disasters effectively. NHCHC Resources Winter is Coming: Cold Weather & Disasters, 2020. The second installment in our webinar series on six winter crises, this facilitated discussion addresses how to prepare, plan, and respond to extreme cold weather and the corresponding health issues for those living outdoors, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires. Presenters share examples of how they are leveraging federal and local funds and working with community partners, and discuss the challenges and strategies to overcome barriers posed by decompressed shelters. Preparing and Responding to Natural Disasters: Health Care for the Homeless Perspectives, 2018. With recent natural disasters striking major metropolitan areas, the need for preparedness and response discussions has drastically increased. Preparing our health centers, our staff, and our consumers is vital for safety and recovery. Join us as we explore disaster preparedness and response for health centers treating people experiencing homelessness from multiple angles. We will share disaster preparedness plans from an administrative and operations perspective, challenges and success in planning and response, lessons learned following Hurricane Harvey, hear stories of involuntary evacuation for Hurricane Irma, and learn useful strategies to proactively engage and prepare consumers for natural disasters. View slides and video. Integrating Homeless Service Providers and Clients in Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, 2014, This issue brief outlines strategies in place in two Florida counties to meet the disaster needs of people experiencing homelessness. Findings from focus groups were used to assess homeless individual and service provider knowledge base and perception of these strategies. Recommendations are offered for other communities working towards more inclusive planning. Surviving Severe Weather: Tools to Promote Emergency Preparedness for People Experiencing Homelessness, 2013, This series of weather-specific informational flyers was developed specifically for people experiencing homelessness using input from people who are formerly and currently homeless. Information for planning a severe weather dialogue and learning session is included. Disaster Planning For People Experiencing Homelessness, March 2009, Federal reports and lessons learned from a number of communities tell us that we are not prepared to meet the disaster-related needs of people who are homeless. This publication provides an overview of important issues to consider when planning for the needs of homeless people during disasters. Practical guidance for each issue area is offered for local officials, emergency planners, homeless service providers and others who are involved in the disaster planning process. The final part of the document offers guidance to help Health Care for the Homeless providers and others involved in homeless service provision facilitate conversations with emergency planners in their communities. Disaster Planning Requires Time, Resources, Collaboration | Healing Hands, 2004 No One Left Behind: Disaster Planning for People Experiencing Homelessness, 2010, Workshop materials from the 2010 National Health Care for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium Pandemic Influenza Guidance for Homeless Shelters & Homeless Service Providers, 2009. Additional Resources Health Centers: Assistance Before, During, and After Emergencies and Disasters, 2013, prepared by the National Association of Community Health Centers Disaster Response for Homeless Individuals and Families: A Trauma-Informed Approach, prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Resource Guide for Disaster Medicine and Public Health | The Resource Guide for Disaster Medicine and Public Health is a portal that provides users access to a variety of reports, fact sheets, guidelines, tools, etc. regarding disaster medicine and public health. Medical Reserve Corps – The mission of the MRC is to engage volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response and community resiliency. Emergency Management resources from Health Center Resource Clearinghouse Ready for Anything: A Disaster Planning Manual for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs, developed for the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While this manual was developed with children and youth in mind, the information and templates are useful for shelters serving single adults as well. Collaborating with community health centers for preparedness | Prepared by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, this report offers examples of various models of collaboration related to discrete aspects of emergency response. National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) | Members of National VOAD form a coalition of nonprofit organizations that respond to disasters as part of their overall mission. Ethical Issues in Disaster Response, 2007, This half-hour, online training module addresses ethical issues in disaster response such as cultural competence and ethical conflicts which arise when there is an inequality of power and/or control. Enrollment in the module is free of charge and provides continuing education credits. One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Emergency Management for Healthcare for the Homeless Programs, 2008, | Mollie Melbourne | National Association of Community Health Centers | during the National Health Care for the Homeless Conference and Policy Symposium, Phoenix, Arizona Alternative Marketing & Messaging to Prepare Vulnerable Populations, 2008 | Sponsored by Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), prepared by Collaborating Agencies Responding To Disaster (CARD) and SUNY Albany Center for Public Health. Continuing Education Units are available. Community Health Center Emergency Planning Guidelines Template | Made available by the Florida Association of Community Health Centers Health care at the crossroads: Strategies for creating and sustaining community-wide emergency preparedness systems, 2003. Prepared by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the purpose of this report is to frame the issues that must be addressed in developing community-wide preparedness and to delineate federal and state responsibilities for eliminating barriers and for facilitating and sustaining—through leadership, funding and other resource deployment—community-based emergency preparedness across the United States. Federal Disaster Assistance: FEMA Guidance for HRSA Community-Based Service Delivery Grantees – A compilation of essential information on HRSA grant programs from public websites for use by HRSA Bureaus and Offices as they assist their grantees following a disaster. Disaster Preparedness to Promote Community Resilience | A joint project of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Use this toolkit to identify and collaborate with partners to address homeless individuals’ disaster response & recovery needs. Direct Relief | Direct Relief can work with healthcare professionals and organizations on the ground and equip them with the essential medical supplies and equipment that they need to help people recover from a disaster. AmeriCares | AmeriCares delivers medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to a trusted network of clinics, hospitals and health care providers. National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities | This site, produced jointly by Drexel University School of Public Health’s Center for Health Equality and The Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers a comprehensive library of information related to emergency preparedness for culturally diverse communities. 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Email Sign Up Now This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,625,741 with 20 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov. Copyright © 2020 National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc. 604 Gallatin Ave., Suite 106 | Nashville, TN 37206 | (615) 226-2292 Disclaimers and Payment Policies FollowFollowFollow
