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 Rural Issues Homelessness exists wherever housing is unaffordable, even in rural areas. People experiencing homelessness in rural communities may be overlooked by service providers in part because they may not self-identify as homeless, when in fact they qualify for programs. But even if they are aware of available services, people without homes in rural communities face major barriers to accessing them. Many of the following resources are older, but key insights remain for serving people in rural areas. NHCHC Resources Using the Social Ecological Model to examine how homelessness is defined and managed in rural East Tennessee (2016) | This research document provides an insightful case study in how rural communities engage and perceive homelessness. Though often viewed as an urban issue, homelessness is pervasive in rural areas due to high poverty rates, lack of affordable housing, and geographical isolation. This publication examines that phenomenon through the lens of a 2014 study of East Tennessean communities conducted by the National HCH Council in collaboration with Vanderbilt University and Cherokee Health Systems. Analyzing the experiences of local consumers, organizational staff, and government officials, this study offers suggestions for how rural communities can improve their management of homeless issues and services. In Focus: Rural Homelessness (2013) | This issue of the In Focus quarterly research review addresses the changing rural landscape, the challenges to identifying the homeless population, the patterns of homelessness, service access and delivery barriers, and promising practices in service delivery in the context of rural settings. A few limitations exist regarding the literature shared, namely the specificity of studies to certain rural communities and some outdated references due to a lack of recent literature on the topic. Hard to Reach: Rural Homelessness & Health Care (2002) | This document summarizes what is known about the causes of rural homelessness and how the experiences of unstably housed people living in rural areas differ from their urban counterparts. In addition, it describes health problems often experienced by rural homeless clients, highlights strategies that homeless service providers are using to meet the challenges these clients present, and lists their recommendations for policy and practice to improve service access and reduce the incidence of rural homelessness. Sources cited in this report and additional resources about rural homelessness in particular states are included in the bibliography. Hard to Reach: Rural Homelessness & Health Care (2001) | This issue of Healing Hands examines obstacles to health care encountered by people who first experience homelessness in small communities and remote rural areas of the United States. The following articles briefly explain the causes of rural homelessness and how unstably housed people in rural areas differ from their urban counterparts. In addition, they highlight strategies that homeless service providers are using to meet the challenges these clients present, and recommendations to improve service access and reduce rural homelessness. Information presented here is excerpted from a more comprehensive analysis of these issues, to be published soon by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council with support from the Bureau of Primary Health Care. Additional Resources HUD Exchange Resources on Rural Homelessness Strengthening Systems for Ending Rural Homelessness: Promising and Considerations (2018) | United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Estimating Homelessness in Rural Areas: A Step-by-step Guide and Sourcebook of Information and Ideas (2002) | Publication by David Robinson of the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research Sheffield Hallam University which explains in a detailed, yet accessible manner, how to estimate homelessness in rural areas. Report: The 2001 Virginia Rural Homeless Survey (2001) | Report developed by the Center for Housing Research of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University which shares the process and final report for counting the state’s rural homeless population. Niches of Homelessness in Rural Nebraska: Bolstering Existing Understandings (1996) | Starting on page 67 the publication describes the method for determining homelessness in rural Nebraska. Abstract (full text available for purchase): Counting the Rural Homeless Population: Methodological Dilemmas (1993) | One important product of this National Institute of Mental Health-funded study is the successful adaptation of methods for field research on homelessness in rural settings. This article identifies the design dilemmas and the process issues in rural studies that are applicable to social work research in rural environments. 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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 $1,967,147 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 © 2021 National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc. 604 Gallatin Ave., Suite 106 | Nashville, TN 37206 | (615) 226-2292 Privacy and Payment Policies FollowFollowFollow
