The People Behind the Mission
VACHWA Team
The team at VACHWA is structured into two key divisions: the dedicated staff responsible for overseeing daily operations, program implementation, and support for community health workers, and the strategic board focused on planning and ensuring financial stability. By closely collaborating and aligning their efforts, these groups work harmoniously towards achieving the association’s goals and mission effectively.
Meet Our Team
The Board
Stephanie Carrington
Background: A Richmond, Virginia native and certified community health worker, Stephanie is leading her team at the Richmond City Health District while also serving on many other community boards.
Fun Fact: ”I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.”
Contact: president@chwofva.com
Keandra Holloway
Background: A certified community health worker with almost a decade of experience with the Richmond & Henrico Health District.
Fun Fact: “My favorite genres of TV media are crime and drama.”
Contact: vice-president@chwofva.com
Misty Bivens
Background: Has over a dozen years of experience in business development and healthcare.
Fun Fact: “I am dedicated to advocating for underserved populations and fostering strong community partnerships.”
Contact: treasurer@chwofva.com
Secretary
LaTasha Wronge
Background: LaTasha has in-depth experience advocating for mental wellness and aims to promote accessible resources, destigmatize mental health challenges, empower individuals to thrive.
Fun Fact: “Along with being a mental health advocate, i am a wife, mother, and lifelong learner.”
Contact: secretary@chwofva.com
Sonya Giles
Background: Sonya is dedicated to promoting respiratory wellness and improving health outcomes in underserved communities. With a strong background in health education, patient advocacy, and community outreach.
Fun Fact:
Contact:
Meet Our Team
The Staff
Shanteny Jackson
Background: An Afro-Latina community leader, Shanteny’s lived experiences coupled with her academic background have been pivotal in her professional development.
Fun fact: “I was a ‘professional’ soccer player and soccer ‘coach’ mom for my three boys.”
Contact: ed@chwofva.com
Umoh Nya
Background: A dedicated professional with 5+ years of experience in administrative support and social work across health sectors, bringing a strong blend of empathy, versatility, and leadership to every role.
Fun Facts: I'm fueled by compassion, excitement, and a love for discovering new places; there’s never a dull moment in my world.
Contact: info@chwofva.com
Jackie Murrell
Background: Certified Community Health Worker passionate about promoting health literacy and advocacy in all aspects of her work.
Fun Fact: Enjoys connecting with people and uplifting communities through outreach and education.
Contact: outreach@chwofva.com
Patrice Shelton
Background: Founder and Executive Director of Hillside Court Partnership and a Certified Community Health Worker Senior with over 12 years of experience at the Richmond Henrico Health District. Patrice has led community-driven initiatives, secured grants, and launched over 14 resident-led groups in Richmond public housing.
Fun Fact: Longtime community advocate who helped rezone her neighborhood’s elementary school through city council engagement.
Contact: chwit@chwofva.com
Eymar Yepez
Background: Certified Doula with 17 years of experience supporting mothers and families through the perinatal cycle. She has a background in Psychology and is rooted in ancestral practices for holistic maternal health. Eymar serves as Co-Coordinator of the VACHWA Doula Ambassador Program and facilitates Spanish-language doula trainings, with a focus on supporting the Latina community.
Fun Fact: Passionate about supporting families and building community through culturally rooted care.
Contact: doulaambassador@chwofva.com
Darling Flores
Background: Community Health Worker passionate about serving her community and promoting young adult involvement in public health.
Fun Fact: Enjoys inspiring the next generation of leaders through community engagement.
Contact: promotortrainer@chwofva.com
Kelli Olson
Background: Writer, educator, and independent grant writer with experience across community health, workforce development, the arts, and more. She holds a Ph.D. in English and the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, and serves on the board of the Central Virginia Grant Professionals Association.
Fun Fact: Believes strong ideas deserve strong words—and loves helping others bring their vision to life.
Contact: grantwriter@chwofva.com
Odette Furgeson
Background: Retired midwife from a hospital system in Costa Rica and a Certified Doula in Virginia, bringing a wealth of experience in maternal care. She serves as a facilitator for the Latino Doula training program.
Fun Fact: Passionate about sharing knowledge across cultures to support families and strengthen community care.
Contact: doulaenespanol@chwofva.com
Nataki Hill
Background: AKA TT The Doula, is a community-based doula with over 20 years of experience in birth work. She became a State Certified Doula in 2023 and is the Founder and President of the Doula Association of Virginia. Nataki specializes in childbirth education, prenatal nutrition, lactation, and postpartum support, and is passionate about mentoring new doulas.
Fun Fact: She is also a mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, podcast host, and owner of Brazilian Mist coffee and Serenity’s Oasis.
Contact: doula@chwofva.com
Jackie Green-August
Background: Certified Community Health Worker passionate about promoting health literacy and advocacy in all aspects of her work.
Fun Fact: Deeply connected to nature and emotions, she finds joy in celebrating every moment.
Contact: doula@chwofva.com
Stephanie Carrington
Background: Certified Community Health Worker Senior with over 13 years of experience at the Richmond Henrico Health District, where she leads a team serving the East End of Richmond. She holds a degree in Social Science and serves as President of the Virginia Community Health Worker Association, championing health equity and community advocacy.
Fun Fact: Enjoys reading and spending quality time with her grandchildren.
Contact: chwit@chwofva.com