BOARD OFFICERS
Nikita Graham
Greg Cowan
President Elect
Melissa Damelio
Secretary
John Hightower
Treasurer
Betsy Wood
Past President
BOARD MEMBERS
Chesha James
Board Member
Jodi-Ann V. Livingstone
Board Member
Audrey Moore
Board Member
Libbie Stroud, LPN, CLC
Board Member
Antoinette Bowen
Board Member
Marie Clewis
Board Member
Paul Bebee
Board Member
Trishay Young
Board Member
OUR STAFF
Chris Szorcsik
Chris Szorcsik started with Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition in 2016 as the Director of Operations. In 2019, she transitioned to her current role as the Executive Director. Chris is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Coalition, staff, programs, sustainability, and execution of its mission. Chris has her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Crown College and her Human Resources Certification from the University of Minnesota. She has more than 20 years of experience in operations and administration. Chris grew up in the Midwest and moved to Tallahassee in 2016. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Florida, reading, cooking, and crafting.
Email: Chris@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 101
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Chris Szorcsik
Executive Director
Amanda Madden, MS
Amanda Madden, MS joined the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition team in August 2023 as an Associate Executive Director.
Email: Amanda@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 108
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Amanda Madden, MS
Associate Executive Director
Caroline Wilder
Caroline Wilder joined the team in 2024 as the Administrative Director; she assists in the monitoring of programs, contracts performance, and provides technical assistance and training to program providers regarding current contract requirements. Caroline joined the Girl Scouts back in the 1990’s and discovered a lifelong zeal for public service and helping others. She moved to Tallahassee over 20 years ago to attend Florida State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physics; during her tenure there, she was a member of the Marching Chiefs and Seminole Sound for five years. Since graduating, Caroline has worked with the Tallahassee Police Department as a Forensic Specialist, the Florida Department of Revenue as a technical writer team lead, and the Florida Department of Environmental protection as an auditor. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring outside, and building LEGO sets.
Email: caroline@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 122
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Caroline Wilder
Administrative Director
Danielle Whitfield
Danielle Whitfield joined the team in 2016 as the MomCare Advisor. She serves as the Connect Program Director, supervising the Intake Staff, Connect Family Partners, and Perinatal Navigators. Danielle also serves as our Field Instructor to the student Interns from FSU and FAMU. Danielle coordinates our CPR classes each year with Leon County EMS for residents. Originally, from Dania Beach, Florida, Danielle holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Thomas University and a Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. Danielle has always had a passion to help children and families. Her experience includes 7 years with the Florida Department of Health in Immunizations and ending her time there working with School Health at Deerlake Middle School. She strongly believes in self-care and enjoys traveling, the beach, and especially cruising.
Email: Danielle@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 109
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Danielle Whitfield, MSW
Connect Program Director
Abigail (Abby) Olcese
Abigail (Abby) Olcese serves as the Community Relations Director at the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition, bringing over 15 years of expertise in hospitality, event planning, fundraising, and non-profit management. Hailing from Miami, Florida, Abigail earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Flagler College (Tallahassee) and her Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Florida International University. In her role, Abigail spearheads the CAHSC communications team, driving initiatives to enhance messaging, raise awareness, and spotlight community resources. Her fervor for spreading joy and positively impacting lives is evident in her professional and personal endeavors. Currently embracing her “wellness era,” Abigail is dedicated to being the best Mama, Wife, Sister, Daughter, and Friend possible. Outside of her professional commitments, she finds joy in reading, walking, practicing yoga, indulging in podcasts and music (with a special nod to Taylor Swift), enjoying beach days, organizing, and prioritizing self-care.
Email: Abigail@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850) 488-0288 Ext. 107
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Abigail Olcese
Community Relations Director
Destiny Gaines
Destiny Gaines joined the team in 2023 as the Community Relations Assistant. Destiny assists with setting marketing and communications objectives for Capital Area Healthy Start. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Destiny holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University. Destiny found her passion in digital media while attending Florida A&M, as she was the Lead News Anchor and Reporter for FAMU News 20 at Five and the Social Media Manager for the FAMU Chapter of The National Association of Black Journalists. Her passion in the community came from her active membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with close family and friends, shopping, and traveling.
Email: Destiny@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 ext. 117
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Destiny Gaines
Community Relations Assistant
Alfred Williams
Alfred “Al” Williams joined the team in July of 2023 as a Public Relations Specialist for the Marketing and Communications department at Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition. As a native of Tallahassee, Florida, Al holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in business administration from Florida A&M University. Al has always been passionate about marketing and has found his passion in using those talents to help others. During his leisure time, he enjoys sports and cherishing moments with loved ones.
Email: Alfred@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 115
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Alfred Williams
Public Relations Specialist
Keshia Jenkins
Keshia Jenkins joined our team in 2024 as a Community Doula Coordinator – leading the way as an early childhood educator & advocate, certified doula, maternal health & birth justice warrior. Keshia holds degrees from Tallahassee Community College, Saint Leo University, and University of North Florida. Keshia worked as an early childhood educator for almost twenty years and saw firsthand the effects of a mother’s health on the future of her child. She has lent her voice to legislation for the expansion of pregnancy Medicaid, numerous early childhood policy including serving as a lead facilitator for The Future Project and is now working actively to provide equitable doula access locally through coalition building with several local organization. During her transition from the classroom into policy and advocacy, Keshia has earned several certifications including three doula certifications, breastfeeding counselor, and infant mental health endorsement. Although, she loves everything community and serving her pride and joy rest in the eyes of her four humans that she has affectionally nicknamed “the A-team. Keshia’s motto is “let your passion lead you” and to do everything in “peace, light and love.”
Email: Keshia@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 121
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Keshia Jenkins
Community Doula Coordinator
Rineisha Anderson
Rineisha Anderson joined the team in 2024 as the Connect Program Manager for the Healthy Start Coalition. Rineisha manages the day-to-day operations and needs of the Intake Specialist staff, Connect Family Partners, and Perinatal, ensuring that pregnant women, infants, and families throughout the community are connected to resources and appropriate home visiting services that fit their needs. Rineisha holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida A&M University. Rineisha interned with CAHSC in 2022 as an Intake Specialist BSW Intern and has assisted pregnant women, infants, and their families since then. Her experience includes working in healthcare and being a Healthy Start Home Visitor. In her free time, Rineisha enjoys doing Zumba, traveling, gaming, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Email: Rineisha@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext:103
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Rineisha Anderson
Connect Program Manager
Tamia Hale, BSW
Tamia Hale joined the team in 2023 as an Intake Specialist for Healthy Start Coalition. Tamia assists pregnant women, and their families in determining what services might best fit them for Capital Area Healthy Start. Born and raised in Quincy, Florida, Tamia holds a bachelor’s in social work from Florida A&M University. Tamia found her passion for helping others at a young age. Whether it was passing out essential items for families or helping assist people who had trouble understanding forms, Tamia has always been passionate about helping her local community. She enjoys baking and spending time with her family and friends during her free time, traveling, and making memories.
Email: Tamia@capitalareahealthystart.org
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Tamia Hale
HCA Connect Family Partner
Nacoya Humphrey-Bell
Nacoya Humphrey-Bell became a member of the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition team in October 2023, initially working as a Connect Intake Specialist. She later transitioned to her current role as an HCA Connect Family Partner.
Email: Nacoya@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone:(850)431-3001
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Nacoya Humphrey-Bell
TMH Connect Family Partner
Kenya Akins
Kenya Akins joined the team in 2024 as an Intake Specialist. Kenya was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and raised in a small town known as Havana, Florida. Kenya also graduated from Florida A&M University and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work. Kenya comes from a family-oriented background; her passion has always been to help others by advocating for the youth and elderly. Kenya’s experience includes working in foster care and with troubled/disabled youths. Outside work, Kenya loves creating memories; she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and cooking.
Email:kenya@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone:850-488-0288 Ext:104
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Kenya Akins, BSW
Intake Specialist
Rebecca Kilpatrick
Rebecca Kilpatrick joined the team in November 2022 as the Parents as Teachers Program Supervisor for Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition. Parents as Teachers is a voluntary home visiting program for infants, 0 – 3 years of age, and their families designed to improve infant development outcomes and family well-being. The Parents as Teachers (PAT) supervisor is responsible for the oversite and supervision of the delivery of all components of the PAT model, implementing essential requirements and quality assurance guidelines with fidelity, and collecting all data required by the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visitation (MIECHV) Initiative and Parents as Teachers.
Rebecca attended Ashford University, where she earned a master’s degree in Education as well as Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology with a minor in Child Development. She has had the pleasure of working with children and families for over 20 years.
Email: Rebecca@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 111
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Rebecca Kilpatrick
Parents as Teachers Program Director
Ashley Cochran
Ashley Cochran joined the team in April 2023 as a Parent Educator for the Parents as Teachers Program. She has had an aspiration to work with children since she was a young child, and her passion grew even greater as the years progressed. She attended Ashford University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education. Ashley has over 10 plus years of experience working with children and their families. She knows that shaping and molding the minds of our young babies is very important and that it takes a village to raise a child. She believes in the saying “If a task is once begun, never leave it until its done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all!”
In her spare time when she is helping others, she loves singing, pampering herself by visiting the nail shop, shopping, eating out, and spending time with her family in her hometown of Albany, Georgia. Her husband and son are her pride and joy.
Email: Ashley@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: 850-488-0288 Ext. 112
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Ashley Cochran
Lead Parents as Teachers Educator
Kenyatta Colvin, Sr.
Kenyatta Colvin, Sr. joined our team in January 2023 as the Program Coordinator for the Fatherhood Program with Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition. He comes to us with years of experience as a Health Educator with the HIV Prevention Program of Big Bend Cares, an Outreach Specialist with Neighborhood Medical Center, and a Direct Care Supervisor with The Kearney Center.
Kenyatta attended Capps College (now Fortis Colleges and Institutes) in Mobile AL, where he earned an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting. He is also the lead pastor of Free 2 Worship Ministries, where he has ministered for over 9 years. His goal is to build the men of this region, thereby strengthening families and producing stronger communities.
Email: kenyatta@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 114
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Kenyatta Colvin, Sr.
T.E.A.M. Dad Program Coordinator
Kendrick Harris, Sr.
Kendrick Harris, Sr. joined our team in July 2023 as the Fatherhood Engagement Specialist for the Fatherhood Program with Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition. He comes to us with years of experience as a Correctional Officer with the Florida Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice Supervisor with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and Administrator with the Florida Department of Health.
Kendrick attended Covenant Bible College, Tallahassee, Florida, and Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas. He is also the senior pastor of John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, where he has ministered for over 5 years. His goal is to strengthen the core foundation of men in the homes, community, and region, thereby solidifying families and producing stronger communities.
Email: kendrick@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 Ext. 116
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Kendrick Harris, Sr.
T.E.A.M. Dad Engagement Specialist
Angel Dameron
Angel Dameron joined the team in August 2022 as the Administrative Assistant. She is responsible for supporting management with day-to-day administrative tasks. Angel has years of experience working in the nonprofit community with the elderly population, has a passion for serving the community, and is excited about the opportunity to work with the coalition ─ offering support where needed.
Free time: spending time with family, making new memories, and being outdoors, especially at the beach.
Email: angel@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 ext:100
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Angel Dameron
Administrative Assistant
Donnielle Ivory
Donnielle Ivory joined the team in October 2021 as the Sister Friends program/special projects coordinator. She supervises, motivates, and supports volunteers who are responsible for providing emotional and practical support to expectant moms and new mothers on a one-on-one basis. Donnielle attended Florida State University and earned a degree in Family and Child Sciences with a concentration in psychology. Donnielle has years of experience working in the healthcare field and in the community with vulnerable populations. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading, cooking, home designing, and spending time with family.
Email: donnielle@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 ext.106
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Donnielle Ivory
Sister Friends Program & Special Events Coordinator
Bryclyn Jefferson
Bryclyn Jefferson joined the Capital Area Healthy Start team in 2024 as the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program Coordinator. In her role within the Coalition, she focuses on improving community health outcomes by educating and supporting families who have experienced fetal and infant loss. Bryclyn holds a bachelor’s degree in health informatics and information management from the prestigious Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. While her initial aspiration was to become a nurse, her introduction to the Health Informatics program at FAMU ignited her passion for the administrative and operational components of healthcare. Outside of her professional pursuits, Bryclyn has a passion for fashion and enjoys spending her free time shopping, traveling, and reading. As well as spending time with her family on her grandmother’s boat.
Email: bryclyn@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850) 488-0288 ext:102
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Bryclyn Jefferson
FIMR Program Coordinator
Amy Jackson
Amy Jackson joined the team in 2024 as a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator. Amy travels on home visits to work with parents in understanding the important impact they have on their child’s development. Amy grew up in Pensacola, Florida, but moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University in 2021. During her time at Florida State University, Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human development and family sciences. Throughout her undergraduate career, Amy’s heart was always set on working with children, whether that being in the mental health field or in some other capacity. Her love for the field really grew after beginning her job at Ann’s Preschool and Kindergarten. Her appreciation for parent involvement and education was fortified during her time in FSU’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Email: amy@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 ext:200
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Amy Jackson
Parents as Teachers Educator
Melissa Quinnell
Melissa Quinnell recently joined the coalition as a Parent As Teachers Educator in August 2024. She is native to Tallahassee and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University. She has approximately 25 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator and is a certified Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist. Her passion is to serve the community through her work with children and their families to ensure that every child receives a great start towards achieving their potential. In her free time Melissa enjoys spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, and being an active member of her church.
Email: melissa@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
Phone: (850)488-0288 ext:113
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Melissa Quinnell
Parents As Teachers Educator
PERINATAL NAVIGATORS
Haleigh Gilbert
Haleigh Gilbert joined the team in 2023 as a Pregnancy Navigator for the C.O.A.S.T. Through Pregnancy Program with Healthy Start Coalition and is currently serving as the Lead Perinatal Navigator. Haleigh works with women facing severe maternal morbidities, striving to decrease the number of maternal deaths in Leon County by providing case management services to these women and their babies. Haleigh attended Thomas University, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work. Through the Department of Juvenile Justice, Haleigh found her passion for improving children’s lives while working with at-risk youth and their families. In her free time, she enjoys music, cooking, spirituality, walking with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.
Email: Haleigh@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850) 488-0288 ext:119
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Haleigh Gilbert
Lead Perinatal Navigator
Chelsea Edler
Chelsea Edler joined the team in 2023 as a Pregnancy Navigator with the C.O.A.S.T through the Pregnancy program with Healthy Start Coalition, and she is currently serving as the Lead Perinatal Navigator. As she assists with providing the necessary resources and support to mamas to ensure they have a healthy and successful pregnancy, Chelsea draws on her extensive knowledge and experience in the field. From Pensacola, FL, Chelsea traveled to Tallahassee to attend Florida A&M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2019. Chelsea has always been passionate about helping others, making a difference in people’s lives, and thinking of ways to improve things. Chelsea is keeping her love alive here at Healthy Start through her anticipated Master of Public Health degree in 2024 from Grand Canyon University. In her free time, she enjoys learning new things, reading, dancing, shopping, and spending time with her daughter, family, and friends.
Email: Chelsea@capitalareahealthystart.org
Phone: (850) 488-0288 ext. 118
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Chelsea Edler
Lead Perinatal Navigator
Brianna Allen
Brianna Allen joined our team in 2024 as the Perinatal Navigator. In this role, she collaborates with prenatal care providers to support pregnant women, offering essential services such as screening, education, and referrals to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey. Originally from Quincy, Florida, Brianna earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Florida State University. Her passion for public health blossomed at FSU, where she served as Vice President of Minorities in Public Health. She further deepened her commitment to community service as the Community Service Director for the Beta Chapter of Kappa Psi Psi Healthcare Sorority, Incorporated. Brianna enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends in her spare time, shopping, traveling, and watching movies.
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Brianna Allen
Perinatal Navigator
Veronica Norton
Veronica Norton joined the team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator. Veronica meets with pregnant women in provider offices to provide screenings, education, and referrals to help ensure healthy pregnancies. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Phoenix. Veronica found her passion for improving the lives of children and families at a very young age and through various positions with the Children’s Home Society of Florida over many years. She enjoys spending time with close family and watching/attending sporting events in her free time.
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Veronica Norton
Perinatal Navigator
London Williams
London Williams joined the team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator. London assists with prenatal care and maternal education for pregnant and postpartum women. Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, London holds a bachelor’s degree in university studies with a concentration in health sciences and human behavior and a minor in public health from East Carolina University. In her free time, she enjoys being active by hiking, running, working out, and dancing. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Email: London@CapitalAreaHealthyStart.org
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London Williams
Perinatal Navigator
Carlayna Grey
Carlayna Grey joined our team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator. Carlayna supports medical offices that offer prenatal care by meeting with expectant mothers to provide screenings, education, and referrals to ensure healthy pregnancies. A native of Wakulla County, FL, Carlayna holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida State University. With a passion for maternal and child health, Carlayna is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of mothers, infants, and their families and is excited to contribute to improving health outcomes in the community. Carlayna enjoys relaxing and spending quality time with family and friends in her free time.
Email: Carlayna@capitalareahealthystart.org
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Carlayna Grey
Perinatal Navigator
Lexie Jansto
Lexie Jansto joined the team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator, enhancing maternal education, support, and care planning within provider offices. Lexie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University and a Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. Lexie is passionate about serving children and families, particularly in the Big Bend community. Her experience includes six years with 2-1-1 Big Bend, many of which help provide free screenings and case management services to children and their families. In her free time, Lexie enjoys spending time with her two rescue dogs and providing emergency relief for foster dogs.
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Lexie Jansto
Perinatal Navigator
Nina Alexander
Nina Alexander joined the team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator. Nina meets with pregnant women and provider offices to provide screenings, education, and referrals to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Born and raised in Homestead, Florida, Nina holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida A&M University. She enjoys spending time with close family and friends and traveling in her free time.
Email: nina@capitalareahealthystart.org
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Nina Alexander
Perinatal Navigator
Charnel Hosty
Charnel Hosty joined the team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator. Charnel assists in assessing the needs of families and providing resources to them during their prenatal journey. Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Charnel moved to Tallahassee to study at Florida A&M University. Driven by her passion for helping others, Charnel earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. With her expertise and compassionate approach, she strives to impact the lives she serves positively. She enjoys spending time with family and friends in her free time, cooking, dancing, and traveling.
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Charnel Hosty
Perinatal Navigator
Morgan Hutchinson
Morgan Hutchinson joined the team in 2024 as a Perinatal Navigator for the Coalition. She works with pregnant and postpartum women in this role, assisting prenatal care provider offices. Morgan provides screening, education, and referrals to help ensure healthy pregnancies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Morgan’s passion lies in holistically improving the liveliness and wellness of individuals. She enjoys singing, stepping, connecting with her faith, and spending time with her loved ones in her free time.
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Morgan Hutchinson
Perinatal Navigator
HEALTHY START STAFF
Ludy Willis
Healthy Start Program Manager (Leon County)
Amelia Morse
Healthy Start Home Visitor (Wakulla County)
Liz Neighbors
CI&R and Healthy Start Program Manager (Wakulla County)
Aaliyah Holiday
Healthy Start Program Supervisor (Leon County)
CaShanda Coleman
Healthy Start Home Visitor
