HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Jennifer Macklin

BS, PharmD

Co- Founder and Executive Director

Dr. Jennifer Macklin is a Cleveland Heights, Ohio native and a first-generation college graduate earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Kent State University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Chicago State University College Of Pharmacy. While at Chicago State University, she had the pleasure of serving as class president and earning various community health awards. Dr. Jenn has seventeen years of pharmacy experience and specializes in Medication Therapy Management, Hepatitis C, and HIV management, and is licensed to practice in OH, NJ, NY, and WI. Her passion is working with patients to reach their goals when managing lifestyle modifications, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. She has had the pleasure to serve underserved populations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York City. She is elated to serve her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

Jessica Macklin

BS, PharmD

Co-Founder and Program Director

Dr. Jessica Macklin is a first-generation college graduate from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Kent State University and a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Chicago State University College of Pharmacy. She enjoyed leading her class as Vice President, and her passion for advancing communities was recognized through various awards. Dr. Jess has seventeen years of pharmacy experience and specializes in Medication Therapy Management, infertility treatments, and compounding. In the community setting, Dr. Jess focuses on bringing awareness and collaborative plans to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. She feels most fulfilled when she can make a difference in the lives of her patients and the communities she serves. Dr. Jess is licensed to practice in NJ, NY, OH, and WI.

Nicole Jones Latimore

BS, PharmD

Clinical  Advisor 

Dr. Nicole Jones Latimore has seven years of pharmacy experience and completed a residency in critical care. Her passion is being at the fore front of care when her patients need her the most. She believes you are only as strong as your health so make your health a priority. Dr. Jones Latimore is licensed in Ohio and Indiana.

COMMUNITY BOARD MEMBERS

Carmen Simmons

BS, MEd

Carmen earned a masters in Special Ed, Dual Masters Curriculum and Instruction / Adult Learning and Development. Her passion is to work with the youth and adults of varying learning capacities. She has had the pleasure to work in underserved communities in Cleveland. Currently she works with middle school age students in the Mayfield school district.  Carmen’s expertise is vital to the organization because she has an insight on creative ways to present materials to various levels of understandings. Our education sessions are not effective if we can not recognize or address a participant with learning disabilities.

Brandi Ryan

Brandi has twelve years of experience in preparing balanced meals for large organizations such as Case Western Reserve and currently the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Her new role at the Greater Food Bank includes community outreach and building partnerships to make an impact on families in Cleveland that need the support the most.  Brandi’s experiences with community partnerships in the underserved areas of Cleveland is so vital to the organization because her relationships has the potential to extend our reach to strengthen both the youth and adults through our program

Marijo Atkinson

Marijo has twenty years of patient advocacy experience at University Hospital and  St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in downtown Cleveland, Ohio servicing under insured underserved patients. She is proud of her responsibilities of connecting patients with caring healthcare providers, helping to ensure patients can afford their health services, coordinating transportation services and serves as a liaison for helping homeless families find homes to name a few. The highlight of her day is when she knows she has successfully connected a patient to the health resources. She proudly serves as 1st Vice President For the Eliza Bryant nursing home for 18 years.  Marijo believes that everyone deserves quality healthcare and she’s proud to help as many individuals as she can. 

Elsie Mescudi

 

Mrs. Mescudi has thirty eight years of experience as an Educator, Counselor, and Mentor for students

K-12. Mrs. Mescudi realized early that middle school students needed her creative and unique style, which includes music/art. Mrs. Mescudi is retired but not done! She believes all students can be successful given a good foundation, guidance and life skills. Mrs. Mescudi’s experience with middle school age students is vital to our organization because this is the main focus group of our after school classroom STEM workshops
 

Eryka Parker

BBA, MBA

  Eryka is the founder of Lyrical Innovations and has published a writing handbook, a poetry book, and several articles for Wish Cleveland and Black and Brilliant Entrepreneur magazine on growing your business, inspiration for writing and finding daily inspiration for writing, and focusing on self-care. Her energetic personality compels audience engagement, leaving them with key fundamental tools and skills.

Eryka has spent nine years working in the higher education industry and has a knack for empowering others to maximize their potential through education. She is skilled in inciting power and inspiration in all age groups. Eryka enjoys working with students of all ages and academic paths. During her time at Chamberlin University College of Nursing, she encouraged students to fulfill the school’s focus of pursuing careers in underserved populations. Through volunteering and hosting events in Cleveland,  Eryka has built lasting relationships that strengthens the community. Her passion is for creative writing and health advocacy at every stage in life. She  believes  it is our responsibility to support one another to ensure we are fully aware of our health status and have access to resources necessary to improve them. Eryka’s experience is vital to the organization because she can effectively communication with community leaders and media outlets to extend our reach.