Rachel Rice is a Senior Epidemiologist for the Immunization Program at Shelby County Health Department in Memphis TN. She has been in her current role since 2022 and with the Shelby County Health Department since 2020. Rachel completed her bachelor’s in public health in 2017 and Master of Public Health in Epidemiology in 2019 at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. In fall 2023, Rachel began her PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Memphis Robison School of Public Health. Since 2022, Rachel has presented at state and national conferences. Most recently at the American Public Health Association annual conference in 2023.

Prior to becoming a nurse, Erica obtained her first undergraduate degree in Biology from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) in 1997. After that, she moved to Philadelphia, attended Drexel University, and earned a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in 2000. She also briefly attended medical school from 2000 to 2002. From 2002 - 2006, Erica tutored elementary, middle, and high school students in math and eventually became a high school physical science teacher for two years. Before starting nursing school, she worked as a clinical research coordinator on a smoking cessation research study at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
Erica began nursing school at the University of Memphis in January 2007 and graduated with a BSN in December 2008. After graduation, she worked as an ICU nurse in Memphis and New York for three years. In 2012, she completed the MSN program at the University of Memphis with a 4.0 GPA and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. After graduation, she became board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). As a new family nurse practitioner, Erica continued to work in critical care in the burn unit at the level 1 trauma center in Memphis, TN. Following that, she worked in a retail healthcare clinic, a weight loss clinic, and a chiropractic office, providing alternative/ functional healthcare services.
Subsequently, she assumed the role of lead clinical trainer at Access 2 Integration (based in Carmel, IN), traveling across the country to train other nurse practitioners in partner clinics in the practice of regenerative medicine. Additionally, she worked part-time in Memphis at a minor medical/primary care clinic and at a travel medicine clinic. Currently, Erica serves as the nursing coordinator/ administrator for family planning at the Shelby Health Department and is a full-time doctoral student at the University of Memphis.

A devoted and enthusiastic public health professional with over twenty-five (25) years of experience. Lorrie Brooks is a graduate of Meharry Medical College, a Master of Science degree in Public Health (MSPH) and is currently a doctoral candidate in the School of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences program. Ms. Brooks is also a Leadership Academy Fellow (2008-2009), Nexus Leadership Fellow (2006-2007), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Public Health Leadership Institute Fellow (2005-2006). Ms. Brooks was appointed to the position of Administrator of Clinical Health Bureau for the Shelby County Health Department Ms. Brooks is responsible for directing the activities, budget, and performance of the bureau. The Clinical Health Bureau is comprised of five public health clinics and five satellite locations, Tuberculosis, Reproductive Health (i.e., Family Planning, Sexual Health), Immunizations, Dental services, Women Infant and Children (WIC) program, and the Commodities Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The Clinical Health Bureau employs approximately 170 FTEs and operates an annual budget of approximately $50+ million. Prior to her appointment with Shelby County Health Department, Ms. Brooks was the Deputy Administrator for Clinical Services, and the Senior Compensation Specialist for Shelby County Government from 2001 through 2005 where she had oversight and responsibility for the organizational restructure, job reclassification, and salary analysis for approximately 5,000 employees within the Mayor's Administration and Elected Officials. Before joining Shelby County Government, Ms. Brooks was employed by Memphis Regional Planned Parenthood, The United Way of Mid-South, Latino Memphis, and Meharry Medical Services Foundation.

Tunishia has accumulated 12 years of experience in the realm of Public Health, specializing in Environmental Science, Maternal and Child Health, Population Health, Disease Prevention, and Injury Prevention. She presently holds the position of Deputy Administrator within the Public Health Bureau of the Shelby County Health Department, with a future aim of enhancing her capacity to aid the public in enhancing their health outcomes.

Tammy Wiggins Winston, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, works currently in Memphis, TN as the Finance Director at the Shelby County Health Department, Shelby County Government. Tammy directs financial strategic planning, comprehensive budget preparation, and has strong in quantitative and qualitative analyses and reporting on financial performance. Tammy has worked with Shelby County Government budget and finance offices for over seven years, in which the responsibilities includes fiduciary roles, preparing the County’s adopted budget and meeting requirements of local, state, and federal guidelines and ordinances. She is self-motivated, driven, and seeks to execute the work and personal vision and mission in excellence.

Ms. Woods has 35 years of experience in Environmental Health and Food Safety. She has also served as Adjunct faculty at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Business and Legal Studies for 9 years. Her passion has always been for food safety; however, being a part of the cohort at the University of Memphis has thus far been an awe-inspiring experience, and she is learning so much in her courses. Upon completion of the Health Systems Leadership Certificate, she is looking forward to pursuing a PhD.

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Anna earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from the University of Memphis School of Health Studies in 2018, followed by her MPH in Environmental Health from the University of Memphis School of Public Health in 2020. Throughout her professional journey, Anna has been actively engaged with various Health Department programs since 2018, including Health Promotion, Tobacco Prevention, the COVID-19 Response Unit, Environmental Health and Food Safety, and Ambient Air Monitoring. Anna's overarching objective is to enhance the practical application of epidemiologic research by amalgamating her field experience with the analytical skills she is acquiring through her doctoral program. Upon the successful completion of her doctorate, Anna exhibits a keen interest in continuing her research endeavors, potentially within the government sector or academia.

Matthew earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Morehouse College in 2021. Throughout his undergraduate tenure, he served as the Public Relations Manager for the Morehouse College Glee Club, was a member of the Honors Program, and participated in the Judson Lyons Mentorship Initiative. Currently, Matthew is pursuing a master's degree in Urban Health and has become a part of the PH-IDEAS team to assist in educating and mentoring students within the experiential learning program.

Nastassia possesses a diverse background encompassing Project Management, Training, Learning and Development, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Public Health, and advocacy for Covid-19. She successfully forged community partnerships to broaden client access and enhance health equity. Nastassia has fostered collaborative relationships with key entities such as the TN Dept. of Health, CDC, Shelby County Jails, CDC Grant Manager, County Commission, City Council, and Memphis Shelby County School District. Her ultimate objective is to contribute to the CDC's mission by advocating for vulnerable populations nationwide.

Gabby, a proud Memphis alumna, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public health over the past three years. She has passionately collaborated with various agencies and organizations in the vibrant Memphis community, channeling her expertise, skills, and extensive network to make a significant impact. Currently, she harnesses her experience to enhance the well-being of the community as a valuable contributor to the Shelby County Health Department.
Gabby's resolute objective is to persist in her pursuit of public health initiatives, ceaselessly expanding her knowledge and expertise in addressing critical issues that influence the dynamic and thriving city of Memphis.

Terrico is a Memphis, Tennessee native who has recently returned to the area after spending the past fourteen years living in Missouri. Currently employed at the Shelby County Health Department, Terrico is actively involved in conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment to identify the primary concerns and requirements of the residents of Shelby County. Looking ahead, Terrico envisions a future role working with at-risk youth in Memphis, Tennessee, with a particular focus on males, following the completion of his Population Health Graduate Certificate.

Ms. White, a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, holds a bachelor's degree in psychology. During her gap year, she began working at the Shelby County Health Department, gaining valuable insights into the field of public health and the important work that professionals in this field undertake. She is passionate about community health and health equity and believes that pursuing a degree in public health is the most suitable path to prepare for her career goals. Currently enrolled in the Population Health certificate program, it is providing her with guidance on the program concentration that best aligns with her objectives as she plans to apply for a master's degree in public health. Although she also has aspirations of applying to a doctorate program in clinical health psychology in the future, she recognizes that a background in public health will establish a strong foundation for her future career as a psychologist.

Kanesha brings a wealth of experience from backgrounds in social work and public health, providing her with a versatile skill set. Her professional journey predominantly centers on assisting children and families, aiming to foster a positive influence on their lives. As Kanesha continues to develop and expand her expertise, her ambition is to leverage her knowledge for the purpose of effecting meaningful change throughout the Mid-South region. Her goal is to synergize her proficiency in social work and public health to contribute to the enhancement of communities and leave a lasting impact on individuals and families facing challenges.