Aisha Adkins, MPA, CNP is the Constituency Engagement Manager for Caring Across Generations, residing on unceded Cherokee Nation land in Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about building an equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive public health and care infrastructure using media, storytelling, and culture and policy change. Her versatility has enabled her to publish works both in academic journals and popular publications.

When she’s not trying to affect positive systemic change, she enjoys classic films, live music, and the great outdoors. She is also an aspiring tea connoisseur.

Alima Anderson is a dedicated public servant who has spent nearly 25 years serving some of the region’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.

As Manager of the Quality Team with Atlanta Regional Commission’s Aging & Independence Services group, she is responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) programs provided by partner agencies under Aging Services grants. She is also responsible for program evaluation and quality improvement services for ARC’s own internal programs.

Alima previously served as a Program Evaluation Specialist for the Fulton County Department of Senior Services, where she performed quality monitoring and program evaluation services for multiple programs. In earlier roles, she provided information and referral services for older individuals and those with disabilities and helped to provide temporary shelter services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Alima holds Doctor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Baker College, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgia State University.

Mari is currently the Dementia Care Specialist for the Coastal Regional Commission AAA. She has also worked with the AAA as a Case Manager and Case Management Supervisor. She is committed to working with older adults and family caregivers to help individuals age in place and live quality productive lives. She is a strong advocate for the clients the AAA serves and helps Coastal AAA identify and build programs that are innovative and meet the care needs of the emerging senior population. Mari is pleasant, smart, focused, and hard-working. She will serve GGS well as a Board member.

Mari lives in Pooler, Ga. She moved to Savannah to begin her educational career in 2013 and received her undergraduate degree from Armstrong State University in Healthcare Administration. She always had a passion for working with older adults, and from this passion, she pursued her graduate degree in Applied Gerontology at Brenau University in Gainesville. She is always happy to serve her community in any capacity. 

Erin Beasley is the Vice President/Director of Operations at the Athens Community Council on Aging, a private, non-profit agency dedicated to helping everyone age and live well. In this role, Erin is responsible for identifying, developing, and maintaining strategic partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and academic institutions. She provides administrative oversight to eleven of ACCA’s programs including the Adult Day Health centers, AmeriCorps Seniors, the Benefits Counseling program, the Geriatric Care Management program, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program, the Long Term Care Ombudsman program, and the Volunteer program.

Across the agency, Erin directs program evaluation and quality improvement efforts, leads policy development initiatives and compliance reviews, and serves as a member of the agency leadership team, supporting the CEO. She has a heart for service leadership and serves as a mentor to ACCA staff as well as the many college students and interns that she works with each year. Erin has a passion for serving older adults and advocating for support. She has experience with board service and development.

Erin is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Public Health with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Behavior. In 2018 she completed the Public Health Leadership Academy, a collaboration of the University of Georgia College of Public Health and the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. She is also a 2022 graduate of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce LEAD Athens program.

In her free time, Erin serves on the AthFest Educates Board and is the Grants Committee Lead for the organization. In this role, she is regularly inspired by the passion and creativity of our local educators. Since 2022 she has also served on the LEAD Athens Alumni Association Advisory Council and is the current Vice President-elect. When not in Athens, Erin can be found hiking, camping, and generally enjoying nature with her family.

Pam Clayton, RN, LNHA serves as the Vice President of Quality Advancement and Regulatory Affairs for the Georgia Health Care Association (GHCA). In this capacity, she provides support to over 350 skilled nursing care and assisted living centers. She is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care facilities in Georgia. Pam is a dynamic leader, problem-solver, and advocate.

Pam has more than 25 years of experience serving the long-term and post-acute care profession both as a clinician and as a senior leader. Prior to joining GHCA, she worked with a nonprofit organization providing operational and clinical direction to over 50 skilled nursing care centers within a regional health delivery system. She has extensive experience in strategic planning; compliance; system development and improvement; and care innovations to improve patient outcomes and customer experience. 

Scott Courson’s interest in the aging field came from his close relationships with his grandmother and great grandmother. As a caregiver for his ailing grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, he came to understand how important community supports are for families in their efforts to care and keep their loved ones at home. He has worked in the aging field for the past 23 years as an Aging Program Manager, Aging Program Coordinator, Assistant Director of Aging Services, and currently Director of Aging Services with the Southern Georgia Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging. He received an Associate’s degree in Biology from Waycross College, a Certificate in Gerontology from Valdosta State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Savannah’s South University. As Director of the Southern Georgia Area Agency on Aging, he is responsible for aging programs in the Southern Georgia 18 county region. 

Abby is the Vice President of Business Solutions at WellSky where she helps lead their human services solutions to reimagine the ways in which WellSky and their clients can optimize care and performance, achieve better outcomes, and lower costs across the care continuum.

She previously served in Georgia as the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Aging Services where she directed all Older Americans Act programs as well as Adult Protective Services, Public Guardianship Office, and four state plans.  Abby received her MSW and Gerontology Certificate from the University of Georgia and her B.A. from Sewanee University. 

Tori Windsor Foisy is the Aging and Disability Resource Specialist (ADRC) Team Lead for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. Tori received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia College & State University and her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Capella University. Gerontology has always been a passion of hers and Tori now has over 17 years of experience working in the field of aging. Prior to her employment with the Division of Aging Services, Tori worked as an ADRC Specialist, Case Manager, and Case Management Supervisor for an Area Agency on Aging in Georgia as well as an ADRC Specialist for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Tori holds numerous certifications in aging and is now responsible for providing guidance to and monitoring Georgia’s twelve Area Agencies on Aging. Tori has also served on the Georgia Gerontology Society’s (GGS) board for one year. When Tori is not serving the elderly and disabled populations, she is enjoying quality time with her family and running.

Susie Fussell is Board Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse with over thirty years of experience in Healthcare. She worked in the acute care setting serving as the VP Chief Nursing Officer for Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus, Ga. For the last 13 years, she has worked with Magnolia Manor Inc. serving as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and currently VP for Safety and Emergency Management. Her work with Georgia Healthcare Association includes Region K Council Coordinator and Chairperson for the GHCA Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Direct experience in a career dotted with unfortunate healthcare disasters including, but not limited to, the Southwest Georgia Flood of 1994, the EF-3 Tornado in Americus in 2007, and multiple coastal Long term Care evacuations, has fueled her passion for Emergency Preparedness. Her professional life experiences drive her commitment to Emergency Preparedness education and collaborative readiness efforts in Georgia and nationally.

Susie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University. She has 2 adult children and 3 beautiful grandchildren.

Kay Graham, PhD, OTR/L is an associate professor of Occupational Therapy at Brenau University. She received her Certificate in Gerontology and her PhD in Health Promotion and Behavior in the College of Public Health from the University of Georgia. She has a master’s of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of the South. In her faculty role, she regularly supervises thesis group projects and post-professional capstones. She currently teaches qualitative research and health promotion and education in Brenau University’s Master of Occupational Therapy program. Recent and current research topics have included health management, healthy aging, fall prevention, and health literacy.

Throughout her 29 years as an occupational therapist, Kay Graham has gravitated towards opportunities to mentor and teach across program areas and disciplines whether as a rehab specialist, workshop presenter, faculty, curriculum coordinator, interprofessional education committee, or as department chair. She works actively to bring the areas of public health and medical care together in more effective partnerships and coordinated services in order to promote healthy aging in older adults. Towards this end, she serves on the Georgia Gerontology Society board, is a member of the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory Fall Task Force, is a founding member of the Northeast Georgia Fall Prevention Coalition, and is the past chair and current member of the Interprofessional Education Committee for the Ivester College of Health Sciences at Brenau University. 

Ajené Hall is the Long-Term Service Manager for the Medical Assistant Plans with the Department of Community. Ajené received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bowie State University in Maryland and her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in New York. Gerontology has always been a passion of hers. Prior to becoming the Long-Term Service Manager. Ajené spent 5 years as the Nursing Home Transition Specialist with the Department of Human Services and worked her way up in the nursing home setting from a Social Work Assistant to Social Service Director. In addition to working in a nursing home, Ajené has vast experience working in hospice, and Adult Protective Services. When Ajené is not serving the senior community, she is enjoying quality time with her family, teaching yoga, and traveling. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ajené believes an unexamined life is not worth living (Socrates).

Bryan’s years of leadership, and experience at the federal and state level with Adult Protective Services, the Public Guardianship Office, and the Forensic Special Initiatives Unit (FSIU) make him a great voice on the Board. Bryan works collaboratively with many organizations in the aging and disability network and would bring their voices/concerns/perspectives through his Board participation. Bryan is also a reliable individual with an incredible work ethic.

Yulisa Hernández is a dedicated and passionate social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalton State College. With a robust foundation in general social work practice and specific experience working with Latino clients and older adults, Yulisa has developed a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and needs within the community.

Currently, Yulisa serves as a Social Isolation Advocate for the State of Georgia’s Department of Human Services – Division of Aging Services. In this role, she excels in collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making and program development. Her work involves creating and implementing social programs aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Yulisa is adept at assessing and coordinating services, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and evaluating the effectiveness of pilot projects to drive continuous improvement.

Prior to her current position, Yulisa was a Case Investigator with the Georgia Department of Public Health, where she conducted interviews and provided critical information and resources to individuals affected by COVID-19. Her ability to gather and record detailed information and coordinate with local support resources proved invaluable during the pandemic.

Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and CLILA showcases her commitment to community service and education, tutoring children in math and assisting with citizenship classes for adults.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Yulisa is skilled in Microsoft Office 365, Google Applications, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. She holds a certification in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and is known for her dedication, time management, self-motivation, and problem-solving abilities.

With a strong background in social work, data analysis, and community outreach, Yulisa Hernandez continues to make significant contributions to the well-being of individuals and communities, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to social justice and public service.

Carol has over 27 years of corporate experience from IBM Corporation in business development, marketing, and sales on a global scale. She transitioned into aging after becoming a caregiver for her mother who had Dementia and Leukemia. Carol has a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Paul’s College.

 At the age of 63, Carol returned to school at Georgia State University to pursue a master’s degree in Gerontology because of the desire to help caregivers of loved ones with dementia and the aging population. Carol has collaborated with the Alumni association at Georgia State University in developing workshops for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. She continues to work with caregivers and the aging population as an employee at the Atlanta Regional Commission since 2019. Carol also teaches undergraduate classes at Georgia State University classes on aging, inspiring the students to focus, understand, and care about the needs of the older population no matter what career path they decide to pursue. Carol is a strong advocate for the Gerontology Institute through engagement with students and the Atlanta Regional Commission.

 She recently joined the advisory council of the Alter program whose mission is to inspire and equip faith-based organizations anchored in African American communities to better support families affected by dementia and transform churches into Alter Champions by creating dementia-friendly and inclusive environments.

Annie Long is the Associate Director of Community Programs for the Parkinson’s Foundation. In this role, she serves several states, including Georgia. She is responsible for overseeing programming and education to bring attention to the needs of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Annie is well-connected throughout the state to healthcare systems and other leaders and is forward-thinking in her approach to partnerships.

She seeks to engage with underserved areas of the state and widen the network of experts and care partners in the Foundation’s reach. 

Kimberly Mathis was born and raised in Thomson, Georgia and a 1992 graduate of Thomson High School. Kimberly is now attending Mercer University online pursuing a major in Gerontology. Kimberly’s first position in 2001 was in Human Development as a Program Director before being promoted to Director/Department Head for the McDuffie County Human Development Center, where she held that position for 15 years. 

In 2016, Kimberly accepted the Program Coordinator Position with McDuffie County Senior Services. In 2019 Kimberly resigned from McDuffie County with 18 1/2 years. Kimberly also was a board member for the CSRA EOA Inc. for 6 years. In that same year Kimberly accepted the Senior Services Director position with CSRA EOA Inc./ Burke County Senior Center.

Kimberly has worked in Aging for almost 20 years and has dedicated her life to helping people. Kimberly is also a Certified At-Task Adult Crime Tactics Specialist, through the Georgia Department of Human Services. Kimberly is a Certified Dementia Care Specialist, certified in foundations and behaviors and a certified instructor through the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Yolanda Mendoza-Miller is the Social Services Program Consultant for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services.  In her position, she manages the case management program.  She also oversees several programs such as homemaker, chore, and personal care services, home modification and repair services, and assistive technology programs. Yolanda monitors the Area Agencies on Aging ensuring goals of these programs are met and activities are executed according to current policy.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clayton State University and a master’s degree in Gerontology from Georgia State University.  Yolanda is a native of New York.  She moved to Georgia 21 years ago.  She now resides in Fairburn with her family and three dogs. 

Alice Prendergast, MPH, is a senior research associate with the Georgia Health Policy Center at Georgia State University. She has extensive experience working in health services research, health policy, and community-based programming targeting underserved populations. For the past five years, she has worked closely with members of the aging network in Georgia to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services; infuse the voices of consumers in state policy and planning activities; and support capacity building and partnership development.

Alice’s current projects involve work with the Georgia Department of Community Health and the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services and include an evaluation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Money Follows the Person program in Georgia; the development of a training program for Public Guardianship Case Managers; and the design and evaluation of marketing resources for evidence-based health and wellness programs.

She is also interested in research and policy issues at the intersection of aging and the criminal legal system, and she is currently working on a multisite evaluation of Second Chance Act-funded reentry programs supported by the National Institutes of Justice.

Alice would be an asset to the GGS board by offering a unique perspective informed by her diverse experience working across aging issues and with various partners within and outside of Georgia’s aging network, including federal agencies, foundations, and researchers and practitioners in other states. 

Alice earned a B.A. in Psychology and an MPH from the University of South Florida.

Audrey Price is a research associate with the Georgia Health Policy Center’s Long-Term Services and Supports team. She has a strong background in public health, health promotion, and health policy. At the Health Policy Center, she contributes her skills in qualitative data collection and analysis, literature reviews, and meeting facilitation to an array of projects related to long-term services and supports. Audrey currently works with the Georgia Department of Community Health in support of an evaluation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Money Follows the Person program in Georgia. She is working with the Georgia Division of Aging Services to develop a training program for Public Guardianship Case Managers in Georgia, and she recently completed a community needs assessment in East Point, Georgia to inform the development of a grass-roots village for older adults in the area. Audrey is also interested in health systems improvement and rebalancing of Medicaid long-term services and supports.

Audrey earned a B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia College and State University and an M.P.H. from Georgia State University. 

Amy Riedesel is an Associate Director of State Health with Guidehouse. In this role she leads state consulting projects related to LTSS settings, Older Americans Act, HCBS Settings Rule and ARPA for states to support Medicaid 1915(c) and 1115 waivers, ARPA initiatives, Older Americans Act, State Funded services, and grants. She previously served as the State Director of Community Services for the GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, where she directed all Medicaid Waiver services as well as self-directed services, family support services, respite, support coordination, supported employment and the implementation of a statewide electronic case management system. Amy holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of West GA, a graduate certificate in aging from Boston University, and is a master trained for Powerful Tools for Caregiving. She has served on the Southern Gerontological Society Board and is a member of the ADvancing States Alumni Leadership Network.

Aimee Stowe works in the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging Services, managing and developing Georgia’s Elderly Legal Assistance Program. She formerly served as administrator and program consultant for DAS’ Public Guardianship Office. She is also an adjunct professor of Elder Law at the University of Georgia School of Law.

Aimee is the founder of Stowe Legal and Consulting, a legal consultancy specializing in the rights of persons living with disabilities, including diminished or diminishing capacity. Aimee has 17 years of experience representing underserved client populations.

Aimee graduated summa cum laude from Emory College of Arts and Sciences with a B.A. in psychology and earned her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law.

Shawn Taylor has worked at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) as the Lead Aging Program Manager for seven (7) years.  She provides coordination and support to the AAA’s three (3) Aging Program Managers by assisting them in efforts to provide quality assurance, technical assistance, correspondence, reports, and monitoring for the AAA’s 30 service contracts.  In addition, Shawn is the AAA’s Senior Hunger Coordinator and coordinates Menu Planning meetings for the region’s 18 senior centers.  Shawn is also the AAA’s team lead for the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program which provides fresh fruits and produce in the AAA’s 18-county region through a partnership with the Department of Public Health.  Shawn is also a Minister and author in her spare time.

Anna Thomas is the manager of the Division of Aging Services’ Forensic Special Initiatives Unit and a Forensic Specialist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crimes Against the Elderly and Disabled Task Force (CADE). CADE’s mission is to protect elder and disabled adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to prosecute offenders.

Currently, Anna’s work with the CADE Task Force centers on training primary and secondary responders on how to recognize and respond to abuse of elders or adults with disabilities; researching gaps in current victim services; developing new laws to protect vulnerable adults; and public outreach. Her most recent projects are the launch of state-wide Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) and raising awareness of benefits trafficking. Anna holds a B.S. in psychology, a B.A. in criminal justice, and a M.S. in gerontology. 

Tope has demonstrated incredible leadership as she continues to advance Georgia’s work to address senior hunger. She is a thoughtful, analytical, and passionate leader who inspires others. Tope currently serves as the Vice President of GGS Board of Directors and co-chair of the Communications Committee of GGS. GGS will thrive under Tope’s leadership.  

Dr. Temitope Aiyejorun Walker (Pronounced Teh-me-Toe-Pay A. Walker) has been in the field of aging for over ten years. Dr. Walker is the Senior Hunger Nutrition Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. In her position, she coordinates the implementation of Georgia’s first state plan to address senior hunger. Dr. Walker works closely with local and state agencies in Georgia to help raise awareness about and identify practical solutions to address senior hunger.

Dr. Walker is also currently pursuing scholarly journal publications for her dissertation work on the financial and nutritional impact of SNAP benefit receipt among SNAP-eligible older adults. Dr. Walker’s overall focus is on developing critical engagement strategies to convey better the intricacies of what is both shared and learned in addressing senior hunger in Georgia.

Throughout her career, Nicola has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to empowering vulnerable individuals to lead independent lives and make informed decisions that enhance their overall well-being. Additionally, she is passionate about countering public health misinformation and disinformation through comprehensive education and heightened awareness. Skill Set and Expertise – Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills – Public Speaking – Cultural awareness and Cross-cultural understanding – Collaborative partner – Social commitment and engagement – Public Awareness – Writing in plain language, – Communication strategy development – Certified At-Risk Crime Tactics Specialist – Bingocize lay leader – Adult Mental Health Aid Education Completed bachelor’s degree in public health from Georgia State University Currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Gerontology Work History With over seven years of experience at ARC, her journey began as a Retired Senior Volunteers Program technician, and in her current role, Nicola has exhibited exceptional skills in recruiting, training, and connecting volunteers and clients with the goal of alleviating loneliness and social isolation. Hailing from Guyana, South America, Nicola served as the Health Communication Coordinator with the Ministry of Health in Guyana, where she played a pivotal role in developing communication strategies for the National Chronic Disease Prevention and Human Papilloma Virus Programs, communication strategy and training plan for the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Legislation. She was also responsible for producing a weekly television program, monthly publications such as newsletters, and fact sheets related to disease prevention and management. Nicola also spent one year at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an intern in the Office of Safety, Security, and Asset Management and Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library, supporting health communications Officers. She assisted with producing the office’s annual report, fact sheets, newsletters, safety manuals, and monthly list serve and book notes. She also conducted trend analysis for the monthly newsletter and content Analysis for OSSAM’s mailbox. She acquired skills in plain riting through professional training and completed a short course on writing for social media. Nicola’s dedication extends beyond her professional life. She has a vibrant commitment to community service. She has held significant roles within the Rotaract Club of Georgetown (Youth Arm of Rotary Club International), where she led impactful community service projects as the president, vice president, and committee director. Hobbies In her leisure time, Nicola actively serves local communities through her church. She enjoys diverse interests, including watching investigative television programs and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Her passion for learning and preparing various cultural foods adds a unique and vibrant dimension to her personality. Nicola’s multifaceted dedication and expertise make her a truly inspiring individual.

April-Spring May Wood brings a diverse background in customer service, research, grassroots community organization, and program management. With over 3 years of experience in the public health sector, she currently works as an Implementation Specialist for the Georgia Department of Public Health Injury Prevention Program on the BOLD B-SEEN project, where she is committed to working towards improving the lives of older adults and contributing to the public health sector with a focus on community coordination and communication.

April’s skills in project coordination, program evaluation, customer needs assessment, multi-stakeholder asset management, and professional business writing are essential assets to the team. She earned a Master of Arts in Gerontology from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of West Georgia. With her strong educational background and extensive experience, April is dedicated to supporting the Georgia Gerontology Society’s mission to advance the field of aging and improve the lives of older adults.

Jessica Zagarella is a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and public health. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology from Kennesaw State University, Jessica embarked on her career journey in public health, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Jessica began her career in public health immediately after college, serving as a SOURCE Case Manager at Legacy Link. In this role, she managed a caseload of over 80 clients a month, educating them and their families on available community resources. Jessica facilitated connections with home care providers, food suppliers, and medication management services to support clients in aging in place. She served in this capacity for over four years before transitioning to a nationwide company, where she excelled as an Executive Events Manager and later as the Operations and Logistics Manager.

Although Jessica enjoyed the opportunity to travel, she deeply missed making a direct impact on people’s lives. This passion led her back to Legacy Link, where she was an Aging and Disability Resource Counselor. She also earned certification as an Options Counselor through Boston College. Driven by a desire to raise awareness and reach more people, Jessica was promoted to Community Engagement Director, a role she has flourished in for nearly three years.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys planting, reading, and traveling.

Ms. Zelaya is heavily involved in Atlanta’s Hispanic community and has connections to health and mental health providers throughout Georgia.

Dolka Michelle Zelaya is a proud Latina from Honduras who arrived in the United States in 1996 with her late husband. She has three lovely children and a two-year-old grandchild. Zelaya, enjoy her faith ministry of missionary works overseas. 

 Zelaya has received accreditation as a Prevention Specialist from the Prevention Credentialing Consortium of Georgia (PCCG). She also obtained her Pastoral Clinical Counseling Accreditation. Zelaya firmly believes in the power of prevention and that by implementing comprehensive policies and a wide range of Evidence-Based practices, we can support families and youth to build healthier, safer, and more productive communities.

Zelaya’s career is a real example and proof that prevention works with her twenty years of experience working with minorities in the prevention field. Zelaya has worked extensively as a youth educator and advocate in the areas of alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse, mental health, HIV, hepatitis C, domestic violence, sexual assault, cultural adaptations, translations (into Spanish and English), leadership programs, suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, as well as offering technical support through training materials, webinars, local, national and international conferences, and coaching people to obtain prevention certification all over the country. 

Zelaya has provided outstanding leadership for prevention programs at the local, state, national, and international levels. Also, she had worked in a variety of settings, including local and national non-profit organizations, elementary, middle, and high schools and universities, prevention clubhouses, summer camps, LGBTQ2+, Latino/Hispanic, and military families.