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Welcome to the newest member of the Piney Woods Region team. Mrs. Tina Long will serve as the Professional Education and Support coordinator for the region. Tina earned her Bachelor of Science degree-Agriculture Ed and minor in General Business from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has been successful serving as a GED instructor, Advising Assistant and Special Populations Coordinator-Student Services, Childcare Services Coordinator and ESL Life Skills Instructor for Panola College. In addition, she has been very successful operating her own business for the past several years and even has experience in sales and marketing radio advertising.
Tina is a native to East Texas and we are thrilled to have her join our team. Her contact information is as follows: Tina Long, PO Box 6123, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, Phone: 936-468-6941, Fax: 936-468-6913, Email: tina.long@txaheceast.org
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 Texas AHEC East is pleased to announce Alfonso Bermea, Jr. as the new Director of the Texas AHEC East Capital Region. Mr. Bermea joins us having served the state with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services in Carlsbad, Texas and then with the Texas Youth Commission at the Giddings State School. Mr. Bermea has over twenty years of experience directing both clinical and non-clinical programs providing the delivery of human services. Mr. Bermea is an alumnus of Texas State University having earned a Master’s of Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Bermea’s professional work history includes having served as the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of Latino Family Services Inc., in Detroit Michigan, Clinical Director of New Center Community Mental Health Services, as well as Deputy Director of Detroit Central City Community Mental Health Services. Mr. Bermea shares “I am truly excited to have been selected as the Director of the Texas AHEC East Capital Region and to be an employee of Texas State University - San Marcos, my Alma mater.”
Please welcome Alfonso to the Texas AHEC East Family!
 The North Central Region is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrea Stephens to the position of CBE / PES / GEC Coordinator.
Miss Stephens earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Studies focusing on Community Health from Texas Woman’s University in May, and worked as an AHEC Assistant this summer. Andrea’s community health passions are to help prevent diabetes and reduce childhood obesity. She also loves reading, writing, her dogs, dancing, and music. Please welcome Andrea to the Texas AHEC East family.
Please help welcome the newest member to the Piney Woods Region staff. Mrs. Mavis Yarbrough has just started as the new Health Careers Promotion and Preparation Coordinator for the Piney Woods Region. Mavis is a long time resident of Nacogdoches and has over 30 years experience in education, community service, and social work services. She holds a Bachelors degree in Applied Arts & Sciences, a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies, and is currently working on her Master of Social Work degree at Stephen F. Austin State University.
In her previous role as Health Services Coordinator for GETCAP Headstart, Mavis worked with families to obtain health records for clients, collaborated with health care facilities, facilitated training for new employees, coordinated health activities for children and co-workers, coordinated services for children with special needs and monitored the mental health environment.
I might add, that she has already taken the initiative since her start date this Monday, to enroll 12 new students into the ECHO project. We can not wait to see what happens in the years to come. We are excited to have Mavis as a part of our family and look forward to working with her in the future!
Her contact information is as follows:
Mavis Yarbrough
Myarbrough@pwahec.org
Phone: (936) 468-6912
Fax: (936) 468-6937
The Waco Regional AHEC would like to announce the following staff changes. Brenda Wilson joined the Waco AHEC staff today after 20 years of employment with the Faculty Development Center of Texas (a sister division of AHEC within the Family Health Center). Brenda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Paul Quinn College and an Associates of Arts in Business Administration from McLennan Community College. Prior to her work with the Waco Faculty Development Center, she held marketing/administrative positions with an international human resource company, stock brokerage, and public accounting firm. Brenda maintains a wealth of knowledge and experience working with AHEC over the years. She will assume the position of CBE/PES Program Coordinator while Matt Mueller will move to Health Careers Promotion. Please make note of the change/contact information for Brenda and Matt and join me in welcoming Brenda to the AHEC family!
Brenda Wilson CBE/PE&S Program Coordinator (254) 753-4392 ext. 12 bwilson@bahec.org
Welcome Yolanda Gasaway who says: I moved to East Texas from Dallas twelve years ago so I think that makes me an East Texas native. I come from Lon Morris College by way of SFASU-admission office and have been in higher education for the past five years. I am a mother and grandmother who love being outdoors looking at my horse (not riding yet), fishing, gardening, or watching a sporting event. I believe my life purpose is to empower individuals with knowledge through education and training to develop stronger individuals, healthier families, and safer communities. I am excited to be part of the PWAHEC team and I look forward to working with you. Yolanda is the Administrative Assistant for Piney Woods Area Health Education Center. P: 936-468-6901 F: 936-468-6913 email:
ygasaway@pwahec.org |
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 Great News! We have a new team member in the program office. Leah Jacobs is our new Data Coordinator. YEA! YEA! Leah is from Port Arthur, Texas and has recently relocated to join the East Texas AHEC Staff. She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Community Health concentration. She is currently a student in the Master of Health Promotion program at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Her experience includes working for the state of Texas, a local health department, and in the non-profit sector, particularly with victims of domestic violence and their families. Leah learned about Piney Woods AHEC in her undergraduate studies. She has great skills and is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. That’s why she is such a great fit with AHEC! Leah will be developing a new role that includes some of the things that Berengaria was responsible for and many new activities that will be supportive of us all. This year she will help Yuanyi with the iAHEC 2.0 development, especially working on an iAHEC users Guide, lead our annual report data collection processes, and assist to create more tools that we can all use in our day to day work that enhance data collection and evaluation. Obviously, she will be learning from each of about our strengths and challenges so welcome her in work groups and let her know how you can help with our ambitious objectives. Leah is excited about working with you and getting to know you. Her contact information: lejacobs@utmb.edu or (409) 772-27887 Join us in welcoming Leah to the AHEC family. |
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 Crystal Ellison was born in Austin, TX and raised in Pflugerville, TX by her mother and father. She is currently working for Coastal AHEC as the Health Literacy Program Coordinator. She will also be taking the lead for CHW Initiatives and the GEC. Crystal is currently working on her Master's Degree in Health Science with a focus on Public Health. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health with a minor in Psychology from Prairie View A&M University. Crystal’s long term goal is to obtain her Ph.D. and possibly one day open a community based learning center for children and young adults. Crystal has a strong desire in helping others to be the best that they can possibly be in order to live and maintain a healthy life. Crystal is very hopeful that her position as Health Literacy Program Coordinator will allow her to continue her passion with helping others to be more aware and knowledgeable about their health and health needs with their community. Crystal believes that with progress comes success for the future.
Email: cellison@cahectx.org Phone: (409) 933-0021 ext. 106 |
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 Introducing Katina Gilmore, a native Texan born on Galveston Island. She brings to Coastal AHEC her experience in various healthcare support areas, managed care and insurance, sales and marketing, and education. Katina earned her Associate of Arts Degree from College of the Mainland (CoM) and studied Community Health at Prairie View A&M University. She is completing her Bachelor of Science in Management with a major in Health Services at DeVry University in Houston. Katina is a certified Community Health Worker and a member of the CoM Alumni and Friends Association. Katina is the Health Careers Promotion Program Coordinator for Coastal AHEC. She will be working with the ECHO Project and some Community Health Worker initiatives. Favorite Quote: “ You are more than what you have become.” Mufasa, The Lion King |
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 Lucero Salinas is the Assistant Program Coordinator here at Coastal AHEC. She has been in this position since September of 2010; however, her partnership with AHEC extends much further back. She was also a CBE liason for many years during her employment with the Galveston County Health District. Lucero was trained through Coastal AHEC as a certified Community Health Worker, CHW Instructor, certified Medical Interpreter, and Medical Interpreter Instructor.
Lucero’s contact information: lsalinas@cahectx.org (409) 933-0021 ext. 102 |
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 Wendy Rice is taking the lead for Community Based Education at Coastal AHEC. Wendy finished her Masters of Business Administration from University of Phoenix this fall. She also completed her undergraduate in Health Science at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. She has experience in sales and marketing, business development, public relations, education recruitment & retention, as well as communication. Wendy is a member of the Alpha Phi Omega and Order of the Eastern Star.
Wendy’s contact information: wrice@cahectx.org or (409) 933-0021
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 Please welcome Debbie Sier, the newest member of the Program Office team. Debbie began work this week as the administrative secretary. Debbie is a Galveston native - BOI. She has a BS from Sam Houston State university and etensive adminstrative experience. Previously Debbie worked in the UTMB Office of Institutional Compliance as well as many other places in Galveston. Debbie will be responsible for administrative functions such as processing payments and payroll, monitoring expenses, answering phones and assisting programmatic staff with other activities and tasks. Debbie's contact information djsier@utmb.edu or (409) 772-7884.
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Join East Texas AHEC program office in welcoming Regina Devers to the AHEC family. Regina joins our team and brings skills and strengths that will be valuable to the whole program. Regina will finish her Masters of Public Health from Walden University this semester. She also has studied graduate Health Administration and Sociology at the University of North Carolina and has a BA from North Carolina A&T University. She relocated from North Carolina to work with us. She has experience in research, community development, and community service. Regina was named as the Mecklenburg County Customer Service Hero and is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta and Golden Key National Honor Societies.
Regina will be working with Amanda Scarbrough and several other Program Office staff on the following projects: -Geriatric Education Center; Best Practices Research in Recruitment and Retention of African American and Hispanic Students into Health Careers; the newly funded project (Higher Education Coordinating Board); ECHO ; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) program information dissemination.
Regina’s contact information: rkdevers@utmb.edu or (409) 772-7757
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| New signage at Waco Regional Office |
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Mark Scott has assumed the role of interim director of Piney Woods AHEC. He has a strong legacy to sustain, given the strength of leadership at Piney Woods AHEC throughout its history. He has demonstrated his knowledge, interest, and passion for AHEC work, and completed both a certification and soon-to-be-graduated masters degree which have helped prepare him for this step. Mark has a tremendous, committed staff in Lurah, whose programming experience crosses over the program areas, and whose community connections make a huge difference; Ida and Eva, both CHWs with great backgrounds and community experience; and Yolanda, who hit the ground running and quickly came up to speed in her administrative role, as a great team member. Mark has one position open that he will be filling soon. Congratulations to Mark as well in his new role!
Prairie AHEC has authorized Weatherford College to offer two (2) $1,000 scholarships in the name of East Texas AHEC. They are for students pursuing health career education at Weatherford College – one scholarship for a Weatherford campus student and a second scholarship for a Wise County campus student. Students must be Texas residents, enrolled in at least 12 hours of curriculum and have an expressed major in health care. Scholarships were funded from Prairie’s discretionary account, collected during the last 2 years from private donations, RCHWEIA and SEARCH work.
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A quote from Brenda Wilson, Program Coordinator, Texas AHEC East - Waco Region, as she says "ta ta!"
"Many of you are already aware that my last official day with Waco AHEC will be April 30th. I will start with UNTHSC/TCOM Faculty Development Center May 1st as Educational Coordinator/Instructor. It was with a very conflicted heart that I made the decision. I have loved my time with AHEC. You all do such important and amazing work. What a privilege it has been to be a part of the mission even for a short time. I plan on just saying tata for now rather than goodbye. Tina, welcome! You will not find a more supportive and mission driven group. They all go about serious work without taking themselves too serious. What a breath of fresh air! Keep making communities and yourselves healthy! Take Care, Brenda"
Debbie Warren, Texas AHEC East: Northeast, has accepted a new position with the Texas DSHS. She will be the Regional Community Transformation Grant Specialist Tyler. We congratulate Debbie and thank her for her 13+ years of extending the AHEC touch.
Fermina Bush, the Program Office Administrative Secretary, will retire on February 29th after 21 years with AHEC. From HETC to ETAHEC to TXAHEC she has kept the organization's T's crossed and I's dotted. We can only say
"You’ve earned it Fermina! Wishing you the best in your retirement, but we will all miss you! Thanks for all the help you’ve given me in nearly 17 years here with AHEC…- Deanna;
We wish you the best. You have been a wonderful resource and help over the years, you’ll be missed! - Terry
Wow!! Fermina, we will certainly miss you. You have been a real asset to the AHECers. What will you do without us?? Congratulations on your decision Best of Luck!! - Lurah
Fermina, It has been great to work with you all these years! You will be missed! I wish you lots of fun in your retirement! - Dana
Congratulations Fermina!! - Leslie
Congratulations Fermina! You will be dearly missed in AHEC, but I’m so happy for you. Your cheerful personality and always pleasant voice on the phone… brightened many days for everyone! Take care and many blessings to you. Robbyn
Congratulations Fermina! Enjoy your retirement! Mavis
I'm so happy for you! On behalf of everyone at North Central Region please accept our sincerest thanks for your service and our best wishes for your future... Tom Knight
Jan Ritter, Piney Woods AHEC is retiring:
STEVE says: We have treasured having Jan as part of East Texas AHEC. Her contributions to AHEC began in an administrative support position, and moved through coordinator to center director. At each stage of her career with AHEC, she has shared her wealth of knowledge, gentleness of spirit, and excellence in her work with those around her. She has been responsible for many important achievements both within Piney Woods, and in the program overall. Thank you Jan! Join me in congratulating Jan on her move to retirement and new adventures with her family and friends!
JAN says: Dear AHEC staff, I would like to share with you my decision to retire on August 31th. This was not an easy decision to make; there are not many places where you can enjoy your work so much, help others, and get paid for it! Also, have the opportunity to meet and work with so many good folks! A special thanks to Steve and Mary for their leadership and the opportunities they gave me, and all the AHEC staff who have been such a pleasure to work with during my 16 years with Piney Woods!
And We say: Well done!
The East Texas AHEC family will miss Helen Miner who has decided to retire.
STEVE says: I want to commend Helen for her great leadership, voice, and wisdom in her role over the years. She has been instrumental for us in several key initiatives, including the ECHO that is now underway and making a difference for our HCP programming. She was also key to our success with Nurse Friendly, which now is an international program of the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and for which she continues to serve as a reviewer. She has been among our “elite” nurse “mafia” group for years. She and Mary have plotted more things than I know about! Through her recent struggles she has maintained her dignity, attitude, and interest in the well-being of AHEC. She has cultivated a tremendous working group of staff that will be a real asset to her successor. I am glad she will continue to explore ways to contribute special interest and expertise at UTHCT. She will still be available to us for some special activities as well, just not on a daily basis.
Congratulations, Helen, on a tremendous run as Director of Lake Country AHEC, and well wishes for your next life chapter!
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