Our Team

Philip M. Alberti, PhD, Founding Director

Philip founded the AAMC Center for Health Justice as the natural next step in a career focused on eliminating inequities in health and health care.

Carla S. Alvarado, PhD, MPH, Director of Research

Carla leads the center's research portfolio to inform policies and action that address health inequities.

Elva Arias, Administrative Specialist

Elva provides administrative support to the center and is committed to promoting equal opportunities in health for all communities.

Stephen Barry, MPH, Community Engagement Specialist

Stephen manages the center’s social media pages, the Multisector Partner Group, and the AAMC CHARGE community.

Brooke Bergen, Director, Public Relations & Member Communications

Brooke co-leads communications strategy and media activities for the center, with a focus on trustworthiness and maternal health.

Jennifer Bretsch, MS, Director of Programs

Jennifer is driven by a passion for health equity and justice and serves as the director of programs for the AAMC Center for Health Justice.

Affrille Degoma, MHA, Senior Program Specialist

Aff's cross-industry experience and global perspective helps drive progress as a project manager in the evaluation of the Principles of Trustworthiness Toolkit.

Kendall Givens-Little, MFA, Communications Portfolio Director

Kendall is a strategic marketing and communications leader passionate about storytelling, mentorship, and driving impact through purpose-driven campaigns.

Daria C. Grayer, MA, JD, Director of Policy

Daria is committed to advancing health justice through regulations and policies that redress health inequities.

Brooke Kelly, MS, Lead Analyst, Data Analytics & Research

Brooke is committed to using her expertise to effect positive change. She serves as a project manager for the Community Impact Tracker.

Phylicia N. McCalla, DrPH, MPH, Director of Operations

Phylicia is a public health leader, strategic thought partner, and principle driver of the Center's operational efforts.

Izabelle Mendez, MS, Health Equity Research Analyst

Izzy is a researcher with expertise in racial and ethnic health inequities, food insecurity, epidemiology, and health equity.

Anthony Nicome, MHS, Environmental Justice Fellow

Anthony brings his background in community engagement to the Center's environmental justice portfolio.

Dallas A. Peoples, PhD, MS, Program Specialist

Dallas contributes to the center’s research strategy implementation, with a commitment to improve maternal health equity and reproductive justice.

Sarah Piepenbrink, Senior Communications Specialist

Sarah supports the center and its multisector partners with communications about actionable health justice news, opportunities, resources, and stories.

Heather H. Pierce, JD, MPH, Sr. Director, Science Policy and Regulatory Counsel

Heather joined the AAMC Center for Health Justice to promote health equity and health justice through federal regulations and national and local policymaking.

Phoebe Ramsey, JD, Director, Physician Payment & Quality

Phoebe believes we can — and should — use law and policy as tools to promote health justice and improve the well-being of people and communities.