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Celebrating New Promotions and Team Members at CHRT!

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Celebrating New Promotions and Team Members at CHRT!

April 2, 2025

We’re pleased to share some important updates about our team at CHRT!

From well-deserved promotions to new team members bringing valuable expertise, our organization continues to grow in its commitment to advancing health and social equity.

Promotions

Samantha Iovan – Associate Director of Health Policy

Congratulations to Samantha Iovan on her promotion to Associate Director of Health Policy! Samantha leads initiatives that improve the integration of health care, public health, and social services.

Her expertise in data quality improvement, payer alignment, and delivery system reform drives impactful change. She also provides key analysis of Medicare and Medicaid policy, health care reimbursement structures, and insurance enrollment across all levels of government.

Samantha collaborates with stakeholders to develop research and policy strategies that enhance health equity by aligning care and financing models.

Shaina Tinsey – Project Manager, Health and Social Equity Team

Congratulations to Shaina Tinsey on her promotion to project manager on CHRT’s health and social equity team! Shaina supports MI Community Care (MiCC), a cross-sector care coordination program serving community members with complex health and social needs in Livingston and Washtenaw counties.

Her extensive background in community health—including previous roles with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation in Flint and Henry Ford Jackson—makes her a key asset to our team. Shaina holds an MPH from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and a BS in health administration from Eastern Michigan University.

Matt Hill – Senior Project Manager, Health and Social Equity Team]

A big congratulations to Matt Hill on his promotion to senior project manager! Matt oversees all backbone administrative functions for the Washtenaw Health Initiative and its health and human services integration initiatives.

His leadership and dedication continue to strengthen CHRT’s work in fostering collaboration across sectors to improve health and social outcomes.

Ayşe G. Büyüktür – Associate Director of Health and Social Equity Programs

We’re proud to announce that Ayşe G. Büyüktür has been promoted to associate director of health and social equity programs. In this role, she provides strategic oversight for CHRT’s partnerships in local and statewide initiatives focused on social determinants of health, integrated care models, and community information exchange.

Ayşe is deeply committed to community engagement, ensuring that research and program development are rooted in the needs of the populations they serve. She currently serves on MDHHS’s Community Information Exchange Advisory Committee and contributes to the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission’s workgroups.

Deana Smith – Associate Director of Opportunity Management

A huge thank you to Deana Smith for stepping into the role of associate director of opportunity management! Deana will play a pivotal role in developing and funding new projects and programs that align with CHRT’s mission and values. Her ability to foster strong partnerships and identify strategic opportunities will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact.

New Team Members

Jennie Scheerer – Program Manager, Research and Evaluation Team

We’re happy to welcome Jennie Scheerer (MPH) to CHRT as a program manager on our research and evaluation team! Jennie has already made an incredible impact, working on soon-to-be-published briefs on physician burnout and social determinants of health (SDoH) screening.

She is also collaborating with Jonathan Tsao on CHRT’s expanded Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) evaluation for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. We’re glad to have her expertise and dedication on board!

Alaina Kastl – Administrative Project Coordinator

Alaina Kastl is an administrative project coordinator for the Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT). She provides administrative and project support to CHRT’s health and social equity team.

With a background in program coordination and nonprofit work, Kastl enjoys collaborating on initiatives that create meaningful impact in the community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Michigan State University and is passionate about equity, access to resources, and community engagement.

Adriana Mancillas – Health and Social Equity Analyst

Adriana Mancillas is a project manager and social worker committed to advancing health equity and community empowerment.

Mancillas provides volunteer leadership support to Mexiquenses Unidos en Michigan, strengthening healthcare access in the Spanish speaking community and promoting cultural competency and language access to local nonprofits. Previously, she served as the crisis support and advocacy services program manager at SafeHouse Center, where she provided support to survivors of intimate partner violence and their advocates.

With expertise in program development, stakeholder engagement, and culturally responsive service delivery, her work focuses on improving health access for all and continuous quality improvement in community-based programs.

Lynda McMillan – Senior Project Manager

Lynda McMillan is a senior project manager, leading complex, cross-sector initiatives that advance patient-centered care through strategic transformation. With over 20 years of experience spanning payer and provider environments, she has acquired deep expertise in interoperability, provider data strategy, and regulatory alignment—-consistently focusing on aligning people, process, and technology to drive meaningful outcomes.

Her work is driven by a commitment to building collaborative, scalable solutions that reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes for both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

Thank you!

At CHRT, we are grateful for the expertise and passion that our team brings to the table. These promotions and new additions strengthen our ability to drive meaningful change in health and social equity.

Congratulations to all, and we look forward to seeing the incredible work you’ll accomplish in your new roles!

Transportation is a cornerstone of healthcare access, but we’ve got to coordinate

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Transportation is a cornerstone of healthcare access, but we’ve got to coordinate

April 1, 2025

Transportation is so much more than a logistical concern—it’s a cornerstone of healthcare access. 

When patients can’t physically get to their appointments, pick up prescriptions, or buy groceries, their overall health suffers.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)—a service that helps people get to healthcare-related destinations when they don’t have access to other options—can help bridge this gap. 

Michigan has included non-emergency medical transportation in the scope of covered services for Medicaid beneficiaries for many years. Anecdotally, however, I still hear a lot about the failings of NEMT in my county.

In 2023, I worked with others at the Washtenaw Health Initiative to organize a transportation summit with dozens of local leaders. One of the biggest challenges we heard about at the summit was the lack of a coordinated NEMT system.  A centralized organization to coordinate transportation would allow patients to call a single number to schedule rides, streamlining the process and improving service reliability.

Another critical gap, we heard, is meeting the needs of patients who need mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or assistance getting from the vehicle to the building, and vice versa. This is a fundamental aspect of accessible transportation, yet it’s often left up to individual providers to determine if they will provide door-to-door and door-through-door accommodations.

Technology could play a big role in making our NEMT system work effectively—here in Washtenaw County and in other counties across the state. Some of our local organizations are already gathering data—such as how often rides fail—but it’s tough to identify recurring issues without a coordinated approach.

To understand and improve NEMT services, we’d need to track a few key metrics:

  • How often patients attend scheduled medical appointments when transportation is provided.
  • Whether reliable transportation allows patients to pick up and take their medications as prescribed.
  • The broader impact of reliable transportation on patients’ health and recovery.

By collecting and analyzing this kind of data, we can gain valuable insights into how transportation services influence healthcare access and outcomes—and use that information to make meaningful improvements to our local transportation systems.

Tracking transportation needs could be helpful, too. For example, if we see a high demand for transportation to grocery stores or social gatherings, that data could guide decisions about funding or expanding services. This is especially important in areas like Washtenaw County, where transportation options are more limited for people in rural and other underserved communities.

Improving NEMT services in Washtenaw County—and in other communities—requires a coordinated approach that prioritizes accessibility, integrates technology, and uses meaningful data to drive decision-making.

What are your thoughts on transportation and healthcare access? Let’s start a conversation.

CHRT welcomes 2025 Health Policy Fellowship cohort

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CHRT welcomes 2025 Health Policy Fellowship cohort

April 1, 2025

The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) is pleased to announce the 2025 cohort of its Health Policy Fellowship. This year’s fellows represent a diverse group of health researchers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders who are committed to improving health policy and practice in Michigan and beyond.

Since its inception, the CHRT Health Policy Fellowship has provided professionals from varied backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to engage effectively in health policy. Fellows participate in an immersive learning experience that includes expert-led sessions on health policy fundamentals, legislative processes, and strategies for translating research into policy impact. The program also fosters cross-sector collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and nonprofit professionals.

The 2025 fellowship cohort includes:

Health Researchers:

  • Debbie Chen, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine
  • Julie Maslowsky, PhD – Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Michigan
  • Megan Faucett, MSHS, MLS – Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University
  • Minal Patel, PhD – Professor, School of Public Health, University of Michigan
  • Sean McCabe, MA, MSW, PhD – Professor, School of Nursing, University of Michigan
  • Tiffany Veinot, PhD, FACMI – Professor, School of Information, University of Michigan

Policy Professionals:

  • Adam Hagedorn, BA – Legislative Director, House (R) Policy
  • Connor Loftus, BS – Policy Advisor, Senate Majority Office (D)
  • Houda Fawaz, BA, BBA – Special Project Manager, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Lenise Freeman, BA – Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow, Michigan Health and Hospital Association
  • Mindy Fernandes, BS, CAE – Legislative Director, House (R)

Nonprofit Leaders:

  • Andrea LaFontaine, MPA – Executive Director, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance
  • Daniel Schoonmaker, BS – Executive Director, MI Sustainable Business Forum
  • Kelly Ainsworth, BA, CHES – Project Director for Mental Health, Greater Flint Health Coalition
  • Stephanie Hall, MSW – Assistant Director of Planning/Advocacy, AgeWays Senior Services
  • Taryn Gal, MPH, CPH, MCHES – Executive Director, Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health

This year’s fellowship program is made possible through the generous support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Wayne State University, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, and Michigan Medicine. Their contributions ensure that fellows have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of health policy and enhance their ability to drive meaningful change in their fields.

Congratulations to the 2025 cohort! We look forward to seeing the impact of their work in Michigan’s health policy landscape and beyond.

CHRT Launches Five New Projects in Mental Health, Community Violence, and more

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CHRT Launches Five New Projects in Mental Health, Community Violence, and more

April 1, 2025

The Center for Health & Research Transformation (CHRT) is pleased to announce five new projects aimed at improving health outcomes and addressing social determinants of health across Michigan communities.​

Aligning Medicaid Beneficiary Needs with Mental Health Service Delivery Standards

In collaboration with Network 180 and the Lakeshore Regional Entity, CHRT will analyze Medicaid data to better align beneficiary needs with service delivery standards for applied behavior analysis services and community living supports. This initiative seeks to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Evaluating and Sustaining Peer Support Groups for Mothers in Detroit

Partnering with Children of the Rising Sun, CHRT will evaluate the “Mom Circles” program—a peer-to-peer support group for mothers of young children. The project aims to assess the program’s impact on maternal and child health outcomes and develop strategies for its sustainability and expansion within Detroit communities.

Evaluation of the Community Violence Intervention Initiative

CHRT will assess the implementation and impact of Washtenaw County’s “Life is Valuable Everyday” (WeLIVE) program, a community violence intervention initiative that combines hospital-based intervention with street outreach. The evaluation will provide insights to enhance program effectiveness and reduce retaliatory violence in the community.

Developing a Social Determinants of Health Strategic Plan

In partnership with the Berrien County Health Department, CHRT will conduct qualitative research and stakeholder engagement to inform the county’s Community Health Improvement Plan. The focus will be on addressing transportation, housing, and social cohesion to improve health equity and quality of life for residents.

Combating Misinformation in the Public Health Sphere

Collaborating with The Public Good Projects and the Michigan Association for Local Public Health, CHRT will conduct qualitative research to evaluate the effectiveness of health messaging strategies. The goal is to identify barriers and opportunities for improving public health communication and counteracting misinformation, particularly in historically marginalized communities.

These initiatives reflect CHRT’s commitment to fostering healthier communities through research, evaluation, and strategic partnerships.

CHRT welcomes new board member, bids farewell to departing leaders

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Todd Anderson

CHRT welcomes new board member, bids farewell to departing leaders

February 18, 2025

The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) is pleased to welcome Todd Anderson to our board of directors. Anderson is market president of Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, responsible for the general oversight of the plan’s day-to-day operations including medical affairs, quality, provider network management, communications and marketing, and community outreach.

Before joining Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Anderson spent more than a decade serving in various leadership roles at the Michigan House of Representatives. 

At the same time, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Lynda Rossi and Dr. Renu Tipirneni for their years of dedicated service.

Rossi, who has recently retired, has been a valued voice on CHRT’s board since the organization’s inception, offering strategic guidance and deep expertise in healthcare policy and operations.

Tipirneni, whose three-year term has just ended, has contribued a wealth of knowledge as a physician and researcher, helping to shape CHRT’s work in health equity and system improvement.

We are grateful for their many contributions and look forward to hearing about their next endeavors. 

CHRT begins three new projects and extends two

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Doctor helps elderly man walk with a walker

CHRT begins three new projects and extends two

September 29, 2024
Doctor helps elderly man walk with a walker

This fall, CHRT is excited to begin three new projects and extend two existing projects.

Evaluating and sustaining peer support groups for mothers in Detroit

CHRT will assist the Children of the Rising Sun in evaluating their pilot program of a peer support circle for mothers in Detroit.

Synthesizing learnings for the Community routes: Advancing access to mental health care learning summit

CHRT will gather and summarize learnings from Direct Relief’s annual learning summit, which brings together healthcare providers that create innovative approaches to address infectious disease in underserved communities.

Enhancing the POM Accountable Care Organization’s performance in the Medicare Shared Savings Program

CHRT will provide tailored recommendations to aid in the short and long-term sustainability planning efforts of the Physician Organization of Michigan Accountable Care Organization’s (POM ACO) leadership team.

Extending the project to promote social, behavioral, and economic research on COVID-19

CHRT will continue to support the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) by providing annual meeting reports and policy briefs.

Beginning phase II of health education opportunities for Michigan legislators and legislative staff

CHRT will continue to support legislators and their staff with primers, round-table discussions, and more.

CHRT Health Policy Fellowship: Now accepting applications for 2025

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Fellows in a circle learning from each other

CHRT Health Policy Fellowship: Now accepting applications for 2025

September 29, 2024
Fellows in a circle learning from each other

Since its inception, the CHRT Health Policy Fellowship has been dedicated to cultivating the next generation of health policy leaders. Launched in 2012, the fellowship provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities that equip professionals from diverse fields to impact policy decisions at local, state, and national levels. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, the program connects fellows to experts and policymakers across Michigan and beyond.

The fellowship is ideal for individuals who are involved in shaping or influencing health policy, or who wish to become involved. Specifically, CHRT seeks applicants from three key sectors: policymakers, researchers, and nonprofit leaders. 

  • Policymakers who participate in the program gain a more robust understanding of the nuances of healthcare systems and evidence-based practices. 
  • Researchers learn how and where their findings can be applied. 
  • Nonprofit leaders, meanwhile, develop the strategic insight needed to guide their organizations toward evidence-based practices within an ever-evolving policy environment. 

Each fellow benefits from the cross-sector exchange of ideas, broadening their perspectives and building networks that can drive meaningful change long after the fellowship ends.

Hear from allumnus Romesh Nailliah
Hear from alumna Michelle Meade

During the fellowship, participants attend seminars led by experts in health policy, participate in site visits to key health organizations, and collaborate with their cohort on policy projects. This immersive approach enables fellows to apply their new knowledge in real-world scenarios, directly influencing the health policy landscape.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity, we encourage you to spread the word. The fellowship is a significant step for those looking to make a lasting impact in health policy, and thus in the health of our communities overall.

For more information and to apply for the upcoming class, contact Holly Quivera Teague at [email protected] 

Meet CHRT’s 2024 3 New Interns: Lauren Hunter, August James, and Claire Stubbs

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Meet CHRT’s 2024 3 New Interns: Lauren Hunter, August James, and Claire Stubbs

Meet CHRT’s 2024 3 New Interns: Lauren Hunter, August James, and Claire Stubbs

September 20, 2024
Meet CHRT’s 2024 3 New Interns: Lauren Hunter, August James, and Claire Stubbs

We are pleased to welcome Lauren Hunter, August James, and Claire Stubbs to CHRT’s 2024 internship program.

Lauren Hunter is a health and social equity intern, currently pursuing a master’s in social work at the University of Michigan, specializing in community change. With five years of experience in grant management, human resources, and teaching English as a second language, Lauren has worked extensively with immigrant communities and individuals facing chronic homelessness. She aims to transition into nonprofit management after graduating in August 2025.

August James joins CHRT as an evaluation associate while studying information at the University of Michigan, with a focus on UX research and design. August is passionate about applying design thinking to create solutions that foster community engagement and well-being. She holds a psychology degree from Michigan State University and enjoys photography and outdoor adventures in her spare time.

Claire Stubbs is a health and social equity intern, pursuing her master’s in social work at the University of Michigan, with a focus on older adults and aging. As a case manager at the City of Detroit Community Health Corporation, Claire has spent the past two years helping Detroit residents navigate complex social services. She’s especially dedicated to advocating for the elderly population.

We’re excited to see how Lauren, August, and Claire will contribute to CHRT’s projects and initiatives.

Q&A with CHRT Health Policy Fellowship alumna Michelle Meade

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Michelle Meade

Q&A with CHRT Health Policy Fellowship alumna Michelle Meade

September 18, 2024
Michelle Meade

Michelle Meade is a professor at the University of Michigan’s Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Family Medicine. A rehabilitation psychologist by training, she also serves as the director of the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness. We recently sat down with her to discuss her time as a CHRT Health Policy Fellow and how it has shaped her career and perspective on policymaking.

What led you to join the Health Policy Fellowship?

“I first became interested in the fellowship after hearing one of CHRT’s staff speak. The first time I applied for the fellowship I was not accepted, but the interaction led to valuable conversations and collaborations, which eventually culminated in a five-year, $900,000 grant that the CHRT team and I used to explore policy issues, particularly the impact of the Affordable Care Act on healthcare access for people with physical disabilities.”

How has the fellowship impacted your career?

“I joined the fellowship in the 2020 class. My class was the first to be impacted by COVID-19, and I had the opportunity to witness a CHRT colleague become a key advisor to the Michigan governor’s office on COVID-19 policy. Although some of our trips to Lansing, Detroit, and Washington, D.C., were delayed due to the pandemic, the fellowship significantly broadened my understanding of policy and how it intersects with research. 

One of the key takeaways was learning how to translate academic research into policy briefs or clear, concise summaries that policymakers can use. Before I joined the fellowship, I remember being asked to submit a Congressional briefing, and initially, I prepared a 50-page document. I received the feedback “Can you make this two pages?” and I was shocked. It wasn’t until the fellowship that I truly grasped how different the policy world is from academia. They want straightforward, clear statements, not the in-depth academic back-and-forth we’re used to.

This understanding of policy translation has become integral to my work. We now incorporate policy briefs into our research projects and think critically about how to present information in a way that can be picked up by advocacy groups, healthcare organizations, or government entities. The fellowship also helped me understand the importance of networking—knowing who the key players are and how to interact with them is essential for driving change.”

Why do you think it’s important for academics to understand policymaking?

“Academics have the opportunity—and, I believe, the responsibility—to make an impact beyond publishing papers. Our research participants are not just subjects. They are part of something larger. They’re contributing their time and experiences to research that should ultimately make a difference in people’s lives. To make that happen, it’s crucial to understand the policy landscape. Whether it’s clinical interventions or programmatic research, you need funding and support to implement the changes you identify.

The fellowship taught me that our research can only be impactful if it reaches the right people in the right way. Academics need to understand how to translate complex research findings into practical, actionable information for policymakers. It’s not just about gathering evidence—it’s about making sure that evidence is communicated in a way that influences decision-making at local, state, and national levels.”

What are you working on now in your career?

“My work continues to focus on the intersection of disability, healthcare disparities, and social determinants of health. Clinically, I specialize in rehabilitation psychology, working with individuals with spinal cord injuries. My research, however, has expanded beyond spinal cord injury to explore how personal factors, impairment-related factors, and environmental factors interact to influence health outcomes.

One of the most pressing issues I’m exploring is the disproportionate burden that ableism and racism place on individuals with disabilities, particularly in healthcare. The fellowship itself was one of the experiences that deeply influenced how I think about health equity and policy.”

For more information and to apply:

Thank you to the many state and national experts who shared knowledge with CHRT’s 2024 Health Policy Fellows

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2024 Health Policy Fellows

Thank you to the many state and national experts who shared knowledge with CHRT’s 2024 Health Policy Fellows

June 23, 2024

This spring, CHRT welcomed 14 health researchers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders into this year’s Health Policy Fellowship cohort. Over four months, the fellows learned from each other and from expert speakers about ways to bring health policies and practices into alignment with evidence-based research recommendations.

This year’s program included three trips to important centers of health policy: Washington DC, Lansing, and Detroit. 

In Washington DC, fellows had the opportunity to learn about health policy at a national level. Fellows spoke with experts from legislative offices, health policy offices, and the media including:

Legislative experts

  • Zach Weber, deputy director of federal affairs for the SOM Office
  • Neil Canfield, executive director for federal relations and federal research
  • Rahul Krishnaswamy, assistant to Robert Gordon
  • William Seabrook, legislative director for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell

Health policy experts

  • Ellen Lukens, deputy director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI)
  • Josh Traylor, executive director of CHRT and former staffmember at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation
  • Eileen Kostanecki, director of policy engagement and external relations at UM’s Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation
  • Kate Massey, executive director of Medicaid & CHIP Payment Access Commission

Media experts

  • Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent for Kaiser Health News
  • Alice Ollstein, capitol hill health care reporter for Politico

In Lansing, the fellows met with legislators and policymakers

  • Madeline Watts, director of government relations at McLaren Health Care
  • Shaquila Myers, chief of staff to the state’s Speaker of the House and a CHRT Health Policy Fellowship alumna
  • Senator Kevin Hertel, chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee
  • Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet, chair of the Joint Capital Outlay Appropriations
  • Elizabeth Trombley, legislative director for Senator Rivet
  • Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services an a CHRT Health Policy Fellow from the inaugural cohort.

And in Detroit, fellows met with:

  • Douglas Bitonti Stewart, executive director of the Max and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
  • Zina M. Davis, executive director of Children of the Rising Sun Empowerment Center
  • Cynthia K. Rowell, director of learning and impact at the Max and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
  • Isha Johnson, program director of the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association
  • Espy Thomas, owner of Sweet Potato Sensations
  • Courtney Latimer, manager at the office of community health, equity and wellness for the Henry Ford Health System
  • Dr. Felix Valbuena, CEO of the Community Health and Social Services Center (CHASS)

In addition to these trips, fellows learned from experts in eight sessions at CHRT. They heard from experts on a range of topics including health services research, policy, health insurance rating and underwriting, Medicaid, public health, advocacy, insurance design, media, op-eds, maternal health, long term care, behavioral health, prescription drug pricing, veteran care, health system operation, and pharmacy services.

With new knowledge and new connections, CHRT’s Health Policy Fellows are now prepared to advocate more effectively for evidence-based health policy. We’re excited to see what they will all accomplish. We also want to extend our thanks to the many experts who took the time to speak to our fellows, both during their trips and in sessions here at CHRT.

For further information about the CHRT Health Policy Fellowship and to apply for the 2025 cohort, please contact Holly Quivera Teague, Fellowship Program Manager, at [email protected].