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Dr. Juanita Cox

ND, LDN, CNS, MSAc, BSc.

CEO & Founder

I was born in Georgetown, East Bank, Guyana, & raised in Rosignol Village. I currently reside in Maryland, USA. I am a Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition Specialist Practitioner, & Health Educator III.

Losing my mother in 2017 completely rocked my entire world. I felt as though someone pulled the rug from under my feet. No words can begin to describe the pain I felt as my mother suddenly perished right in front of me, while we were talking. I'm short on words but what I do know is that I do not want another person to experience what I've experienced on that day. Starting this nonprofit is such a great way to reach and help so many people affected with type II DM & high blood pressure. I've dedicate the rest of my time on earth in doing so.

"Because There's Nothing More important Than You, Absolutely Nothing!"

Shondell Griffith

RN

President

I was born in Georgetown, Guyana. I then migrated to the USA in 1986, along with my nuclear family-Mom (Ingrid Griffith), Dad (Late Bernard Griffith) and sister and brother. I earned my nursing degree and license in 2008, a field in which I’m very passionate and dedicated. I am always up and ready to lend a helping hand in any capacity. I consider myself to be loyal, trustworthy, loving and family oriented. I've always dreamt of one day using my gift, knowledge, and experience as a professional nurse to bring better healthcare awareness to my hometown.

Samantha Haynes

MPA, BSc.

Chief Operating Officer

I was born in Georgetown, Guyana where I lived until my thirteenth birthday and migrated to the USA. I earned my Master's of Public Administration, with a concentration in Human Resources. In addition, I earned a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. I enjoy helping others. I am interested in being a part of The Velma B. Cox Foundation for Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure to help the lives of others, while fulfilling my role as Chief Operating Officer/Human Resources/Customer relations.

Senora Clark-Hunter

Certified Health & Wellness Coach,

Licensed Esthetician

Treasurer

For the past twenty-two years, I've had a growing passion to help people in the arena of health and nutrition. A Part of that is due to my mother passing twenty years ago from diabetic complications. It's time to make a change and do better so we can be better!

I believe in what Dr. Cox is doing...to educate people and change their lives forever.

Shermaine Taylor MPA, BSc.

Director of Marketing/Event Planning

I was born on the Island of Barbados West Indies. I migrated to the USA at the age 15yrs old with my family seeking a life of vast opportunities provided to immigrant families. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology and further my education by obtaining my Masters in Public Administration. I have been employed with the NYC Administration Children's Services, for the past 20 years, were I currently, serves in the capacity of Child Protective Supervisor; ensuring the overall safety and well-being for NYC's most vulnerable population. My life passion is serving any population with efficiency and effective service delivery; while maintaining the mission of any organization represented by my presence with integrity, professionalism and effective leadership.

Lisa Jo Finstrom MS, CNS, LDN

Health Educator

A licensed nutritionist who promotes a "Back to Basics" approach to whole-food nutrition and healthy lifestyle implantation. She currently sees private clients at A Village Green Apothecary in Bethesda, MD. She also has experience volunteering with low-income, predominantly Spanish-speaking patients at a local clinic as well as experience doing presentations for the local transit workers on topics such as lowering blood pressure.

Besen Sanga, MD

Web Admin. Specialist

It is important to bringing awareness about chronic health issues and having the individual understand that they are in control of how they want to address it. I received my medical degree in 2014. For the past couple of years, I have worked in various community spaces and clinics within DC, MD, NYC, Miami & Dominica, having dialogues with residents and clients about a variety of public health topics and the importance if maintaining good health. I wanted to be a part of this foundation because it addresses two major health conditions that causes dire consequences but can be prevented. I am honored to be a part of this foundation and the mission it stands for.

Dr. Ann Mani, ND

Secretary

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to Nigerian parents, in my free time I enjoy cooking, spending quality time with my family, traveling, readying and researching innovative trends in integrative medicine. After obtaining my Bachelors degree in Biology from St. John University in 2009, I pursued a career in medicine.

I've spent 3 years volunteering in organizations such as: American Red Cross Association's Go Red for women campaign, Mentoring in Medicine as a walking/fitness group leader for middle-aged women in Harlem, tutoring/mentoring middle school students in Brooklyn charter schools & Mount Sinai's Emergency Dept. In 2012, I began a career as a Naturopathic Doctor. During my academic career, I precepted with several prestigious doctor and institutions. After graduating from University of Bridgeport College of Medicine in 2016, I continued my training at the Institute of Multidimensional Medicine.

As a board certified, licensed Naturopathic Doctor in DC, my areas of focus include: women's reproductive health, gastrointestinal disorders and autoimmune disease.  

Sofie Tavartkiladze

Certified Health Coach

I graduated from The Institute For Integrative Nutrition in 2013, receiving my certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner.  I am really passionate about food and healthy cooking.  I take prided in creating the perfect combinations of "nutritious" and "delicious" dishes.  I bring my passion, expertise and experience to the table and offer patients creative choices, as they strive for optimal health and wellness naturally.  I'm happy to be a part of the VBC Foundation and bringing my passion for food to the table. 

Dr. Samantha Williams, ND, RDN

Community Health Outreach

I am a Naturopathic Physician and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, in the DC Metropolitan area. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science, in Nutritional Science, from Howard University and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.  My area of specialty is Integrative Medicine with a specialized focus on using clinical and holistic nutrition, in treating disease and illness.  My main goal is to empower and support clients towards implementing healthy lifestyle and behavior changes, for improved health and well-being. I am honored to be apart of the VBC Foundation & the incredible work it does for the local community and the beautiful island of Guyana.

Dr. Aubrey J. Moreau, PharmD, CNC

Community Health Outreach

Born and raised in Louisiana, served in the United States Navy for 5 years, visited almost every country in South America (except Guyana, sorry!). My pharmacy experience is ongoing for over a decade in areas of research, government, retail, compounding, faculty, and leadership. Currently practicing in the DC area at Village Green Apothecary, a Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and on a team as a Disaster Relief Pharmacist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Raised by my grandmother, who would have me fetch and give her insulin injections, blood sugar readings, attend doctor visits, and refill pill boxes, etc… provided a great understanding of the impact of this disease. While attending pharmacy school at University of Southern California (USC), I was the director of Operation Diabetes, we screened and educated over 2200 high risk people in improvised communities, (East Los Angeles, Long Beach and Skid Row) for diabetes in 1 year. We won a national award that year but having an impact on 2200 families meant much more. My goal is to help “uncomplicate” this disease, a better understanding is essential to help avoid progression. Your health is important to me and your family. I am honored to serve Dr. Cox in helping her and our community.

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