Advisory Boards

Kristyn Brandi, MD, MPH (she/her/ella)

Dr. Kristyn Brandi is an Assistant Professor at Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, where she completed her medical school and residency. She completed a Family Planning Fellowship at Boston University where she also earned her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights. Her research is on reproductive decision making, contraceptive coercion, and racism in reproductive health care. She serves as the Board Chair of Physicians for Reproductive Health, sits on several sub-committees for the Society of Family Planning and is a founding member of Centering Equity, Racial and Cultural Literacy in Family Planning (CERCL-FP). She proudly identifies as a Latina bisexual abortion provider and her pronouns are she/her/ella.

Liza Fuentes, DPH, MPH (she/her)

Liza Fuentes joined the Guttmacher Institute as a Senior Research Scientist in 2016. Before joining Guttmacher, she was Senior Project Manager at Ibis Reproductive Health, where she worked on research regarding miscarriage management, self-induced abortion, and the evaluation of restrictive abortion laws. She serves on the board of directors of Forward Together and Taller Salud, and is a former member of the boards of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, the National Network of Abortion Funds, the New York Abortion Access Fund and the DC Abortion Fund.

Nia Mitchell, MPH (she/her)

Ms. Mitchell, MPH is a Birth Equity Research Scholar with the National Birth Equity Collaborative. As an evaluator and researcher, she is committed to centering on Black women and birthing people’s lived experiences, models of care, scholarship, and activism in her work. Ms. Mitchell received a B.A. in Anthropology from Georgia State University, a Master of Public Health from Morehouse School of Medicine, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methodologies from the University of Georgia. Throughout her career, she has implemented and evaluated the effectiveness of education, health, and civic engagement programs serving diverse families and communities.

Nishant Shah, MD, MPH (he/him), Advisory Board Chair

Dr. Shah is a family medicine and public health physician with experience working in family medicine, reproductive health, and community public health. In California, Dr. Shah spent 10 years working as a full-spectrum family medicine physician as well as an abortion provider and trainer, working with the TEACH program, and as a provider at Planned Parenthood and independent abortion clinics. After moving to Baltimore in 2015, Dr. Shah joined the Beyond the Pill team as a trainer. He has worked with the Beyond the Pill team to develop the Advanced Counseling Training. In addition, Dr. Shah works as an abortion and vasectomy provider at Planned Parenthood of Maryland. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at University of Maryland, Department of Family Medicine, supporting residents seeking reproductive health training through the RHEDI program. Finally, Dr. Shah maintains a clinical practice in addiction medicine as the medical director at REACH Health Services.

Andrea Shore, MPH (she/her)

Andrea Shore, MPH, is Chief Program Officer for the School-Based Health Alliance. She has worked in the public health field since 1997, leading child and adolescent health and youth development programs, many of which focused on the intersection of health and education. Her professional experience spans the local and national levels, leading teams in designing, implementing, and improving health programs for children and youth. Andrea joined SBHA in 2015, where she currently leads their programs and consulting teams, telehealth work, and the development of new partnerships. Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts in child development from Tufts University and a Master of Public Health from Emory University.

Lisa Stern, MSN, NP (she/her)

Lisa Stern is a nurse practitioner whose career is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health equity through healthcare delivery, research, teaching, and advocacy. Lisa is currently Deputy Director at the Coalition to Expand Contraceptive Access (CECA), where she focuses on interdisciplinary collaborations to advance evidence-based policy. Lisa also consults to organizations throughout the U.S. to improve the delivery of patient-centered sexual and reproductive health care. Lisa teaches nursing and medical students at UCSF, where she received a Master’s Degree in the History of Health Sciences.

Mónica Aguilar, MPH (she/her/ella)

Mónica Aguilar is the proud daughter of immigrants and self-identified Latina. She is the Justice for Young Families (J4YF) Program Manager for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice where she manages the implementation of the J4YF work plan and works collaboratively with CLRJ’s program staff to support the dissemination of J4YF publications and community-informed research projects in order to advance positive and equitable policies that are centered on equity and dignity to help young parents and their children thrive all throughout the state. As a public health professional, she hopes to positively contribute as much to the issues affecting the wellbeing of BIPOC communities specifically in areas of reproductive and mental health and uplift the holistic health of Latines.

Frances Bernabe (she/her/ella)

is the Senior Director of Sexual Reproductive Health Programs at Essential Access Health, one of the largest Title X Programs in the nation. In her capacity, Frances oversees the Family Planning Program and provides vital support to the Title X Networks by cultivating and strengthening partnerships throughout the states of California and Hawaii. With over 30 years of experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Frances brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role. In her spare time, Frances enjoys mentoring young professionals and volunteering in community health initiatives, furthering her commitment to improving access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare for all.

Aurora Harris (she/her)

Aurora Harris is a community organizer and policy advocacy strategist. Her movement work focuses on storytelling, cultural organizing, and youth leadership development. She's the Senior Director of Regional Strategy at Young Invincibles (YI), a young adult research and advocacy group that mobilizes young people to advance solutions on higher education, health care, jobs, and civic engagement. Prior to working at Young Invincibles, Aurora served as Executive Director of the Lesbian Health Initiative (LHI) and organized in several reproductive justice organizations. She serves on the board of the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), a nonprofit that supports youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, the child welfare system, juvenile justice involvement, and other at-risk situations. Aurora received her B.A. in English and African-American Studies from the College of Charleston.

Stephanie LeBleu, MSSW (she/her/hers)

Stephanie LeBleu is the Title X Project Director at Every Body Texas. She leads the nation’s largest Title X project which administers funding for free or low-cost sexual and reproductive health services to over 150 healthcare clinics across Texas. She also spearheads Every Body Texas’s award-winning EC for Every Body program which distributes emergency contraception to people across Texas for free. Her professional career in sexual and reproductive health spans 16 years, beginning at Whole Woman’s Health as an abortion patient advocate and bringing her to Every Body Texas in 2014. Stephanie is committed to pursuing innovative ideas, partnerships and projects to preserve and create access to sexual and reproductive health services as Texas and other states continue their attacks on human rights and bodily autonomy. Stephanie is a graduate of Louisiana State University and earned her Masters of Science of Social Work from University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Anne E. Lundquist, PhD (she/her/hers)

Dr. Anne E. Lundquist is Director of The Hope Center and Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Health and Population Science in the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. At Hope, Anne has the privilege of working alongside researchers, scholars, advocates, policy advisors, and storytellers who envision a world where basic needs insecurity is no longer a barrier to pursuing and completing college. In partnership with hundreds of colleges, agencies, and social change agents, Hope takes a systems-change approach to co-creating a higher ed landscape where educational opportunity is universal and equitable. Anne has served as the assistant vice president for campus strategy at Anthology, the director of assessment and strategic planning at Western Michigan University, as well as senior student affairs officer at four colleges. She is the co-editor of Reframing Assessment to Center Equity: Theories, Models and Practices (Routledge, 2022). She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and a BA in Religious Studies from Albion College. She is also a 500-hour trained yoga teacher.

Kelsey Atkins, M.Ed., CHES (she/her)

As the Program Director of Higher Education, Kelsey Atkins oversees the Talk About It Texas’ (TAIT) Campus Conversations (formerly BAE-B-SAFE) program, a Healthy Futures of Texas (HFTX) initiative. HFTX, a statewide nonprofit, aims to improve the well-being of young Texans through equitable access to sexual health education, contraception, and resources. In her role, Kelsey supports teams and partners across Texas, supporting educational success among older teens and young adults at community colleges and universities, equipping them with evidence-based sexual health education programs, resources, and teen-friendly affordable clinical referrals. She has provided evidence-based education and resources to youth, young adults, and families for nearly a decade. Kelsey earned a post-graduate degree in Education with a focus on community health from Texas State University.

Hannah Sandy, DNP, MPH, PHN, FNP-C (she/her)

Hannah Sandy holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, in Denver Colorado. She also holds a Masters and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the same university, and a Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University in Southern California. She is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and has worked as Assistant Professor of Nursing in academic institutions such as Atlantic Union College in Massachusetts and Loma Linda University alongside practicing as NP. She has been the Coordinator of the Health & Wellness Center at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, Southern California for the last ten years. Hannah’s career has been centered in the provision of reproductive health services for adolescents and young adults through health education and contraception services.

Originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa, Hannah has been an activist against Female Genital Cutting. Her research on the Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Female Genital Cutting led to the first national symposium on Female Genital Mutilation (Cutting) in Sierra Leone, opening up a platform for national discussion and debate that eventually led policy makers to ban Female Genital Cutting for underage girls in Sierra Leone.

Hannah is a board member of the Health Services Association of California Community Colleges (HSACCC).

Adelina S. Silva, Ph.D. (she/her/ella)

Dr. Adelina S. Silva is the Vice Chancellor for Student Success for the Alamo Colleges District. She has held several positions in her 49+ year career developing student success programs including pioneering the establishment of community education centers, returning adult and women’s centers, student leadership institute, career and experiential learning, retention and advising models, and advocacy centers districtwide.

Dr. Silva is the first Hispanic female Vice Chancellor in the Alamo Colleges District, where she earned an Associate of Arts Degree. She is a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor’s degree graduate of Texas A & I University at Corpus Christi and holds a Doctoral degree in Educational Administration in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Dr. Silva is nationally and internationally recognized as a leading voice in student success and has presented extensively on leadership, student development, advising, and equity. She serves as a Fulbright Ambassador.

Dr. Silva has been a visionary leader and mentor throughout the community and is recognized for her many contributions to the State and South Texas community. She served eight years on the Junior/Community College Student Personnel Association of Texas (J/CCSPAT) Board of Directors – two years as the Chair; and currently serves as the Vice Chair of Healthy Futures of Texas, and an Achieving the Dream Coach. She was honored as a Distinguished Graduate of McCollum High School and inducted into the Harlandale ISD Hall of Fame. She received recognition as La Prensa’s San Antonio Latina Women in Action, Outstanding Young Women in America, Yellow Rose of Texas Education Award, San Antonio Women’s Chamber Comet Award, San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame, and the National Latina Style Business Series Trailblazer Award.

Liz Tyler (she/her)

Liz Tyler is the Director of the Trust Her initiative at the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), a nonprofit committed to cutting child poverty in Dallas in half within 20 years. Trust Her is CPAL’s reproductive and maternal health initiative. In her role, Liz supports Trust Her’s network of partner clinics in implementing patient-centered, evidence-based contraceptive care practices. She helps clinics utilize grants from Trust Her to stock all methods of birth control onsite and provide free contraceptive care to uninsured patients. Prior to CPAL, Liz worked for Valley Crisis Center, a nonprofit providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. During her time at Valley Crisis Center, she provided legal advocacy for survivors, coordinated community outreach, and ran a state-certified advocacy training for new staff and volunteers. Liz earned a bachelor's degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from California State University, Long Beach.

Briana Gonzales (they/them)

Briana Gonzales was born and raised in South Texas. Attending an early college high school, they graduated with an Associate’s in Liberal Arts before obtaining their high school diploma. Growing up, Briana has found the beauty of understanding the importance of diversity among their community. Briana has always known they wanted to help people and has always had a passion for women's rights, especially the freedom to allow people to express themselves for who they are. Along their passions, and especially after becoming a mother, Briana was driven to pursue a career in the medical field, particularly nursing. They are currently a level 1 RN student at Del Mar College and on their free time, loves to read, spend time with their amazing family, and rescue animals.

Marlaina Lizarraga (she/her)

Marlaina Lizarraga is from Colton, California - a small town, where everyone knows just about everyone. Marlaina attended San Bernardino Valley College, and majored in Business Administration. She is currently taking a break from her education, and will soon be back to achieve her Associate's degree. Marlaina's interest in reproductive health and justice comes from her life experiences and those around her. Marlaina noticed the women in her community do not have the knowledge to access their rights and resources to live healthy lives. Marlaina wants women to know about their birth control options and how there is more beyond pills. On her free time, Marlaina enjoys painting as it is a way to get through trauma. Painting helps Marlaina express her emotions in ways words cannot and helps in creating a safe space free of judgement.

Madeline Molennor (she/her)

Madeline Molennor is a dedicated student currently enrolled in the RN program at Bakersfield College. She is also pursuing her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Grand Canyon University. With a passion for reproductive health and women's rights, Madeline aspires to become an advocate in these crucial areas. Madeline’s enthusiasm for reproductive health and women’s rights originates from her deep commitment to enact community interventions as she aspires to become a future Nurse Practitioner. She finds fulfillment in staying active and embracing self-care routines. When not focused on academics, she relishes time with her two cats and treasures moments shared with friends and family. Madeline's commitment to healthcare and advocacy reflects her drive to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Alexandria Reckley (she/her)

Alexandria Reckley was born on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas. She is a student activist, leader, sister, and friend. Currently a student studying Science from Dallas College, she has held multiple leadership roles including, Student Government Association President, member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), honored member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and has been selected twice as Student of the Year. Alexandria was the first Student Representative for the Chancellor Leadership Board for Dallas College, representing over 200,000 students. In her free time Alexandria loves to dance, read books, and spend time with family creating organic juices. She has a passion for community health, women's rights, the performing arts, and braiding.