Community Advisory Board
UT Physicians Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a collaborative group of local community members. CAB members contribute to our social support programs, services, and strategies by sharing their thoughts and perspectives.
The role of a CAB member is to become a crucial link and voice to the surrounding area. Each member offers unique insights and comes from many different backgrounds, including but not limited to academics, non-profits, business owners, faith-based leaders, parents, community organizers, concerned citizens.
The CAB is a voluntary group that meets regularly and has responsibilities to support initiatives from start to finish. It requires not only a time commitment but also a collaborative mindset to work as a team. CAB members are not only able to give back to the community in a positive way, but it’s a great way to network with others who share similar goals.
To learn more about the CAB and available volunteer opportunities, please contact Tunu Tenende at [email protected].
Current CAB Members and Locations
Jensen
Chara L. Bowie, LPC-S
Chara L. Bowie, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S, is the director of health services for Harris County, Precinct 2. She has worked for this precinct since 2007. At Harris County, Precinct 2, she has previously been director of social services and community programs, superintendent of community programs, and superintendent of senior programs. Ms. Bowie has previously held positions in juvenile justice, as a college professor, a private practice therapist, and a community mental health center administrator.
Ms. Bowie graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor. Ms. Bowie published a children’s book, “Survivor (A Children’s Book).”
Ms. Bowie’s affiliations include UT Physicians Jensen Clinic Community Advisory Board, Texas Counseling Association, American Counseling Association, Children’s Assessment Center Partner Council Member, Harris County Healthy Aging Task Force, Class of 2020 Black History Markers- East Harris County, Empowerment Council, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Socorro (Coco) Martinez
Coco (Socorro) Martinez is a certified community health worker. She currently works at an apartment complex for seniors called Pilgrim Place. She previously worked for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston for 23 years. She loves working at Pilgrim Place because she lives and works in her community.
She is a proud graduate of MacArthur High School and is bilingual and bicultural in English and Spanish. Mrs. Martinez has been featured in the Houston Media, Houston Chronicle, Channel 45 Univision, Channel 11 KHOU, and the Northeast news. She has also served in various community outreach programs, the Aldine Youth Board, United Way Catholic Charities in the in-house campaign committee, the Catholic Charities Diversity Committee, the parish social ministry advisory committee, and UT Physicians Jensen Clinic Community Advisory Board.
“I have worked in the social work field for a very long time. What inspired me to work in this field is that my mother went to go and asked for help with food stamps. She was denied since she had sons at home that could work and help provide. The worker told my mom if one of her sons was out of the household that she could approve her for more, but, at that time she could only approved her with $20. I heard my mom telling this to my dad, crying, and right there and then I made a promise that I was going to help people regardless of their race or social status.”
Mrs. Martinez was born in Mexico in a little town called La Paz San Luis Potosi. Her parents moved to Houston when she was 10 years old. She has lived in the Aldine area of Houston ever since. Mrs. Martinez is married to Ruben Martinez and they have two wonderful daughters and seven grandchildren, which she adores.
Dwantrina Russell
Dwantrina Russell is the CEO and founder of Gustavia Pearls Women’s Outreach, established in 2013. Her passion drove her to make a change for women and young girls from various walks of life. Her organization was named in honor of her mother, who also established a safe place for battered women and children and served through ministry to everyone in need.
Ms. Russell has reached many through outreach efforts that bring support to women, men, and youth. These outreach programs include food and clothes pantries, mental health and wellness sessions, sexual and domestic violence awareness, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. The success of these programs is due to the amount of support and feedback received by community leaders, corporate sponsors, and other nonprofit organizations.
While Gustavia Pearls Women’s Outreach is a big part of Russell’s daily routine, it’s not the only place where she’s able to exemplify her leadership skills. She is also a small business owner of Pupa Essential Body Care, selling natural and organic body butters and bath bars. In addition to being a member of UT Physicians Jensen Clinic Community Advisory Board, Russell is a board member of the Texas Girls Collaborative Project, where she serves as a STEM community liaison. She is a recipient of the d-mars Top 50 Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Award and the Kairos Inter-Global, Incorporated & iChange Nations Urban Strategies & Solutions Award. Russell is a certified life coach, secretary of Pleasantville Super Neighborhood Council #57, and a member of Pleasantville Voter’s League #259. Ms. Russell has four children and two grandchildren.
Pastor David L. Smith
Pastor David L. Smith is the reverend of New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He has also developed people for homeownership, financial stability, computer literacy, parenting, family enrichment, and health assessments. In addition, Pastor Smith is the current president of the Houston Northeast Community Development Corporation. He previously worked for over 31 years as a manager for the City of Houston’s Public Works & Engineering Department.
Along with being a member of UT Physicians Jensen Clinic Community Advisory Board, Pastor Smith is and has been very active in numerous associations, including:
- Committee Member of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Public Safety Transitional Team
- Member of Police and Clergy Alliance
- Northeast Ministers Alliance
- Member of the Sunbeam Curry Civic Association
- Eastex Jensen Super Neighborhood #46 President
- Former Steering Committee Member of Aldine Independent School District
- Former Volunteer and Mentor for the Buckner/Aldine Family Hope Center
- Former Spring Independent School District Watch Dads of Great Students
Smith has also served on the following boards:
- Position 6, Greater Northside Management District
- Former Board of Director Heritage Village Homeowners Association
- Past President and Board Member of Aldine Education Foundation
Rosenberg
Jennifer Cooper
Jennifer Cooper was born, raised, and currently resides in Rosenberg. She has been on staff with Attack Poverty for four years. Ms. Cooper currently acts as director of the Friends of North Rosenberg Resource Center. Attack Poverty is a faith-based non-profit that serves internationally and domestically with ‘Friends of’ locations in Richmond and Rosenberg. Their mission and vision are to empower people to attack poverty in their lives and community through spiritual growth, education, revitalization, and basic needs.
Ms. Cooper joined the UT Physicians Rosenberg Clinic Community Advisory Board after she was the recipient of the exemplary and holistic services UT Physicians provided for her family. Her goal is to advocate for the Rosenberg community in ways that bridge the gap between the community and what UT Physicians has to offer as resources. She is also affiliated with the Jackson Elementary Community Advisory Board and Rosenberg Police Department Chief’s Advisory Board, and through her work at Attack Poverty, collaborates with multiple agencies and organizations throughout the Greater Fort Bend area.
Stephanie Gray
Stephanie Gray is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Master of Science in nursing practice and health care administration. She is excited about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. Ms. Gray follows evidence-based guidelines blended with clinical experience, personal observation, and intuition. Her role as a PMHNP-BC is multifaceted, and she specializes in treating multiple mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, insomnia, and anxiety.
Gray is currently working for Texana Center. She is practicing at multiple outpatient locations providing quality mental health care, along with medication management for the indigent population of Fort Bend, Matagorda, and Wharton counties.
Darryl K. Humphrey
Darryl K. Humphrey Jr. was a foster parent for 12 years. For the last three years, he has been co-owner of ADIEE LLC and ADIEE Emergency Shelter. This is an emergency shelter for kids in Child Protected Services custody. Mr. Humphrey also serves on the campus improvement board for Wessendorff Middle School.
Mr. Humphrey joined the UT Physicians Rosenberg Clinic Community Advisory Board because he thought it would be a great experience and another new opportunity to serve my community.
“I love communication with people. I really enjoy trying to motivate and inspire people to get the most out of their life, and I’m really hoping that I can get more people to get involved in their health needs that they ignore or just don’t know what resources are available to them.”
Sha’Terra Johnson
Sha’Terra Johnson is the regional HIV health planner and adjunct instructor at the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Social Work. Her passion is to serve where and how she is needed in the community. Ms. Johnson’s career focus is on the evolution of HIV/AIDs, specifically in rural areas, and how it affects individuals, families, communities, and society today and tomorrow. She is a self-driven, hardworking, motivated, and ambitious person who takes initiatives to complete all projects. Her experience involves managing workgroups and collaborating with appropriate stakeholders, community input, workgroups/focus groups/panels, survey administration, comprehensive plan development, and needs assessment development.
Lisa Pearson
Lisa Pearson has lived in Fort Bend County for 30 years. She and her husband serve together as pastors of the Rosenberg First Church of God. Mrs. Pearson is a licensed and ordained minister. She serves on several local, state, and interstate boards and committees for her church. Mrs. Pearson is also the executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Medical Center. This center helps young women with unplanned pregnancies. It offers mothers and their families information and services to empower them to choose life for their child and sexual integrity for themselves.
As a member of the UT Physicians Rosenberg Clinic Community Advisory Board, Mrs. Pearson believes that working together and networking with others in her community allows us to better serve those in need. Her strengths include administrative and leadership skills combined with a caring heart and listening ear. These skills are valuable in knowing when, where, and how to help others. She is passionate about helping others to better themselves and be successful.
Rose Pickens
Rose Pickens joined the UT Physicians Rosenberg Clinic Community Advisory Board before the clinic opened to help plan and implement new programs for the community. Prior to UTP – Rosenberg, the Rosenberg/Richmond community had not had a large selection of health care providers. The lack of good healthcare providers and consistent preventive medical care was very noticeable in the lower-income, minority communities. She wants to be a bridge between UTP-Rosenberg and the community.
“I am passionate about helping others! Individuals that may have been overlooked, under resourced or simply unable to do for themselves. I am advocate for my community. My desire is to see my community doing well and that means being healthy as well!”
Ms. Pickens has over 24 years of retail experience, including management. She has six years of municipality service and four years working in the nonprofit community as a development director. Since 2018, she has been an entrepreneur operating her own business. Her experience encompasses nonprofit consulting, business development, marketing, notary, event coordinating, and custom apparel. Ms. Pickens volunteers with several service organizations including the Rosenberg Rotary Club, Fort Bend Boys Choir, Fort Bend Black Heritage Society, and Greater Coastal Community Action Council (GCCAC).
Bill Rickert
Bill Rickert is a well-known community supporter and volunteer through his years of service to Fort Bend county. He served as a member of the board of directors for the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 206, board president for the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, and numerous other roles in his homeowner association and parent booster clubs. Mr. Rickert has been elected numerous times to serve the Fort Bend Republican Party as a precinct chair and served as communications committee chairman. In 2018, he successfully sought the position of treasurer for Fort Bend County.
Mr. Rickert is a member of the Texas Association of Counties, County Investment Academy, as well as holding numerous other certifications. He has been appointed to several committees and teams. After attending Loyola University New Orleans, where he studied Computer Information Systems, Mr. Rickert received an MBA from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Chandra Woods
Chandra Woods has lived in the Rosenberg /Richmond community for over 50 years. From 2006 to 2016 she served as the campus principal for Pink Elementary in North Richmond. Woods had the opportunity to serve students and the families of North Richmond during those years which gave her great insight into the great needs for the area. Pink Elementary was able to connect with over fifteen business partners and community leaders who provided enrichment opportunities and additional instructional resources for the students. Currently, she serves as the educational services manager for Be A Champion, Inc. This non-profit organization provides school day academic support, after-school care, and daily meal service to more than 50,000 students in the Houston Gulf Coast, DFW, San Antonio, and Rio Grande Valley areas. Be A Champion has partnered with schools across Texas to provide academic interventions to help students excel academically.
Mrs. Woods is committed to serving the Rosenberg/Richmond community. She sees the need for health and wellness opportunities in the communities in which she serves. By joining the UT Physicians Rosenberg Clinic Community Advisory Board, she can hopefully connect the communities she serves with support.
“I am adept at building relationships, and I am very resourceful. I am also an active listener and I have a heart for helping others. These skills allow me to connect appropriate resources to those that are in need. It allows me to bring awareness of the resources and support that are available to the communities that I serve. I am passionate about helping others recognize and reach their God-given potential.”
Sickle Cell
Tomia Austin
Tomia Austin, DrPH, is a behavioral scientist, health educator and researcher. She is also the executive director of the As One Foundation. This foundation empowers youth to unlock and unleash their full potential through athletics, education, and spiritual enrichment. As One Foundation also honors the memory of the founder’s late brother, Devard Darling, who died of sickle cell trait exertion. Dr. Austin also authored Operation Hydration to bring awareness to sickle cell trait and to promote hydration to prevent adverse health effects, such as exertional sickling. The As One Foundation’s work with UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center Community Advisory Board is an extension of the As One Foundation’s mission to empower the sickle cell family. The community is better because of this collaborative work.
Dr. Austin’s nearly 20 years of dedicated work in the not-for-profit sector fuels her pursuit of health literacy for disadvantaged populations — especially young athletes of color. Her work focus and research interest areas include genetics, sickle cell anemia, sickle cell trait, dehydration, asthma, youth sports, high school, college and professional athletics, physical activity, and obesity among populations of African, Caribbean, Asian, Indian, Latin, Irish, Italian, Greek, Turkish, and Mediterranean descent. Dr. Austin has had experience in community settings on local, county, state, national, and international levels, laying the foundation for globally impactful contributions to the research.
Dr. Austin’s superpower is her fearless, big-thinking, inclusive mindset that keeps her in more good trouble than bad. She works hard so she can enjoy and expand her foodie resume, follow her beloved alma mater — Florida A&M University Rattler Football team, and recharge during frequent visits to beautiful beaches adorned in full garbs or pops of her favorite shade of orange. As a telecommuter to Houston, in her executive role, she makes her home in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Douglas.
J. Hoxi Jones
J. Hoxi Jones is a sickle cell elder, advocating for Sickle Cell Disease for more than 40 years. Jones has served on many committees throughout her life, both locally and nationally. She has also been a speaker, sharing her journey with health care providers and families.
“The reason I wanted to join the CAB is because, as a resident of Houston, I was ecstatic when the UT Physician’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center finally opened. Houston would have state-of-the-art, exceptional care by knowledgeable and skilled staff whose hearts are all about caring for this diverse and demanding population. And besides, I was waiting for the chance to plug this hidden gem. My sincere gratitude that we have this Center to treat people like me living with Sickle Cell Disease. I have time to promote the Center so that people no longer need to be out of care. Also, to remember that those caring for us need love and attention, too.”
Jones enjoys a leisurely, retired life and lives in Houston. Her main hobby of traveling is currently on hold. She continues to read and enjoy online concerts, online classes, and bird watching.
Chalandra Robinson
Chalandra Robinson is a social worker currently working in the education field. She previously worked as the case manager for the Greater Houston Sickle Cell Association. Along with being a member of UT Physicians Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center Community Advisory Board, she is a member of the Sickle Cell Disease Network – Houston. This is a grassroots collaborative of sickle cell warriors and supporters. Ms. Robinson enjoys the positive outcomes and progress made by the individuals and families she has worked with. Experiencing their appreciation is the best award or accolade she has received.
“As a social worker, social justice and empowerment is truly important to me and I wanted to use my skills to help ensure that sickle cell warriors and families receive the care and support that they deserve. My superpower is my resourcefulness, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to work hard and smart to support team goals.”
During her free time, she enjoys music, listening to podcasts, participating in cultural arts activities, and participating in activities to further social justice and liberation.
Victory
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory focuses on prevention and wellness. The clinic sits in a Houston metropolitan region with high Amerigroup membership. UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory offers primary care for children, adolescents, and adults. In 2017, the center earned Level 3 recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) by the highly respected National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Eileen Egan
Eileen M. Egan is vice president for Capital Projects at the Near Northwest Management District (NNMD). She has worked at NNMD since 2010. Ms. Egan has managed several projects and events for NNMD. These have included the largest National Night Out in the area, several District task forces, quarterly networking events, an annual development/investment recognition event, design and installation of monument markers, a mini murals program, and a federally-funded sidewalk project that is under construction (thanks to funding through H-GAC).
Ms. Egan has been active in several community planning activities, including the NNMD Livable Centers Study, the Northwest Area Mobility Study, Houston Grocery Access Task Force, and others. She serves on the UT Physicians Victory Community Advisory Board, the Mayor’s Go Healthy Houston Task Force, and the Acres Home Complete Communities NST.
Ms. Egan holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston.
Clifford Johnson
Clifford V. Johnson Jr. was named Campus Dean of Lone Star College-Houston North Victory (formally, Victory Center) in 2018. In 2021, Dean Johnson was named campus dean of Lone Star College-Houston North Greenspoint campus. Before these positions, Dean Johnson worked at Lone Star College-North Harris full-time for nearly 15 years following 6 years of service in the United States Navy. He joined the Lone Star College-North Harris family in fall 2003 as a student, where he began a work-study in student life. Here, he developed a passion for working with students and made it his life’s mission to see the underserved population succeed in college. Prior to his appointment as dean, he has served as interim dean, assistant dean of student services, academic advisor, adjunct instructor, and security officer within the Lone Star College system.
In his current role, Dean Johnson is active in the community. He actively serves on UT Physicians Victory Community Advisory Board and Leadership North Houston Alumni Board. He is a member of Acres Homes Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. He attends monthly Acres Homes Super Neighborhood Meetings. Dean Johnson took part in Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities initiative.
In his youth, Dean Johnson lived in the Greenspoint community and graduated from Aldine Senior High School. He holds Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees from Lone Star College–North Harris, a Bachelor of Arts degree in management from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a master’s in business administration from Texas Woman’s University. He is currently attending Sam Houston State University’s doctor of education program. Dean Johnson is married to his wife, Lakeitha, and has four children, Kayla, Darius, Brea, and Elijah.
Toni Pierre
Toni Pierre is a native of Ohio and has master and a bachelor of science degrees in health planning and administration from the University of Cincinnati. She moved to Texas in 1999 to assume the role of associate vice president of provider relations at Amerigroup-Houston. During her 22-year tenure at Amerigroup, Ms. Pierre also served as director of provider relations, practice management consultant, and business change manager. She currently serves as the state-wide provider collaboration director, supporting Amerigroup’s Alternative Payment Models and Value Based Programs.
Her career accomplishments include provider network development for the CHIP and Medicare Special Needs Plan programs and the integration of the physician, hospital, and ancillary networks acquired through health plan acquisitions, and coaching primary care practices on Amerigroup’s Patient Center Medical Home model. She managed the Texas Network Access Improvement Program (NAIP), a multi-million-dollar state-wide initiative committed to improving access and quality of care for managed Medicaid members. Since its inception, Ms. Pierre has been a member of the UT Physicians Victory Clinic Community Advisory Board. She was also selected as one of the 2016 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston by d-mars.com.
Ms. Pierre has over 30 years of experience in managed care with expertise in provider contracting, network development, operations, and provider relations. Before joining Amerigroup, she held management and executive management positions with Health Power HMO, Inc., United Health Care of Ohio, Inc., Principal Health Care of Ohio, Inc., ETHIX/Co-Med Management, Inc., CIGNA Health Plan of Northeast Ohio, and Health America Corporation of Ohio. Ms. Pierre is committed to community service. She has been a volunteer Program Coordinator for Blessings in a Backpack (BIB) for four years. BIB battles food insecurity in school-aged children. Her local program provides weekend meals, throughout the school year, to 270 children attending Lantern Lane Elementary School in Missouri City, TX.
