TPCA Staff

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I’m responsible for leading the team that oversees the Center for Quality in Community Health (CQCH). We support our member health centers with all things data and technology-related. For example, adoption of remote patient monitoring, telehealth requirements, data analytics, and a myriad of technical assistance. In this way, we are supporting the day-to-day work of our member health centers as they go about the business of caring for patients across Tennessee.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to help those who spend their lives helping others. The very nature of the work itself is exciting in my book and to get to work with such a dedicated team of professionals at the Tennessee Primary Care Association is a bonus! It’s amazing what can happen when a small group of like-minded people come together…mountains can be, and often are, moved!
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“What’s the worst that can happen, they say NO?” I had a mentor say this to me very early in my career and it has given me the confidence to ask the question that needs asking, even if it is a hard question. I’ve had a few “Nos” in my time, but more often than not, it’s been a “Yes”.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
One of my early mentors was Dr. Robert Hardin. He was a retired cardiac surgeon but became the Chief Medical Officer for the inner-city hospital I worked at back in the early 2000’s. Not only was he a model citizen, above all else, he was kind. You know people often watch actions over words, and I often watched how he would handle certain situations, many of them difficult given his role in the organization. Somehow, even when it was hard, he was able to garner engagement from the medical staff versus alienation. It takes a tremendous amount of navigation and respect to pull that off and he did it well. I find myself trying to emulate the tactics I saw him employ. It’s a skill for sure…I’m sure I fall short but watching him taught me a lot!

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I am the Education Engagement Coordinator, and it is my goal to ensure that our members and staff receive the best education and training experience possible, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Our members rely on us to provide up-to-date, relevant information and training that will help them provide the very best care for the patients they serve. I see to it that our training and education sessions are easy to access, run smoothly, and deliver the quality of experience that our members deserve. 
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
I learn something new here every day, and I love people! I really enjoy being able to communicate and connect with our staff and members while working toward common goals.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Pretend that everyone is wearing a sign that says, “Make me feel important.”  Everyone wants to feel valued and heard— it helps us connect to each other.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
I admire my husband, Mark.  It still amazes me how much I continue to learn from him after 36 years of marriage. He is thoughtful, patient, and kind.  He thinks before he reacts in situations, is very good at viewing things from the other person’s perspective and looks for the good in everyone.  He’s just an all-around good human!

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As a nurse practitioner and the Quality Manager, I support Tennessee’s Community Health Centers by providing customized support and serving as a content expert in many areas of quality. This includes Uniform Data System (UDS), Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), data and reporting, clinical workflows, compliance, and quality improvement initiatives. I also connect Tennessee Health Centers to each other to discuss issues and share information.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
I love traveling to the health centers and seeing their wonderful work in person. It is fulfilling to reach out and talk to so many caring people from numerous communities and organizations.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Don't live with regret—hindsight is 20/20. The only thing you can do in each moment is do the best you can with the knowledge you have in that exact moment.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
I greatly admire Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan. Helen Keller faced and overcame huge obstacles, and I am in awe of the courage she displayed. I also love the dedication Anne Sullivan had to Helen. I wish everyone had such a strong advocate.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As the Workforce Strategies Manager, I support Tennessee's Community Health Centers by identifying and developing strategic planning and Health Professional Education Training (HPET) programs that meet the diverse workforce needs of their communities. I provide support and technical assistance to member organizations to help them implement these programs and achieve their workforce goals.

I am passionate about my work because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I am committed to helping Community Health Centers in Tennessee develop and implement workforce strategies that will allow them to provide the best possible care to their patients.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Be kind to yourself. It's easy to be hard on ourselves, but we must remember that we are all human and we all make mistakes. We are all worthy of love, kindness, and respect—especially from ourselves.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
Someone I really admire is my mother, Ophelia Mosley. My mother taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, faith, and kindness. She showed me how to be a good person, even when things are tough. She is my role model and my inspiration.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I serve as the Policy & Advocacy Manager at TPCA. In this role, I ensure health centers have the knowledge, resources, and tools to shape the policy decisions that affect them at all levels of government. On any given day, you can find me researching a new law or regulation, providing policy updates to our members, or advocating for our members at the Tennessee State Capitol.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
The most fulfilling aspect of my job is when I can visit health centers to see them care for their patients firsthand and understand how to advocate for them. I enjoy that not only can I learn about health policy developments, but that I can take action to shape them and empower our members to do so as well. 
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
When faced with a choice, even a seemingly simple one, ask yourself if what you choose will make you more like who you want to be.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
Is it cliché to say my fiancé, Austin? I admire him because he approaches life with so much joy. He takes his relationships, work, and goals seriously but never himself. He is confident, driven, caring, and has a wealth of knowledge.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As Research and Evaluation Manager, I serve Community Health Centers across the state of Tennessee by assessing and analyzing their needs and identifying ways to improve the quality of service to their communities.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
I am passionate about the mission of TPCA. Knowing that the work we do directly contributes to improving healthcare accessibility and quality for communities across the state of Tennessee is incredibly motivating.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
You have the power to determine your outcomes in life. You are the only one who can control whether you succeed or fail. 
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
I truly admire my sister for her remarkable qualities. Her creativity knows no bounds, and her kindness and gentleness shine through in everything she does. Her supportive nature is a constant source of strength for me. She not only inspires me to work hard but also encourages me to be authentically myself.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As Health Communications Coordinator, my primary goal is to help craft and execute strategic communication plans that effectively engage our members and enhance our brand visibility. Through TPCA's newsletters and social media channels, I strive to deliver valuable content that resonates with our members. My goal is to ensure every communication piece enhances TPCA's brand, positioning us as a dependable and trusted resource within the healthcare industry.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
I love that I get to flex my creative muscles every day, and in so many different ways! Depending on the day, I could be researching for a campaign, designing social media graphics, or collaborating with staff on a newsletter. The variety keeps me engaged and excited for what’s next.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
If you want something, act like you already have it. By taking on this mindset, you subconsciously make decisions that align with your goal.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
My long-time friend, Emily, is one of the most resilient and hard-working people I know. She taught me to have confidence in myself, and that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her!

Spotlight coming soon!

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I have the honor of serving as the Chief Executive Officer. In this role, I provide leadership and support to the TPCA staff as we strive to offer meaningful services to Tennessee’s community health centers. I wear many hats, but some of my work includes collaborating with the TPCA Board of Directors to implement the Association’s strategic plan, building strong partnerships with stakeholders, representing health centers with policy makers, meeting with health centers to understand their needs, and ensuring that TPCA is financially and operationally sound. 
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
No day is ever the same! I enjoy the dynamic environment and feel a great sense of satisfaction when our staff is able to help health centers solve a problem or connect them to a resource. I also truly enjoy working with health center staff—they are the most caring, patient–centered individuals and it’s a pleasure to interact with them.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
If you are unsure of which direction to take when confronting a challenge, sleep on it. It’s often tempting to make a quick decision to put a challenge in the rearview mirror, but sometimes your mind needs a bit of breathing room to consider the options.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
My mother—she raised three daughters on her own after my father passed away at an early age. She raised us to be confident, kind, and to have a sense of humor even when the going gets tough.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I serve as the Chief Programs Officer. In this capacity, my goal is to ensure TPCA’s work is focused on the needs of our member community health centers (CHCs). I pay attention to what is happening in the health care industry and how it impacts CHCs then coordinate services that can support CHCs. I also look for additional funding opportunities that can support our work with CHCs.

I work primarily with the Directors and their teams of our two largest programs: the Health Care Access Program (helping CHCs with workforce, operations, and leadership) and the Center for Quality in Community Health (helping CHCs leverage their clinical data to improve quality care and operational performance). There is overlap in what these two teams do, so I help with alignment so that our services remain as streamlined as possible.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
I get excited about improving health care for underserved folks. CHCs do this directly in their communities and often with great creativity. It takes a special heart and personal dedication to work in community health. I appreciate those who make that commitment. I can’t serve patients directly, so I get excited about lightening the administrative load so those in direct practice can provide exceptional care in their communities.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
“I never met a person I didn’t like.” – Will Rogers
This is a daily reminder for me that there is good in all of us… and I should try to find that good and draw it out.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
So many, but here’s one you may not have heard: My church youth director. We had a brief conversation when I was about 18 where he challenged my narrow thinking. It helped me get outside of myself and become more corporately/community-minded that led me to be more inclusive by appreciating and valuing what different perspectives bring.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I am the Program Coordinator for TPCA’s Center for Quality in Community Health (CQCH). I serve as the primary point of contact for CQCH health center members; working behind the scenes to coordinate program activities and make sure that our members get the resources and information they need.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
Knowing that I am doing work that makes a difference. Being able to support health centers in their work means that I am making sure patients in Tennessee are getting the care they deserve.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Take every opportunity for growth.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
No one specific person, but anyone who has made something out of nothing. Having the odds stacked against you and still having the drive to work towards your dreams is admirable to me.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
I am the Health Information Technology Manager for our Center for Quality in Community Health (CQCH). In my role, I provide customized support, training, education, and advocacy for our health centers on all aspects of HIT. This includes being the voice for health centers in the relationships they have with IT vendors (Electronic Health Records, Telehealth, IT infrastructure, etc.) to ensure the needs of the health centers and their clinics are being met. I am proud and honored to be a reliable point of contact to our health centers for all their HIT needs.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
Being able to represent our health centers in the ever-evolving landscape of health information technology to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs met is something that truly excites me about my work. Having the opportunity to provide assistance to our members in their continued efforts to incorporate health information technology into how they serve their patients is very humbling and fulfilling.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
When you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
My father, who taught me countless lessons on how hard work, discipline, and good planning will always benefit you throughout your life.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As Finance Director, my primary role at TPCA is to ensure that we are good stewards of the gifts we’ve been entrusted with in order to bring community health centers together that provide much-needed services to the most vulnerable populations.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
No two days are the same, so there’s no way to become bored with our roles.  
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Let the past stay in the past and stay focused on the future.
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
While working at Kroger in high school and college, one of our store managers, Frank O’Kolish, was always positive, cheerful, and pleasant to be around. I would oftentimes hear him whistling a happy tune from a couple of aisles over. He would jump in to unload a truck, or pitch in to help anywhere he was needed. And he would do it all with a smile on his face. He was the epitome of who people should aspire to be.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
My role at TPCA is to…

1. Be certain that TPCA’s technology infrastructure is sound, the software platforms are strong/being used to their full potential, and processes are as efficient as possible so that staff have the time and tools they need to support health centers at the highest level. 

2. Provide logistical guidance and support to the TPCA staff as they develop training & networking sessions with the goal of providing health centers with relevant information, resources, and the best experience possible. 
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
I absolutely love getting to help people! At TPCA I spend my days helping TPCA staff, who help health center staff, who help patients! What’s better than that? 
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
Keep the simple things simple!
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
I greatly admire my husband, Chris. I know that seems like an easy answer, but it could not be truer. Chris is incredibly disciplined, chooses carefully what is most important to him, and is committed to being a little better every single day. Through his patience and consistency, he stays present in the moment, values people tremendously, and constantly learns more about himself in order to keep improving.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
My role at TPCA is the Finance Coordinator. I assist all TCPA staff in getting things paid, invoices billed, and payments received as quickly and accurately as possible. By doing so, our staff can assist health centers with anything they need knowing the finances are taken care of.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
Every day, I am helping others and helping our community. I feel God put us here to help others when possible, and my role at TPCA gives me that opportunity behind the scenes.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
The best advice I have heard is to always do your best at whatever you do! Your efforts will not go unnoticed and what you leave behind reflects the kind of person you truly are. 
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
My mom is someone I truly admire! She loves the Lord and always turns to Him to get her through this life. She has been through many trials but has shown me if you lean on the Lord, those trials will pass by much easier!

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As TPCA’s Communications and Marketing Director, my main goal is to ensure TPCA fosters strong connections with our members through sharing timely and actionable information as well as promoting TPCA’s and our members’ initiatives. Through strategic communication, my role helps to advance our mission and goals by building brand awareness and contributes to the continued success of health centers by sharing their impact within the communities they serve.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
Every day I get to be creative! No two days at TPCA are ever alike, so that means I am constantly looking at things in new way—how can I tweak messaging to make it more impactful or what’s the best visual layout of information to ensure our readers find exactly what they need? Often people think that creativity has to be artistic, but for me, I enjoy the creativity in putting together a coherent campaign that ensures we are engaging with our audiences and meeting our goals.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to lean into the discomfort of change. Change is inevitable, but it can cause us to feel uncomfortable. Once we realize that feeling is temporary, we can truly embrace the learning and growth that occurs when we step out of our comfort zone. 
 
Who’s someone you really admire?
My mom is my hero. Not only did she encourage me to always take on challenges and grow as an individual, but she also showed me that it’s just as important to take the time to listen to, support, and uplift others in their journey. Her unwavering belief in the importance of continuous learning has taught me that life is a journey of learning, where we evolve and develop, and we should try to view each moment as a possibility for growth and self-discovery.

Employee Spotlight

What’s your role at TPCA?
As the Health Care Access Program Manager, I connect health centers to training and resources for diabetes, HIV, and other clinical areas. I also provide training and technical assistance on climate change resilience, such as protecting patients from extreme weather and taking steps to reduce health center greenhouse gas emissions.
 
What excites you about coming to work every day?
Talking to health center staff and hearing about their amazing work gives me lots of energy and enthusiasm.
 
What's the best advice you've ever heard/Who’s someone you really admire?
I admire my grandmother, who lived her whole life in Shady Valley, TN. She ran the family farm and took care of a lot of neighbors and family members. She had a saying, “We just have to do what we can,” which reminds me to seek the balance between doing my part and not trying to do too much.