Corktown health Leadership Team
Our dedicated staff consists of highly trained professionals in the areas of health and human services.
Select one of our leaders below to read their full bio
Medical Care
Patrice Wade-Olson, DNP
(She/Her)
Nurse Practitioner
Patrice specializes in HIV care, LGBT focused primary care, gender affirming therapy, HIV prevention, and sexual health.
She is passionate about trauma informed care and creating safe and comfortable spaces for her patients. She is working on research to address trauma and its impact on health.
Patrice Wade-Olson has a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s of Nursing from Grand Valley State University. Patrice is an ANCC board certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and a certified HIV Specialist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine.
Mark Thompson, PA-C
(He/Him)
Physician Assistant
Mark Thompson is a native of the Detroit Metro Area. He obtained his Bachelor and Master of Science from Wayne State University. He has been a practicing Physician Assistant for over 20 years with a focus on primary care and preventative medicine. He has a background in clinical microbiology and a special interest in infectious diseases. He currently resides in Royal Oak with his fiance, two dogs, and a cat.
Dena Williams
(She/Her)
Lead Medical Assistant
Adenia ‘Dena’ is the Lead Medical Assistant at Corktown Health. Dena leads a strong team of Medical Assistants that perform a number of medical and administrative tasks. She works closely with our team of nurse practitioners and physicians to assure that patients receive safe and competent care. Dena takes medical histories, explains treatment procedures to patients and assists providers during exams. Her value to Corktown Health is immeasurable.
Dena received her medical assistant training at Everest Institute. She will begin nursing school in January, 2021. In her spare time, Dena enjoys reading, arts and crafts and cooking.
Charlene Singleton
(She/Her)
Medical Assistant
Charlene has been a Certified Medical Assistant for over 20 years working for Gastroenterologist, ENT , Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and Primary Aare. She received her CMA from the National Institute of Technology in 2002.
She is also a licensed Cosmetologist and Esthetician, specializing in hair and skin care. She enjoys helping people feel beautiful and better about themselves. In her free time she loves to cook and spend time with her family and pets.
Danielle Gibczynski, MA, RD
(She/Her)
Registered Dietitian
Danni obtained her Bachelors in Science in Dietetics from Ball State University in 2014. She obtained her Masters of Arts in Dietetics from Ball State University in 2016. She has worked with a variety of health populations from infants to geriatrics. She works closely with our medical team to assure that patients receive competent care.
Danni likes boxing and kickboxing. She lives in Detroit with her husband and two dogs, Cleo and Blade.
Behavioral Health Services
Jennifer Harvey LMSW
(She/They)
Behavioral Health Program Manager &
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jennifer is a dually licensed Social worker with a decade of experience in mental health and chronic health prevention and management. She started her Social Work journey at Madonna University in Livonia, MI earning her BSW and continuing her education at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI and earning her MSW in 2010. Since then Jennifer has also earned a certificate in Human services management, and became trained in multiple preventative health programs.
Holistic Wellness is important to Jennifer and her therapy practices address Mind, Body, and Spirit (non-religious focused, all forms of spirituality welcomed) to provide a safe, supportive, and authentic environment for social emotional growth and healing. Jennifer’s experiences have led her to specialize in Anxiety and Chronic illness/pain in her practice but her skill sets allow her to be knowledgeable in a wide variety of emotional/ mental health needs.
She is Queer Affirming, Kink/BDSM Positive, Ethical Non-monogamy and Polyamory knowledgeable, non-traditional lifestyle supporting, and Sex worker welcoming.
Lauren Harper LMSW
(She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Lauren is a fully licensed LMSW who completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2005 at West Virginia University. She has studied various therapeutic modalities to help people improve their experience of living and focus on and enhance their innate goodness and strength, make choices, create their safety, and experience interconnectedness.
Her primary experience treating symptoms, discomforts, or disorders arising alongside life experiences comes from working as a therapist for active-duty members of the military and from working as a therapist at a methadone clinic as well as at a recovery center. Lauren has also been a social worker at multiple service centers and shelters for people who are experiencing homelessness. In terms of techniques, she has studied EMDR, CPT, CBT, relaxation techniques, DBT, and ACT and can offer a range of coping tools.
Jay Sean Fallon LMSW
(He/Him)
Associate Manager of Behavioral Health &
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jay received his Masters of Social Work degree in 2013 from Wayne State University and is currently a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Michigan. He has been providing behavioral health services at Corktown Health since 2018. Jay works specifically within the LGBTQ and HIV communities providing therapy services to individuals, couples and families that have experienced various forms of trauma, gender identity, HIV/AIDS, anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, family/relationship issues, and parent/child concerns.
Prior to joining our agency, Jay worked in the Social Work field for over 15 years providing case management, advocacy and mental health services to at-risk and vulnerable populations of all ages. He has assisted with regional and national trainings focused on Transgender Health Care, Sexual identity, Collaborative Care, Social determinants of health, Adolescents, Trauma and HIV/AIDS. In his spare time, Jay likes to bake and spend time in his garden.
Financial Support Services
Brianna Brewer
(She/They)
Client Service Specialist
Brianna is a bright-eyed, spunky 20-something Detroit native who is well traveled yet forever wanderlust. Brianna is a community activist, planner and builder who has completed work in the State of Massachusetts and currently serve as a Client Services Specialist in the Financial Support Services Program here at Corktown Health. Brianna is passionate about social justice, LGBTQIA+ rights and is dedicated to helping remove roadblocks and stigmas. They have spent the last five years working in both Social Services and the Public Health sectors and have gained insight and experience in assisting individuals through crisis and reaching their goals. Brianna is focused and looking forward to making great strides within the community and here at Corktown Health.
Valdemar Smith
(He/Him)
Financial Support Services
Associate Program Manager
Otis C. Baker
(He/Him)
Client Service Specialist
Otis serves as a Client Service Specialist in the Food & Nutrition Program at Corktown Health.
Otis provides food vouchers and supplements to clients enrolled in the program. He works directly with the agency Dietitian, providing vital client information to maintain their nutritional health.
Otis had the pleasure of serving on the Client Advisory Board as a staff liaison and has been with the agency for over three years.
Preventive Health Services
Drake Collins
(He/Him)
Associate Program Manager
Drake is the Prevention Specialist at Corktown Health and a member of the Southeast Michigan HIV/AIDS Council (SEMHAC), where he is also the co-chair of the Integrated Planning Committee.
Drake provides condom and hygiene kit distribution, HIV counseling, testing and referral, risk reduction counseling, and PrEP navigation services.
Drake has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a certificate in LGBT Studies from Kent State University and is a Community Health Worker registered with the Michigan Community Health Worker’s Association. He is currently pursuing certification as a sex educator.
Aidel Hawkins
(They/Them)
Prevention Specialist
Aidel has a background rooted in Public & Community Health. Aidel seeks to empower youth and more specifically Transgender & GNC youth with the resources to inspire fierce advocacy.
Aidel Hawkins is a Community Health with MiCHWA, a fellow in the Inaugural NMAC NextGen Emerging Leaders Fellowship, a recipient of the 2024 Paris Cameron Award, and attendee of the Inagural White House Rising Leaders Summit
Charlo Jarmons
(She/Her)
Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Charlo is a Tobacco Treatment Specialist in the Preventive Health Department. She is a graduate from Wayne State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Detroit Native. In her free time she enjoys writing, singing and composing songs as well as being a participant in her church’s praise team. She is a colorful spirit with an outgoing personality.
Ta'ri Badil-Abish "Ta"
(He/They)
GROWS Program Coordinator
Ta’ri is currently the GROWS Program Coordinator in the
Preventive Health Services Department at Corktown Health where he facilitates
healthy lifestyle programming such as mental and physical wellness. He has
worked in HIV and Preventive Health Services for a span of 15 years, within New
York City, Tampa FL, Philadelphia PA, New Jersey, and Michigan. He advocates
for underserved communities, and the education of those communities to become
more empowered.
Care Management Services
LaSean Madden
(She/Her)
Associate Program Manager
LaSean is currently a Medical Case Manager with Corktown Health.
LaSean has experience in the criminal justice field as well as the field of social work. She has experience in case management for survivors of domestic violence and juveniles both in detention and on probation. LaSean has also worked as a family preservation worker in Wayne County providing home-based intervention services and resources to families referred by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Currently, LaSean is studying ASL with plans of being an interpreter, and providing mental health and case management services to the Deaf community.
Isaiah Forte
(He/Him)
Medical Case Manager
Isaiah ‘Zayah’ is an Early Intervention Specialist in the Care Management Department. Zayah provides referral, walk-in, insurance counseling, and case management services at Corktown. Zayah will help you get on the right track with your health and your life!!!
Martell Waddy
(He/Him)
Early Intervention Specialist
Marty is an Early Intervention Specialist in the Corktown Health Care Management department. As a native of Detroit, he has served in the public health, human services, patient care, and health education fields for over 10 years as a community health worker and original R.E.C Boyz.
Marty provides knowledge and training regarding health and maintaining care clients and members of the public. He also provides referrals to link people living with HIV to resources and services that will assist them with starting and staying in medical care.
He provides support through advocacy, and empowers clients to understand that their health options are to live and be well. Marty believes in self-care for others as well as safe-care for himself.
‘Comfortable in my skin, Cozy with who I am. I’m Unique!!!!!’
Jerel Cooper
(He/Him)
Early Intervention Services
Jerel is an Early Intervention Specialist in the Corktown Health Care Management department. He is a native of Detroit and loves his city. He has spent many years in Retail Leadership but recently pivoted to wanting to help people live their best lives.
Jerel provides knowledge and training regarding health and maintaining care clients and members of the public. He also provides referrals to link people living with resources and services that will assist them with starting and staying in medical care. Jerel is currently a Student at Wayne State University completing a Dual Degree in African American Studies and Political Science and will then be pursuing his Masters of Social Work. His favorite quote is “I am because we are, and because we are therefore I am” He believes that inclusion and diversity is extremely important and that everyone has a seat at the table.
Dental Clinic
Michele Bloxson, DDS
(She/Her)
Dental Director
Angelica Jurado
(She/Her)
Dental Assistant
Angelica (Angie) is a dental assistant at Corktown Health. She has over 6 years of experience in dental assisting and reception. Angie has been cross trained in medical scheduling and worked with major dental and medical insurance plans. She is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. Angie enjoys spending time with family and friends outside of work. Her hobbies are reading, shopping, and cooking.
Geraldine Williams
(She/Her)
Dental Hygienist
Geraldine (Geri) is a Registered Dental Hygienist at Corktown Health. She has well over 20 years of dental experience which includes general & periodontal dentistry, pediatric and mobile dentistry as well as working for a Federally Qualified Health Center. In her spare time, Geri enjoys pottery, gardening and is a self-proclaimed movie buff. Above all she enjoys spending time with her family. One of Geri’s favorite sayings is, “Bloom Where You Are Planted “and she very much looks forward to blooming here at Corktown Health Dental.
Administrative Staff
Craig Simmons
(He/Him)
Accounting Specialist
Craig is a graduate of the University of Michigan – Flint fulfilling his BBA with an Accounting concentration . He has spent time working in the financial world (personal banking). Also, he has spent time in the accounting field specifically with medical accounts payable. In his free time he enjoys being an active husband and father.e and giving person and truly loves helping others. She believes in kindness and giving others your smile – you never know what someone is going through and just how much they might need it. She loves hiking, bike riding, and walking her dogs. She is a big dog person and love all dogs! Her dogs are more spoiled than her children. She is also a breast cancer survivor and has suffered much loss in recent years. Because of this, she has learned to take and appreciate one day at a time and always live life to the fullest.
Abbie Mays
(She/Her)
Customer Services Specialist
Abbie is the Customer Services Specialist at Corktown Health. She has over 26 years of customer service experience and 9 years of them have been with our agency.
Abbie is the first point of contact for patients at our agency. She uses her enhanced customer service skills to make the clinic experience a positive one for each and every individual. Abbie’s duties include but are not limited to scheduling appointments, insurance coding, and data entry.
Abbie is a very powerful force in the workplace. She uses her positive attitude make a difference in everyone’s day. In her spare time Abbie enjoys shopping, traveling with her husband, and buying new culinary gadgets to create exquisite meals.
Abbie graduated from Everest institute with her certificate in Computer Technology in 2011.
Brenae Jarvis
(She/Her)
Lead Registrar & Insurance Verification Specialist
Brenae (pronounced Brenay) serves as a scheduling and insurance verification specialist. she has over 5 years of experience verifying insurances and scheduling patients. She has great experience working with major insurance companies such as BCBSM, HAP, Humana, Priority Health, all Medicaid plans, etc. She is also our lead registrar for scheduling any type of clinic appointments, especially those seeking to become new patients at Corktown Health. In her spare time, she loves to cook, watch podcasts, and spend time with her family and friends. She also likes to go shopping and interior designing.
Naytarsha Berry (Nay)
(She/Her)
Executive Assistant
Nay is a highly organized and detail-oriented administrative professional with a passion for streamlining office operations and supporting the success of teams. She thrives in fast-paced environments and prides herself on her ability to juggle multiple tasks with precision and efficiency.
Nay holds an Associate’s Degree in Business from Wayne State University. Beyond the office, she is an avid reader and love all genres of music. Nay also enjoys staying active in theatre and the arts, as she is an actress, writer and director and has worked with Detroit Public Theatre and Detroit Repertory Theater and Lighthouse Immersive Theatre. Nay believes in giving back to the community and regularly volunteers as a proud member of Free Mom Hugs and is the leader of theatre ministry at her church.
Nicolette Juncaj
(She/Her)
Quality and Data Coordinator
Nicolette is the Data and Quality Coordinator at Corktown Health. Nicolette holds a Master of Public Health degree from Oakland University and is passionate about Quality Improvement, Social Determinants of Health, and data. She has worked with several nonprofit organizations and previously worked at Macomb County Community Mental Health. She strives to help underserved individuals and communities reach health equity through data, research, and quality improvement interventions. On her free time, Nicolette enjoys painting, reading, and roller blading.