Meet Our Team
“What makes Corktown Health special is the camaraderie and dedication amongst our staff. It makes me feel like I am part of a community where people truly care.”
Valentina Djelaj,
VP of Programs & Community Impact
Corktown health Leadership Team
Select one of our leaders below to read their full bio
Clinic Services
Dr. Dana Kabbani
(She/Her)
Physician
Dana Kabbani is from Los Angeles, CA. She obtained her degree in Biological Sciences from California State University, Fullerton. She went to medical school at The Medical University of the America’s, and completed her residency at WSU/DMC. She lives in Canton with her husband and their rescue dog, Seymour.
Dr. Allen Frank
(He/Him)
Associate Medical Director / Physician
Allan P. Frank, MD, MS graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine as the top student in his senior class, then completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University/McGaw Medical Center. He achieved a Masters in Administration and Population Health from University of Wisconsin, Madison. During medical school and residency, Dr. Frank lost several close friends to AIDS, providing the driving motivation to increase testing and counseling tools to fight the epidemic.
After residency, he taught at Cook County Hospital/University of Illinois where he co-directed the Human Retroviral Disease (HIV) clinic and served as an Attending physician for the Howard Brown Health Clinic STD section. Following this he created the first at-home HIV testing and counseling system, achieving FDA approval for the first at-home HIV test in the U.S. Focusing on clinical research, he led clinical research trials at both Abbott Laboratories and Roche Molecular Diagnostics consecutively where he developed a Protease- Inhibitor reformulation of Kaletra, a safety mechanism for patient-controlled analgesia pumps, several nutritional and oncology assays as well as the first assay to screen blood products for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV simultaneously. At Roche, he developed the first ultra-sensitive HIV RNA viral load assay, Hepatitis C viral load test, the first genomics test for cytochrome p450 and the first US-approved Hepatitis B antigen screening for blood donations.
Dr. Frank’s personal life drove his return to clinical practice, needing more family time to raise his children as one of the first openly gay men in the U.S. to legally adopt, which brought him back to Michigan for extended family support. He began teaching outpatient medicine for Michigan State University College of Human Medicine as a rural medicine instructor. During this time, at the request of his patients, he authored “Your Poisoned Plate”, explaining why the daily choices we make cause the majority of common medical conditions easily avoided by changing our habits far more safely and effectively than any drug or surgery.
In 2020, Dr. Frank moved to southern Michigan to provide care to the Detroit Metro community that was instrumental to his beginnings. He is an Attending Physician at the Detroit Medical Center serving as an inpatient Hospitalist, a teaching Attending for the WSU School of Medicine and most recently he is pleased to take on a more pivotal role at Corktown Health Clinic as the Associate Medical Director.
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.
Wendy Rabb
(She/Her)
Medical Assistant
Wendy is Medical Assistant who has been in the medical field for over 30 years. She is a very compassionate 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.
Behavioral Health Services
Claudia Jean-Pierre LMSW
(She/Her)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Claudia is a clinical behavioral health therapist, providing individual and group therapy with Corktown Health since 2019. She is a sex positive therapist and ally, working with the LGBTQ+ community, those navigating mental health needs and those living with HIV. She believes that healing work is a collaborative endeavor and combines experience, education, and innovation to provide a friendly and realistic approach to counseling. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused modalities to help clients safely explore their culture, identity, spirituality, and family legacy to make choices about their own needs.
Prior to her work at our agency, Claudia worked at Wayne County Community Mental Health for eleven years, providing therapeutic and management services. She enjoys celebrating Caribbean culture, movement in various forms, and spending time in nature.
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
Valdemar Smith
(He/Him)
Associate Program Manager
Anjel Lopez
(She/Her)
Client Service Specialist
Anjel is the lead Client Service Specialist for the Food & Nutrition program at Corktown Health.
Anjel works directly with the agency dietitian by providing critical nutritional information to clients. She specializes with translation services for the agency. Anjel currently serves on the agency Quality Committee. She has also held the roles of Early Intervention Specialist and Case Manager.
Anjel is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Public Health.
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.
Tobi Salo
(They/Them)
Client Service Specialist
Tobi has recently transitioned from the Care Management team, where they served as an Early Intervention Specialist to the Support Services team where they will provide services in our Food and Nutrition Program.
Tobi has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University with a double major in Psychology and Gender and Sexuality Studies. They are currently working on a Masters in Clinical Social Work with a career goal of being a therapist, specializing in working with the queer and transgender communities.
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.
Jazmine Watts
(She/Her)
Client Service Specialist
Jazmine (Jaz) is a native of Detroit, MI and is currently serving metro Detroiters at Corktown Health in the Financial Support Services Program as a Client Services Specialist. Jazmine is a helper and advocate within the agency and the community. She is passionate about helping her clients and those within the community rise above their current life obstacles and to reach their desired goals. Jazmine is full of joy and optimistic and this is evident in every interaction she has with her clients and in the community.
Preventive Health Services
Kelly Cousins
(She/Her, They/Them)
Preventive Health Services Manager
Kelly is currently the Preventive Health Services Manager at Corktown Health, providing guidance and support for our Prevention, Tobacco Cessation and Hypertension and Obesity Programs.
With a Masters from Africa International University in Nairobi, Kenya, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Texas Christian University, Kelly has worked at the intersections of Public Health, Education and Social Work for the past 15 years. She is a licensed Social Worker, Teacher, Health Coach and Community Health Worker.
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.
Jonathon Arntson
(They/Them)
Tobacco Treatment Specialist / Health Coach
Jonathon is a Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Health Coach, and Community Health Worker. He has also completed the Multicultural Leadership Series with New Detroit. Seven years ago, he began working in the HIV field as a volunteer on the Michigan HIV/STI Hotline. Since then, Jonathon has served as a case manager, health education coordinator, and recruitment specialist.
Jonathon has an Associates of Art in Liberal Arts and Sciences from West Shore Community College and is in his senior year at Wayne State University in pursuit of a Bachelors of Arts in Urban Studies and Creative Writing. Jonathon’s areas of focus are public health in the city, climate change resiliency, and empowered storytelling.
As part of the Keep it Movin’ fitness and nutrition program, Jonathon coordinates healthy lifestyle interventions such as Wednesday Walkers and Wheelers and Cooking for One. He also provides support services and health education for those with hypertension and/or obesity, and those ready to reduce or quit tobacco.
Mickey Ruffin
(He/They)
Prevention Specialist
Mickey is a HIV Prevention Specialist here at Corktown Health where he works closely with testing, PrEP navigation, and Outreach. Outreach is one of his main strengths cause he loves to speak to the community about a variety of things. Whether it be his personal life and journeys, prevention, or what we offer here at Corktown. Mickey, is also a licensed welder. He is also a participant in the sub-culture LGBTQ+ group called “Ballroom” where he hails from The Iconic House of Balenciaga aka The House of Champions competing all over the country in his respective fashion categories. Which has earned him the nickname “Detroit Champion”.
Cameron Hawkins
(They/Them)
Prevention Specialist
Cameron is an HIV Prevention Specialist in the Preventive Health Department. They are a Public Health Student at Wayne State, a poet, and an entrepreneur! Cameron loves plants/gardening and is passionate about art in all forms!
Care Management Services
Jessie Kightlinger
(She/Her)
Program Manager
Jessie is currently the Health Insurance Coordinator and a Case Manager for Corktown Health. She is also a Certified Application Councilor for the Affordable Care Act, a Certified Insurance Navigator, Community Partner and Lead Point of Contact for MDHHS MI Bridges Medicaid Program and a Certified Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Councilor for the state of Michigan.
Jessie provides guidelines and training regarding health insurance to personnel as well as clients and members of the public. She also provides referrals to link people living with HIV to resources and services that will assist them with starting and staying in medical care. She provides support through advocacy and empowers clients to understand their health options.
Originally hailing from the west coast, Jessie moved to Detroit after obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science with a focus in Psychology from University of Oregon. She began working in the Ryan-White non-profit sector by doing community outreach, counseling and testing, and health education for the community.
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)
Early Intervention Specialist
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!!!
Shawnta Carmichael
(She/Her)
Medical Case Manager
Shawnta (pronounced Shantay) is currently a Medical Case Manager with Corktown Health. Shawnta started in the medical field in 2009 becoming a certified Medical Assistant then office Manager.
Shawnta is a Detroit native who worked in a clinical office for 5 years also assisting with home visits for the elderly. Shawnta then moved onto work for Detroit Medical Center as a Motor Vehicle Specialist. Shawnta managed all cases for Detroit Receiving, Sinai Grace and RIM (Rehab Institute of Michigan). Shawnta provided patient assistance with PIP (Personal Injury Protection) applications, Coordination of Care with the Medical Team and Insurance Company, resources assistance for Medical Coverage and Case Coordination with DMC Medical Attorney. Shawnta then went on to work for a Non-profit Organization as Medical Case Manager. During this time Shawnta became a HIV Prevention Certified Provider (HIV PCP). Shortly after Shawnta attended Henry Ford Community College where she became a Certified Community Health Worker and Certified in Mental Health First AID. Shawnta then obtained her Certified Trauma Professional Certificate with EVERGREEN Certifications through PESI. Shawnta enjoys helping in any way possible and Empowerment for Women of all genders or race. Shawnta loves spending time with family, murder documentaries, and traveling.
Erica Walker
(She/Her)
Social Work Case Coordinator
Erica is currently the Intensive Medical Case Manager/Social Work Case Coordinator with Corktown Health. As a native of Detroit, she has served in the public health, human services, patient care, and health education fields for over 10 years in the areas of chronic disease & co-morbidities management (including CKD, Hypertension, Diabetes, HIV, and COPD), substance use prevention, and mental health. Erica prides herself on her ability to assess the client’s needs & working clients to help them reach their goals. With a Masters of Education degree from Wayne State with a focus on Health Education, Erica has met the required academic preparation qualifications to sit for the competency-based examination for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) national credential and successfully passed the exam in 2021. Erica also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology/Pre-Med from the Michigan State University and has experience as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician, Phlebotomist, and patient care technician. Erica understands the importance of health education, health literacy, and health advocacy. She loves to travel, loves to read, and loves working out! Erica is excited to continue to serve the community at Corktown Health using her expertise and career experience as the Intensive Medical Case Manager and Health Educator.
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!!!!!’
Administrative Staff
Amanda Watkins
(She/Her)
Executive Assistant to the CEO & Chief Operating Officer
Amanda is currently the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Corktown Health. Amanda has a Master of Education from Wayne State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History, Secondary Education, and Social Sciences from the University of Detroit Mercy, and has received her certification in Humane Education from the Berman Academy of Humane Education.
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.
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.
Sonia Sollie
(She/Her)
Registrar and Insurance Specialist
Sonia is the Registrar and Insurance Specialist at Corktown Health. She has over 16 years of experience in health insurance regulation and procedures. Sonia is a RHIT and has an Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology from Wayne County Community College.
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.