Meet the professionals and advocates behind the Community Health Worker (CHW) Academy at Charles R. Drew University.
This team leads the training and mentorship of future CHWs, advancing health equity through education, research, and hands-on community work.
(Sydni Brown, Perla Barajas, Alex Saltzman, Hector Balcazar, Libby Hartigan, Sheba George)
Sheba George
Title: Director of the CHW Academy
Bio: Dr. Sheba George is the Director of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Academy and a faculty member in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. She also serves as Course Director for the “Medicine and Society” longitudinal pre-clerkship course in the College of Medicine and as Program Director for the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Pipeline.
Hector Balcazar
Title: Co-Founder
Bio: Dr. Hector Balcazar, Co-Founder and former Director of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Academy, also served as Dean of the College of Science and Health at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
He brings extensive experience in public health education, research, service, and community outreach, particularly in collaboration with community health workers. Dr. Balcazar has authored over 180 publications, including more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Sydni Brown
Title: Master Trainer of the CHW Academy
Bio: Sydni Brown is the Master Trainer of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Academy at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2021 and began her journey with the Academy as an intern shortly after graduation.
Since then, Sydni has built extensive experience in community health initiatives, fueling her commitment to training future Community Health Workers. Her public health interests include maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, health equity, and the social determinants of health. She remains passionate about advocating for underserved communities and is dedicated to supporting the continued growth and impact of the CHW Academy.
Alex Saltzman
Title: Program Coordinator
Bio: Alex brings a wealth of experience in case management, housing navigation, and working with vulnerable populations, including unhoused folks and foster youth. He is particularly interested in primary prevention and integrated care approaches to crisis management.
At the CHW Academy, Alex is excited to further deepen his understanding of community health work and connect with others who share a commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved communities.
Outside of work, Alex is an avid wildlife photographer and enjoys expressing creativity through rap and poetry.
Perla Barajas
Title: Program Coordinator
Bio: Perla earned her BA in Human Biology in 2021. Most recently, she served as a case manager at an FQHC which provided her valuable clinical experience that will contribute to the growth and development of the CHWA.
Perla has a passion for public health initiatives, including community health work. She is passionate about Health Equity, addressing Social Determinants of Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and other social justice issues that intersect with public health.
In her free time, Perla likes to go camping and spend time with her dogs.
Libby Hartigan
Title: Program Manager
Bio: Libby manages the Academy’s training, development, and communications. With eight years of experience in managing a paraprofessional training program, she is excited about training Community Health Workers and addressing health disparities.
Libby’s personal interests include art, meditation, and cooking
Team members of Providence
Justin Joe
Title: Director of Community Health Department
Justin Joe is the Director of Community Health Investment for three of Providence’s Los Angeles hospitals: Saint John’s, Little Company of Mary Torrance, and Little Company of Mary San Pedro. Justin has over 10 years of experience working at Providence, overseeing community benefit programs that address needs in underserved neighborhoods.
Throughout his career at Providence, Community Health Workers (CHWs) have played a vital role in the success of programs he has implemented to address social determinants of health. He believes CHWs are essential members of care teams who help bridge the gap between the health care system and the local community.
Juan Mendez
Title: Senior Manager of Community Health
Bio: Juan Mendez brings over 15 years of proven administrative experience in community health, with a strong focus on reducing health disparities in underserved populations. Since joining Providence Community Health in 2006, he has successfully managed impactful programs in early childhood education, chronic disease management, health education, and improved access to preventive care.
As Senior Manager of Community Health Programs, Juan builds on his department’s achievements while remaining a dedicated advocate for equitable healthcare access. He is a strong supporter of Community Health Workers (CHWs), recognizing their essential role in driving meaningful change, and continuously works to expand, empower, and champion their efforts to strengthen community health outcomes.
Rosalva Salazar
Title: Project Manager
Rosalva Salazar manages the development of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Academy at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Her work is supported by the California Community Reinvestment Grant Program, Cedars-Sinai, UniHealth Foundation, and the Hilton Foundation. She leads efforts to grow and sustain the Academy within clinical settings, ensuring high-quality training and support for aspiring Community Health Workers.
Melissa Vallejo
Title: Associate Project Manager
Bio: Melissa Vallejo brings over 15 years of healthcare experience to the Academy, where she supports outreach presentations, participant recruitment, intern coaching, and program evaluation. Raised in Long Beach, California, and Jalisco, Mexico, she understands how perseverance and strong support networks can turn challenges into opportunities. A first-generation college graduate, she began her healthcare career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in 2009, gaining hands-on patient care experience that continues to shape her work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development (2012) and a Master of Public Health (2019) from California State University, Long Beach.
Melissa has over a decade of experience in maternal and child health, providing direct client care and leading program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives. Passionate about health promotion and reducing health disparities, she combines her clinical expertise with a commitment to community impact. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, photographing nature, baking, and spending time with her dog.
Lucero Silva
Title: Associate Project Manager
Bio: Lucero Silva, Associate Project Manager, supports the recruitment, hiring, and coaching of CHW Academy participants. She has several years of experience mentoring other students pursuing their careers in allied health professions. Lucero has an educational background in healthcare administration and public health with a focus on community health education.
As a Certified Health Education Specialist and Promotora de Salud/Community Health Worker (P/CHW), Lucero has participated in and designed several community-based interventions. She aspires to promote health equity by collaborating with P/CHWs and other healthcare teams. Lucero’s hobbies include exploring nature, such as hiking or camping, with friends and family.
