Meet our passionate and diligent team members who drive our mission forward.
Executive Director
Erika Takada, MPH, serves as the Executive Director for the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). With a career spanning over 20 years in the social sector, including 15 years in senior leadership roles, Erika brings extensive experience and expertise to her role.
In her capacity as Executive Director, Erika leads PHI CWN in its mission to promote health, wellness, and nutrition initiatives across communities. Her background in public health, trauma-informed practice, equity evaluation, and research is instrumental in advancing the organization’s goals.
Erika’s dedication to equity, social justice, and innovation has been evident throughout her career. She has successfully spearheaded impactful projects, including the evaluation of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation’s Starting Smart and Strong initiative and the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Promising Minds Initiative. These projects focused on enhancing early education quality and implementing trauma-informed strategies for vulnerable children, respectively.
Prior to her current role, Erika made significant contributions to the Public Health Institute, serving as an Evaluation Specialist for California Project LEAN and the California Obesity Prevention Initiative. During this time, she developed and implemented comprehensive evaluation plans for statewide nutrition and physical activity programs. Notably, Erika played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the Food on the Run campaign, an initiative funded by The California Endowment aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.
Erika holds a Master of Public Health from San Diego State University, which further complements her expertise in the field. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Erika has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, where she imparted her knowledge in qualitative evaluation skills.
Deputy Director
Linda Zablotny-Hurst, JD, serves as the Deputy Director for the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). Linda oversees matters involving human resources, fiscal affairs, administrative operations, and business development. She also engages in select program management, focusing on communications, social media, website development, and brand enhancement.
With over 30 years of experience across private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Linda brings a wealth of varied skills and deep expertise. She began her career as an Assistant District Counsel and regulator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo, and later served as a consultant and corporate counsel for a multinational environmental engineering company. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Linda served as Executive Director of Solano Napa Habitat for Humanity, where she led efforts in building decent, affordable housing. She then advanced environmental advocacy and program management as Deputy Director of Sierra Club California. As Director of Development for Yolo Food Bank, Linda focused on program and resource development to combat hunger and malnutrition.
Linda’s commitment to advancing public interest causes led her to the Public Health Institute, driven by her belief in universal access to essential elements of personal wellness: healthy foods, nutrition tools, self-care resources, and adequate healthcare services. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Faculty of Law and Jurisprudence.
Outside of work, Linda resides in Woodland with her husband John. She enjoys gardening, pickling, and crafting fruit liqueurs.
Deputy Director of Programs
Stephanie Carillo, MAS, RD, serves as the Deputy Director of Programs at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). Stephanie promotes health and nutrition for underserved communities through health initiatives that focus on increasing food access and physical activity opportunities, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) programs, CDC-funded healthy retail strategies, and worksite wellness interventions supported by a Growers Association. Stephanie brings a wealth of experience in program planning, delivery and implementation using a health equity framework and culturally tailored approaches to best serve communities and clients.
Stephanie has been dedicated to improving community health and nutrition for over 20 years, with a strong emphasis on early childhood development from infancy to age five. As a county WIC Director, she provided nutrition programs, health services, breastfeeding support, and training for community health workers. Stephanie also played a pivotal role in advising and developing a department-wide wellness program aimed at enhancing community health outcomes.
Stephanie is a registered dietitian from Stony Brook University in New York and a certified lactation educator. She holds a Master of Advanced Study in Maternal and Child Nutrition from the University of California, Davis. Her professional journey underscores a commitment to advocating for proper nutrition and wellness practices from infancy through adulthood, ensuring access to healthy food and community resources. In her free time, Stephanie loves to be outdoors and enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her husband and two daughters.
Director of Research and Evaluation
Margaret (Maggie) Wilkin, MPH, serves as the Director of Research and Evaluation at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). With strong project management skills, Maggie brings extensive experience in planning and overseeing diverse projects from conception to completion. She specializes in working with vulnerable communities, evaluating policy, systems, and environmental changes, and assessing the effectiveness of community coalitions and partnerships, alongside direct education, and social marketing interventions.
Maggie holds a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from the University of Michigan. With over 20 years of experience, Maggie has conducted evaluations across various public health domains, including community-based interventions, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) programs, WIC redemption data studies, and large-scale analyses of Medicaid data claims. She has led analyses on food and nutrition-related evaluations funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and Economic Research Service, state-funded contracts, and foundation grants. Maggie is skilled in advanced statistical methods, including multivariate regression modeling, longitudinal data analysis, and survival analysis, and is passionate about effectively communicating evaluation results to diverse audiences.
Maggie has co-authored eighteen articles published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Best Article of 2019 in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Outside of work, she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, pub trivia and traveling within and outside Michigan.
Director of Global Health, Nutrition, and Partnerships
Dr. Raissa Sorgho, MScIH, PhD, is the Director of Global Health, Nutrition, and Partnerships at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). She is a global health specialist with over a fifteen year of experience in development, consultancy, and research. Her expertise spans from health (poverty-related diseases, maternal/child health, and nutrition) to climate change (adaptation, sustainability and resilience) and policy (review and implementation), with an emphasis on evidence-based decision making using mixed methods and participatory approaches. At PHI CWN, Raissa leads the design, development, and execution of global health, food and climate programs, while also leading client development and managing a growing network of partners and clients.
Raissa has worked extensively on the alignment of leadership strategies with health equity principles, on health systems strengthening, agro-biodiversification and nutrition trials, behavior change communication programs, and community and systems resilience building.
Raissa has authored 20+ peer-reviewed publications and drafted national legislations. She has presented her research and chaired prestigious conferences such as the World Health Summit and the Conference of Parties. She maintains her affiliation as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University and Center for Development Research while also serving as an expert consultant for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization.
Raissa earned her undergraduate degree from Bucknell University and holds a Master of Public Health and a Doctorate in Global Health from Heidelberg University in Germany. She is fluent in 3+ languages and enjoys traveling.
Director of Fiscal and Administration
Maran Kammer-Perez serves as the Director of Fiscal and Administration for the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). She manages PHI CWN’s fiscal operations for grants and contracts, accounts payable, and the fiscal and administration team.
Maran owns a design studio focusing on mixed media and metal art. She is an avid aquarist and amateur astronomer, residing in the greater Sacramento area. Together with her husband, they enjoy RV’ing to unknown destinations, visiting family and friends, and beach combing.
Director of Programs and Global Strategy
Cassie Chandler, MPH, serves as the Director of Programs and Global Strategy at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). In this capacity, Cassie co-leads the organization’s global efforts, playing a central role in program design and strategy, leveraging her extensive experience to increase household and community resilience, improve nutrition, and facilitate access to health services in collaboration with partners around the world. Cassie also provides leadership and support for several of PHI CWN’s local and national projects.
Cassie has worked in the global health sector for over 20 years, learning from diverse roles including technical advisor, trainer, curriculum designer, and program director. Much of her career and experience has been dedicated to working and collaborating across sectors to sustainably improve household resilience and mitigate health shocks among marginalized, rural populations in low- and middle-income countries. Cassie has lived and worked in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, and collaborated with a variety of local partners in the health, nutrition, and financial inclusion sectors to drive demand for health services and address food insecurity.
Cassie’s passion for global health began in the Peace Corps as a maternal and child health volunteer in Honduras. Cassie holds a Master of Public Health from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. Outside of work, Cassie enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with her husband and two young daughters.
Senior Communications Manager
Amber Martin Leaks is the Senior Communications Manager at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). In this role, she leads the implementation of communications, outreach, and marketing projects, providing strategic guidance to both internal and external stakeholders to ensure impactful engagement and effective communication.
Amber is a dedicated public relations professional with a background in community engagement, media relations, content development, and market research. Her career is defined by a commitment to building and empowering communities through compelling storytelling and innovative policy advocacy.
Before joining PHI CWN, Amber accumulated diverse experience in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She has specialized in enhancing visibility and fostering positive public perception through traditional and digital media strategies. Her expertise includes key messaging and brand development, nonprofit support, and civic engagement initiatives.
Amber holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from San Jose State University. She is passionate about advocating for equitable health outcomes through proactive policy initiatives and community-driven activism. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, binge-watching Netflix series, and exploring new hiking trails with her husband.
Program Manager
Betty Sun, MS, RD, serves as a Program Manager at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). Her work focuses on advancing nutrition security, promoting access to healthy food, and implementing initiatives such as Produce Prescriptions, Park Prescriptions, park and public health collaborations, and geo-spatial mapping and analysis.
Betty brings extensive experience from previous roles at PHI CWN and the University of California Nutrition Policy Institute. She led state-level social marketing campaigns including the Children’s Power Play! Campaign and Worksite Program. Betty provided training and technical assistance for the Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention program and supported local health departments in policy, systems, and environmental change evaluation through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) initiatives with the California Department of Public Health.
Most recently, at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy – Institute at the Golden Gate, Betty contributed to the creation of the ParkRx.org resource hub and facilitated learning communities with the Healthy Parks, Healthy People: Bay Area collaborative.
Betty earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Community Nutrition from Cornell University and is committed to advancing public health through innovative programs and partnerships.
Outside of work, her passions are the same as they are at work: parks and produce. You’ll find her at the farmers market, eating and cooking good local food, wrangling her unwieldly tomato plants, or hiking in the mountains.
Project Manager
Jeannette Hughes Spotville, MPH, is a Project Manager at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN), bringing over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizations. Her expertise spans community building, coalition development, youth leadership, and prevention education on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Jeannette specializes in life skills training for youth, including obesity prevention, nutrition education, and college readiness. She is dedicated to promoting equity and ensuring programs meet the diverse needs of all community members. Jeannette excels in program design, implementation, training, facilitation, and fostering strong community partnerships.
Jeannette holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Dillard University and a Master of Public Health from Claremont Graduate University/School of Community & Global Health. Actively engaged in her community, Jeannette is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Partnership for a Positive Pomona, and previously served on the board of Ujima, Inc.
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri—known for its BBQ and Blues—Jeannette now resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, where they cheer for rival football teams, the Chiefs and the Raiders. Jeannette’s favorite pastime is traveling with her family.
Community Engagement Manager
Jesse Tedrick serves as a Community Engagement Manager at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). He supports and manages community engagement initiatives in schools, afterschool programs, community-based organizations, school-based health centers, and health departments.
Prior to his current position, Jesse worked with the Public Health Institute’s Cultiva La Salud/Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program as a Youth Coordinator, where he coordinated youth-led projects in Fresno County aimed at promoting policy, systems, and environmental changes. His dedication to youth initiatives is evident in his continued support of Youth-Led Participatory Action Research projects and fostering innovative approaches within his current role.
Jesse earned his Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from California State University, Stanislaus, in 2012. He was previously certified as a Recreation and Leadership Specialist from the National Association for Physical Activity and as a personal trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In recognition of his collaborative efforts, Jesse was honored as the Youth Leadership Institute’s “2015 Partner of the Year.”
Jesse is a true believer in living an active and healthy lifestyle. In his free time, you can find him in the gym lifting weights every morning or out on the golf course.
Research Scientist
Amanda Tyler, MPH, serves as a Research Scientist at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). She supports school-based wellness initiatives, tribal- and racial-equity-focused evaluation, and state and regional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) evaluations. Amanda is passionate about using transformative mixed methods to advance equity in public health practices.
With extensive experience in equitable Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) practices, Amanda previously served as a Senior Evaluation Associate at an Atlanta-based consulting firm specializing in culturally responsive and equitable evaluation. She also worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in the Area Agency on Aging at the Atlanta Regional Commission, developing efficient evaluation tools for county and nonprofit partners serving older adults and people with disabilities. Additionally, Amanda contributed to the Translation and Evaluation Team in the Physical Activity and Health Branch at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, focusing on synthesizing research and providing technical assistance to promote physical activity.
Amanda earned her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from Georgia State University School of Public Health and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College. Her career is driven by a passion for health equity and advancing public health practices. In her free time, Amanda enjoys staying active with sports and going on walks with her rescue dog in the city.
Dominic.Bassah@wellness.phi.org Research Scientist
Dominic Bassah, MSc, is a Research Scientist at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN), where he contributes to the evaluation of Statewide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) initiatives and various wellness and nutrition projects. With extensive expertise in Program Evaluation and Reporting Systems, Dominic provides technical assistance and guidance to PHI CWN clients.
Prior to joining the team, Dominic served as the SNAP-Ed Program Evaluator at the Georgia Department of Public Health. His background includes valuable experience in nutritional counseling, risk assessment, and the implementation and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programs. Dominic has cultivated his professional expertise in both Ghana and the U.K., bringing an international perspective to his work and incorporating collaborative efforts and best practices from outside the U.S.
Dominic holds a Master’s in Public and Environmental Health Sciences from the University of Birmingham, U.K., and a Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition from the University for Development Studies, Ghana. Hailing from a farming community, his passion revolves around food and nutrition security, obesity prevention, and addressing health disparities, with a special emphasis on participatory approaches.
Program Administrator
Yvette García, MPA, is a Program Administrator and Assistant Manager of Administrative and Fiscal Services at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN), where she provides fiscal and administrative support to projects funded by the California Department of Social Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous administrative roles at a Rural Indian Health Clinic and a Davita renal care clinic. Yvette also has extensive experience working in the education and nonprofit sectors.
Yvette grew up in Northern California’s Chico area. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration, both from California State University, Chico. Yvette currently resides in Roseville, California where she enjoys experimenting with new recipes, taking on do-it-yourself projects and hanging out with her Great Pyrenees.
Program Administrator
Carol Mills serves as a Program Administrator at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN), where she provides crucial fiscal and administrative support to projects within PHI CWN’s diverse portfolio.
Prior to joining the team, Carol served as the Program and Operations Manager at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, where she oversaw various programs and operations. Her extensive background includes valuable experience in grants management and administration, gained from her tenure in the medical research and higher education sectors. Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Business.
Originally from the Caribbean Island of Barbados, Carol has also lived in New York, Southern California, and most recently Florida before settling in Georgia with her husband of 24 years. Beyond her professional commitments, Carol is an avid reader with a passion for music and dancing. She enjoys listening to her favorite band, Pentatonix, and shares this musical interest with her daughter.
Program Administrator
Jacqueline Cortez is a Program Administrator at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN), bringing over 10 years of experience in grant funds management. Her expertise spans social service programs with a focus on funds and case management, alongside a strong foundation in accounting, office management, and banking. In her current role, Jacquie leads grant administration for the California Department of Public Health and Indiana grants, providing essential fiscal and administrative support to PHI CWN projects.
Outside of work, Jacquie enjoys exploring her culinary skills through baking, cooking, and experimenting with dishes and desserts. She also values spending quality time with her family, watching sports, and hosting gatherings with friends.
Program Associate
Diana Peña is a Program Associate at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN), focusing on the Los Angeles Grocery Voucher Program. This initiative partners with community-based organizations (CBOs) to alleviate food insecurity by providing residents in Los Angeles County access to nutritious foods.
With a robust background in community health, Diana previously worked as a Community Health Worker in Los Angeles County, centering on COVID-19 education to enhance vaccination rates. She also served as a Public Health Associate at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stationed at the Georgia Department of Public Health (GA DPH). In this capacity, Diana collaborated with CBOs and GA DPH on health promotion campaigns aimed at reducing childhood obesity.
Diana earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Based in Los Angeles County, she enjoys oil painting, traveling, and exploring new cafés during her leisure time.
Project Coordinator
Sai Khang, MPH, is a Project Coordinator at the Public Health Institute’s Center for Wellness and Nutrition (PHI CWN). She supports projects under the California Department of Social Services, State Physical Activity and Nutrition, Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-ED), and California Department of Public Health Child and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.
Before joining the team, Sai worked as a referral specialist, where she ensured effective communication between patients and doctors’ offices, managing documentation to guarantee proper authorization.
Sai holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science, with a concentration in Food and Nutrition, from California State University, Sacramento. In 2024, she earned her Master of Public Health from California State University, Sacramento. She has a growing passion for serving diverse and underserved communities and is dedicated to increasing access to and building demand for healthy food through various settings.
In her free time, Sai enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with family.
