Jen Rooney, LGSW, MSW, is a provider relationship manager with the Juniper network based in Minnesota. She supports evidence based health promotion providers and referral organizations. Jen is also the ACT on Alzheimer's program developer. As someone who grew up in rural Minnesota, Jen witnessed older adults struggle for access to good health care and caregiver support. She now advocates for better access for older adults in the BIPOC community, rural areas, and people who face economic instability. Jen is a proponent of expanding the education and utilization of community health workers in the geriatric population.

Angela R. Fields is a Community Health Worker. Angela is a dedicated, passionate, and experienced service provider, entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother. Angela credits her mother for inspiring her zest for life, her drive and ambition, and passion for being a helping professional.

Ms. Fields has over thirty years of experience in the healthcare industry. Angela received her Associates Degree in Human Services and her Community Health Worker Certification from Minneapolis Technical College. For over three decades Ms. Fields has worked as an allied health worker in the areas of Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, Electrocardiography, Medication Management and as a Mental Health Practitioner. Angela also has an extensive history in clinical laboratory work and in-home health care.

Angela volunteers regularly and is an active and engaged community member for the betterment of those suffering from chronic health issues, mental health diagnosis, substance use disorders and/or with those experiencing economic disparities. On a lighter note, in her free time Angela enjoys the simple things in life such as gardening, cooking, and avidly reading books. She loves spending time with friends and family especially her beloved grandchildren that affectionately refer to her as “Nana.”

Angela will utilize her talents and abilities in her role as a CHW working collaboratively with multidisciplinary care teams across the spectrum of health and social systems to provide educational, whole health services in a person-centered, culturally aware fashions to the clients she serves.

Angela is currently employed as a CHW with Trellis ( formerly known as Metropolitan area agency on aging). Angela is one of the newest team members a program within /trellis called Juniper. Juniper is a network of organizations offering evidence-based programs that help people manage chronic conditions, get fit and prevent falls.

Michelle Mai, MPH is the Senior Program Associate with the Center for Healthy Aging. She brings experience conducting outreach increasing public health education within the community. In this role with NCOA, she provides technical assistance to chronic disease self-management education and falls prevention grantees, striving to help them reach their grant goals as they implement evidence based programs into their community. Michelle received her Master’s degree in Public Health and Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from George Mason University.