Our Staff
Children’s Health Fund is proud of our committed and diverse staff driven by our common goal to create lasting wellbeing for children and families.
Hudu Ahmed
Controller
I have worked with other non-profits and that motivated me to continue in this work in any way I could. My role at CHF is very crucial to the health of the organization. The finance department is responsible for ensuring the bills are paid and the smooth flow of financial information needed to meet our mission. I studied accounting, finance, and administration. Soccer is my hobby and I am an expert at catching crabs with my bare hands!
Arturo Brito
President & CEO
It is an injustice that in the United States so many children lack the necessary healthcare and social services to be as healthy as possible. CHF is committed to ensuring that all children receive the care they need and deserve.
I have the opportunity to translate effective on-the-ground work into state and national advocacy and policy that will transform systems to allow all children to thrive.
I combine my degrees in medicine and public health to transform systems, strategically.
I love learning about people from different cultural backgrounds. It reminds me that our differences strengthen us, our similarities unite us.
Peggy Castor
Content and Training Manager, HRL
I have a passion for social work and social justice, and my role with HRL will allow me to provide psychoeducation in various platforms. In school I studied both Psychology and Social Work. A fun fact about me is my insane hand-eye coordination makes for a great game of darts, basketball H.O.R.S.E, knock hockey, archery, and others.
Kevin Chung
Systems and Network Administrator
CHF does not run away from the hard issues, it tackles them head-on and looks for ways to help the kids that need it. I’m constantly inspired and motivated by the people behind our success. In my current role in our Information Systems and Technology department, I contribute to the success of the organization, supporting its entire staff. I studied computer programming in school and I love basketball!
Heather Cunningham
Development and Communications Coordinator
I believe that every child should have opportunities for healthcare and education. I was privileged to have access to both and that has motivated me to give back‒which I do by supporting our development and communications teams. I have a bachelor of fine art degree in theatre performance. In addition to being a performer, I am the producing artistic director of an award-winning off-off-Broadway theater company, www.retroproductions.org.
Angelika Gutiérrez
Research, Evaluation, and Learning Officer
I come from an underserved community. This drives me to help dismantle systems that contribute to inequality. In my role I help improve CHF’s data and programs to have positive impact for the families we serve.
I have a master’s in public health with a certificate in public health research methods and a bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in women and gender’s studies. I’m a die-hard Harry Potter fan (proud Ravenclaw) and own a vine wood, unicorn hair core wand, which I only use for public health research purposes.
Shay Gines
Senior Administrative Director
It’s important to me that my work be meaningful and that it contributes to making our world a little better. I can not think of a more meaningful mission than supporting children and families. I think I have one of the most rewarding positions at CHF, I get to help our staff! I studied theatre and marketing. I also have a crafty side‒I can make flower bouquets from paper!
Chanya Holness
Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Growing up uninsured while dealing with chronic asthma meant that my childhood was filled with community health centers, hospital visits that cost too much, and the sound of my parents on the phone with billing departments. It is my wish that health equity and access to affordable, quality health care are expanded so that children and families will no longer have to face the same struggles that we did. As a Policy and Advocacy fellow at CHF, I have the opportunity to engage in research and analysis of health policies. I studied sociology as an undergraduate, and am currently pursuing an MPA with a concentration in healthcare policy. I enjoy writing short stories in my free time!
Zakaria Nagi
Finance Associate
My motivation comes from knowing that someone’s day is better and that I had a hand in it. My role allows me to help keep CHF financially healthy and I handle the daily tasks that come with that charge. I studied accounting and finance in school. I am obsessed with the stock market and would like to be a successful investor one day.
Elizabeth Mahon
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
It is imperative that we help care for the next generation. That’s why I believe that every child should have opportunities for adequate healthcare and education regardless of their financial situation. In my role, I get to help our CEO achieve the goals of the organization. I studied acting and theater and have been studying ballroom dancing since 2005!
Maisel Mazier
Corporate Relations Director
Every child deserves to grow up loved and healthy. Working towards decreasing impediments that get in the way of a child’s development helps not just the child, but helps our nation and the whole world. In my position I get to work with corporate citizens who firmly believe in the mission of CHF. My work allows for companies to do their part. I studied international relations. My family and the New York Mets are my passions. Let’s Go Mets!
Lauren Mastroberadino
Policy Manager
I am proud to be part of CHF, advocating for critical policy changes to ensure the health and well-being of our communities. I contribute to the preparation and implementation of our policy and advocacy agendas at the city, state, and federal levels. I have a master’s degree in public administration, focused on policy analysis and nonprofit management. I love baking, and I’m a history nerd.
Madison Newton
Program Officer
Working with children directly and in a policy capacity, I’ve witnessed firsthand the inequities in children’s health services, and I’m motivated by CHF’s innovative approach to fill those gaps. My role allows me to form strong and productive relationships with our partners to ensure we address the specific needs of their communities. My undergrad was in political science and international relations, and I have an advanced degree in public policy. I’m originally from California, though I studied in Canada where I focused on Indigenous communities.
Bryan Olmstead
Senior Research Programmer
I believe in using your skills to make a difference. Learning, connecting the dots between data, information technology, and the children we support is my way of doing this. I manage CHF’s technologies and data. Every decision we make is informed by data and information. I have degrees in biology, computer science, and German as well as a master’s in medical informatics. My friends and I collect, play, and restore video game consoles and arcades from the ‘70s and ‘80s. Do you remember Intellivision?
Mehul Patel
Desktop Support Specialist
I am motivated by solving complex technical challenges. I love accomplishing big things as a part of a team. In school, I studied computer information systems and I continue to keep up with my professional development through professional journals, seminars, and classes. For fun, I love to spend quality time with my family and friends. Whether we are making a meal together, watching a movie, enjoying a day of shopping, or trying new restaurants (especially family-owned), I am happy.
Jennifer Pruitt
Assistant Vice President of Information Systems and Technology
Being a participant in positive change is very important to me. Children’s Health Fund has given me a chance to contribute my skills to a mission I believe in. In my position, I am able to guide CHF’s technology decisions to better support our organization and our teams in the field. In school, I studied cultural and medical anthropology. This interest has led me to collect old, out-dated science textbooks, mostly from the ’40s and ’50s.
Madison Newton
Senior Director of Individual Giving
Working with children directly and in a policy capacity, I’ve witnessed firsthand the inequities in children’s health services, and I’m motivated by CHF’s innovative approach to fill those gaps. My role allows me to form strong and productive relationships with our partners to ensure we address the specific needs of their communities. My undergrad was in political science and international relations, and I have an advanced degree in public policy. I’m originally from California, though I studied in Canada where I focused on Indigenous communities.
Kelly Rigney
Vice President National Programs
Early on I admired the quality of care provided by CHF’s clinical partners, the value they placed on incorporating patients’ voices, and how they advocated for changes in the policies and structures that impacted communities. Now I work closely with those partners, creating programs that contribute to the health and well-being of patients and the community as a whole. I have a bachelor’s in microbiology and a master’s degree in public health. Tell me your middle name once and I will remember it forever!
Sandhya Sewnauth
National Programs Fellow
Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, I became more aware of how social factors contributed to negative health outcomes in the future, and knew that addressing these issues during youth will help future generations live healthier, more fulfilled lives. I am privileged to be part of the team that supports clinicians who serve communities across the country, working to make a positive impact in the areas of nutrition, mental health and physical health. In college, I majored in neuroscience and minored in religion, and in my own time I make earrings out of pressed flowers!
Chloe Smith
Senior Program Officer
As a kid I felt angry about the “unfairness” I saw around me. Today, I am motivated to work against the deep inequities in our society. Discovering public health, and subsequently CHF, provided me the chance to do that. I recognize the power of healthcare providers and educators, when working in partnership with those they serve, to transform systems, communities, and lives. My undergrad work is in peace and conflict studies, and art, while my graduate work is in public health. I have a fluffy dog named Appleton.
Angie Vega
Site Manager
What motivates me to support the mission of the Children’s Health Fund is to be involved in a purpose, pursuit, or cause that has a lasting impact. In my role, I have the privilege to bring this work directly to the ground, uplifting families, and community voices. I studied communications in school. In my free time, I head a committee where we cook food to help raise funds for our church.
Anthony Vila
Senior Database and Research Manager
The ability to contribute to the empowering of communities is a huge motivation. I believe it’s important to share the generosity of those who have been fortunate to the less fortunate. In school, I studied government and economics. I like driving across the country.
Anthony Vila
Senior Database and Research Manager
The ability to contribute to the empowering of communities is a huge motivation. I believe it’s important to share the generosity of those who have been fortunate to the less fortunate. In school, I studied government and economics. I like driving across the country.
Fellows
Isolina Davis
HRL Fellow
I have dedicated my life to helping children and families in any capacity that I can. Being a part of HRL, and by extension CHF, will allow me to pursue my passion for advocating and bringing awareness to the disparities that I’ve witnessed in my community. In school I studied Early Childhood Education. I love trivia, politics, and cooking. One of my favorite things is to cook a huge meal for friends and family for game nights.
Jillian Hornbeck
Research, Evaluation, and Learning Fellow
Growing up in a rural, under-resourced area, I saw firsthand the impacts that inequities in healthcare can have on communities, families, and individuals. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare no matter their situation. As an REL Fellow I will support CHF’s mission through data analysis and program evaluation to maximize the quality and effectiveness of CHF’s programs. I studied Biology at Vassar College, and I love playing and watching tennis and have a collection of antique tennis rackets!
Vianca C. Perez
HRL Fellow
I am motivated to be a part of a community engaged in social justice and equity that actively assists, supports, and brings joy to my community, my neighbors, and the next generation of children. As a Healthy and Ready to Learn fellow I can make sure all of their voices are being heard to better provide them with resources and support. In school I studied Theater and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. I have a passion for acting and you can often find me on stage performing.
Angie Vega
Site Manager
What motivates me to support the mission of the Children’s Health Fund is to be involved in a purpose, pursuit, or cause that has a lasting impact. In my role, I have the privilege to bring this work directly to the ground, uplifting families, and community voices. I studied communications in school. In my free time, I head a committee where we cook food to help raise funds for our church.