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Meet the Leadership Team

Guided by experience. Driven by purpose. United in impact.

REACH is led by a team of respected experts and advocates who bring together decades of experience in research, community engagement, and health equity. Their collective work reflects a shared commitment to advancing Alzheimer’s research while ensuring that underserved populations are seen, supported, and included.

Dr. Goldie S. Byrd, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

A Magnolia, North Carolina native, Dr. Goldie S. Byrd is the founder of the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s, Aging and Community Health (COAACH) at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical…

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Allison Caban-Holt, PhD

Program Director

Dr. Caban-Holt wants to foster positive connections between Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and the Winston-Salem community. The programs she will lead have at their core the primary goal of…

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Takiyah Starks, MS

Program Manager

Takiyah Starks has conducted clinical research and community engagement around the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease for over 20 years. She is an experienced clinical program manager, dedicated research professional, phlebotomist,…

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Dr. Persis Ayeh

Community Research Coordinator

Dr. Persis Ayeh is a health communication scholar and Community Research Coordinator in Public Health Sciences at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in Health Communication…

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Terrance Mosley

Program Manager

Terrance Mosley, MSHS serves as Program Manager for the Triad Pastors Network (TPN), where he helps advance community-engaged partnerships focused on improving health equity across African American communities in North…

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Lauren Childrey

Project Manager

Lauren Childrey is a Project Manager II and public health professional with more than a decade of experience leading clinical research, community health, and grant-funded initiatives. She believes that meaningful…

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Lakisha Hinnant

Clinical Coordinator

Lakisha Hinnant is a dedicated Clinical Research Professional with more than 15 years of healthcare experience and over five years of direct clinical research experience supporting Phase I–III clinical trials…

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Charles T. Fennell

Clinical Coordinator

Charles T. Fennell is a community-engaged research professional and Clinical Studies Coordinator II for the DAWN Alzheimer's Research team at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. With a background in psychology,…

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Dr. Shawnta’ Lloyd

Program Manager

Dr. Shawnta’ Lloyd is trained in epidemiology and has more than 15 years of experience in public health research and research administration. She supports mentorship and professional development for undergraduate…

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Kristy A. Terrell

Clinical Coordinator

Kristy A. Terrell is a Clinical Studies Coordinator II with the DAWN Alzheimer's Research Study team, where she helps connect individuals and families with opportunities to contribute to Alzheimer's disease…

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Brianna Eley

Assistant Project Manager

Brianna Eley is a community engagement specialist, ministry leader, and purpose-driven professional dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through faith, education, and holistic spiritual development. She holds a Bachelor…

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Dr. Rahma J. Ajja

Senior Research Associate
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Ke’Yona Barton

Clinical Coordinator

Ke’Yona Barton, MBS, is a Clinical Studies Coordinator for the DAWN Alzheimer’s Study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where she supports research focused on understanding Alzheimer’s disease risk…

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Latonya Yarber

Administrator Assistant
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Njeri Holland

Assistant Project Manager
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Rodney Whitherspoon

Clinical Data Analyst
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Dr. Kelvin L. Williams

Community Engagement Coordinator
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Sheere Mills

Business and Grants Administrator
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