Katrina Badger, Secretary

Katrina Badger developed the Health and Language Access Program of REACH NOLA,
a New Orleans-based public health non-profit where she also served as Director of
Operations. Katrina was responsible for training medical interpreters, educating
people with limited English proficiency as well as healthcare providers about language
appropriate services, and providing technical assistance to healthcare organizations
developing organizational language services policies and procedures. Concurrently,
Katrina Co-Chaired the Louisiana Language Access Coalition, bringing together
advocates for language access, and hosting the first health and language access
symposium which brought together advocates, interpreters, patients, providers,
administrators, advocates, and policy makers to learn and dialogue. Previously, Katrina
worked as a medical interpreter. Presently, Katrina is an Associate at Grant Thornton,
LLC serving as Program Analyst to the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological
Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. Katrina received her BA in Anthropology from
Howard University and her Masters in Public Health and Social Work from Tulane
University.

Amanda Fine, Director

Amanda Fine is a public affairs specialist for the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In her role with NIH, Amanda works with local, regional and national media to provide the latest information in science and medical research. Previously she worked at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights where she managed the development and dissemination of a national education campaign on the privacy and security of people's health information and their nondiscrimination rights to health care. As part of the campaign, Amanda coordinated meetings with key stakeholders around the nation as well as oversaw the production of 7 educational videos in English and Spanish. In addition to her positions with the HHS, Amanda has volunteered time with various health organizations such as the Hollywood Health & Society and the International Medical Corps. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys participating in runs to fundraise for various causes including cancer research and health and wellness programs for women. Amanda received her BFA from New York University, MSc from the London School of Economics and MA from the University of Southern California, where she was a 2008 recipient of the Global Communications Fellowship. 

Rachel Gwaltney, Chair

Rachel Gwaltney was most recently the Chief of Programs for Higher Achievement, a national organization delivering high-quality year-round education supports for at-risk middle school students during out-of-school time. She was responsible for program quality, national advocacy work, and launching Higher Achievement affiliates in new cities. Previously Rachel worked at Success For All Foundation developing curriculum for a nationally recognized, comprehensive, whole-school reform model. Rachel has worked in the education sector for over 15 years and firmly believes that all children can learn at high levels when given the right supports and opportunities. She is dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities exist for children and families to succeed in life. Outside of work, she tutors adults who are studying to attain a GED. Rachel has a BA in History, a Masters of Liberal Arts degree from The Johns Hopkins University, and an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. She was recently a Fellow in the Education Policy Fellowship Program at the Institute for Educational Leadership.

Kadidia Thiero, Director 

Kadidia Thiero, Education Advocate. Outreach Coordinator, NOAA Center for
Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS). Ms. Thiero administers and coordinates the outreach of
all education programs of NCAS; including K-12 partnerships, the national CAREERS
Weather Camps, and the undergraduate research internships. NCAS housed at
Howard University, is the lead partner institution working with JSU; UPR, Mayagüez;
UT, El Paso, UMD, College Park, and SUNY, Albany in Atmospheric Sciences. Ms.
Thiero, a former Adjunct Professor, taught Spanish and First Year Seminar courses at
the University of the District of Columbia. Prior to teaching, Ms. Thiero worked as the
Community Liaison with The Education Trust, where she managed the community work,
produced materials in English and Spanish for use as tools, in advocating for equity.
Kadidia Thiero graduated from Howard University with a BA in Spanish Language and
Literature; and received her MA in Latin American Studies from the Walsh School of
Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

Contact the Board  

Email board (at) mlovdc.org with any questions or concerns