Get to Know ASFHG
Who We Are
About Us:
The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
In Houston, our nation’s fourth-largest city, we have the largest medical complex in the world, but entire neighborhoods have limited access to healthcare and healthy food. We also have fourteen major institutions of higher education, almost all with students focusing on health-profession studies. These students have innovative ideas and a desire to make a difference in their communities, but they lack the connections and training to make their vision a reality. We work with over 40 area agencies, ascertaining their greatest needs, and then deploy our 80-plus trained graduate student Fellows to create programs that address these unmet health needs.
We support and guide these Fellows as they design, implement, evaluate, and plan for the sustainability of their project, serving as an incubator for their inventive ideas. At the end of the year, we have a cadre of service-oriented professionals with the skills and experience to address health disparities and the commitment to continue to work with marginalized communities. In the process, the community is impacted, and Fellows are transformed.
Board of Directors
Our Lead Staff
Andrea Link, MD
Executive Director | She/Her
Dr. Link’s career spans from pediatric care to pioneering trauma-informed programs for women exiting the criminal justice system. Her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to underserved communities have made a lasting impact across health, education, and equity.
Carol Jacob, MPH, CHES
Program Director | She/Her
With a strong background in public health, adolescent health initiatives, and health education, Carol brings a passion for equity and community-centered care to her work. As a Fellow for Life and now the Program Director, she supports new Fellows in co-creating meaningful, comprehensive programs with their communities.
Hunter Reinertsen-Forehand
Events Coordinator & Development Officer | She/Her
Hunter brings creativity, organization, and a deep commitment to community impact in her role as events coordinator and development officer. With a background in advertising and education, she plays a key role in advancing ASFHG’s mission through relationship building.
Nichole Hoang, MPH, NDTR, CHES
Fellowship Program Coordinator | She/Her
Nichole combines her experience in community nutrition and health education in her work as a public health professional and community member. As a former Fellow and now Program Coordinator, she’s dedicated to empowering and guiding Fellows in implementing meaningful community-driven projects.
Catherine McDonald, MSW
Community Resource Advisor | She/Her
With a background in social work and a passion for uplifting underserved communities, Catherine brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and strategic support. Serving as a public health mentor and community resource advisor, she is committed to guiding the next generation of Fellows.
Leslie Stalnaker, MPH
Scholar Program Director | She/Her
Leslie is a public health educator, mentor, and DrPH candidate dedicated to workforce development and community-centered, equity-focused practice. She supports students in building impactful public health projects and is a passionate advocate for service learning.
Jacquita N. Johnson, DrPH, MPH
Public Health Mentor | She/Her
Jacquita is a dedicated public health advocate focused on racial and environmental health justice. As a Fellow-for-Life and DrPH student, she brings a passion for equity and a wealth of experience to mentoring the next generation of changemakers.
