Meet the Board
Meet the visionary minds behind VillageTree Health, united in their unwavering belief that compassionate, personalized care is the cornerstone of a healthier, more equitable future. With a deep appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and the influence of social determinants, our board members bring invaluable expertise to guide our organization’s efforts. Together, we strive to ensure that every individual receives culturally competent care, fostering a nurturing environment where patients can thrive and reclaim their well-being.
Marimee Toya Jules
Marimee Toya Jules
Marimee Jules, also known as Toya Jules, is an accomplished Founder, Patient Advocate, Lupus Warrior, and Care Navigator who has significantly contributed to the healthcare industry. Her extensive experience as an executive member on various state, city, and patient boards, with a focus on Rare Diseases and chronic illness, has helped shape policy and raise awareness of important issues.
Toya is a highly respected figure in chronic illness research, having actively participated in both clinical and nonclinical studies. Her passion for helping others navigate chronic illness stems from her experience being diagnosed with lupus nephritis and stage 4 kidney disease. Rather than succumbing to her pain, Toya turned it into a driving force to help other women of color find the resources they need to manage their own chronic illnesses through self-advocacy.
Together with.
This innovative organization is dedicated to providing culturally competent case management services to people with chronic illnesses, especially within marginalized communities. Through her visionary leadership and tireless efforts, Toya is significantly impacting the lives of countless individuals and families affected by chronic illness.
Andrea Byers
Andi Byers
Andi Byers is a trailblazing force in the world of holistic wellness and business leadership. As the Founder and CEO of Chronic & Iconic Coaching, Iconically Holistic, The UP-side of Down Life Coaching, Invisible Apparel Co, and ICONIC Business Solutions, she has left an indelible mark on various industries. Her transformative journey embodies the essence of success and compassion, inspiring awe and admiration in all who cross her path.
A decorated Air Force veteran, nurse, holistic wellness practitioner, business strategic alignment expert and published author, Andi’s expertise is multifaceted, bridging the worlds of healthcare and personal development. Driven by tenacity and success, she advocates for mental health and chronic illness support.
Andi’s passion for uplifting people and their well-being led her to design and facilitate empowering workshops, courses, and retreats. Andi’s unwavering dedication and impact on society were recognized with her receiving nomination and being selected as the ACHI Magazine 2023 Mentor of the Year and the prestigious honor of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Having spent over 20 years in the holistic health field, Andi understands that true empowerment stems from acknowledging individuality. Her approach shatters the notion of a one-size-fits-all method, revolutionizing how people perceive and embrace health.
Andi’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her extensive list of Health & Wellness certifications which include BSN, MS Nutrition, Master Trainer, Holistic Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Exercise Therapy, Youth Fitness, and Transformation Specialist underscores her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
In the world of business, Andi holds certifications in: Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management, CompTia A+, Net+, Security+, Microsoft Solutions, and DoD Records Management. Her business acumen is a testament to her exceptional ability to strategize, innovate, and elevate organizations to unprecedented heights. These credentials demonstrate her prowess in streamlining processes, ensuring efficiency, and driving organizational success.
Andi Byers’ inspiring journey as a leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for well-being transcends boundaries and sets a new standard for excellence. Her relentless pursuit of positive change and award-winning legacy continues to inspire countless lives, as she fearlessly empowers women to embrace their authentic selves and flourish on their own terms.
Kenneth Scott
Kenneth Scott
Kenneth Scott
Shanice Mzavas
Shanice Mzavas
Shanice Mzavas
Hello, my name is Shanice and my journey into public health and advocacy is deeply personal. Diagnosed with celiac disease later in life after years of misdiagnosis, my experience navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman opened my eyes to the systemic inequities that exist. Studies reveal that 4.9% of people with celiac disease identify as Black, highlighting significant underrepresentation and underdiagnosis in our community.
My misdiagnosis and prolonged suffering under the care of several doctors underscore the profound biases and barriers that Black individuals face in healthcare. These challenges are part of a broader issue where Black people are routinely underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed, often resulting in preventable diseases leading to severe outcomes. This drives my commitment to eliminating the root causes of these disparities by focusing on the social determinants of health.
I am dedicated to providing culturally appropriate resources that are quick and easy to access. My goal is to help people effectively manage their health by addressing the gaps, obstacles, and biases that plague our healthcare system as there is a strategic advantage in using culturally appropriate data to inform health interventions, ensuring they are both effective and respectful of the communities we serve.
Through my role as the Director of Marketing and Communications, I plan on creating effective, unique, and engaging materials that help people access culturally competent care and assist those with complex medical needs.
Rebekah Guzman
Rebekah Guzman
Nadeige Emile
Nadeige Emile
Nadeige Emile is making waves in the field of health technology, driven by her South Florida roots and a profound understanding of healthcare disparities. With a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and an MBA specializing in Healthcare, Nadeige’s academic journey laid the foundation for her career. As the founder of a health tech company, Nadeige spearheads a mission to democratize healthcare access and literacy, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, can navigate the healthcare landscape with confidence.
Nadeige’s commitment to community health extends beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors. Serving on the Board of Directors for VillageTree Health, she’s focused on securing resources to support vital initiatives aimed at providing culturally competent care.
Nadeige’s personal journey, as the daughter of Haitian immigrants who faced systemic challenges within the healthcare system, fuels her unwavering dedication to creating positive change. With a diverse background spanning Emergency Rooms, Operating Rooms, and Health Tech, Nadeige brings a unique perspective to the intersection of healthcare and technology. Her experiences have shed light on the critical link between economic circumstances and health outcomes, igniting her passion for leveraging technology to empower marginalized communities.
Motivated by empathy and a steadfast commitment to fairness, Nadeige Emile uses her expertise to innovate healthcare delivery and strive for a healthier future for everyone.
Jeweline Dukes
Jeweline Dukes
Jewel Dukes, originally from Chicago, lives in Atlanta, GA. She is 36 years old and married with 2 children. Her hobbies included painting, spending time with her family, and advocating for chronic illnesses. Her professional background, before becoming ill, was in accounting. In Aug 2021, Jewel was diagnosed with a rare disease, Cushing’s Disease. In Oct 2021, she underwent brain surgery to remove the pituitary tumor that was causing her issues, leaving her with adrenal insufficiency. Due to this illness, Jewel has to take daily steroids to keep her alive. In March 2023, Jewel was forced to stop working to take care of herself and heal. She now shares her story on Instagram as @thelipedemacushie, in hopes to bring awareness and create a safe space for the chronically ill.