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
President
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
Andrea Byers
Vice President
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.
Leon Fraser
Leon Fraser
Executive Director II
Leon Fraser is President of AchieveAbility LLC, a consulting, training, and executive coaching firm. He is a versatile leader with extensive experience in the government, business, and academic sectors.
During his career, he served in the Office of Health and Disability of the U.S. Secretary of Labor in Washington, DC and later as Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers during the Covid pandemic. An advocate for workplace health and safety, he was appointed to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Restart and Pandemic Recovery Advisory Council.
In business, he held key marketing and strategy positions at major corporations — Aetna and Verizon. He was also vice president of a technology start-up with an international footprint.
With this experience, he became a professor at Rutgers Business School where he taught MBA level Strategy, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship courses. He earned Best Professor and Distinguished Service Awards.
He is a certified executive coach and, in his spare time, he volunteers to help young people with resume writing, job interview, and career navigation skills.
Mereya Quintana
Mereya Quintana, MPH, CIC, CSM, LSSBB, FACHDM
Director of Programs
Mereya Quintana is a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive expertise in program management, health administration, behavioral health, correctional health, and health compliance. As the Director of Programs at Village Tree Health Board, she directs an array of initiatives aimed at enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities within diverse populations.
Holding a Master of Public Health from Florida A&M University, Mereya combines deep knowledge of public health with practical experience in strategic planning and health policy implementation. Her background includes leading projects on behavioral health integration, correctional health services, and rigorous health compliance protocols, ensuring programs align with federal and state regulations and achieve targeted health outcomes.
Prior to her role at the Village Tree Health Board, Mereya’s positions at Oracle Health and Healthcare Equity Solutions have refined her capabilities in overseeing programs that require high levels of discretion and regulatory awareness. She is proficient in navigating the complexities of health compliance, leveraging her expertise to foster environments that adhere to the highest standards of healthcare delivery and patient privacy.
As a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Scrum Master, Mereya utilizes advanced process improvement and agile methodologies to streamline program management and enhance operational effectiveness. Her certifications in Infection Control and Epidemiology further bolster her capacity to lead health initiatives safely and effectively in any setting.
Mereya is currently advancing her education with a Doctorate in Health Administration at Morehouse School of Medicine, deepening her leadership skills in the development of health policies and programs that promote equitable access to healthcare services. Her leadership at the Village Tree Health Board is characterized by a strategic focus on comprehensive health services for vulnerable populations, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
Driven by a commitment to excellence and equity, Mereya’s approach to health program leadership is both innovative and inclusive, ensuring that every initiative not only meets rigorous standards but also significantly improves the lives of those it serves.
Rebekah Guzman
Rebekah Guzman MBA
Jennifer Weaver
Jennifer Weaver
Director of Communications
Jennifer Weaver is a dedicated advocate for chronic illness awareness and support, bringing her personal journey and professional expertise to her role as Director of Marketing & Communications for VillageTree Health. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and a rare form of psoriasis, Jennifer has transformed her health challenges into a mission to uplift and empower others living with chronic illnesses.
Jennifer is the creator, founder, and host of My Spoonie Sisters, a podcast and community that serves as a vital resource for individuals navigating life with chronic conditions. Through this platform, she provides connection, education, and encouragement to a diverse audience of Spoonies, ensuring they feel seen and supported.
Her impactful work has earned her widespread recognition, with features in prominent publications such as WebMD, Healthline, Health Monitor, AiArthritis, Foundation Voice, Bold Journey, and Patient Rising. Jennifer’s contributions have also been highlighted on platforms like Kaleidoscope Rare Disease Stories and Autoimmune Documented, further solidifying her influence in the chronic illness community. She is a proud recipient of the prestigious Social Health Awards, celebrating her efforts to amplify patient voices.
In addition to her own initiatives, Jennifer has shared her insights and experiences as a guest on numerous podcasts, including Invisible Condition, where she advocates for mindset shifts, community support, and awareness for autoimmune diseases.
With a strong background in marketing and communications, coupled with her unwavering passion for advocacy, Jennifer is committed to driving meaningful change at VillageTree Health, ensuring the organization’s mission resonates with those who need it most.
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.