HPG MEMBERS
Billy Fields
Finance Officer of HIV Planning Council of NYC
My mission is to raise awareness to the needs of the disability community with a status neutral approach. I assure that there is someone representing my community at the table. MBA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, 37 years working in Corporate America, and 20+ years in HIV Advocacy. Lifetime tennis player, now wheelchair player and boxing jazz, and classical music.
Cristian Eduardo
Dee Miller
Hi! I’m Deidre. I was born and raised in Bklyn. I LOVE eating food and reading books. I am currently the director of an HIV prevention and sexual health education program. I am highly energetic and am dedicated to fun.
Shannon Velez
My name is Shannon, a girl from the South Bronx who loves to travel continuously strives to be a voice for the unheard representing the black and Latinx communities.
Dr. Taylor Robinson (she/her)
Dr. Taylor Robinson, DSW, LMSW is an Afro-Caribbean woman who leads innovative HIV care initiatives focused on retention, adherence, and health equity in Brooklyn. Dr. Robinson is an advocate dedicated to increasing sexual health care usage among Afro-Caribbean populations through culturally responsive strategies.
Patrick Thomas (He, Him, His)
I am a New York state born gay man as well as son, brother, father, grandfather, and social worker. Throughout my career in social services, I have worked in a variety of settings providing services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families. I have a commitment to advancing social access and equity for diverse populations in physical and mental health, family services and alternatives to incarceration. I believe that every individual should receive the highest quality culturally competent services, in a sensitive affirming and non-judgmental manner, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, and sexual orientation.
Dr. Elys Vasquez-Iscan
She is an Associate Dean at the Lehman College School of Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing. Her research focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, health inequities and mental health and burnout. She uses her research to advocate for the development of informed heath policies.
Karina Escamilla
A Mexico City native is a strong advocate for health as a fundamental human right. She drives culturally tailed initiatives to combat the critical health challenges impacting immigrant communities.
Fidel bu Contreras (He/Him)
Fidel Bu Contreras, MBA, is the HIV/Prevention Program Director at Betances Health Center, a visionary public health leader with over 23 years of experience who has driven transformative program growth, achieved a 97% viral suppression rate and a 150% increase in patient population, expanded innovative prevention initiatives including PrEP and overdose prevention, and currently contributes to citywide HIV strategy as a member of the HIV Planning Group at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Justin Toro
Hi! I am Justin Toro, and I was born/raised in the boogie down Bronx. Proud HIV+ individual and sexual champion by day, and fun kinkster at night! I love to travel and educating on being the best sexual self-one can be!
Sarah Danley (She/They)
Sarah Danley is the Director of Prevention at Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center in Queens and Brooklyn, New York. Sarah is a public health professional, advocate, and organizer with experience in HIV prevention, harm reduction, and homeless services.
Phillip Thomas
Phillip works with a Retention and Adherence Program (RAP) for people living with HIV and he advocate for those who are stigmatized, marginalized or lack a voice regardless of their ailment, disability, or circumstance.
Brian Hennessey
I have held many positions in the healthcare field over the last 20 years. I am currently the director for the HIV prevention and treatment programs, combining data driven decision making with the tenants of social justice.
Alexis Fields (She, Her, Hers)
As an Assistant Director in a health care setting, I work to advance system-level improvements that make HIV, HCV, and syphilis prevention and care easier to access and more responsive to community needs. Equity and meaningful community impact guide every part of my approach. Outside of work, I enjoy getting lost in a good book and discovering new authors.
Anelfi Maria (They/Them)
Anelfi is a nonbinary, first-generation Latinx Bronx native and biostatistician with a diverse background across clinical research, health care analytics, and patient-centered program implementation. Their work centers on advancing research that addresses social determinants of health and strengthens equitable care delivery for historically underserved communities.
Harvey Diaz
An Ecuadorian immigrant and dedicated member of the LGBTQ community, I bring extensive experience in program management, team leadership, and operations within the healthcare sector. I am committed to optimizing program outcomes and advancing positive change in healthcare delivery for marginalized communities.
Lazara Paz Gonzalez
Lazara Paz-Gonzalez (2024 Status Neutral Co-Chair, NYC HIV Planning Group), Senior Director of Youth Services at Hetrick-Martin Institute, is a Queer Latina/x who is passionate about working on social, health, and community justice issues that impact communities existing at the margins.
Shakir Edwards
I was born and raised in the Bronx but a Caribbean girl at heart. A lover of music and fashion. I am passionate about public health and research.
Dr. Miguel A Rosa-Rubio, MD, MPH
The power to change your destiny is on you! Latino, gay, immigrant, medical doctor from Dominican Republic. Member of the NYC HPG representing priority populations. Committed with the community health care.
Disleiry Benitez (She/Her)
I am a public health professional with over a decade of experience in community outreach, health education, and advocacy. I currently work at the National Black Leadership Commission on Health (Black Health), supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among diverse communities and age groups. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Maria Reyez (She/Her)
Maria Reyes is a dedicated Care Coordinator for over 20 years with a passion for supporting diverse communities, including individuals living with HIV, youths the elderly and the LGBTQ population. In her role , Maria bridges health care , mental health and social services ensuring each client receives personalized support . She is committed to fostering equity, empowerment, and compassion care in every interaction.
Rafael Ortiz
Rafael has worked servicing the Bronx since 2000. He has worked with the NYC DOHMH, NYS DOH and the CDC to ensure support and collaborations that focused on serving the Bronx Communities. He is currently employed with BronxCare Health System as a Program Coordinator.
Timothy Au
Hi There, My name is Timothy Au. I am originally from Hong Kong, and moved to the US when I was 18 years old. I’m a social worker and hold a licensed Master Social Work. I have over 10 years’ experience in HIV care coordination services and prevention and sexual health services including PrEP/PEP.
Victoria Bell
Romayne Joseph
Driven by love, compassion and an insatiable desire to make a positive difference, my work in public health and advocacy started years before completing an MPH, at St. George’s University, in 2013. It was a vulnerable woman living with HIV in my community who inspired me to speak for those who have no voice and act on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves.
Zyair Simpson
Hi, I am Zyair Simpson born and raised in the Bronx. I love reading, baking, and spending time with loved ones. I am currently a program manager at Jacobi Medical Center emergency department for HIV services in the Adult emergency department. I am grateful to be part of the HPG and to be doing great work.
Lisa Joseph
Dr. Caitlin Laughney
Caitlin Laughney, PhD, LSWAIC, is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute, where she specializes in HIV prevention, implementation science, and health equity research. Her work focuses on PrEP decision-making and improving access to HIV prevention services among underserved populations.
