Board of Directors

Sharon Crowe is the Director of Operations at Saint Joseph’s Women’s and Children’s Hospitals at BayCare Health System. Her professional skills include leading and bringing together teams, building consensus, and identifying opportunities for actions that improve the quality of care. Ms. Crowe believes Healthy Start is a valuable community partner in their work at the hospital, ensuring that patients have services before and after going home when welcoming their new baby.

Kimberly Brown-Williams has provided program management, collaborative/community team building, planning and budgetary oversight as the Healthy Start Federal Project Director since 2014 at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Kimberly has over 20 years of experience in Maternal and Child Health and is very engaged in community initiatives that impact birth outcomes. Mrs. Brown-Williams is a graduate of Eckerd College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies. “I joined the board because the work aligns with my professional mission and I hope to assist in furthering the Coalition’s mission as a Board Member.

Anthony Capella is a Past Board Chair. Mr. Capella is a Financial Professional at Prudential. He has experience serving on other boards that help the local community. Mr. Capella is forward thinking and has innovative ways to make improvements! Being raised by a single mother, Mr. Capella appreciates what mothers face while raising children and being able to provide for their children in a safe and strong family environment.

Treasure Montana is the Assistant Director at Lutheran Services Florida. Ms. Montana is a firm believer in education and advocacy to provide assistance for vulnerable families in our community. Through her intervention and prevention work she is able to offer a better understanding of child welfare. Ms. Montana continues to bring a valued perspective to the Board from front line staff.

Elena Gustin is the Past Board Chair. Ms. Gustin is a Registered Nurse and Counselor and has served on the Board for over 20 years. “Healthy Start is an organization that provides invaluable services to the community. The staff always demonstrates great integrity and passion to serve families in the most effective way possible.”

Dr. Michael Allison is board certified in family medicine. Dr. Allison earned his Doctor of Medicine from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by a family medicine residency at the University of South Florida/Morton Plant Mease in Tampa. Dr. Allison is Family Medicine Obstetrics for Evara Health and recently part of the faculty of the University of South Florida/Turley Family Medicine Residency Program in Clearwater, Florida. He has been a regular lecturer in academic settings on topics that have previously included medical complications in pregnancy, the socio-behavioral aspects of women’s health in poverty-challenged areas, primary care psychiatry and evidence-based medicine.

Alyssa Bedard, a St. Petersburg native serves as a community leader and public health practitioner, influencing the progression of education, disease control & prevention, maternal & child health and social justice. As a National Health Education Honorary Member of Eta Sigma Gamma, she graduated from the University of South Florida with a Masters of Public Health Degree, concentrating in Family & Community Health. In all spaces, Ms. Bedard embodies commitment to health equity, public health practice and academia while addressing health inequities, the social and political determinants of health, infant & maternal disparities, and related healthcare issues.

Ellie Ferro has spent most of her career working on the Mom/Baby/NICU units at Morton Plant Hospital and Mease CS Hospital. Participating on the Healthy Start Board of Directors has allowed her to be able to share her experience, knowledge and provide updates as to what she hears clients are expressing their needs. Her goal is to help board members that do not have direct contact with clients better understand the processes and/or barriers that are facing many of us and our clients.

Connie Going, Adoption Advocate, Educator and owner of Going Adoption and Surrogacy. She has worked in the field of child welfare for over 30 years and is a Parent Representative/ Board Member of J.B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center. Ms. Going describes herself as an “ethical and fierce advocate for families” and would love the opportunity to help enhance the utilization of Healthy Start programs, activities, and supports.

LaTora Heath has more than five years of experience analyzing data and identifying trends as a subject matter expert in the financial industry. She is a change agent, creating a positive customer experience for a diverse customer base and continuously looking to improve processes that drive results for large national companies. Ms. Heath acquired her M.B.A from Saint Leo University and her B.A. from Warner University.

Coming soon.

Healthy Start Coalition’s mission to support healthy moms and babies in Pinellas County and its affiliates across Florida is a critical mission that touches her heart. Ms. Meshil first learned about this incredible organization during her time working for the Florida Legislature. The positive impact of providing babies with a healthy start lasts lifelong for the families they work with. During Ms. Meshil’s tenure at HCA Healthcare she ensured the closest partnership possible with HCA Florida St Petersburg Hospital. Now as a Consultant and recently as the Lead Communications Manager for Duke Energy she continues to provide her knowledge of government relations to the Board to support the Healthy Start mission.

Megan McCommon joined Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital as a Learning Specialist.  Formerly, the Assistant Director of Nursing for Evara Health. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2014. She then worked in the specialty of Labor and Delivery nursing for 7 years. During this time, Ms. McCommon held leadership roles, participated as clinical education liaison, and precepted and mentored novice nurses. In 2021, Ms. McCommon earned the degree of Master in the Science of Nursing- Clinical Education. Her passion is, and always will be, improving maternal-child health outcomes and medical education.

Bridget Narvaez is a respected and trusted community member. She’s spent her career in the healthcare field as a Manager of Quality and Service Excellence, clinical facilitator, and doula. Bridget recently expanded her doula service practices to include end of life care as well. She is a woman of integrity and excellence.

Mike Nelson is the Director of Business Development at ACS Solutions. Mr. Nelson was deeply affected when he learned of the impact that HSCPs programs have on babies, women, and families. His focus is centered around ways the organization could improve its reach and grow funding.

Mary O’Meara is president of Women’s Health Care and has been a practicing Certified Nurse Midwife in the Tampa Bay area for over 25 years. Mary is originally from County Clare, Ireland, but has called Florida her home since the early 1980’s. When she is not busy with the practice, Mary enjoys traveling, gardening and yoga.

Coming soon.

Coming soon.