I am a community health educator who has been working in the Chicago area since 1989 in a variety of community, county, and statewide nonprofit organizations. My work has focused on immigrant community health and violence prevention. I am drawn to the SAHELI study because I am a public health geek who wants to learn more about chronic disease risk and protective factors in South Asian communities. I live in Chicago and enjoy exploring the city, completing word games, and traveling with my family.
Rency Roy (Fitness Instructor, Skokie Park District)
I am a group fitness instructor that will be teaching the fitness classes for the participants of this research study. I will be designing fun classes that provide a great workout for people of all levels of experience. Being from a South Asian background and passionate about health and fitness, this research project is something I look forward to in our community.
Tanvi Shah (Program Manager, Chicago Jobs Council)
Sharmila Chatterjee (Registered Dietitian, Adult Endocrinology Medical Group)
Matthew O’Brien, MD (Assistant Professor of Medicine (General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics) & Preventive Medicine)
I am a primary care doctor and researcher focused on preventing diabetes and improving cardiovascular health in underserved communities. Most of my work has been based in U.S. Latino communities, including partnerships with non-profits, health systems, and other organizations. I like to bike to work (yes, all year round).
Diane Sperling Lauderdale, PhD
David Liss, PhD
Linda Ehrlich-Jones, RN, PhD (Co-investigator)
Goutham Rao, MD (Site Principal Investigator)
Susan Reisberg, RN (Public Health Nurse)
Santosh Kumar, LLB (Site Principal Investigator)
Promila Mehta, MA (Project Manager)
Shrenick (Nick) Dalal (Project Manager)
Himali Bharucha, BA (Community Health Specialist)
Roshita Pandey (Grants Manager)
I supervise all the welfare programs at MAFS to ensure effective implementation as well as bring in the much-needed funds to support these programs. It is a gratifying experience to raise funds for programs and services that empower and transform the lives of countless immigrants from South Asian community!
Apart from work, I am an adventurous fun-loving person and a passionate actor. I also enjoy cooking for my family and friends and going on fun family vacations.
I live by the motto- “if you do good to the world it comes back to you in much greater measure”!