Meet Our Team

Program Specialist
Email: caelie.morris@txaheceast.org
Phone: (254)313-5109
Morris is a graduate from Austin College (in Sherman, Texas). They hold a Bachelor of the Arts in International Relations and Gender Studies, with a concentration in Public Policy. He is passionate about creating a more equitable world through the promotion of holistic, communal health. Her work reflects a life-long pursuit of queer liberation, disability justice, and cultural safety.
“Well-being for all is not a dream” - Peter Kropotkin, The Conquest of Bread
Mx. Morris coordinates the AHEC Scholars and clinical placement program.

Program Coordinator
Email: meagan.melocik@txaheceast.org
Phone: (254)313-5112
Meagan GarMelo is a two-time graduate from Baylor University. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters of Public Health in Community Health Science. Her areas of interest include health equity, mental health, maternal health and policy advocacy. She is an outdoor enthusiast passionate about community engagement and sustainability for a more equitable and livable Waco.
Meagan coordinates our CHAMPs and Future Docs pipeline programs, is developing our CHW training program, and plans AHEC events and outreach.

Executive Director
Email: ashley.bearden@txaheceast.org
Phone: (254)313-5108
Ashley Bearden is a two-time graduate from Baylor University. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies with a minor in Business Administration and a Masters of Public Health in Community Health with a global health emphasis. Her areas of interest include health disparities, global health/global surgery, and epidemiology. She is passionate about empowering communities to improve their health and wellness, as well as getting involved with the local community to create a healthier and more equitable Waco.
Ms. Bearden manages the AHEC team and coordinates the SHSUCOM medical student clinical placements for the Heart of Texas Region. She also manages our community health education and workforce development initiatives.

Meet the Interns

MPH Candidate in Community Health Science, Baylor University
Serena is an MPH candidate in Community Health Science at Baylor University and a member of our Future Docs cohort, planning to apply to medical school this cycle with a goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Coming from a small rural Texas town as a first-generation college student, Serena is deeply committed to advancing health equity and encouraging underserved youth to pursue health careers. Her passion is shaped by firsthand experiences with systemic inequities, rural healthcare shortages, and barriers to care faced by her family and community.
This semester, Serena will complete her MPH Capstone with us by designing a middle school health careers pipeline program, including a full program plan, learning modules, and evaluation components. We’re thrilled to have her on the team and can’t wait to see the impact of her work!

Alyssa Mojica is originally from Austin, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas State University, with double minors in Biochemistry and Pre-Medical Studies. During her time at Texas State, she conducted research in the Lewis biochemistry laboratory focusing on holistic approaches to reducing oxidative stress in the body. She is currently pursuing a Master of Medical Science degree at Baylor University while preparing to apply to medical school. Her interests include oncology, biomedical research, and learning more about the role of public health in improving healthcare outcomes.
Alyssa serves as an intern with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Waco Region, where she supports community health education initiatives and workforce development efforts aimed at strengthening the healthcare pipeline. She is passionate about promoting health education, encouraging students to pursue careers in healthcare, and helping expand access to care for underserved communities.

Mia is a senior at Baylor University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Anthropology. She is planning to pursue her MPH and then plans to apply to medical school. She is passionate about understanding how culture and society shape health and healthcare access, with plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine. Alongside her studies, Mia works as a caregiver with The Grandson Home Care, where she provides compassionate, personalized support to clients in their homes.
As an AHEC intern, she is excited to contribute to community health initiatives while gaining hands-on experience that connects her academic background with her future goals in healthcare. She is currently developing our impact report and planning the launch of our annual pipeline showcase event.