Meet Our Team
-
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.
-
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.
-
Clinical Training and Education Coordinator
Email: laura.hill@wacofamilymedicine.org
Phone: (254)313-5109
Laura Hill has more than 10 years of experience in the dental field working directly with patients to understand their healthcare options. She holds her certification in dental assisting and is also a licensed real estate agent. Laura brings a diverse background centered on communication, education, and helping people navigate their important healthcare decisions.
Laura is passionate about child and adolescent mental health and gender equity. She is actively involved in her children's schools through regular volunteering and serves as a member of the Site-Based Decision Making Committee for Lorena. She also makes it a priority to support the Greater Waco community through volunteer service and by attending and participating in local events, fundraisers, and initiatives that support organizations throughout the area.
Laura currently serves as the Clinical Training and Education Coordinator for Waco AHEC, where she helps coordinate clinical training experiences for health professions students throughout the Waco AHEC service area.
Join Our Team
Soon to be hiring: AHEC Scholars & Outreach Coordinator
Meet the Interns
-
MPH Candidate in Health Promotion and Health Education, UT Health Houston School of Public Health
Autumn Davies is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Metropolitan State University of Denver and is currently completing her Master of Public Health at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, with a concentration in Health Promotion and Health Education.
Autumn’s experience spans behavioral health, social services, prevention, health education, research, and community-based public health. Her work has included direct service with diverse and underserved populations, youth education and outreach, community engagement, program development and evaluation, health needs assessment, and applied research. She currently interns with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Waco Region, supporting initiatives that connect communities and students with healthcare education and career opportunities.
Autumn hopes to use her public health education and diverse professional experiences to create meaningful change across the many social determinants that influence health. She is especially interested in work that improves opportunities, resources, and health outcomes for communities that have historically been underserved. In her free time, Autumn enjoys spending time with her cat, Rio, doing arts and crafts, and thrifting.
-
BS Candidate in Health Science Studies, Baylor University
Justina Salama is originally from Houston, Texas, and is a third-year student at Baylor University pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Medical Humanities. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Justina has developed a strong commitment to healthcare and community service through her involvement in clinical care, research, and student mentorship. She has gained clinical experience through her EMT training, volunteering at Ascension Providence Hospital, and physician shadowing. Her research experience includes cancer biology research at MD Anderson Cancer Center and organic chemistry research at Baylor University. Additionally, she serves as a First-Generation Student Ambassador at Baylor University and a volunteer tutor with Baylor Rural Health Equity Research Collaborative. Justina currently interns with the Waco Region Area Health Education Center (AHEC), where she supports the CHAMPS Scholars and Tutoring Programs, helping connect local high school students with educational resources, mentorship, and opportunities to explore careers in healthcare.
Justina hopes to combine her passion for healthcare, research, and community engagement to address healthcare disparities and improve access to quality care. She is especially interested in serving underserved populations and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through her future career in healthcare, she hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their communities.