Meet Our Team
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Program Admin
Email: mia.rodriguez @wacofamilymedicine.org
Mia Rodriguez is a recent graduate of Baylor University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. This fall, she will begin pursuing a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, with plans to attend medical school in the future.
Mia is passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities through both public health and clinical medicine. In addition to her academic pursuits, she works as a Senior Caregiver with The Grandson Home Care, where she provides compassionate support to older adults and individuals living with chronic health conditions.
As a member of the Waco AHEC team, Mia supports community outreach initiatives, student pipeline programs, healthcare workforce development efforts, and educational resource creation. Through her work with AHEC, she has gained valuable experience in public health administration, health equity, community engagement, and healthcare education. She is excited to continue helping connect students and communities with opportunities that strengthen the future healthcare workforce in Central Texas.
Join Our Team
Hiring: Student Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
Meet the Interns
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Abeer Qureshi is a Pakistani American from Houston, Texas. She is a Baylor senior, graduating this Summer with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies and a minor in Biochemistry. Following graduation, she plans to continue working on her handful of research publications and volunteering prior to applying to medical schools. Her interests include research, community service, and promoting care for underserved communities.
When she is not studying or working with AHEC, she devotes her remaining time to service and community. She volunteers regularly and Baylor Scott & White, where she deepened her passion for service and providing care for underserved populations. She is also the co-founder and President of the Baylor March of Dimes, where she works alongside medical centers and NICUs to provide support and care to mothers and premature babies. She has hosted many events, including the notable March for Babies in Austin, Texas alongside continuous fundraising and health education efforts.
As an intern with Waco AHEC, she hopes to learn more about providing support to underserved communities in impactful ways. She wishes to gain more experience in project management, curriculum planning, and hands-on service with people of all ages and backgrounds. During her internship, she will assist with the CHAMPS program at AHEC in addition to various other pipeline programs.
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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.
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BS Candidate in Health Science Studies, Baylor University
Ymari Ramos is a senior at Baylor University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies. Following graduation, she plans to pursue her MS in Medical Science at Baylor before applying to medical school. She is passionate about public health, community outreach, and improving access to care for underserved populations.
Aside from her academics, Ymari volunteers with Ascension Providence, where she has gained valuable experience supporting patients and the healthcare team while learning more about healthcare delivery in her community. Her experiences have strengthened her commitment to serving underrepresented populations and pursuing a future career in medicine.
As a summer intern with Waco AHEC, Ymari is excited to expand her experience in the public health field while contributing to projects that support the Waco community. During her internship, she will assist with planning major events and programs, and assisting the CHAMPS camp, Advanced Track, and additional pipeline program needs.