Meet our team

Abide is operated by women of color, for women of color. This team blends practicality and vision with empathy and passion to create change in maternal healthcare.

Cessilye R. Smith

Cessilye R. Smith

Jessica Dupree, Dr.PH

Jessica Dupree, Dr.PH

Vice President of Clinical Operations and Services

Gia L. Thompson, M.Ed

Gia L. Thompson, M.Ed

Melissa Resendiz

Melissa Resendiz

Director of Administration

Krystle Thomas, M.Ed, CD, CCE, CCHW — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Krystle Thomas, M.Ed, CD, CCE, CCHW — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Director of Client Resources and Education

Phoebe Walker, BSW, MA

Phoebe Walker, BSW, MA

Director of Data and Evaluation

Kennasha Jones, LM, CPM — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Kennasha Jones, LM, CPM — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Director of Client Services and Lead Midwife

Shanta Thomas, MBA

Shanta Thomas, MBA

Director of Finance

Tamika Sanders, CHW

Tamika Sanders, CHW

Office Manager and Bilingual Parent Educator

Janikka White — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Janikka White — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Medical Assistant

Althea C. Hurd, B.A., Dip CBEd — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Althea C. Hurd, B.A., Dip CBEd — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Client Resource Specialist & Childbirth Educator

LaQuita Brazile, BSN, RN — Certified JJ Way® Provider

LaQuita Brazile, BSN, RN — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Licensed Midwife

Asia Jones, LM, CPM

Asia Jones, LM, CPM

Licensed Midwife

Kelli Bankes, LM — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Kelli Bankes, LM — Certified JJ Way® Provider

Auxiliary Midwife