PNQIN is thrilled to announce the appointment of our first three Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) members, Yeradmi Gomes, Andrea Kelley, and Jessica Paulino. These members, carefully selected from an impressive number of community member applicants here in Massachusetts, will work very closely with Molly Fraust-Wylie, our Patient and Family Engagement Coordinator, and our administrative team to advance PNQIN’s mission and vision of ensuring high-quality equitable care is available for everyone in Massachusetts. Brief bios of our PFAC members are included below:
Yeradmi (Jer-ad-me) Gomes has dedicated over 12 years to the healing arts, beginning her journey as a Reiki practitioner and expanding her expertise into Meditation, Yin and Restorative Yoga, and, most recently, Somatic Experiencing. Her deep love for children, paired with over 20 years of experience nurturing families, has made caregiving an integral part of who she is—rooted in her upbringing and years of hands-on care.
Andrea Kelley, MSW/MPH, LICSW is a public health social worker. Professionally, she is a therapist working with adolescents and adults in an outpatient practice, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ population. Previous work has included integrated behavioral health in a pediatric setting, working with juveniles in the state’s public defender’s office, and researching hoarding disorder. Personally, Andrea is mom to two spirited kiddos. Her high-risk pregnancies, time spent with one child in the NICU, and experience with postpartum depression helped inspire her interest in the work of PNQIN.
Jessica Paulino is a Maternal Health Advocate, Birth doula, Death Doula, Grief worker, and Yoga Teacher, she is the Founder of The EMA Project and Golden Flor Wellness created to support your wellness needs and offer inclusive spaces for all birthing folks. She was raised between Boston and Santo Domingo, D.R., she is the proud daughter of immigrants and pays respects to her Taino lineage and Teachers. She has a passion for movement work, circle building, liberatory frameworks, and healing through restorative and social justice practices. She has deep community ties and thrives on connecting others to the resources and support they need.
To read the full bios of our incredible new PFAC members please visit our Team and Advisory Board webpage at https://pnqinma.org/our-team-advisory-board/.