Shirdell Mattox
Executive Director
Ithaca, NY
(360) 466-2080 ext. 2
shirdell@meacschools.org
Education: 2016, BA., Interdisciplinary Studies w/Social Justice concentration, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA. 2024 EMBA., Executive Masters of Business Administration focused on Societal Impact, Brown University, Providence, RI, and IE University, Madrid, Spain.
Professional Activities: Shirdell has worked in higher education administration and non-profit organizations centered on equity and access within the health field for over 12 years. She has a passion for black maternal health and has been a doula since 2014. In her spare time, she leads efforts in making Black maternal health more equitable throughout the African diaspora and creates opportunities for women of color to travel internationally. She is the mother of two busy and beautiful boys, and she currently lives in Ithaca, NY, with her family.
Caroline Rivera
Director of Accreditation
Virginia
(360) 466-2080 Ext. 3
Caroline@meacschools.org
Education:
BA in Anthropology from Florida Atlantic University, 1997
MA in Anthropology from New Mexico State University, 1999
MS in Biology (ABD PhD) from Old Dominion University, 2007
Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University, 2011
Professional Activities:
Caroline has more than 20 years of experience in higher education both from an educational and administrative perspective. She has been intimately involved in various aspects of the accreditation process, including institutional and programmatic accreditation requisites. Additionally, Caroline has academic expertise in aspects of reproductive medicine as well as the impact of culture on the differential access to health care among marginalized people.
Jessica Baynes
CEU Coordinator
Chesapeake, VA
(360) 466-2080 ext. 1
ceu@meacschools.org
Education: Certificate in Midwifery from Florida School for Traditional Midwifery (2013), Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chowan University, Murfreesboro, NC (2007), Licensed Midwife by Virginia Licensed Midwife of Board of Medicine, Certified Professional Midwife (NARM Certification)
Professional Activities: Jessica worked at the Birth Cottage Midwifery in Tallahassee, FL where her responsibilities included all aspects of Midwifery including prenatal, laboring, birthing, postpartum and well woman; and newborn care and exam. She facilitated over 40 vaginal births under the supervision of a Licensed Midwife and counseled over 60 families on pregnancy, well-being, dietary, child birth and breast feeding.
Marissa Delgado Ohoyo
Accreditation Coordinator
Seattle, WA
(360) 466-2080 ext. 4
marissa@meacschools.org
Education: 2000, BS., Biological Science and Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA; 2003, Certificate in Midwifery, Seattle Midwifery School, Seattle, WA
Professional Activities: Marissa worked as a midwife, birth assistant and doula before beginning to work at a MEAC Member School. As a MEAC school administrator for over 13 years, they served in various roles including Clinical Coordinator and Program Supervisor. From 2015-2017 they volunteered as an ARC member for MEAC. They live with their wife in the lands of the Duwamish Coast Salish peoples, now known as Seattle.
Kai Purnell
Accreditation Coordinator
Brooklyn, NY
(360) 466-2080 ext. 5
Kai@meacschools.org
Education: 2017, BA, Biology, Barnard College of Columbia University
Professional Activities: Kai worked in academic publishing before changing gears to focus on reproductive justice and health in 2020. They have worked on research studies with topics ranging from equitable reproductive care access to microbial ecology. They live and work on Keskachauge/Canarsie land.