Education
MPH in Health, Policy and Management, Harvard University School of Public Health, Boston, MA (2003); Awarded Commonwealth Fund Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy
Pediatric Resident, Georgetown University Children's Medical Center, Washington, DC (1995 – 1998)
MD, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI (1995)
BA in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI (1991)
Background
Since Medical School Dr. Taylor 's work has focused on eliminating health and health care disparities and inequities with a goal of promoting health and wellbeing among historically and systematically excluded individuals, families and communities. Seeking solutions has led her to embrace a non-linear career including working as an FQHC pediatrician, public health practitioner, legislative assistant within the US Senate, program officer at a national foundation, non-resident fellow at a large research center and ultimately as an independent consultant.
She is an experienced leader, manager and strategist willing to take the time needed to build and steward strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and team members in an effort to achieve equitable wellbeing outcomes.
Though her work and career has included work to improve equitable outcomes across many aspects of health and wellbeing, her drug policy work, particularly as it relates to pregnant and parenting people is passion place and led her to partner with Dr. Terplan on this organization. As a pediatrician, mother, daughter, and community members she appreciates the role of loving supportive families (as defined by individuals). However, pregnant and parenting people who use substances , particularly Black and Brown parents, are often denied this opportunity. Not only do they face punishment from legal, child welfare, education, employment and housing systems but the health care system often bars access to the full continuum, of culturally and linguistically effective, evidence informed substance use services. This has to change and we hope this organization's work can be a small part of creating a new reality that centers love and wellbeing of parents, infants and dyads instead of punishment.