About SCORE
How does SCORE work?
The Sickle Cell Outreach, Resources and Engagement program uses a six-month brokerage case management model where CHWs work with warriors and their families serving as “brokers” who connect clients to the resources and services they need to support their SCD care. CHWs do not “do the work” for the client but, rather, empower and equip clients to do it for themselves. Motivational interviewing, self-management coaching, and strengths-based counseling lead to greater client empowerment and client self-advocacy enabling them to overcome social determinants of health.
Outreach
Clients who can benefit from this program can either self-refer or they can be referred by individuals who care for them. CHWs seek out organizations, clinics, support groups and other local sites where contact information and referral links can be shared widely. CHWs also attend community events and serve at vendor tables in order to offer services to those who may benefit from the SCORE program.
Resources
CHWs spend countless hours researching and communicating with diverse organizations to ensure a wide variety of services are made available to the warriors and their families. This increases the likelihood of being able to directly link clients to the support they need. These include food pantries, clothes closets, soup kitchens, support groups, pain management alternatives, and many others.
Engagement
Interactions with clients can be as diverse as the clients themselves. CHWs are equipped to meet clients in person in places that feel safe to the warriors and their families. They are also able to meet conveniently with clients via virtual platforms while maintaining privacy and security of sensitive information. The number of encounters fully depends on client needs and goals.
Our Team
Melissa Kelley
Program Director
Melissa Kelley, EdD, CHES, has 24 years of public health experience and leads the design and implementation of public health programs, disease prevention initiatives, community health outreach and education, capacity building, and technical assistance for both state and federally funded programs. As a Certified Health Education Specialist with experience in curriculum development, training, and program planning, she has extensive knowledge of many health topics, public health models, and theories. As the SCORE Program Director, Dr. Kelley liaises with the Maryland Department of Health and provides overall leadership and supervision for the program.
Wanda Mumford
Community Health Worker
Wanda Mumford is a dedicated and compassionate Certified Outreach Worker with almost 5 years of experience with the Somerset County Health Department. She has a proven track record of connecting with diverse populations to improve access to vital resources. Wanda is skilled at building strong, trusting relationships within the community.
Michelle Onianwah
Community Health Worker
Michelle Onianwah has more than two years of experience of providing health education and health promotion to the community and is devoted to building rapport and trust with clients.
Omowunmi Oni-Dandridge
Community Health Worker
As a Community Healthcare Worker, Omowunmi Oni-Dandridge has been working with the Sickle Cell community since 2022. As a wife and mother of three, her life has been impacted by sickle cell disease through her family of warriors for over 20 years.
Leo Sheridan
Community Engagement Manager
Leo Sheridan, CCHW (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for the SCORE program. A certified Community Health Worker with both clinical and community-based experience, he designs and facilitates trainings and leadership opportunities that elevate community voices and build local capacity. He draws on years of lived and professional experience navigating health and social service systems to bridge gaps between communities, providers, and decision-makers.
Steve Wood
Senior Training Coordinator
Steve Wood is the Senior Training Coordinator for the SCORE program. Steve has worked in the human services field since 1986. He has been a trainer and curriculum writer for several institutions, including the New York State Department of Health. Prior to this current role, Steve served as Director of a large advocacy program serving 14 NYS counties with 21 staff. Steve has extensive experience serving the community as a community-facing worker, as an administrator, and as a trainer.
Lindsey Young
Community Health Worker
Lindsey Young is passionate about helping others by providing education, resources, and support to empower individuals to reach their highest potential. She previously served as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor, supporting individuals in achieving their personal and wellness goals.
Amalia Amy Zamot
Senior CHW Manager
Amalia Amy Zamot has served as a frontline Community Health Worker for more than 25 years with a focus on HIV/STI/HCV and Substance Use. She has extensive experience serving as a liaison between the community and the Department of Health providing direct services to ethnic and racial minority populations throughout large geographic areas in her home state. As the Prevention Department Director, she co-developed and led the CHW program at an HIV service organization for 11 years where the CHWs assisted more than 800 clients reach optimal health outcomes.