Michael Ioerger, MD, PhD, MPH, CSCS, ACE-FNS

Executive Director / Senior Coach / Pre-Med & Pre-Public Health Mentor

Michael (he/him) is a physician (MD) trained in family, community, lifestyle, and performance medicine. He leverages his training as a social psychologist (PhD), public health professional (MPH), strength and conditioning coach (CSCS), and fitness nutrition specialist (ACE-FNS) to provide targeted, intensive, holistic care to help physicians, and other high-performance professionals stay healthy, improve their performance, and rapidly address health issues. As a small business owner, researcher, educator, and community advocate, he is constantly working to develop and implement innovative strategies for improving the strength, health, and wellbeing of our communities. He has a passion for leveraging his skills, resources, and experience to help young adults reach their fullest potential. He has also served as a medical school admissions committee member school, witnessing firsthand the impact of coaching and mentorship on applicant success. This has driven him to establish this Institute to help ensure our physician workforce reflects the communities it serves.

Matthew Mendoza Barker, PhD

Assistant Executive Director / Coach / Pre-Med & Biomedical Research Mentor

Matthew earned his B.A. in Biology from the University of North Texas in 2018, and went on to complete his M.S. in Molecular Microbiology at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2021, and his Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at UTSA in 2026. His research focuses on the intersection of fungal infectious disease and diabetes. Matthew is currently applying to medical school, driven by a passion for combining research and patient care. Equally dedicated to mentorship, he is committed to helping others explore careers in medicine and science, an effort that aligns with his role as Assistant Executive Director of the Institute for Healthier Communities.

Jayde McKinnie-Myers

Operations Manger

Jayde earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University and is currently working at Cincinnati Children's Hospital as a Behavioral Health Specialist. Through the Institute for Healthier Communities, she hopes that members will be able to contribute to an equitable workplace culture that promotes accessibility. She is preparing to apply to medical school during the 2027 application cycle. 

Mykenna Roy

Growth & Recruitment Manger

Mykenna (she/her) is an MPH student at Emory University and a certified EMT pursuing a future career in medicine. With a background spanning public health, clinical care, research, and student leadership, she is especially passionate about expanding access to mentorship and resources for students who may not otherwise have strong connections to the medical profession. Mykenna works to expand the Institute’s reach, strengthen recruitment efforts, and connect aspiring health professionals with accessible resources and mentorship. She hopes to help build a community where students from a wide range of backgrounds can see a path for themselves in medicine and public health and have the support needed to pursue it.

Natalyia VanLiew

Board Member

Natalyia earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Ohio State University and is currently pursuing her medical education at The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. She is passionate about health equity, mentorship, and supporting students as they navigate their own paths into medicine. Through the Institute for Healthier Communities, she looks forward to supporting efforts that provide meaningful opportunities and resources to students interested in the health professions.

Caitlin Raid

Board Member

Caitlin is attending the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine working towards becoming a physician. She hopes the Institute for Healthier Communities supports its members in engaging with new opportunities to cultivate their careers while, helping its members find value in community involvement. 

Aaron Thomas

Board Member

Aaron is a higher education professional who has worked diligently for the last decade to support and advance the educational goals of students who have been systematically and educationally disadvantaged. He is pursuing an MSW to practice therapy for adolescents navigating life.

Jeremy French-Lawyer, MPH, CAS, CHES

Board Member

Jeremy (she/her) has been a researcher in a variety of fields for over sixteen years. She graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University with her Master of Public Health in 2017. Since then, she has conducted research related to disability and health, and has worked in both instructional design and higher education evaluation. She is disabled and is living with a chronic illness, and is glad to contribute her professional experience and individual perspective as a member of the Institute for Healthier Communities board. 

Khushi Bhondwe

Board Member

Khushi is a first-year medical student at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. As an aspiring physician, she hopes to expand accessibility of health knowledge and increase healthcare equity for folks of marginalized communities through building strong patient-physician relationships.