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. This has driven him to help establish this Institute.

Matthew Mendoza Barker, MS

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

Matthew is a PhD candidate studying fungal immunology at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He is working towards attending medical school after the completion of his PhD, and is passionate about helping others pursue careers in medicine and science.

Natalyia VanLiew

Board Member

Natalyia earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Ohio State University in 2022 and is currently continuing her education at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. Through a combination of research, clinical work, and community service, she has developed a passion for health equity and a strong understanding of the barriers that affect both patients and aspiring healthcare professionals from marginalized communities. These experiences have fueled her commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, which is the ultimate goal of her work as a Board Member of the Institute for Healthier Communities. 

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 Healthy Communities board. 

Khushi Bhondwe

Board Member

Khushi is currently a Research Coordinator for the Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at University of Chicago. She is currently applying to medical school during the 2026 application cycle.