WHO WE ARE
Meet the individuals who help guide and support our organization. Our Board Members bring a diverse range of experiences and expertise to the table, and we are proud to have them on board. We invite you to learn more about each of our Board Members and the important role they play in helping us achieve our mission.
We are an organization that addresses the health and wellness needs of the community with a focus on prevention education and the reduction of youth substance abuse.
MISSION
VALUES
Our core values are:
Connection
Outreach
Relevance
Inclusivity
Create and nurture genuine connections by promoting positive outreach with relevant resources; encompassing all of the health and wellness needs of our community.
VISION
A Little History...
"Drug Free Highlands" (DFH) was organized as a community coalition in 2003 due to increasing youth substance abuse rates.
As approved by the Board of Directors in 2008, this mission was to organize, inform, educate, and unite the community in its efforts to reduce substance abuse.
In 2010, DFH shifted its focus toward prevention strategies, including providing information, social marketing campaigns, community prevention events, offering training to members of our community, as well as mobilizing law enforcement to do compliance checks, and enforce existing laws, policies, and procedures.
Meet The Team
Aisha Alayande
Executive Director
Aisha joined Heartland Core Wellness (formerly Drug-Free Highlands) in 2011 as a part-time coordinator. She has previously held positions at the School of Visual Arts and Financial Network. Her management expertise and visionary mindset enable Aisha to guide HCW toward sustainable community improvement. She loves being a mom and enjoys food, music, and laughter. #AishaMeansLife
Monica O'Neill
Program Manager
Monica started with Heartland Core Wellness when it was Drug Free Highlands over 15 years ago. Her support as Office Manager and overall team player has helped the organization become nationally recognized for it's efforts in prevention. Monica stepped into the role of Program Manager in early 2024.
Sharon Garcia
Healthy Start
Home Visitor
Sharon is a passionate and skilled professional with extensive experience in administrative support and customer service. She has organized family literacy programs, supported parent involvement in schools, and conducted home visits, showcasing her commitment to improving the lives of families. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Sharon excels in creating meaningful connections with diverse communities, which is essential for her role as a home visitor with the Healthy Start Program.
BOARD MEMBERS
Board member, Chairman
Larry Moore
Board member
Rachel Cooper Mercado, MD
Board Member, Vice Chair
Sara Jones Bush, Esq.
Board member
Mary Von Merveldt, EdD
Board member, Treasurer
Jamal Baskin
Board member
Jimmy Sclater, PhD
Board member
Jeannie Báez