MEET OUR TEAM
Office of The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing Staff
Denise Anderson, Ph.D., MPH
Inaugural Executive Director
Darah Bagby-Prosser, MHS
Program Coordinator – Work Force
Darah Bagby-Prosser is a passionate environmental and public health advocate with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy from Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and a Master of Health Science in Environmental Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research explored how environmental conditions affect both physical and mental health in communities.
At CHEW–NJPHI, Darah serves as Program Coordinator for Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce Development and provides coordination support across all strategic impact areas. She is driven to support community development efforts that create healthier, more equitable environments, helping build the systems and workforce needed for communities across New Jersey to thrive.
Melissa Domizio
Executive Assistant, Office of the Executive Director
Melissa Domizio is an accomplished administrative professional with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, higher education, and business operations. She has partnered with executives, senior leaders, physicians, and multidisciplinary teams to manage complex priorities and strengthen organizational efficiency. Melissa is recognized for her professionalism, optimism, discretion, and commitment to excellence and integrity.
As Executive Assistant at the Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing (CHEW), Melissa supports the Office of the Executive Director, helping to extend executive capacity and advance organizational priorities. She manages executive scheduling and coordination, supports key meetings and engagements, facilitates correspondence and follow-through, and helps ensure effective coordination across CHEW’s growing portfolio of work.
Melissa has studied General Business at Drexel University and plans to continue her degree in the future. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family and fur babies.
Marcus Henry, MPH
Program Coordinator
Marcus Henry is a dedicated public health professional whose career and academic foundation were forged during the COVID-19 emergency response. With experience serving urban, suburban, and rural communities across New York and New Jersey, he has focused his work on addressing health disparities, advancing community health, and strengthening public health systems. Marcus holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Health from Rutgers University, where he developed a strong commitment to advancing health equity through collaborative, community-centered approaches.
At the Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing (CHEW), Marcus serves as Program Coordinator for Rural Health Opportunity Zones (rHOZs), supporting the implementation of community-driven initiatives that improve health outcomes in rural New Jersey. He coordinates stakeholder engagement, program operations, and data-informed activities while working alongside community partners to advance health equity and strengthen public health infrastructure across the state.
Consolata Mogeni, MPH
Program Manager – Research and Development
Consolata Mogeni is a dedicated health equity advocate with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Public Health from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in Global Health from New York University. She brings experience designing and implementing public health programs across nutrition, research, workplace wellness, and COVID-19 mitigation.
At CHEW–NJPHI, Consolata leads the Democracy & Health impact area, guiding the institute’s civic engagement and public policy work, and overseeing the institute's data strategy and use. She is passionate about building sustainable, community-driven health initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and using data-informed approaches to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes across New Jersey.
Adaobi Ndupu, MPH
Program Manager – Health Opportunity Zones
Adaobi Ndupu is a first-generation Nigerian American and a lifelong lover of science. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and public health from Rutgers University and her Master of Public Health from Drexel University. Adaobi brings experience leading and managing programs across the health, education, and social services sectors.
At CHEW–NJPHI, Adaobi leads the implementation and day-to-day management of the Health Opportunity Zones (HOZ) impact area, working closely with community partners to turn place-based strategies into action. She is deeply committed to health equity and justice, driven by a passion for supporting communities facing the greatest barriers to health, and advocates for solutions that address education, income, and social and structural inequities.
Wesley Tahsir-Rodriguez
Director of Operations and Public Health Programs
Mr. Wesley Tahsir-Rodriguez joins us as our inaugural Director of Operations and Public Health Programs. Before joining us, Mr. Tahsir-Rodriguez worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Laboratory Systems, in the Office of Training and Workforce Development. Before CDC, Wesley was the Chief Operating Officer of the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) network of five clinics serving primarily indigent populations in New York City.
His prior experience included 10 years at the USHHS (United States Health and Human Services) -HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration), the Federal agency that provides direct funding for services at the community level. His most recent work there involved working with state and local health departments to identify medical provider shortages and develop provider recruitment and retention strategies for FQHCs in Region II (NY, NJ, PR, USVI). This effort sought to ensure a robust workforce that reflected the cultural and linguistic needs of the communities served.
Wesley has served in capacities as national policy director for two large health advocacy organizations focused on minority health. He has also worked at the local level, including stints as Director of the Ryan White Program and Housing Opportunities for People Living with AIDS (HOPWA) in Newark and with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
He also has hospital experience from his time with UMDNJ/University Hospital and St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center in New York City. Wesley's work has centered on strong collaboration with key community stakeholders and strategic partnerships. Wesley grew up in North Jersey and currently lives there with his wife and two young daughters. His goal is to ensure everyone has access to comprehensive, appropriate, high-quality medical care. The Director of Operations and Public Health Programs provides leadership and oversight for CHEW’s day-to-day operations and public health program portfolio, ensuring effective coordination, implementation, and delivery across the organization. The Director strengthens organizational systems, policies, and processes; supports program teams and cross-functional collaboration; and helps translate CHEW’s strategic priorities into effective operations and measurable impact.