Corporate Access: HIPAA for Nonprofits and Community Workers

Ronessa (Ron-e-sha) Strickland-Roberts MPH, CHES, CAHI, CMA is the Owner and Principal Consultant of Volcano Consulting, LLC (VC) and the Founder and Executive Director of Inspiration and Change, Inc. She developed her love for public health and the nonprofit sector while volunteering as a young adult and even moreso when she was obtaining her Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting. Ronessa took a work study job, in the late 90’s, in the local health department's STD department. There she was introduced to prevention strategies, health promotion, and epidemiological and surveillance strategies. As a Certified Medical Assistant, she crafted her clinical skills and strategically worked and volunteered in areas that would strengthen her understanding of public health and nonprofit strategies. She has worked in various public sectors as a Medical Assistant and as an administration, coordinator, manager, and director in varied clinical, quasi-governmental, community, and nonprofit settings. As an avid reader and serial learner, she boasts expertise in many areas of public health with nearly 30 years’ experience. A self-proclaimed “public health nerd”, many people know Ronessa for her love of teaching and mentoring others, and find her to be a practical, encouraging, and inspirational leader. She feels fortunate to know the work she does is exactly what she was born to do. Ronessa is known for her innovative mindset, her willingness to welcome diverse thinking, and her ability to inspire others to successful implementation of those innovative ideas. She loves to teach, enlighten, and inspire others. Inspiration and change, Inc.’s mission is inspired by Ronessa’s passion to address the social determinants of health in a manner that is most meaningful and impactful to the individuals and communities served through Inspiration and Change, Inc.