Our Leaders

 Our Founder and President, Dr. Ansel Johnson is an Optometrist and a 30+ year veteran in the eye care industry.

 He has been featured in several publications including Black Enterprise Magazine, where he is recognized as being among the top 101 leading Black Doctors in the United States. He represented as the only optometrist listed in this elite group. Dr. Johnson is a pillar of the Blue Island community who promotes positive leadership and a leader in primary health care. 

Shanelle Brandon received her Undergraduate Degree from DePaul University in Business Administration and her Master’s in Health Care Administration/Education. She has worked in Healthcare Organizations over the past 25 years including University of Chicago Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center and currently as Senior Administrator at UI Health. She is passionate about community health.

Dr. Thompson is interested in serving people with allergic and non-allergic respiratory problems as well as other allergy related ailments. He is also interested in cultivating initiatives for healthy living as it relates to diet, exercise, and spiritual enhancement. Dr. Thompson is board certified in immunology and is an expert on COVID 19 vaccine. He has additional certifications in nutritional medicine. He is passionate about educating the community about the benefits of plant-based diets or moving more towards plant-based food consumption.

 Carl Byrd is a seasoned management executive. He has served in a leadership capacity for 32 years in city and county government.  Lauded as a tenacious and unflinching advocate for problem solving initiatives, it has been through his unwavering drive and commitment to "getting it done" achieved through relationship building and hard work.  

He oversees the day-to -day operations of the DOB and has developed operational strategies, and a focus on 

commitment to excellence. 

 Ms. Hurston is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) who brings the latest knowledge and expertise to managing the overall operations of associations. Her background offers a unique perspective in association management that is based on experience in managing various aspects of large and small organizations. Her skills bring strategic planning & implementation, program management and project development, in addition to financial management, legislative advocacy and marketing strategy. 

As of 2020, Sherie Yvette Withers-Banks is a 22 year Lupus Survivor and 14 year Kidney transplant recipient. (Her brother, Jihad was her donor) She is a nutritionist at a medical center and provides nutrition care for patients within the centers five sites. Sherie is also a professional model and Whitney Houston look-a-like Tribute Artist as well. Ms. Yvette Withers-Banks utilizes her entertainment platform to bring awareness to Lupus and Diabetes care.

COO of International CyberBanque, Ltd., Allison DeBonnett has performed admirably in a number of professional leadership capacities. He has more than 30 years of financial services and information technology experience. Most notably, Mr. DeBonnett developed the architecture for an Internet payment innovation called CyberMoney®, first introduced at Harvard University.

Currently, as Vice President of Government Affairs with Addus Homecare, Ms. James advocates, lobby, and educate Illinois Legislators on the importance of continuing federal funding for Home & Community Base Services for the elderly population. Ms. James continue her advocacy by meeting with Congressional members at the White House, State Representative, State Senators, and local officials across the State of Illinois for legislation and policy changes for continued homecare services for seniors and improved wages for homecare workers. 

Mastering in social work, Dian M. Powell has led a 15 year contribution as Executive Director and presenter in demand on topics such as diversity and education. Collectively, Dian M. Powell is an expert in her profession. A brilliant strategist, with the ability to develop and foster development of long - term fruitful partnerships.  Strategic growth, innovation, program coordination, budget planning, team building, and organization development, Dian M. Powell has driven success. 

  Dr. Wheeler is a Primary Care Physician with Porter Physician Group in Chesterton Indiana. She has served as Past Medical Director and Primary Care Physician at Steel Family Health Care Center in Indiana. She is a Diplomat of American Board of Family Medicine and holds a certificate in primary care sports medicine. Dr. Wheeler is extremely interested in care for patients living with diabetes and health disparities with chronic health care conditions.

Deidre E. Hines possesses a Bachelor of Science in Business and Psychology from Bradley University in Peoria Illinois, a Master of Business Administration from Illinois Institute of Technology in 

Chicago, IL , a Master of Divinity and a Master of Pastoral Clinical Counseling from Garrett Theological 

Seminary in Evanston Illinois.  She worked in food manufacturing for over 31 years in various managerial positions in the field and corporate offices.  She currently is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois working in a private practice.  Deidre is passionate about caring for the whole person 

physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Michael Washington grew up on the south side of Chicago in the 70s as an only child raised by his cool mom!  Although his dad was absent, many cousins stepped in to fill his father’s void.  He attended Bret Harte and Murray Elementary Schools and Kenwood Academy High School.  He served in the US Army as a combat medic prior to earning his doctorate degree in pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1995. He has been working as a pharmacist in the Chicagoland area for over 30 years helping people not only understand the importance of taking medication, but also promoting a healthier lifestyle through lifestyle modifications.

Kimberly Battle Miller, MD, MS, MBA. has nearly 30 years in medical practice. Board-certified in Palliative Care and A Hospice Medical Director. Dr.  Battle Miller is a Board-certified Pediatrician, Fellowship-trained Integrative Medicine Attending, Former Pediatric Critical Attending. Holding a Masters of Biochemistry, Masters in Business Administration, Dr. Kim is a respected physician, author, speaker, and coach with a special interest in the Health and Wellness of women in leadership roles. She is the System Medical Director of Palliative Care and Hospice for a 10-hospital medical center in the Chicagoland area.