KHJN is made up of Board of Directors, grassroots educators and community activists, and volunteers dedicated to expressing multiple facets of reproductive justice.
Staff
Executive Director Erin Smith(they/she) is a born and raised Louisville native who graduated from DuPont Manual high school in 2009. After graduation they attended Northern Kentucky University where they majored in Political Science and minored in Pre-Law. Upon receiving their bachelor's degree, Erin returned home and later enrolled in the University of Louisville Women and Gender Studies masters program. Toward the end of their studies they wrote and defended their thesis project on the division between the African American church and their LGBTQ congregation. Email Erin
Trans Health Director Oliver (they/them) directs Kentucky Health Justice Network's Trans Health Advocacy program to ensure trans Kentuckians can access supportive, competent healthcare. Oliver graduated from the University of Louisville in 2017 with a degree in Political Science, with minors in LGBTQ Studies, Social Change, and Philosophy. Oliver has been involved as a leader of the pro-labor group Cards United Against Sweatshops, among other activities, and is passionate about issues of reproductive justice, expanding access to healthcare, and the power of clinical empathy skills for providers working with marginalized people (all providers) Email Oliver
All Access EKY Project Director Kelsie (she/her) is the Project Director of All Access EKY where she supports the program design, implementation, management, and evaluation of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health programming in Appalachian Kentucky. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from The George Washington University, Kelsie is a champion of science and evidence-based practices. Her graduate research evaluated SRH outcomes among pregnant incarcerated individuals, addressing the need for policy reform and implementation of best practices. Kelsie currently serves on the Kentucky Department of Public Health’s Family Planning Advisory Board and the Kentucky Youth Health Network Board of Directors. As an eastern Kentucky native, she is committed to supporting vulnerable, underserved areas and increasing opportunities for individuals to make empowered decisions about their reproductive health and their future. Email Kelsie
Operations Director Ashley (she/her) had been a long time volunteer for the Support Fund before coming on as full time staff in 2018. Ashley is passionate about access and is also a volunteer clinic escort. Ashley enjoys Twitter, following local legislation, and SCOTUS cases. Email Ashley
Take Root Conference Coordinator Kimberly (she/her) Her career in event management and design began over a decade ago at 21c Museum Hotels. Kimberly's experience includes developing and working events designed for various corporations like 21c, General Electric, Peerless Distillery, and Norton Hospitals. Her passions include turning the pages of a great novel, the electric atmosphere of live music, and creating a world where her children are free of the bigotry and hate of her time. Email Kimberly Sign up for Take Root updates!