Gina Woodward brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, state government, and workforce development to the MICI-AHEC. Gina has served on the Indiana AHEC Network Advisory Board for the past two years and received the 2024 AHEC Hero Award for her collaboration with the state network to support behavioral health workforce development efforts. Gina also assisted with federal and state workforce development grant coordination on behalf of the Indiana’s Division of Mental Health and Addictions, and has served hundreds of Indiana students and teachers as adjunct faculty in the school counseling and counselor education department at IU Indianapolis, professional school counselor and classroom teacher. Gina’s passion for connecting individuals to education and workforce opportunities will provide strong leadership for our MICI-AHEC team.

A’Shanti Bogan-Turntine brings a wealth of knowledge about and understanding serving people who live in underserved populations and those who are seeking a degree.  A’Shanti’s experience includes an oversight in being a director for educational programs and serving the higher education population. She has more than 10 years of experience in the educational field. A’Shanti will provide great support to the Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana AHEC. A’Shanti is an alumna of Indiana State University where she pursued a Bachelors of Science In Human Development and Family Studies and is also an Alumni at Grand Canyon University where she pursued her degree in Masters of Science in Leadership.

Heather Blankenbaker, Project Manager, brings a strong background in public health, community engagement, and youth development to MICI-AHEC. She is passionate about advancing health equity and empowering underserved populations through culturally responsive programming and education. Prior to joining the University of Indianapolis, she focused on creating inclusive, supportive environments for underserved youth—building strong relationships, promoting educational success, and fostering leadership development at the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis. She brings this same commitment to equity, engagement, and empowerment to her role at MICI-AHEC, where she supports students and emerging health professionals across Central Indiana. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Cultural Diversity from Indiana University Indianapolis and is currently completing her Master of Public Health at the University of Indianapolis.

Monique Kerr, MPS, Program Coordinator, brings a wealth of knowledge about and understanding of serving people from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds. Monique’s experience includes oversight of programs for underrepresented minorities at Indy Parks and in Pike Township. She has over 10 years of experience working in the community and with youth. Monique provides great support to the associates of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana AHEC and her passion for helping others has afforded the associates a great deal of working efficiency. Monique is an alum of University of Indianapolis with her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Master of Professional Studies in Human Resource Development and Administration.