Our Leadership Team

CHIEF OF STAFF

Karen earned a Bachelors of Science from the Albany College of Pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

As a specialty pharmacy team leader with over 20 years of experience, Karen brings a “we win together” attitude to EMO Health. In 2012, she designed and developed a nationally accredited PGY-1 Community Residency Program, and served as the Residential Director to create a pipeline of future pharmacist leaders over the past decade.

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

Shasha Barboza-Wade is a Ashworth College and Harvard Business School alumni.

Beginning her career in private banking before moving on to the nonprofit sector, Shasha has made a career centering on providing high level executive support to those in the human services arena. Shasha’s responsibilities and expertise range from recruitment, employee training, compliance oversight, budget management, and process implementation to name a few. She has been a Notary Public since 2004.

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Kayleigh earned a Bachelors of Science from Northeastern University and a Masters of Family Practice Nursing from the University of Massachusetts.

Over the past 10 years, Kayleigh has served the most vulnerable patient populations as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Nurse Practitioner at Project TRUST - one the first clinics to treat individuals with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts.

DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Brian earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

As a pharmacist in recovery, Brian brings a sense of empathy and lived experience to EMO’s services and clients. He strives to reduce the stigma and challenges of navigating the addiction treatment ecosystem, as well as support other healthcare professionals in recovery.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Anna earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut.

Anna has extensive experience working in community and retail pharmacy. She performed drug utilization reviews for up to 2,000 prescriptions per week and coordinated prescription benefits to ensure patients received critical medications on time and at an affordable price. Anna’s true passion is building relationships, and you will often see her greeting her patients by first name, and possibly greeting their pets too.

GREATER BOSTON REGIONAL PHARMACIST

Elthea earned a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Simmons College and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

For the past decade, Elthea has been providing patients with severe trauma and co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders with the dignity and quality of care they deserve, including serving as the pharmacy manager at a 62-bed psychiatric hospital.

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL PHARMACIST

Youssef has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

For the past 6 years, Youssef held various positions in community pharmacy including Staff Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager, and most recently Regional Supervisor for over 20 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire. As a pharmacist, he has helped develop several company initiatives for the community to improve patient care and outcomes in underserved communities.

Youssef is fluent in Arabic and English and fully embraces all cultures and backgrounds.

NORTHEAST REGIONAL PHARMACIST

Anita earned a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

Over her 25 year career as a pharmacist, Anita has held key leadership positions including as the Director of Pharmacy for the Massachusetts State Office of Pharmacy Services (SOPS). She has extensive experience dispensing medications to patients at 49 state-run facilities including DMH, DPH, DDS, DOC HOC, and other correctional facilities.

In 2015, she was named “Pharmacist of the Year” by Comprehensive Pharmacy Services. Anita also has strong ties with her Polish heritage and served as the National Director of the Polish American Congress.

METRO WEST REGIONAL PHARMACIST

Carlos earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

Carlos brings with him a wealth of experience in many diverse areas of pharmacy practice. Over the past 10 years Carlos has helped research therapies for neuro-cardiovascular disorders at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, served as a Transition of Care Specialist for high-risk patients with multiple chronic conditions and history of multiple hospitalizations, and served as the Clinical Operations Manager responsible for the pharmacy operations of 12 correctional facilities across Massachusetts. He strives to serve the unmet needs of his community and his patients and is passionate in the pursuit of reducing the negative health outcomes caused by substance use disorders.

Carlos is fluent in English and Spanish and is an avid fan of Lawrence High School basketball, yoga, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

CENTRAL REGION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MANAGER

Erik earned a Bachelor’s of Sociology and Business Administration from Fitchburg State University. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Business Administration from Fitchburg State University.

Erik has over 15 years of experience in the human services field, specifically working in residential and congregate care settings licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (MA DDS) . Erik gained experience in many roles as a direct care staff member, Residential Program Director, and most recently as an Area Operations Director.

Erik has been an advocate for the most vulnerable and underserved populations in our state, serving as a Medication Officer (MAP), Human Rights Officer and Resident Advocate for the last 15 years. Erik brings this experience and a personal passion to help those in addiction recovery maintain their course in living a healthier life with safe medication management.

WESTERN REGIONAL PHARMACIST

Gabe earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Rose graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in 2019. She majored in Sociology and has a minor in psychology. With a strong foundation in various administrative and support roles, Rose has honed her skills in data entry, case management, and organizational tasks.

Rose's three-year experience as a teaching assistant in the public school system enabled her to develop and refine her administrative skills. During this time, she efficiently handled a variety of tasks, from managing student records and coordinating schedules to assisting with instructional materials and providing support to both faculty and students.

As a lifelong learner, Rose’s passions include reading, delving into various topics of interest, and caring for her beloved cat, Gigi. As a queer woman, Rose enjoys attending drag shows, organizing queer get-togethers in her community, and supporting queer artistic expressions.