Blog Contributors

Jeffrey Hoffman, Ph.D. – Founder & CEO

Dr. Hoffman provides overall strategic direction and leadership for Danya. Overseeing all aspects of Danya’s strategic alliances and commercial ventures, he is responsible for the strategic growth of the company. Dr. Hoffman is trained as a clinical psychologist and researcher, with specialized expertise in addictions treatment, tobacco control, HIV prevention, and family relationships. Through his work at Danya, Dr. Hoffman has spearheaded the development of numerous health-related Web sites, videotapes, multimedia programs, and social marketing projects. He received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.A. in Family Studies and Child Development from Stanford University, and a B.A. in liberal arts from Michigan State University.

Lucia Palacios, MSW – VP, Head Start

Lucia Palacios, MSW, is Danya’s Vice President of Head Start Programs. Ms. Palacios is a champion for children and lives by the philosophy that social change can only be made by believing in the power of children and families to positively shape their own destinies. She has dedicated her career to Head Start and to meeting the needs of preschool children and families, and the professionals who serve them. Ms. Palacios is recognized in the field of Head Start and early childhood education as a strategic thinker, trainer, and advocate of strong communication channels among staff, parents, and Boards of Directors. Prior to joining Danya, she was the Executive Director of Orange County Head Start, Inc., which provides child development and family services to more than 4,000 children annually. She also served as the president of the California Head Start Association for four years. Ms. Palacios holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Santa Barbara and a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University. In 2004, she participated in a Head Start/Johnson & Johnson Management Institute at the University of California in Los Angeles. In 1998, Palacios was one of 10 individuals selected from across the country to participate in a National Head Start Fellowship in Washington, DC, where she worked with senior-level officials to create national policies for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Melissa Beaupierre, MPH - Senior Director, CDC NPIN

Ms. Beaupierre has more than 20 years of health and social service experience, including 17 years as a senior-level manager or director. She has devoted her career to efforts to impact HIV/AIDS, STD, TB, viral hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. She is experienced in developing and providing technical assistance, training, capacity-building and evaluation resources to HIV/AIDS community-based service organizations on a variety of prevention issues. Ms. Beaupierre also has expertise working with diverse populations and developing programs, including social marketing initiatives. She holds a Masters in Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of South Florida.

Rupal Mehta, MPH - Partnership and Outreach Coordinator, CDC NPIN

Ms. Mehta is an experienced healthcare communications professional. She is experienced in managing projects for national observance events; enhancing partnerships and stakeholder relationships and communication efforts; contributing to marketing, communications, and management for various events; developing media kits, press releases and other marketing materials; and managing and maintaining multiple social networking sites. Ms. Mehta holds a Masters in Public Health from Emory University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Journalism from the University of Tennessee.

Mim Landry – Senior Public Health Analyst

Mr. Mim Landry is a Senior Public Health Analyst at Danya International. He has content expertise in addiction treatment and prevention, mental health treatment, and public health communication. Mr. Landry has exception skills in analysis, synthesis, and writing, as well as project management. With these skills he leads the development of evidence-based tools for public health and behavioral health education, communication, and all phases of knowledge creation, knowledge application, knowledge management, and knowledge transfer. He is the author of numerous publications, including his book Understanding Drugs of Abuse: The Processes of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery, published by the American Psychiatric Press, Inc.

Jennifer Scherer, Ph.D. – VP, Program Management and Evaluation

Jennifer Scherer, Ph.D., has 20 years of experience conducting national and international  research and evaluation projects for an array of federal agencies as well as for nonprofit organizations. She joined Danya in September 2008 and serves as the Vice President of Program Management and Evaluation, providing supervision of contracts and grants; research and evaluation design and implementation; and development of business opportunities and partnerships. Dr. Scherer has authored or co-authored more than 50 publications and presented at national-level forums.