In this post, we’re introducing some of our WeTHRIVE!℠ neighborhood navigators. Navigators take on a more formal role in working with Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH) to focus on policy, systems, and environmental changes around nutrition and physical activity in their WeTHRIVE! communities.
“Neighborhood navigators help us make connections and build meaningful relationships in an effort to create a healthy and safe community for all,” says Alex Gonzales, senior population health specialist with HCPH. “We’re excited to have a dedicated group of people from a variety of backgrounds coming together for the good of Hamilton County.”
Let’s meet them!
Gwen Chesser, Golf Manor
Gwen is retired from the printing industry. She and her husband have lived in Golf Manor since 1998. She became a WeTHRIVE! neighborhood navigator in 2019, and recommitted as a co-navigator in 2024 with Patricia Lalesnel. Gwen is interested in partnering with local farmers to bring fresh produce to the community and installing free little food pantry boxes in Golf Manor.
Gwen was the 2023 WeTHRIVE! Champion for Service to the Community (read more here).
Patricia Lalesnel, Golf Manor
Although Patricia says that Gwen “coerced” her into becoming a navigator, she is glad she did it. “I am already reaping the benefits of the position,” she says. “I am more aware of the people, events, and needs within my community.”
Patricia raised her family in Golf Manor and has lived there for 20 years. She is retired from the Council on Aging. She also serves on the Golf Manor village council recreation committee.
Charity McFerron, Arlington Heights
Charity is a teacher who works in the Positive School Culture department with Cincinnati Public Schools. She is a third-generation resident of Arlington Heights, as well as the third generation of her family to live in the same house.
Charity decided to become a navigator because she was familiar with WeTHRIVE! and has been very active in the community. “I love my community and I saw this as an opportunity to jump into this work to find new ways to make our community even better!”
Margaret Wienholts, Lockland
A retired teacher, Margaret has lived in Lockland for more than 30 years. She got involved with WeTHRIVE! in 2022 and was honored as the 2024 WeTHRIVE! Champion for Leadership & Initiative (read more here). “I believe I will be able to dig deeper into how to meet the needs of Lockland by being a navigator,” Margaret says. “The support of the health department and their partners will provide me with the directions and the tools our WeTHRIVE! team can use to meet our goals for Lockland. It is going to be an exciting year!”
Jacqueline Johnson-Wilkinson, Mt. Healthy
Jacqueline is executive director of the Mt. Healthy Alliance (a WeTHRIVE! partner organization). She’s lived in the community for 48 years, having moved to Mt. Healthy as a child. Helping others in her community is very important to Jacqueline. “Being a navigator allows me to empower community members to get involved, engage, and give back to the community.”
Daniel Snelling, Elmwood Place
Dan has lived in Elmwood Place since 2019. His wife is a third-generation resident of the village. He is a village councilmember and works in customer service for Gold Medal Products.
Dan says he decided to become a WeTHRIVE! navigator because “the people of this community have been forgotten… I saw this as a way to help get services, grants, and opportunities and to give back.”
Chris Williams, Lincoln Heights
Chris has been the director of public works for the Village of Lincoln Heights for four years and he currently serves as interim village manager. He has actively engaged in initiatives that promote community well-being and connectivity. “My deep commitment to this area, along with my passion for expanding access to vital resources, led me to become a navigator.”
Chris believes that “every member of our community deserves the knowledge and support to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.” He is passionate about creating safer, more accessible spaces for residents to stay active, improve their quality of life, and strengthen community ties. Chris has already completed a lot of work towards this, with street projects, the village’s Active Transportation Plan, and the Parks and Recreation Plan.
Cofi Higgins, Woodlawn
Cofi is a natural for the navigator position, as in her words, “I’m all about wellness and I’m all about hope in the community.” She loves the Village of Woodlawn, where her family moved when she was in high school. Although she left, she came back and has lived here for the past nine years. She works as a consultant and owns and operates By Cofi, a faith-based lifestyle brand that is rooted in physical, spiritual, emotional, and social wellness.
Cofi’s love for her community and passion for wellness led her to become a navigator. She’s excited about learning more about food systems and growing food to ensure that residents have access to healthy food. She enjoys working with WeTHRIVE! population health specialists and appreciates the access to data and resources that comes along with WeTHRIVE!
Pam Jackson, Addyston
Pam is a lifelong resident of Addyston and a village councilmember. She became a navigator to serve as a liaison who will help bring resources to her community to make it a healthier place to live, work, and play.
So far in her work as a navigator, Pam has been involved with recycling events, the weekly walking group called Walk & Roll Addyston, and holiday free food distribution events.
Julie Stacey, Cheviot
Julie has lived in Cheviot for 33 years. She works at the University of Cincinnati as the assistant academic director/lab coordinator for the microbiology department.
Julie decided to become a navigator because “I feel that it is very important to give back to your community. I am also interested in community health, and emergency preparedness. Being a navigator, allows me to combine these interests together!”
So far, Julie has been working to increase awareness about WeTHRIVE! in Cheviot. Her team is also planning a community hazardous waste drop-off event for April.
Annaliese Clear, North College Hill
Anneliese has been a North College Hill resident since 2002. She raised her children in the community and actively participates in multiple local groups, contributing to numerous volunteer efforts. Currently, she serves as the recreation director and is also a board member for the local choir group.
Anneliese became a WeTHRIVE! navigator to build on the WeTHRIVE! team’s efforts in North College Hill. She is committed to expanding the team and engaging more community members, believing the WeTHRIVE! initiative can greatly benefit the community. She is currently working on implementing a pop-up demonstration project in the community to improve pedestrian safety and promote active transportation, as well as developing a volunteer registry.
We’re inspired by this group of dedicated WeTHRIVE! neighborhood navigators! Stay up-to-date on their activities by following WeTHRIVE! on Facebook (@WatchUsThrive) and Instagram (@WeTHRIVEHamCo). Enter your email address below to subscribe to our blog posts!