Kandice D. Kershaw, BS, RMA.

Founder, Executive Director

Ms. Kershaw is a dedicated healthcare leader and educator with over a decade of experience advancing quality improvement, policy, regulatory compliance, and community health initiatives.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Science with special emphasis in Health Services Management. She also holds multiple Professional Certifications; Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, CPR Basic life support and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She serves on two Eastern-States subcommittee boards through The American Heart Association.

Kandice blends clinical insight with operational expertise to drive measurable outcomes in safety, performance, and patient satisfaction. She is passionate about fostering equity in healthcare access, mentoring future leaders, and creating systems that empower both staff and patients.

Carla Mintz

Board Member, Digital Communications Lead

Ms. Mintz brings a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit to her role as Director of Web and Social Media Content for Neighborhood Vitality Corp. With years of experience in digital content creation, Carla has managed and developed online platforms that connect communities, engage audiences, and drive meaningful conversations.

As a freelance artist and owner of her own creative business, Carla has honed her skills in branding, marketing, and audience engagement. Her artwork, known for its vibrant Abstract Realism style and celebration of Women of Color, has reached diverse audiences through exhibitions, online sales, and educational art events.

Carla has also spent many years working in 911 emergency communications, where she has learned the importance of staying calm under pressure, serving the public, and communicating clearly when it matters most. During that time, she has also trained new dispatchers and developed instructional materials – an experience that has taught her how to educate, support, and empower others.

Combining her skills in public service, training, and creative storytelling, Carla helps Neighborhood Vitality Corp. share its mission and connect with the community in a meaningful way.

Jilisa Henry, COTA/L, AAS, BA.

Board Member, Patient Advocacy Coordinator

Jilisa brings over a decade of frontline healthcare experience as a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to her role at Neighborhood Vitality Corp. Having worked directly with patients in skilled nursing and rehabilitation settings, she has a deep, practical understanding of the challenges individuals and families face when navigating the healthcare system.

Her career has been dedicated to optimizing patient care—not only through hands-on therapy but also by ensuring the administrative and insurance systems work for the patient, not against them. This unique blend of clinical knowledge and systems-level problem-solving is what she now channels into empowering our community members.

As Patient Advocacy Coordinator, Jilisa is a dedicated guide for individuals feeling overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance complexities, or access to care. She believes that health is a human right and that knowledge is the key to unlocking it. Her mission is to demystify healthcare, advocate fiercely for patients' needs, and ensure that every person in our community has the tools and support to live their healthiest life.

Mhegan Carbone, M.Ed

Board Member, Development Coordinator

Mhegan has nearly two decades of experience as an educator. She has served in various roles, including teacher, reading coach, mentor, workshop developer, facilitator, and liaison. Mhegan serves NVC as our Education Coordinator and she is well versed in meeting the needs of diverse students and families. She is excited to work with the community to improve literacy outcomes. She is a firm believer in literacy as a tool by which communities can empower themselves and engage in critical thinking necessary in the 21st century and beyond.