ABOUT US
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Together we’re shaping a healthier future for our community.
Peggie burgess
MPA, Executive Director
Peggie Burgess, the founder and driving force behind the success of Center for Change, brings 19 years of experience in the non-profit sector. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, she established Center for Change following the untimely death of her sister Renee, who passed away from colon cancer at the age of 48. An Instructional System Developer by trade, skills she honed in the Air Force, she has developed most of the programs within the agency. Her desire is that no one goes without health care and that all individuals know how to prevent and or self-manage their health conditions.
MEET OUR STAFF
tAMISHA MAJOR, M.S.
Tamisha (Mimi) Major is the Program Manager at Center for Change, Inc. Upon joining the team, she became a Certified Leader in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and later became a Master Trainer. Tamisha is responsible for monitoring and providing oversight of programs; coordinating training classes, health screening events, and other activities; and cultivating long-term community partnerships. She encourages others to take charge of their health, holistically. Tamisha has a Master Degree in Counseling and Psychology and a Bachelor Degree in Health Services Administration. She has over a decade of successful experience in the non-profit sector holding various positions in mental health, quality improvement management, and health education and outreach programs. Although Tamisha enjoys being involved in several community and international service organizations, her most precious time is spent creating memories with her husband and 2 boys. She loves being a “boy mom.”
MICHELLE BLACKWELL
Michelle Blackwell is the Administrator at Center for Change. As Administrator, she maintains files and inventories, assist in facilitating staff training, provides updates on policies and procedures, and oversees volunteerism. She graduated from Indiana University in 2002 and later relocated to Florida. Michelle has been working in the nonprofit sector since 2001, and health education since 2016, when she joined Center for Change. She became a certified facilitator for Self-Management Resource Center in January of 2017 and a Master Trainer in August of 2021 in which she facilitates workshops and trainings throughout the Tri-County area. Michelle has a heart for educating the community about the importance of living healthy lifestyles. She enjoys watching sunrises and spending time with her cats, King, George, and Wade Wilson. An avid historian, Michelle never passes on reading a history book or watching historical documentaries.
HECTOR RODRIGUEZ
Hector Rodriguez is a dedicated community health worker and certified health coach with over eight years of experience serving minority communities. As a leader in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), Hector has empowered countless individuals to take control of their health and improve their quality of life. His passion for helping others extends beyond his professional life; he is also a devoted leader at his church. When he's not working or volunteering, Hector enjoys playing and watching soccer, Formula 1 and loves to walk.
MARIE JEAN DENIS
A dedicated and experienced Change Agent with more than a decade of experience in health education, case management, and referral services, Marie Jean Denis is skilled in promoting health and well-being among a variety of populations, including seniors and youth. She is a health educator and is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish, and English, furthering her reach in the community. Marie prides herself in possessing effective leadership, a deep commitment to enhancing community health outcomes, and excellent relationships with clients, families, and communities. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Marie is passionate about basketball and soccer and takes pleasure in socializing with others.
Shari Williams
As a Maternal Health Telehealth Community Health Worker in partnership with Orlando Health, Shari Williams’ role is geared towards enhancing the well-being of pregnant and postpartum mothers, assisting with care coordination and resource help, being an accountability partner and offering community emotional support that is also essential to a mother’s health. Shari received her degree in Fashion Design and Business; however, her passion for helping people steered her to community engagement and volunteerism, eventually being a Veteran’s Administration Peer Support Specialist. Shari’s interests are fashion, cooking/baking, and spending time with family and friends.