Inside CHCM: My perspective and understanding of the CHCM team
Friday, August 1, 2025
When I first joined the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM) as a summer intern, I knew I would learn a lot, but I didn’t expect to learn so much just by talking to the team. These are more than job titles; these are people who care deeply about the work they do and the communities they serve. Through interviews, conversations, and just observing them work, I’ve gotten a better understanding of what makes CHCM run efficiently.
The following short profiles are my way of sharing what I’ve learned from each person and how their roles made a significant impact on me.
Riisa Rawlins – Chief Executive Officer
After spending time with and getting to know Riisa, I have discovered her passion and how ignited she gets when discussing solutions to the problems in our community. I’ve seen how much she cares about making sure every person on the team’s voice is heard— no one is ever left out or disregarded because CHCM has a collaborative environment. From my conversations with her, I notice not only that leadership can be both strong and compassionate but also that impactful leadership includes guidance and active listening as well.
Danielle Binion – Chief Strategy Officer
Danielle structures all the big plans for the CHCM. Our discussion has shown me that she talks to the community and addresses issues so she can make plans to solve them. She has to communicate with the team to gain knowledge on projects or things that may need improvement. Her work made me think about how important communication is while working in a trauma-informed care position. Not only do people in the communities need to be heard but also everyone working together to make change.
Grace Cobble – Senior Manager of Communications and Storytelling
From my many interactions with Grace, I’ve seen how hard she works to make sure that people’s stories are being heard in a way that respects their experiences and protects their emotional wellbeing. The stories she shares really help to connect with people on a deeper level and that vulnerability shows great trust. I admire how her work is not only about understanding, but also helping those who face challenges feel empowered and supported. Her role helped me realize how important advocacy and storytelling really is.
Molly Downing – Manager of Data and Accountability
Talking with Molly showed me how important keeping track of progress is in trauma-informed care work. I see how data is used to find patterns in the numbers that contribute to CHCM’s impact. Molly is deeply attuned and dedicated to connecting data to what actually goes in the communities. My talks with her have shown that the smaller details matter just as much as the other pieces. Her specific role let me know that paying close attention to details no matter how big or small can create great change.
Velva Hollimon – Senior Director of Operations
I’ve had the opportunity to work super closely with Velva as my supervisor this summer. From my conversations with her I have learned that time management and flexibility are vital transferable skills in her role. Velva works really well at balancing all the moving parts with and for the team— coordination and problem solving are integral parts of her day-to-day process. I have also noticed how much she values collaboration, because all of the work done at CHCM is a team effort. In my time with her she has created a very welcoming and supportive environment which helped me succeed, and that has made my CHCM experience truly memorable.
Sean Ivory – Director of Implementation in Southeast Missouri
As I have spoken with Sean, I gained some knowledge on how involved he is with the community. His work directly connects to the people CHCM is actively serving. His role requires a great deal of physical presence, attention, and care. I admire his ability to build and sustain trust with community members as that is something I’ve learned is crucially important to CHCM’s mission during my time here. In Southeast Missouri, it can be difficult for people to get local access to the resources and things they need, so his support and dedication is deeply appreciated.
Bridget Jones – Director of Development
During my time here I got a chance to talk with Bridget to see how well she grows CHCM by fundraising, building partnerships, and securing resources. Her relationship building skills strengthen the foundation of the organization really well. Her role helped me acknowledge how important fundraising is to make change happen and sustain it. She gave me insight on how fundraising really makes a difference when it comes to non-profit success. Her big efforts have made it possible for CHCM to deepen its impact in the community.
Joy Kuebee – Executive Assistant
Joy plays a key role at the Community Health Commission of Missouri. As the Executive assistant she supports leadership members by coordinating meetings, managing schedules, and keeping the organization on track. As we’ve had conversations, I’ve learned that planning events weeks or months in advance is very important in her role since she has to accommodate everyone’s schedule to make sure people can be available. Joy does a fantastic job at helping CHCM’s leaders stay focused on their work with the community. Her position reminded me that whether you are behind the scenes or front row, your impact still can still help create meaningful change.
Aja Owens – Implementation Manager, St. Louis
As I have gotten to work with Aja, I have seen her great dedication to advocate for the CHCM organization. Just after our first conversation I could already see how much devotion she has in the mission. Like some of the other teammates, one of Aja’s tools she uses frequently is partner and relationship building which is essential for the organization brand as a whole. During one of our discussions, I really appreciated the way she valued the voices and opinions of the youth. She believes that youth bring fresh new ideas, authenticity, and bluntness. Because of her commitment to youth perspectives, it reminds me that it’s important to listen to the voices of the community, specifically voices and issues that are overlooked.
Kayla Thompson – Senior Manager of Training and Technical Assistance
Working with Kayla on various occasions has shown me so much about how important trauma informed care is and the community CHCM serves. She does a fantastic job at educating and guiding others on the proper and appropriate responses to trauma. She also creates safe, comfortable, and supportive spaces for her participants to feel welcomed. Her expertise has allowed her to ensure that trauma informed care work is sensitive and relevant to people’s past experiences and emotional needs, which aids in providing care that’s healing and not harmful.
Danielle Small – Implementation Manager, Kansas City
As I have learned more about Danielle’s work at CHCM, she has helped me understand the importance of creating implementation in real change. Her work in coordinating plans, facilitating programs, and turning thought into action has shown me that she really values structure and adaptability. I’ve realized that closing the bridge in between planning and execution is another crucial piece to making sure that the organizational goals are being met. Danielle’s work has helped me appreciate that proper coordination is a key factor when achieving success in any corporation.
Robert Gibson – Director of Policy and Advocacy
In speaking with Robert, I gained insight into how CHCM stays active in health policy work. One of the current policy issues he’s focused on is Medicaid protection, especially with the recent passing of the HR1 legislation, which has important implications for the community. He explained how community stories are essential in shaping policy proposals and guiding CHCM’s advocacy work. Robert also shared how one of CHCM’s big wins has been securing local funding through powerful community testimonies. Our conversation helped me understand how even when policy moves slowly, staying connected to the community and committed to advocacy keeps progress alive.
As I reflect on my summer, I feel grateful to have been part of a team where every single person plays such a powerful role. Everyone I spoke to helped me see a different side of advocacy, leadership, care, and impact. Whether it was through planning, data, storytelling, or policy they all showed me how change really happens from inside out. These are lessons I will forever cherish.
– Loriel Goldsmith, rising junior and member of the St. Louis Internship Program