Advisory Board

Sick Cell's Advisory Board is composed of leaders and experts who use their skills, guidance, and knowledge to help us achieve our mission.

Rashid Ahmed, PHD, is a health equity researcher and academic leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning research, public health, higher education, and health policy. Trained at the University of Waterloo and Harvard, his expertise includes health equity, implementation science, population health analytics, and community-engaged research. He has led large, interdisciplinary initiatives focused on improving healthcare access, evaluating policy, and advancing systems change through partnerships with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, community groups, and public agencies. His work is dedicated to translating research into meaningful, equitable solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen communities.

Dr. Campbell is a graduate of Morehouse College and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency training at the Harvard affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Currently, he is the Director of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease(SCD) Program at Children’s National Hospital (CNH).. He has led CNH’s approaches to workforce diversity, health equity and inclusion. Dr. Campbell is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at George Washington University and a Faculty Affiliate at the George Mason University. As an international expert, has lectured regionally, nationally, and globally on issues related to the care and healthcare system approach to patients and families dealing with the effects of SCD. He has participated in numerous advocacy efforts for SCD patients and their families which included assisting with Sickle Cell Disease legislation (Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act of 2022 and the Sickle Cell Care Expansion Act of 2022), presenting at the 2018 Congressional Briefing (US Capitol) on Sickle Cell Disease Funding, and presenting at a White House Sickle Cell Awareness meeting.

As a physician, I understand the importance of being personable, compassionate, and knowledgeable in delivering the best care possible. As an advocate, I understand the importance of communication and my role in bridging the gaps between both roles in improving overall health and well being. What I truly desire are experiences which will mold me into a physician that exhibits the most competent and compassionate of traits that transcends healthcare. I am desirous to help lead and support the medical community in developing effective treatment strategies that are conscientious of the ever-increasing cultural plurality of our patient populations.

Barbara Harrison, MS, CGC, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Maryland, College Park and received a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from University of Pittsburgh. She is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors and currently serves on its Board of Directors. She is an Assistant Professor at Howard University and teaches graduate students, medical students, and medical residents in various specialties, in the areas of genetics, genetic testing, genetic counseling and ethics. In addition to her academic duties, she provides genetic counseling services at Howard University Hospital for a variety of referral reasons, including cancer and prenatal.

My name is Terrance Hill, a 44-year-old who was born with a pre-existing condition called Sickle Cell (SS), which could have disheartened me but only magnified the word, Warrior. A warrior is defined as a brave or experienced soldier or fighter who can be clearly understood by living a life hindered by pain that prevents you from accomplishing your life goals. I advocate helping improve the quality of life for our community of Warriors since our afflictions are never the same, but the hardships are similar mentally, physically, and financially since caregivers can in no manner determine when their loved ones will endure a pain crisis.

I was diagnosed at the age of 6 month's old w/ Sickle Cell Disease in 1983. Due to not much being known about SCD the Dr. who diagnosed me told my Mom, and grandmother that I wouldn't live past 20. However, being a family of faith we trusted in the lord understanding that God has the final say. Which has gotten me to now living well w/ Sickle Cell at age 41 years old. It has been a very interesting road getting to this point.

Brenda Martin contributes to the sickle cell community as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Research Coordinator to promote quality care through research. She received a Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University in New York City. As a clinician, she has provided comprehensive care to children with sickle cell disease and advocates for research to provide state of the art care.

Elisabeth M. Oehrlein, Ph.D., MS, is a mixed-methods researcher with expertise in patient engagement and the role of patient experience data in drug development, value/health technology assessment, and real-world research. Before founding Applied Patient Experience, LLC, Dr. Oehrlein served on the senior leadership team at the National Health Council, where she was responsible for research and education programs. She has spoken widely on the topic of patient-centered research, including invited presentations at the National Academy of Sciences and various Congressional Briefings.

Khristina Reid is the Executive Director of Virginia Sickle Cell Network. She and her husband, Shermane Reid are parents to 6 children- two of whom were diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth. On the journey towards navigating SCD, Khristina began to advocate with the desire to enhance the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease. Khristina facilitates her advocacy work through the following:
- Leading Virginia Sickle Cell Network
- Serving as an Ambassador with Sick Cells
- Working as the Co-Chair for Children’s Medical Group’s Patient Family Advisory Council.
- And, More.

Mariah Scott is a sickle cell warrior from New Jersey diagnosed at birth. She received a Master of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology to develop a medical and public health background from Seton Hall University and Rutgers University. She has been involved in sickle cell research for New Jersey developing pediatric to adult care transition programs for sickle cell patients.