Michelle Horn Brown is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama and Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law. Michelle is passionate about providing access to health services for women, with over 20 years in the nonprofit sector. Michelle is a member of the board of the Alabama CASA Network.

Janet Dees is the Client Services Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Samford University and her Master of Business Administration from UAB. Janet has over 20 years of experience working with women and their health-related issues. She is passionate about providing support and resources to women and those who love them as they navigate the cancer experience. As the Client Services Coordinator, Janet works with our clients to create the best possible plan to help meet their needs and situation.

Kiya Holmes is the Mastectomy Programs Coordinator at Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She brings a wealth of experience from various fields, including insurance, banking, consulting, tech, legal and health care. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Kiya has been honored with several awards throughout her career, including Creative Innovation and Excellence. With 18 years of experience, Kiya has adeptly led cross-functional teams, developed comprehensive programs and collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals. Kiya is committed to community service, supporting initiatives that enhance equity and access to resources for underserved communities. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (Co-Ed Business Fraternity) and the Junior League of Birmingham. Kiya navigates her life guided by four core principles: kindness, honesty, lifelong learning and service.

Meg Pace Lovett is the Vice President of Communications and Development for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from the University of Mississippi and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Before joining Forge in 2022, Meg spent 15 years as a journalist in print, television and digital media. As VP of Communications and Development, Meg assists in furthering Forge’s sustainability, strengthening and establishing community partnerships, and marketing and communications.

Frances McNeal is the Volunteer and Support Coordinator at Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at Auburn University. She has worked in the nonprofit world for the past five years, serving as a Director of Operations at Urban Avenues and the APAC Director of Training Events at the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama. She brings experience in both volunteer coordination and building supportive environments to Forge. Frances is passionate about empowering individuals and families through mission-driven work. As Volunteer and Support Coordinator, she manages and implements Forge’s peer mentor program, support groups, and community outreach activities.

Alaina Pineda is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Elon University, her Master of Industrial Design from University of the Arts, and her Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Alaina has over 13 years of experience supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to develop plans and programs that meet the needs of their patients, staff and the community at large. She is passionate about finding creative ways the healthcare industry can be innovated to improve experience, care and outcomes. As the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Alaina is Forge’s “big picture thinker,” as we expand across the state of Alabama.  She is also responsible for assessing Forge’s data and outcomes to inform positive physical and mental health transformations.

Christine Poole joins Forge as a 2025–2026 Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama Fellow. Christine brings a decade of experience in cancer care as a dosimetrist and is now channeling her passion into public health. Her fellowship project focuses on promoting early breast cancer detection and education among Black women under 40—a group often overlooked due to current screening guidelines. By increasing awareness of risk factors, family history and self-exam practices, Christine aims to empower women with the knowledge to take proactive steps toward their health.

Yadira Robayna serves as Forge’s Interim Hispanic Client Services Coordinator. She earned a degree in Theology from the Baptist Theological Seminary of Venezuela and a degree in Counseling from Fruitland Baptist Bible College in North Carolina. Prior to joining Forge, she worked for HIPPY USA in Fort Payne for 13 years and as the Counseling Program Director for the Alabama Baptist Convention. She is currently the Director of the Alabama State Baptist Women’s Organization, is a member of the National Hispanic Women Network, and serves as the Director of Women for the First Baptist Hispanic Church of Center Point. In her role at Forge, she provides support and resources to breast cancer patients and survivors who speak Spanish, and creates awareness of Forge across the state of Alabama.

Lauren Roberts is the Executive Director for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate at Louisiana State University. Lauren brings over 15 years of experience in a variety of non-profit settings and is passionate about supporting  and empowering women. Lauren serves as Co-Chair of the O’Neal Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement Community Advisory Board. As Executive Director, Lauren oversees the operations, strategic planning, and resource management of the organization.

Summer Spain is our new Lifestyle Programs and Hispanic Outreach Director for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She is bilingual and has over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, having owned and operated multiple Mexican restaurants. Summer has dedicated much of her life to serving others and working with the Hispanic and Latinx community, providing outreach, court translation, interpretation, and a variety of community services. Her passion for people and community service drives her commitment to improving access to resources for Hispanic and Latinx breast cancer survivors and to provide fun, healthy lifestyle classes for everyone. Summer is excited to bring her expertise to Forge and continue her work in supporting and empowering our community.

Angie Wood is the Programs Director for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelors of Science in Global and International Studies with a focus in Healthcare and the Environment. After graduation in December of 2019, Angie relocated to Birmingham with Teach for America. Over the last two years, she taught 8th grade English in Birmingham City Schools, and developed a passion for the Birmingham community. Some of her favorite hobbies include traveling, hiking and reading.