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.

Jinida Holt is the Volunteer and Support Coordinator at Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Miles College, and her Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University. She has exceptional experience working with vulnerable populations and program management with several non-profit organizations throughout the Birmingham area. Most recently, Jinida served as a Programs Coordinator at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama where she worked with community stakeholders to help feed at-risk communities in need. She has also worked with AIDS Alabama JASPER House Rehabilitative Day Program overseeing the implementation of psychoeducational groups and therapeutic activities for individuals living with a dual diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and a serious mental illness. As Volunteer and Support Coordinator, she manages and implements Forge’s peer mentor program, support groups, and community outreach activities. Jinida is driven and dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families navigating through their breast cancer experience and finding ways for the community and volunteers to forge together and support those in need.

Meg Pace Lovett is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from the University of Mississippi. Before joining Forge in 2022, Meg spent 15 years as a journalist in print, television and digital media. As Community Outreach Coordinator, Meg assists in furthering Forge’s sustainability, strengthening and establishing community partnerships, and marketing and communications.

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.

Yadira Robayna serves as Forge’s Interim Hispanic Outreach and 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.

Angie Wood is the Programs & Hospitality Coordinator 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.

Mary Bentley Barfield is a senior at UAB majoring in accounting. Mary Bentley wanted to work at Forge because she wanted to be a part of something she was passionate about. Her mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor. Mary Bentley supports Forge’s accounting management, running reports, reconciling accounts and compiling data. She is originally from Austin, Texas, but graduated high school in the Auburn/Opelika area. Mary Bentley hopes to continue working in nonprofit accounting and data analytics after she graduates in 2024.

Christy Barrera serves as our Hispanic client services. Christy is a sophomore biomedical sciences major at UAB with a minor in psychology. Raised in Peru, Christy has a passion for serving our Hispanic/Latino communities, especially those impacted by breast cancer as her mother is a breast cancer survivor. Christy says, “I am excited to be part of an organization that ameliorates breast cancer warriors and survivors lives!”