Human Services Council Staff

Ayesha Santana

Ayesha Santana. MPHA

Program Director, Dr. Robert E. Appleby School-Based Health Centers
 

About Ayesha Santana

Ayesha Santana is the dynamic Director of Human Services Council School-Based Health Centers (SBHC), calling Norwalk, CT her home base. With an unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch, patient-centered health care, Ayesha has dedicated over a decade to serving Connecticut residents. She’s not just in the business of health care – she’s a force for transformative change.

At the heart of Ayesha’s mission is school-based health care, where she orchestrates a symphony of care that seamlessly integrates with students’ academic pursuits. With her team of dedicated clinicians and staff, Ayesha is reshaping the landscape of student well-being, positively impacting graduation rates, absenteeism, tardiness, grade promotion, withdrawal/dropout rates, failing grades, and disciplinary problems. Her vision is to ensure that every student, regardless of circumstance, has access to top-tier health and wellness services through SBHCs.

Ayesha’s academic pedigree is as impressive as her professional track record. She earned her Bachelor’s in Applied Science from Monroe College, Bronx, NY, and then went on to achieve her Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY. Her journey to the top includes standout roles such as Interim Chair and Adjunct Professor at Mandl College in NYC’s Health Administration department, and Program Coordinator for WTC at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Most recently, Ayesha held the prestigious position of Director of Operations for Optimus Health Care, the second-largest non-profit health care organization in Fairfield County, where she left an indelible mark from 2014 to 2021.

Ayesha Santana is not just a director – she’s a visionary leader, a catalyst for change, and a relentless advocate for community health. With her at the helm, the future of health care in Connecticut is brighter than ever before.

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