Deidre Johnson, MBA

CO-CEO

Deidre joined CAA Health in December of 2015 as CEO and Executive Director and served in that role for ten years. As Co-CEO, Deidre leads Strategy, Development, Advocacy, and Board Engagement. In this role, she oversees fundraising and revenue diversification, donor and institutional partnerships, communications and external relations, and policy and advocacy efforts that advance health equity. As the externally focused Co-CEO, Deidre is responsible for driving CAA Health’s long-term strategic vision and expanding its reach through cross-sector collaboration. She works closely with healthcare systems, government partners, philanthropy, and community-based organizations to build sustainable, community-centered solutions that address systemic disparities in access to care.

A results-oriented executive, Johnson has an extensive background in strategic planning, grant making, grants management, fundraising, program development, project management, strategic learning, and systems evaluation. She has been recognized among peers as an exceptionally creative, innovative, collaborative, adaptive leader who consistently achieves professional and organizational goals. Johnson is an ASCEND Aspen Institute Fellow, a Highland Leader, a Transformative Leadership for Change Fellow and a Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Livingston Fellow. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Colorado Public Radio, a Board of Directors of the HealthCore Foundation, and a member of the Rose Community Foundation – Community Grants Committee.

A Denver native, Johnson graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Princeton University, and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She has two sons, Noah (22) and Jordan (21), and a dog (Zulu).

Paula M. Brown

CO-CEO

Paula joined CAA Health in February 2017 and brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She offers deep expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, and community engagement. A graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in Communications, Paula has built a career focused on strengthening organizations from the inside out. She has led numerous initiatives centered on talent and employee development, helping teams grow while building systems that support long-term sustainability and meaningful impact.

As Co-CEO, Paula leads Operations, Programs, Finance, and Organizational Excellence. In this role, she ensures the organization’s programs are delivered with quality and care, financial stewardship remains strong, teams are supported, and internal systems operate efficiently and sustainably. Her leadership helps ensure the organization’s mission-driven work is backed by strong infrastructure and operational excellence. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Paula has a proven track record of developing innovative solutions that elevate teams and improve performance. Her experience spans human resources, facilities and property management, strategic planning, and vendor relations. She excels at optimizing processes and scaling systems that increase efficiency while strengthening overall organizational success.

Outside of work, Paula enjoys spending time with family and friends and values the connections that bring balance and fulfillment to life. She is also an avid reader who enjoys exploring a wide range of genres, finding that reading both inspires creativity and supports her continued personal growth.

Alan Harmon

Director of Programs

Alan Harmon leads a dynamic and diverse team committed to advancing wellness and equity in the community. With over seven years of experience developing and facilitating Parenting Education Programs, Alan has played a key role in implementing evidence-based initiatives such as the Strengthening Families Program and the 24/7 Dads Program. He is also the architect of impactful community engagement models like Barbershop Talks, designed to reach youth and adult males in authentic, culturally responsive ways. Alan is known for his infectious energy and humor, which he uses to foster inclusive, trust-based relationships with individuals and families. His work is deeply rooted in a strengths-based philosophy, empowering people to build on their capabilities to thrive in the present and prepare for a successful future.

Prior to his role at CAA Health, Alan spent 25 years in the medical field, working as a Radiology Technologist across hospitals in Philadelphia and Denver and as a Dental Lab Technician in Denver. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Alan has always been driven by service and community. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch and operate a successful catering and personal chef business for eight years, fueled by his passion for food and connection. Beyond his professional achievements, Alan remains committed to youth development and family empowerment through youth sports and innovative community programming, continuing to be a trusted leader and mentor in the lives of many.

Alan’s unique blend of healthcare experience, program development, and grassroots engagement reflects his unwavering dedication to the well-being of Black families and communities.

Kourtlin Hunter

Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator

Kourtlin Hunter is the Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator at the Center for African American Health, where she is responsible for program development, individual support, advocacy, and educational initiatives. With a strong background in residential mental health casework and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Kourtlin has expertise in treatment planning, crisis intervention, and advocacy.

Through her efforts to raise mental health awareness and foster a culture of openness, Kourtlin aims to make mental health care accessible to everyone. She is dedicated to serving as a valuable resource for both individuals and organizations, providing essential support and tools needed to navigate mental health challenges effectively. Her commitment ensures that those seeking assistance have access to the guidance and resources necessary for their mental health journey.

Bonnie Kutauskas

Clinic Manager

Bonnie Kutauskas brings more than 15 years of experience leading multi-site medical practices across urgent care, occupational medicine, and specialty clinics. With a diverse background spanning multiple health care specialties and leadership roles, Bonnie is committed to making affordable, accessible health care available to the community.

She is deeply committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where patients feel at ease sharing their health care needs. Recognizing that not every clinic can meet every patient’s requirements, Bonnie thoughtfully draws on her knowledge, experience, and community resources to ensure individuals are connected with the care and support they need.

Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, reading, and hiking in the mountains.

Mercy Masvikeni

Nutrition Education Specialist

Mercy Masvikeni serves as CAA Health’s Nutrition Education Specialist. She is passionate about public health nutrition and helping communities build practical nutrition skills while expanding access to healthy, nourishing food.

Mercy is dedicated to promoting long-term health and reducing the risk and burden of chronic disease through nutrition education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from UT Arlington and is an NCHEC Certified Health Education Specialist. Her work focuses on developing and delivering impactful, age-appropriate nutrition education programming.

Outside of work, Mercy enjoys spending time with family and friends, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring foods and cuisines from around the world.

Nyia Milton

Perinatal Resource Navigator

Nyia Milton is a dedicated perinatal resource navigator with over a decade of experience supporting the birthing community. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology, specializing in maternal health, Nyia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Her passion for empowering expectant parents is evident in her extensive experience in lactation support and her passion for nutrition amongst mothers and children. With a commitment to providing personalized care and guidance, Nyia is a trusted resource for individuals navigating the journey through pregnancy and into parenthood.

Joseph Odhiambo, MA, Accounting, MBA

Director of Finance

Joseph is a financial enthusiast with over twenty years of combined experience in the US GAAP as well as the non-profit organizational space in Colorado. His role includes overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls to ensure responsible stewardship of the Center’s resources. He partners with leadership, the Board, banking partners, and funding institutions to align financial strategy with mission-driven impact and long-term sustainability, strengthening the Center’s capacity to serve the community effectively. “When Financial vision and mission align, we create not just stability but lasting transformation for communities we serve.”

Miya Vaughn

Office Manager

As Office Manager, Miya brings a strategic, systems-focused approach to operations grounded in community-centered leadership. Her career has been built at the intersection of structure and service — ensuring organizations operate efficiently while never losing sight of the people they serve. Before her role at CAA Health, Miya held leadership positions with Archway Communities and the Denver Housing Authority, where she managed complex administrative operations, oversaw budgets and compliance, strengthened vendor partnerships, and supported cross-functional teams. Throughout her experience in housing and community-based organizations, Miya developed a deep understanding that strong internal infrastructure is essential to meaningful external impact.

Her leadership style is both results-driven and relationship-centered, and Miya believes operational excellence requires clear communication, accountability, and collaboration. Miya is passionate about building systems that are not only efficient but sustainable — systems that empower teams, support leadership, and create measurable outcomes. In her role as Office Manager, Miya is focused on:

• Enhancing operational efficiency and organizational alignment
• Strengthening communication across departments
• Implementing structured processes that support growth and scalability
• Creating an office environment where clarity, professionalism, and support are the standard