Our Team

UC Foundation Assistant Professor, Vicky B. Gregg Chair in Gerontology

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Dr. Kristi Wick is the Vicky B. Gregg Chair in Gerontology, leading the University’s efforts to advance nursing science, adopt best practices, foster leadership and design and shape policy related to the health of older adults. Dr. Wick earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2019 and her Master’s of Science in Nursing in 2008, from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga School of Nursing.
Dr. Wick’s undergraduate work includes earning her BSN through the Rural Health Program at ETSU in 1999 and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of South Florida. Dr. Wick holds a certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (2009) and as a Gerontology Specialist – Certified (2018).

Currently, Dr. Wick is serving as a primary investigator for two grants related to older adult health care. The “Intrastate Network to Deliver Equity and Eliminate Disparities” (INDEED) initiative, funded by the Tennessee Department of Health, enables grant staff to provide education, support, and resource navigation empowering faith and religious communities to serve older adults and caregivers in their congregations and neighborhoods.

The “Rural Health and Older Adult Interprofessional Mobile Health and Workforce Recruitment Program” (ROAD-MAP), also sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Health, provides funds to procure a mobile health unit to provide interprofessional health care for older adults and caregivers in eight rural counties in southeast Tennessee. 

Age-Friendly Program Director

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Stephanie Blaine serves as the Age-Friendly Program Director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s School of Nursing, a position she assumed after previously serving as Project Manager for MobileMOC and engAGING Communities. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Chronic
Disease Prevention and Control at UTC. Stephanie also holds a Master of Education in Teacher Leadership from UTC and earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Human Development from East Tennessee State
University.

Prior to her current role, Stephanie worked as the Coordinator for the Children’s Center at UTC. Before joining the university, she was the Director of Community Kids and Camp Ridgedale, a ministry of Ridgedale Baptist Church. Outside of her professional work, Stephanie volunteers as an advisor for Alpha Delta Pi sorority, teaches a cycling class for UTC Campus Recreation, and enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with her loved ones.

Nurse Practitioner

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Rebecca C. Miller is an experienced and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with nearly three decades of nursing experience, including over 25 years as a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner. She currently serves with MobileMOC, an interdisciplinary mobile health unit supported by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s School of Nursing. In this role, Rebecca delivers community-based primary care and health promotion services, reaching underserved populations through innovative, collaborative outreach efforts.

Her work builds on years of service within UTC’s University Health Services, where she provided comprehensive care to students, faculty, and staff—managing both acute and chronic conditions, promoting wellness, and contributing to the development of clinic policy and interdisciplinary programming.

Rebecca is recognized for her clinical leadership and dedication to education and public health. She has served as Interim Director of UTC Student Health Services, chaired search committees, and mentored numerous Family Nurse Practitioner students and medical residents. She’s been actively involved in initiatives such as Exercise is Medicine, Smoke-Free UTC, and the Eating Disorder Team, reflecting her holistic and proactive approach to healthcare.

Rebecca earned her Master of Science in Nursing with honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, specializing in Adult and Occupational Health. She is certified by the ANCC and licensed in the state of Tennessee. She remains active in professional organizations and community outreach, continuing to advocate for accessible, patient-centered care.

Marketing and Advancement Specialist

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Julie is the Marketing and Advancement Specialist for MobileMOC. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern & Classical Languages and Humanities (International Studies) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and earned a Master’s in Global Higher Education from the Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid, Spain. She is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts and music, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring new places. A lifelong learner at heart, she’s passionate about discovering how the world works – whether through travel, culture, or traditional classes.

Operator

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Joshua Epperson brings a unique blend of professional expertise and artistic talent to his role as the MobileMOC operator. With a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and 10 years of driving experience, Joshua safely and efficiently navigates our MobileMOC to its various destinations.

Before joining our team, Joshua built an impressive 25-year career in customer service and management, developing exceptional interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of how to meet people’s needs with grace and professionalism.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Joshua is a remarkably talented musician who has mastered 16 different instruments. His passion for music extends into his spiritual life, where he serves as the associate pastor at his church and travels with a gospel quartet, sharing his musical gifts with communities near and far.

Interprofessional Education and Practice Coordinator

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Dr. Meagan Oslund is an accomplished occupational therapist and dedicated educator serving as the Assistant Professor of Practice and Interprofessional Education and Practice Coordinator for the ROADMAP Grant at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) School of Nursing.

Dr. Oslund earned her doctorate from UTC in 2021 and has advanced certifications in stroke care and treatment within the hospital setting. Before transitioning to academia, she worked as an occupational therapist in the acute care setting at CHI Memorial Hospital, where she honed her expertise in providing high-quality patient care.

Passionate about fostering interprofessional collaboration, Dr. Oslund is driven by a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes within her community. She believes that the future of healthcare depends on the interdependence of all healthcare disciplines, moving away from a siloed approach to embrace collaborative, patient-centered care.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Oslund enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, and sharing time with her husband and baby.

MobileMOC Registered Nurse

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Lili Reynolds is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Registered Nurse with over six years of experience in emergency and primary care settings. Lili holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist University. She brings a calm, solutions-oriented approach to her work, shaped by years of fast-paced, high-stakes clinical environments. At MobileMOC, Lili is driven by a deep commitment to public health, healthcare equity, and ensuring that no one goes without care simply because they can’t afford it or access it.

A proud advocate for community-based nursing, she’s passionate about meeting people where they are—both geographically and emotionally. Whether she’s coordinating referrals or educating patients, Lili believes in building trust through culturally responsive care and clear communication.

Prior to joining MobileMOC, Lili worked at University Health Services, the on-campus clinic for students, faculty, and staff at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. There, she discovered the value of consistency and continuity in patient care—how seeing patients in the rhythm of their daily lives allows for deeper education, relationship-building, and long-term support in ways the emergency room rarely allows.

Outside of work, Lili enjoys hiking with her husband and their elder hound mix, Tucker, who now insists on gourmet kibble and frequent naps. She’s also an avid traveler who finds joy in learning from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Community Health Worker

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Dionne Gray is the Community Health Worker with MobileMOC, where she connects community members to the care, education, and resources they need to stay healthy. With a background that bridges emergency medical services and public health, Dionne approaches her work with equal parts compassion and practicality; meeting people where they are and helping them navigate barriers to care with dignity and trust.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Public Health from Grand Canyon University, where her studies centered on emergency management and rural health program evaluation. Currently, Dionne is pursuing a Doctor of Health Administration at Grand Canyon University, focusing on leadership and data-driven approaches to improving community health systems.

Before joining MobileMOC, Dionne served as a graduate intern with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Emergency Management Division, gaining experience in preparedness planning and interagency coordination. She also spent more than five years as an Advanced EMT, Field Training Officer, and EMS Instructor—roles that deepened her understanding of how access, communication, and trust shape health outcomes long before someone ever reaches the hospital.

Outside of work, Dionne enjoys kayaking on the Tennessee River, hiking local trails, painting, and spending time with her friends and family. When she’s home, she’s usually joined by her black tabby, Cletus, who keeps her company through study sessions and creative projects alike.

Program Manager

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Emily Clark is a Registered Nurse with over six years of experience, with a focus on community health nursing for the past several years. Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Prior to working on MobileMOC, she worked for UT Knoxville on the Community Registered Nurse Navigator (CRNN) Project. Through her work to provide health education and increase awareness about available resources in communities, Emily realized a passion for public health. She received her Master of Public Health degree from UTK in December 2025. Emily is dedicated to improving access to care and health resources in Tennessee, especially in the rural communities that MobileMOC reaches. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, reading, and enjoying the company of friends and family.

MPH Program Director and Associate Professor

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Dr. Amir Alakaam is the Master of Public Health Program Director and Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the state of Tennessee. Dr. Alakaam has clinical experience in family medicine and nutrition, as well as extensive teaching and research experience in the area of nutrition and public health. He holds a PhD in Nutrition and Food Systems from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MS in Nutrition and Dietetics from Marywood University in Pennsylvania. His research interests focus on using the concepts of the Socio-Ecological Model to address health and nutrition needs of marginalized populations. He is also interested in research related to breastfeeding policies and practices in the U.S. His publications have appeared in journals such as the Journal of Epidemiological Research, Journal of Human Lactation, Journal of International Students, and AIMS Public Health.

Associate Professor of Social Work

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Dr. Cathy Scott received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama, Birmingham and her master’s degree in social work from Alabama A & M University, Huntsville, Alabama. After more than twenty years of practice, Dr. Scott pursued and completed the PhD in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her work as a gerontological social worker inspired her doctoral research. Dr. Scott teaches across the BSW curriculum, advises students and has served as chair and member on undergraduate and graduate thesis committees. Dr. Scott has a passion for Social Work education and is excited to have the opportunity to mentor aspiring social workers and prepare them for effective social work practice.  In addition to her research, scholarship and service work at UTC, Dr. Scott serves on the advisory council and otherwise volunteers at several community agencies supporting them in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of older adults & families.

Associate Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator

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Erin Pemberton Melhorn is an Associate Professor and Doctoral Capstone Coordinator in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, an OTD from Belmont University, and a PhD in Learning and Leadership from UTC.

Dr. Melhorn is a board-certified specialist in gerontology, with teaching interests that include geriatrics, assistive technology, leadership, and professional practice. Her research focuses on Parkinson’s disease, interprofessional education, and expanding access to occupational therapy services. She brings a breadth of clinical experience and continues to practice in home health, supporting older adults in achieving meaningful engagement and independence.

She is committed to preparing students for thoughtful, evidence-based practice and values the opportunity to engage students in learning through the MobileMOC. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters