Joyce Opher, a Dorchester County, MD resident since birth, is an educator by nature but a caregiver by trade. She has worked under the educational systems of both Dorchester and Caroline Counties for more than 30 years including early childhood education; and to this day, remains a caregiver even outside of her work as a Community Health Worker.
Ms. Opher is an advocate for the health and outcomes of minorities and the aging populations within and outside of the Dorchester communities and because of her dedication and commitment to improving circumstances for the community she serves, Joyce Opher was appointed, Executive Director of Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions, Inc. – a community based, non-profit, health education and training organization serving Dorchester, Talbot and Caroline Counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. As Executive Director, Ms. Opher continues to cultivate relationships with community members and partners.
Joyce manages a team of Community Health Workers and Peer Support Specialists who work together developing solutions for Health Equity and reducing the disparity gaps among underserved populations. Joyce began her career as a Community Health Worker and Community Liaison with Associated Black Charities, gaining unparalleled experience in the field of outreach, education and program management, while also establishing herself as a respected and trusted Health educator. Currently working as the Executive Director for Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions, Inc., Ms. Opher is widely known for her ability to comfort, empower and encourage community members which are often enough motivation for program participants to modify their behaviors and make lifestyle changes resulting in improved health outcomes. Joyce is a catalytic change agent for the populations she serves daily.
Ms. Opher has her degree in education and spent the last 24 years of her life, learning everything there is to know about the health care industry from a non-clinical position and is currently applying that knowledge to ensure that her colleagues and community partners are engaged and where her responsibility is to facilitate training, strategically advocate for the underserved, and implement program services the promote health equity.
Through her current position, compassion for humankind and her long-standing history with community engagement and connecting people to resources at Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions, Joyce is making her mark through the building of trust and the establishment of strong, meaningful relationships among individuals, families, community and services agencies alike.