Carolyn Rodgers

Dr. Rodgers is the Bachelors Program Director, Professor of Practice for the Department of Public Health at Simmons University. She is also the Chair of the Board of Commissioners and the Coordinator for the Division Board for Professional Preparation and Practice (DBPPP) for the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Dr. Rodgers is the the Co-founder of the American Heritage Youth Foundation (AHYF), a non-profit organization that specializes in program planning, implementation, research and evaluation for community based interventions. She is passionate about public health because it involves "everything" and is influenced by all things and people. She is passionate about education, health, and creating equity, service and opportunities that are geared to uplift and excel mankind. She has published articles and has presented at various national health conferences alike. Dr. Rodgers brings her expertise in community health, fitness, and research to inspire, improve, and excel public health practice.
 

Education

• PhD, Public Health/Epidemiology, Walden University, White Hall, Minneapolis, MN
  May 2008 – February 2013
• MPH, Community Health, Walden University, White Hall, Minneapolis, MN
  February 2006 – May 2008
• MHS, Addictions Studies, Governors State University, University Park, Illinois
  August 2003- August 2005
• B.S Community Health Science, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois
  August 1998- May 2002

License/Certifications

• Master Certified Health Education MCHES®
• NASM, Certified Youth Exercise Specialist (YES)
• ACE, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• NASM, Certified Group Training Specialist (GTS)

Community Engagement

Dr. Rodgers is engaged in substance use and mental health services, she is also engaged in youth and adult health and fitness.

Research/Special Projects

Dr. Rodgers research focuses on health disparities, mental health, health and nutrition, substance use and fitness. In her spare time she writes poetry, songs, and plays. listed below are some of the research and special projects she has worked on.

US. Department of Education Fowlkes (PD) 09/01/06-08/31/09
Carol M. White Physical Education Program
The goal of this project was to develop and Physical education curriculum that increased physical activity and health education for elementary students.
Role: Research Associate/ Evaluator

P20 5P20MD001816-02 Samson (PI) 09/01/03-08/31/06
National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities
The goal of this project was to develop minority faculty in health disparities research development
Role: Special Projects Manager/ Research Associate

SAMHSA SP-03-005 Samson (PI) 09/01/03-08/31/2008
Project SKIPP Saving Kids through Integrated Prevention Programs MSI CBO
The goal of this project was to provide prevention education and pilot testing and collaborations between minority serving institutions and surrounding communities.
Role: Prevention Specialist/ Special Project Manager

P20 1 P20 MD001816-01 Samson (PI) 09/01/0/06-08/31/12
Research Infrastructure in Minority Serving Institutions
The goal of this project was to develop minority faculty in health disparities research development
Role: Research Associate

Publications/Presentations

Publications

Henderson, V., Chuckwudozie, I., Comer- Hagans, D., Coffey, V., Grumbach, G., Spencer, S. Rodgers, C. et al. (2021). Development of a culturally targeted narrative intervention to promote genetic counseling among African American women at risk for hereditary breast cancer. Cancer.


Spencer, S., Rodgers, C., Coffey, V. (2019) Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Among High Risk African American Women: A systematic Review. the Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.

Spencer, S., Rodgers, C., Coffey, V. (2019). Barriers to uptake of genetic testing experienced by women diagnosed with breast cancer (In progress). Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.

Battle, A. L., & Rodgers, C.D, Elbert, S. (2018). Master of Public Health Competencies: A Case Study Approach. In CEPH MPH competencies primer. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

Rodgers, C, D. (2015). Smart technology for Mapping Obesity; tracking obesity, for overuse of smart technology as a Risk Factor. Journal of Health & Medical Informatics.

Rodgers, C, D. (2013). Hospital food: The conundrum behind a nutritious meal. Retrieved from: http://thegeneralistofhealthandanythingelse.com/2013/02/28/hospital-food-the-conundrum-behind-a-nutritious-meal/

Rodgers, C, D. (2013). Peppermint oil: The menthol effect. Retrieved from: http://thegeneralistofhealthandanythingelse.com/2013/02/25/peppermint-oil-the-menthol-effect/

Estes-Rodgers, C, D. (2012). Influence of social disorganization on hiv and crack trends among African Americans. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from: https://www.proquest.com/openview/45aeca73c338dc09dc0926196d2c363c/1.pdf

Estes-Rodgers, C, D. (2008). Project SKIPP (saving kids through integrated prevention programs): Developing a sustainable project in a low-income community. 9th annual evidence-based conference: Translating research into best practice with vulnerable populations.

Estes-Rodgers, C, D. (2007). Project SKIPP (saving kids through integrated prevention programs). 2007 national HV prevention conference official abstract book.

Presentations

Rodgers, C., Bliss, K. & Redican, K (2020) Mapping academic curriculum to the updated practic analysis results. Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) 70th Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Rodgers, C. (2019). Developing a common purpose: Collective action for social change. Service and leadership seminar. Center of student engagement and intercultural programs. Gvernors state university (GSU), University Park, IL.

Bliss, K., Rodgers, C. & Redican, K. (2019). Mapping curriculum changes based on the new NCHEC competencies. American Public Heath Association Conference (APHA). Philadelphia, PA.

Mason, T.;. Battle, A.; Campbell, K.; Jackson, N., Blevins, A.; Woodson, M,; Rodgers, C.; Langer, J.; Ali, R; Parise, I; & Cheng, S. (2019). Levels of emotional intelligence as a contributing factor to substance use behaviors among college athletes: A quantitative approach. American Public Health Association Conference (APHA). Philadelphia, PA.

Rodgers, C. (2019). 2019 Alternative spring break: Costa Rica. Governors State University, Research Day, University Park, IL.

Comer-HaGans, D.; Coffey, V.; Grumbach, G.; Spencer, S., Rodgers, C.D.; Kaur, R.; Aguirre, K.; Chukwudozie, I.B;.; Vida Henderson, Watson,K.; Balthazar, C.;Odoms-Young, A.; Winn,R.; and Hoskin,K. (2019). "Creating a mobile device-based educational intervention for African American women with hereditary breast cancer risk. Governors State University, Research Day, University Park, IL.

Coffey, V.; Ivy,T., Harding,B., Muse, M., Rodgers, C.D., Crowder,L., Spencer, S., Strickland,J., Grumbach, G., Campos-Moreira,L., Comer-Hagans,D., and Matthews, A. (2019). Exploring cancer health disparities among formerly incarcerated African Americans. Governors State University, Research Day, University Park, IL .

Campos- Moreira, L.D, Grumbach, G. & Rodgers, C.D (2018). How social workers can evaluate their practice. Latinio Social Work Organization Conference (LSWO) 2018 meeting, Chicago, IL.

Redican, K. Clark, J. Rodgers, C.D, Bliss, K. & Narh C. (2018). Aligning program curricular to HESPA competencies, National Commission for Health Education Credentialling, Inc (NCHEC):Webinar, part.

Rodgers, C. D, Battle, A., & Chuckwudozie, B.I. (2018).Mapping prostate cancer and social disorganization to explore health related quality of life (HRQL)"American Public Health Association Conference (APHA). Sanfrancisco, CA.

Rodgers, C.,Balthazar, C., Evans, R., Winn, R., Watson, K., Chuckwudozie, I.B., Zenk, S.(September 2017).Investigating the association between social disorganization, Health-related quality of Life, and Prostate Cancer diagnoses in African American Men. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Cancer Health Disparities Conference. Poster Presenter, Atlanta, GA.

Redican, K., Clark, J., Rodgers, C.D & Lysoby, L. (March 2017). Curricular mapping of health education courses with health education specialist practice analysis (HESPA) competencies and sub-competencies.SOPHE 68th Conference, Scaling new heights: Health for All, Oral Presentation/ Presenter, Denver, Co.

Rodgers, C., D., & Battle, A, L. (March, 2016). Urban health from a community health perspective. Invited guest lecturer for social work udergraduate students. Governors State University, University Park, Illinois.

Battle, A. L., Danley, L. L., Rodgers, C.,D., Day, J., &; Smith, K. (2016, February). Assessing the health of military-connected students through a traditional college wellness lens. Paper presented at NASPA Symposium on Military-Connected Students, Orlando, FL.

Rodgers, C., D. (Series).Module 1: Recovery coaching: Mentoring as part of a recovery oriented system of care, presented at Governors State University, Recovery Coaching Seminar, University Park, Illinois. Dates Completed: April 2016, February 2016, October 2015, June 2015, February 2015, November 2014, October 2014, April, 2014, February 2014, November 2013, September 2013, April 2013, February 2013, October 2012, February 2012, March 2012, September 2011, February 2011.

Rodgers, C., D. (February, 2014). Influence of social disorganization on HIV and crack use trends among African Americans. Presented at Governors State University. An Evening with African-American Researchers.

Rodgers, C., D. (January, 2014). Understanding basic assessment of health program planning. Presented at Governors State University, Community Health Program Committee Meeting, University Park, IL.

Outlaw, G., Carr, C., & Rodgers, C., D. (November, 2010). Making meaning of HV and aids in economically marginal African American communities; Panel Presenter: Health Inequities Conference at Governors State University, University Park, IL.

Rodgers, C., D. (October, 2009). Community organizing concepts: an introduction to the real world, presented at Governors State University, One Church One Addict Quarterly Report Meeting and Training, University Park, Illinois.

Outlaw, G., Carr, C., & Rodgers, C., D. (September, 2008). Women on the ground, making meaning of hiv and aids in economically marginal african american communities. Presented at the Illinois African American Coalition for Prevention Quarterly meeting, Chicago, Illinois.

Estes-Rodgers, C., D. (2008). "Saving kids through integrated prevention programs". Minority HIV/AIDS Workshop (2008). Detroit, MI. Presenter.

Estes-Rodgers, C., D. (2008). "Saving kids through integrated prevention programs: Developing a sustainable project in a low-income community". 9th Annual/ international evidenced-based practice conference: translating research into best-practice with vulnerable populations, Glendale, AZ. Presenter/Abstract.

Estes-Rodgers, C., D. (2008). "project SKIPP (saving kids through integrated prevention programs): Using a school based program in a multidimensional intervention. ). DePaul University Case Study, Chicago, IL. Case Study Presenter.

Estes-Rodgers, C., D. (2007)."Project skipp (saving kids through integrated prevention programs)". National HIV Prevention Conference: Promoting Synergy between Science and Program, Atlanta, GA Presenter/Abstract,

Estes-Rodgers, C., D. (2007). Project skipp (saving kids through integrated prevention programs): Year three. One SAMHSA MAI Institute, Palm Springs, CA. Round Table Discussion/Presenter.

Estes, C., D. (2006). Presenter, Project skipp (saving kids through integrated prevention programs): Year One and Two. Grantee Conference: One SAMHSA MAI Institute, Hollywood, FL. Roundtable Discussion.

Estes, C., D. (2005). "STI's and HIV/AIDS prevention". Thornridge high school, Riverdale, IL. Guest Speaker/Presenter,

Estes, C., D. (2005). "Basic grant writing: How to write a grant". American heritage youth foundation, Chicago, IL. Facilitator/ Presenter,

Estes, C., D. (2004). "Basic HIV/AIDS education for African Americans". American Heritage Youth Foundation, Harvey, IL. Facilitator/ Presenter,

Estes, C., D. (2003). "The road to expectations: A student- athlete". Thornton Township High school Athletic Banquet, Harvey, IL. Guest Speaker.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

• Member, American Public Health Association (APHA), Epidemiology Section
• Member, American Public Health Association, (APHA), ATOD Section
• Member, American Public Health Association, (APHA), Health Promotion Section
• Chairwoman, Division Board for Professional Preparation and Practice, National Commission for Health Education
  Credentialing, Inc., (NCHEC).
  (January 2014 to Present).
• Public Health Editor, Journal of Health and Medical Informatics
  (January 2012 to present).
• Reviewer, International Journal of Public Health
  (January 2018- Present)