Board of Directors
Dr. Michelle Bean, Ph.D.
Founder and President
Dr. Michelle P. Bean a two-time breast cancer survivor is a native of Delray Beach, Florida. She is a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Human Services with a specialization in Health Care Administration from Capella University. In constant pursuit of education, she completed her PhD in Human Services. Dr. Bean is an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, the American Health Information Management Association, and she served as Secretary/Treasurer, and President of the New Mexico Health Information Management Association. She was awarded and recognized for her leadership, ongoing commitment, and dedicated service by the NMHIMA Board of Directors. Dr. Bean is also the Director of Health Information Management at Christus St. Vincent Health System, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Dr. Bean’s breast cancer journey began when her twin sister found a lump one evening before bed and results revealed: Stage 2B (IIB) invasive ductal carcinoma and the cancerous cells were also in her lymph nodes. After genetic testing, her sister’s results also showed that she was a carrier of the BRCA 1 gene mutation. As a twin, it was recommended that Dr. Bean get a mammogram as well. Her results revealed just six weeks apart from her twin sister, an earlier stage of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma in situ. After countless appointments, research, prayers, guidance, radiation treatments, and being her own advocate; she decided to undergo surgery, a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Dr. Bean never would have known she had a time bomb ready to explode! She truly believes it is important to, "listen to your body, advocate for your own health, and treatment methods; it may just be a decision that saves your life”. Her experience and passion to give back is expressed through the mission and vision of PINK "ME” (Providing Information, Networking, and Knowledge, "My Experience”) while supporting other women like herself. One of PINK "ME” s Programs: Connected by Cells, fulfills part of Dr. Bean’s vision, "changing something that’s commonly heard when diagnosed with breast cancer, having cancerous cells, into a positive virtual support platform that allows women to obtain information needed for their journey, connect and network with others, all while being compassionately supported”.
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Dr. Bean is a true example of the mission and vision of PINK “ME”, while helping others in the community and thriving in her leadership role- April 2021 she was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, five years exactly of her initial breast cancer diagnosis, April 2016. And this time doctors, based on her results, recommended chemotherapy as her best bet, ensuring that it would decrease her chances of another recurrence.
Dr. Bean completed her very first half marathon in 2018 after her own breast cancer journey, in celebration of life and survivorship. She recalls the euphoric feeling of accomplishment as she made it across that finish line. Her hope is to ignite that same charge in others!
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Sherrie Webb is passionate about fulfilling the mission statement and supporting women, going through a difficult time and using her position in the community to forward the educational aspect of PINK "ME”. She is currently the Health Information Services Applications Analyst at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Sherrie has 12 years’ experience in Health Information Management and has been recognized for excellent work and attention to detail. She is a native to Santa Fe, New Mexico and passionate about anything that will benefit the community she grew up in. She received her BA from the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico and her MHA from the University of New Mexico.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, crafts and camping trips with family to the mountains to enjoy hikes and UTV rides. She has a loving husband and 3 wonderful children, and a Shih Tzu named Milo.
Sherrie Webb, MHA
TREASURER
Cynthia Smalls
SECRETARY
Cynthia is a native of Jersey City, NJ, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies with a minor in Women Studies from Douglass College of Rutgers University in 1988.
She was employed for more than 32 years as a Labor Relations Specialist for the Civil Service Employees Association, the largest public-sector labor union in the state of New York. In that capacity, she negotiated contracts in local government municipalities on behalf of the union members, conducted labor-management meetings, prepared grievances on behalf of union members, and performed union-building strategy sessions for working union people. Having spent years on the front lines of worker advocacy, she truly lives and follows her passion to improve the lives of others.
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May 2016 Cynthia was diagnosed with breast cancer, specifically Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, and after a lumpectomy and radiation she was cancer free. After much contemplation and several speaking engagements Melanin and Pink Ribbons: A Blog for Women Fight and Surviving Breast Cancer was born. The purpose is to be a source of information and a space where Black women can see images of themselves and be encouraged.
Initiated into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Cynthia has enjoyed more than 37 years of membership and has served on local, regional, and international committees. Currently, she is a member of the Gamma Omicron Sigma Chapter in Jacksonville, Florida. Cynthia also is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women since 2014.
Cynthia is a new retiree and has moved to Florida where she lives with her husband Daryl, they are parents to a daughter Carolyn. Her personal mantra is “Excellence Breeds Excellence” and this is expressive of her high standards for service as she strives to improve the lives of women and children in the community.
Dr. Anna Voltura has been serving Northern New Mexico as a Surgeon for over 25 years. She received her medical degree from The University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque and received the Faculty Award for Excellence. She practiced general surgery in Santa Fe for 10 years before deciding she wanted to specialize in breast cancer care. She went on to receive her Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship from John Hopkins University in 2008.
She is a dedicated Surgical Oncologist and Breast Cancer Specialist practicing in northern New Mexico, with a passion for educating her patients in breast care; as well as specializing in nipple-sparing mastectomy and improving cosmetic outcomes for breast cancer patients in an oncologically safe manner. Dr. Voltura has received many professional honors and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She serves on many Community Boards including the advisory board for the Breast and Cervical (BCC) program and the Anita Salas Fund Board. She also served as an American Cancer Society Ambassador.
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Dr. Anna Voltura, MD
BOARD MEMBER
Jay K. Harness, MD, FACS is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of California- Irvine and a breast surgeon at both St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA and Northern Inyo Hospital in Bishop, CA. Dr. Harness received both his MD degree and training in general surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. He then remained on the faculty at the University of Michigan and developed one of the first United States academic multidisciplinary breast centers in 1985. Subsequently, he has developed 3 other multidisciplinary breast cancer programs across the United States. He is a Past President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and Breast Surgery Internationally. His most recent books are entitled: The Breast Cancer Answers Book-Your Guide to Achieving Emotional Reconstruction and Operative Approaches to Nipple Sparing Mastectomy: Indications, Techniques, & Outcomes.
He has published over 100 articles and book chapters. As Medical Director of Breast Cancer Answers (breastcanceranswers.com), I am committed to helping patients in any way I can with their journey with breast cancer. I am a breast cancer “educator”. I strongly support the mission of PINK “ME” in supporting breast cancer patients in any way that we can.
Dr. Jay Harness, MD, FACS
BOARD MEMBER
Melinda Bean is a native of Delray Beach, Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and Master of Science Degree from Capella University in Information Technology with a specialization in System Design and Programming. Melinda has traveled to many assignments in the Computer Information field; one specifically that broadened her professional perspective, was oversees in Genoa, Italy. After qualifying as an Analyst/Consultant and working for several years in the Technology sector and in hospitals, Melinda worked for a number of leading professional companies such as: Lockheed Martin, Indus, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, before transitioning into the Federal sector.
Melinda enjoys traveling, playing billiards, and watching sports. She is also an aspiring actor and model. She is passionate about empowering others to have access to information and being an advocate as a breast cancer survivor to other women within the community. Melinda hopes that through her experience she will be able to help women while serving on the Board of PINK “ME”. She hopes that through her breast cancer journey, she will be a positive voice and inspiration.
Melinda Bean, MS
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Ann Botros is currently semi-retired, while also teaching High School prep for college students in the Austin, Texas area. She has taught Coding and Billing as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Texas Medical Branch of Allied Health Sciences at Galveston, Texas State University, and San Antonio College. Her experiences as a health Care Consultant allowed her to travel and meet a lot of people, whom she remains in contact with. Dr. Botros loves life with all its measures. She loves to read, swim, teach, and travel both domestic and international. She is very proud to be on the PINK “ME” board, with other amazing professionals.
Dr. Ann Botros, Ph.D.
BOARD MEMBER
Andrea Hankins is passionate about being an active and integral part of the support system required to get through the difficult journey of survivorship because, like so many others, her family has been affected by breast cancer. Andrea is currently a commercial and residential Realtor in the Greater Albuquerque Area, striving every day to meet the needs of her community. Andrea previously spent over a decade working in sales and events. She received a BA in Mass Communication & Journalism (Public Relations) from the University of New Mexico. Outside of work, you can find Andrea spending time with her husband and their three children or having fun in the kitchen preparing a meal. In her free time, Andrea loves to do anything related to live music. As an Albuquerque native, Andrea has a deep and compassionate commitment to her beloved hometown.
Andrea Hankins
BOARD MEMBER
Audrey is a native New Mexican who has dedicated her career to public health initiatives and improving health on the community level. Awareness, advocacy, and compassion is vital; therefore, she is proud to support such a wonderful organization and its mission. She has spent the last 10 years in clinical research and currently serves as a clinical research associate overseeing clinical trials nationwide. She received her BS in Public Health from New Mexico State University and will be receiving her MPH with a concentration in community health from Baylor University in May 2023 (Go Bears!).
Audrey enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids outside of work. She also enjoys cooking, camping, staying active, and playing with her two dogs Koda and Hollie.