A NON-PROFIT BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
.avif)
Board of Directors
Dr. Michelle Bean, Ph.D.
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Dr. Michelle P. Bean is a two-time breast cancer survivor, advocate, and visionary leader whose personal journey fuels her unwavering commitment to empower women navigating breast cancer. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Dr. Bean holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, a Master of Science in Human Services with a specialization in Health Care Administration, and a Ph.D. in Human Services from Capella University.
​
Professionally, she serves as the Director of Health Information Management at Christus St. Vincent Health System in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her leadership has been recognized throughout her career, including her roles as Secretary/Treasurer and President of the New Mexico Health Information Management Association (NMHIMA). She is also an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
​
Dr. Bean’s breast cancer journey began when her twin sister was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma and tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Just six weeks later, Dr. Bean received her own diagnosis: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). After prayerful reflection, careful research, and medical consultation, she chose to undergo radiation, a double mastectomy, and breast reconstruction. In 2021, five years after her initial diagnosis, she was diagnosed a second time with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing medications to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
​
Through each chapter of her experience, Dr. Bean found purpose in her pain. She believes self-advocacy and listening to one’s body can be lifesaving, and she is passionate about ensuring others feel informed, empowered, and never alone. At the heart of PINK “ME”—Providing Information, Networking, and Knowledge: My Experience—is the signature program Connected by Cells. This initiative reimagines the fear often tied to “cancerous cells” and instead fosters connection, resilience, and shared hope. Through a virtual community, women are offered access to valuable resources, compassionate care, and uplifting support throughout every phase of their breast cancer journey.
​
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Dr. Bean finds creative expression and healing through jewelry design. Each handcrafted piece symbolizes strength, healing, and gratitude. This therapeutic passion also serves as a form of philanthropy, with proceeds supporting community-based and charitable organizations aligned with her mission of empowerment and service.
​
Dr. Bean is also deeply involved in community leadership. She currently serves on the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Advisory Board (UNM CAB) and was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the New Mexico Cancer Council (NMCC), where she contributes to shaping and implementing the state’s next Cancer Plan.
​
In celebration of life after her first battle with breast cancer, Dr. Bean completed her first breast cancer awareness half marathon in Jacksonville, Florida. Crossing that finish line became a powerful personal symbol of resilience and hope—one she now uses to inspire others: “Focus on each mile, not the entire journey”. Her story continues to uplift and empower others to walk their own paths with courage, grace, and strength.
Sherrie Webb, MHA
TREASURER/DIRECTOR
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.
Cynthia Smalls
SECRETARY/DIRECTOR
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.
​
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, MD
BOARD MEMBER
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.
Dr. Jay Harness, MD, FACS
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.
Melinda Bean, MS
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.
Dr. Ann Botros, Ph.D.
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.
