Sarah Fleming, M.Ed

My name is Sarah Fleming and I am Program Rise’s Harm Reduction Program Manager. I am passionate about working in the harm reduction field because I believe not only in the evidence based practices of harm reduction, but also in the principles of harm reduction. The principles of harm reduction elevate and center the experiences and rights of people who use drugs, are built on community care, and are rooted in powerful history. All of these things are driving forces for the work we do on the Harm Reduction Team! I have worked for Program RISE since 2023 and have been working with unhoused and underserved individuals in the downtown Framingham area for almost a decade!

Speaks: English

Aida Veliz

Hello, my name is Aida Veliz, I am a Medical Case Manager (MCM) in the program RISE. As a dedicated Medical Case Manager at JRI Health, I provide compassionate, client-centered support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. I assist clients in accessing medical care, ensuring medication adherence, and navigating insurance options. Additionally, I help connect individuals to housing resources, mainstream benefits, support groups, and critical care coordination for substance use and mental health services. My goal is to empower clients by fostering stability, access to care, and overall well-being. I’m located at the Framingham office.

Speaks: English

Aron Thiim

Hello, my name is Aron Thiim (he/él). I am a public health professional with over nine years of experience in infectious disease prevention, sexual and drug user health, and community-oriented care. My work centers on improving health outcomes for people impacted by substance use, HIV, and other infectious diseases through comprehensive, client-centered, and harm reduction–based approaches.

Throughout my career, I have led the development and implementation of innovative public health programs, managed large and diverse interdisciplinary teams, and built lasting relationships with clients, community partners, and stakeholders. I am particularly skilled at translating complex public health challenges and community-identified issues into actionable solutions and recommendations, while fostering trust within underserved communities.

My professional experience and interests include infectious disease prevention and treatment, substance use and harm reduction, sexual and gender minority health, incarceration, and chronic homelessness. I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Health part-time at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health as a Bloomberg Fellow in Addiction and Overdose, supported by a full scholarship through the Bloomberg American Health Initiative.

Speaks: English

Cariana Figueroa, SHE/HER

Hola! My name is Cariana Figueroa (she/ella), and I’m a Medical Assistant with Program RISE at JRI Health. I am deeply committed to advancing community health through compassionate care, education, and prevention. In my role, I support patients through every step of their care journey, from intake and screening to specimen collection, and assisting providers during exams and immunizations.

I am often the first point of contact for our patients and strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment that encourages open, respectful conversations around sexual health, HIV/STI prevention, testing and treatment, and LGBTQ+ wellness. I am trilingual and can provide services in both Spanish and Portuguese, helping ensure that language is never a barrier to care.

My work is especially focused on underserved communities, where I aim to reduce stigma and expand access to vital health services. I collaborate closely with providers, case managers, outreach staff, and public health teams to ensure continuity of care and promote health equity. Whether I’m coordinating follow-up visits or proudly driving our RISE Mobile Van to community events, I am passionate about empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to lead healthier lives.

Speaks: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Cibele Oliveira , MCM

Hello, my name is Cibele Oliveira, and I am a Medical Case Manager at Program RISE.

I am dedicated to supporting clients with HIV with their medical needs, health insurance, and connecting them to essential community resources. My approach is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and cultural humility, ensuring that every client feels seen, supported, and empowered.

In addition to my work in case management, I am a passionate event planner and a member of the JRI Health Special Events Committee. Whether I’m assisting someone in navigating healthcare or coordinating meaningful events, I apply strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for helping others.

I am fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and I am proud to be part of a team focused on making a positive difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.

Speaks: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Rebecca Nupp, MPH

Hello, my name is Becca Nupp. I work as the Program Manager for HIV Client Services at Program RISE. I manage medical case management, housing search and advocacy, and peer support services for our clients who are living with HIV. My educational background is in Public Health and Applied Medical Anthropology. I strongly believe that all people, regardless of income, identity, immigration status, or any other characteristic, deserve to live happy and healthy lives.

Speaks: English, Spanish

Rocio Moreno

Hello, my name is Rocio Moreno, I am a dedicated Medical and Housing Case Manager supporting people living with HIV. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I provide inclusive, empathetic care to a diverse community. My work focuses on connecting clients with essential services such as health insurance, medical providers, transportation, housing, utility assistance etc.

With a strong sense of compassion and a commitment to making life easier for my clients, I works to ensure that individuals can manage their condition with dignity and stability. I take pride in being a reliable advocate and resource, always prioritizing the well-being and success of those I serve.

Speaks: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Stephanie Nunes, LMHC

Hey, my name is Stephanie Nunes, I’m the Harm Reduction Clinician and I work closely with the Syringe Service Program!

I offer both regularly scheduled and drop-in counseling for folks who are actively using drugs and/or in recovery. I counsel through a harm reduction lens, which means that the same principles that exist in the exchange also exist in the counseling environment. In counseling, all goals are set by clients, without expectation that recovery is the final goal. I am usually available in the drop in space throughout the week, and especially on Mondays! I would love to meet you to talk about your situation or help connect you with services!

Speaks: English

Homar Murillo, MPH

Hello, my name is Homar Murillo, I am Program Rise’s Digital Health Engagement Specialist working primarily on the Rise On initiative.

As a public health practitioner, I am dedicated to engaging underserved communities with comprehensive and culturally competent care. I believe that there is value in our care systems using client centered approached in which the need and wants of our patients are prioritized. Through my career I strive to continue working in community-based organizations and advocating for the health needs of underserved populations.

My professional experience includes working with people who use drugs, populations at risk or living with HIV, LGBTQ+ health, and working with people who are or have experienced being unhoused.

Speaks: English, Spanish

Patti Parker, APRN

Hello, Hola, Oi! My name is Patti Parker, and I am the nurse practitioner at JRI’s Program RISE. I have had a long career working with underserved, gender diverse and ethnic minority communities in the areas of sexual/reproductive health and infectious diseases. My current focus is in the provision of STI and Hepatitis C treatment, as well as HIV prevention. My aim is always to deliver compassionate, culturally responsive, and inclusive care to all, with a special focus on those who face stigma and barriers in accessing needed services. Should you come in to our clinic, you will find a welcoming environment here!

Speaks: English