Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
Melodie Narain-Blackwell is a passionate health advocate, educator, mobilizer, and the founder of Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness (now known as Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses), a nonprofit dedicated to health equity and communities disproportionately affected by digestive diseases and chronic illnesses.
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Hi, my name is Hanna Puller and I am honored to be joining the COGI Family as your Nurse Navigator. As your Nurse Navigator, I will be supporting you as you navigate the nuances of gastrointestinal disease. My goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered by providing education, guidance, resources, and a compassionate listening ear throughout their healthcare journey.
A little background about myself: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California, and throughout my career I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients living with chronic illnesses in a variety of healthcare settings.
I truly believe that meaningful care starts with connection. I want to create a safe and welcoming space where patients and caregivers feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and receiving support without judgment. I’m honored to serve as a resource and advocate for our community and look forward to walking alongside patients every step of the way.
A little about my personal life: I’m happily married to my childhood sweetheart, and together we are raising our three beautiful children in Durham, North Carolina. When I’m not working, you can usually find me reading, exploring nature, and simply enjoying the life God has given us. My faith is deeply important to me and continues to shape the compassion, hope, and care I bring into both my personal life and my work.
I look forward to connecting with you!
Asha Puri is the Community Outreach & Advocacy Intern at Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses (COGI). She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health in Health Economics and Policy Analysis at Brown University’s School of Public Health as a Health Equity Scholar and is a recent graduate of Howard University. Asha is passionate about health policy and education and looks forward to continuing her work with the COGI community this summer.
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