Sickle Cell Disease Community Advisory Board

Justin G. Flowers serves as Chair of the St. Jude American Society of Hematology Research Collaborative Community Advisory Board (ASH RC CAB). He is a former patient and an advocate who supports the research and advocacy efforts of St. Jude while helping elevate the voices and needs of the sickle cell disease community. He is dedicated to advancing meaningful community engagement; strengthening collaboration between families, patients, and researchers; and promoting informed advocacy that reflects the lived experiences of those affected by sickle cell disease. Through his service, he seeks to help foster trust, inclusion and awareness while supporting initiatives that improve care, access and outcomes for the community. Justin values the opportunity to contribute to the St. Jude mission and work alongside others who are committed to creating lasting impact through research, education and advocacy.   

Stephanie Shockley, MBA, PMP, serves as Vice Chair of the St. Jude ASH RC CAB, where she is dedicated to advancing awareness, education and advocacy for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. Drawing on her background in project management and operational excellence, Stephanie hopes to help foster strategic initiatives, strengthen community partnerships and expand outreach efforts that amplify the voices of those living with sickle cell disease. Inspired by witnessing her husband’s journey with sickle cell disease, she is passionate about improving patient experiences, encouraging meaningful community engagement, and promoting research through education and advocacy. Stephanie believes compassionate advocacy begins with building trust; listening to the community; and fostering collaboration among patients, caregivers, researchers and healthcare professionals. Through her leadership and service, she strives to create lasting impact and improve the future of care for the sickle cell community. 

Kymara Williams is a St. Jude representative on the American Society of Hematology Research Collaborative National Community Advisory Board (ASH RC National CAB), dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. As a mother of a child living with sickle cell disease, she understands the challenges families face and works to amplify their voices. Through community outreach and collaboration with healthcare professionals, Kymara promotes accurate information and patient-centered care. She is passionate about empowering families with knowledge and encouraging meaningful conversations about sickle cell disease. She aims to improve understanding, support and the quality of life for everyone impacted by this condition. 

Alexis Tappan is a proud Memphian and serves as a St. Jude representative on the ASH RC National CAB. She is deeply committed to her community, having also served as Director of Children’s Church, mentoring youth and leading volunteers, for the last nine years. Living with sickle cell disease, Alexis is committed to advocacy, amplifying patient voices and promoting health equity through her personal and professional experiences.

Stephanie Baker is a wife and mother, and she has been sickle cell disease–free for three years. Her son, Dylan, was her donor. Her parents knew at birth that she had sickle cell disease. The majority of her nine older siblings are also impacted by sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait. Stephanie considers herself fortunate that she has been able to work full-time since the age of 19. She has been a sickle cell disease advocate for the last 15 years. At 55 years old, Stephanie is trying to live her life to the fullest while being a beacon of hope for others.

Monica R. Jackson is an active member of the St. Jude ASH RC CAB and is the caregiver to a 9-year-old living with sickle cell disease. As a native Memphian, she graduated from the University of Memphis, has raised a family and operates as a real estate investor with properties throughout Memphis. Beyond raising awareness for sickle cell disease, Monica is active in community service, serving with organizations such as the Order of the Eastern Star and Scouting America. 

Vincent Shockley serves on the St. Jude ASH RC CAB, which is dedicated to advancing awareness, education and advocacy for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. Drawing on his background in operations and systems strategy, he aims to promote strategic initiatives that strengthen community partnerships and expand outreach efforts to amplify the voices of those living with sickle cell disease. As someone living with sickle cell disease himself, Vincent brings a deeply personal perspective to his advocacy and is passionate about improving patient experiences, encouraging meaningful community engagement and promoting research through education. He believes compassionate advocacy begins with listening and building trust within a community and fostering collaboration among patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Through his leadership and service, he strives to create lasting impact and improve the future of care for the sickle cell community. 

Nortoria Jones is a full-time account specialist, devoted wife and mother of three, and an independent patient caregiver advocate. After the birth of her daughter, Asana, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, Nortoria devoted herself to becoming a knowledgeable caregiver and advocate for sickle cell. In 2013, her family relocated to Tennessee so Asana could receive treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She is committed to educating families, healthcare professionals and schools while empowering the sickle cell community through advocacy, compassion and service.

Christen Dukes is a musician, photographer, creative entrepreneur and passionate advocate for the sickle cell community. Living with both sickle cell disease and cerebral palsy, he uses his personal journey to encourage, educate and empower others facing chronic health challenges. As the Founder and President of Arts Over Odds Foundation, Christen is dedicated to helping youth and young adults with health conditions discover confidence, purpose and opportunity through the arts, mentorship and creative expression. He is also the owner of Lens of Purpose Productions, where he specializes in concert photography and visual storytelling. Through his advocacy, creativity and lived experience, Christen is committed to amplifying the voices of individuals with sickle cell disease and helping create a future where every person is seen, supported and empowered to thrive. 

Andrea Morgan serves as the Interim COO, Digital Engagement Consultant & Co-Principal Investigator (CO-PI) for The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, where she leads day-to-day operations, strategic planning, program implementation, partnership development, and organizational digital and communal growth. She works closely with healthcare providers, community partners and stakeholders to expand the Foundation’s impact and improve outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease. Prior to her nonprofit leadership, Andrea spent more than 25 years at Microsoft, holding senior lead roles in business relationship management, customer success, program management and training development, where she led enterprise initiatives and built high-performing partnerships. She is also a decorated U.S. Navy veteran whose military service instilled the discipline, operational excellence and mission-focused leadership that continue to guide her work in serving communities across Tennessee. 

Alexis Gorden, MBA, serves as President and CEO of The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, where she provides strategic leadership for programs, partnerships, advocacy and community engagement to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. Drawing on both her professional expertise in healthcare technology and project management and her lived experience as a person with sickle cell disease, Alexis is a passionate advocate for patient-centered care, education and health equity. Her career includes leading complex healthcare technology initiatives with organizations such as Ascension and Community Health Systems. Nationally recognized for her contributions to patient engagement and research, she has served as a PCORI Merit Review Panel Member, Mid-South CDRN Advisory Council Stakeholder, and published author on chronic disease and sickle cell care. Alexis holds an MBA in finance and economics and a bachelor’s degree in computer science.