About Us
We Are Community Health Workers
The Board and Staff at Bienestar Collective are Community Health Workers with deep, lived experience that connects us to the work we do every day. We understand the challenges our communities face because we’ve lived them ourselves—and that perspective shapes everything we do.
We Are In Charge
As a worker-directed nonprofit cooperative, we make decisions together, combining our collective insight, care, and expertise to create meaningful change.
We Are Care Workers
We are more than health workers; we are care workers. This work is an extension of who we are—people passionate about caring for and strengthening our communities.
Our Board and Staff
Martha Zuniga, CHW
Executive Director & CHW Trainer
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Throughout my lifetime and career I have always strived to help the community.
I’ve worked for more than 30 years as a Community Health Worker, CHW Supervisor, and Disaster Case Manager, both in the field and as an administrator.
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I started my career as a Community Health Worker In 1998 at SR Memorial Hospital, Community Benefit Dept. Then I became Center for Well-Being’s Promotora de Salud Coordinator. In 2020 I graduated with an MPH from the Universidad Nacional Córdoba. My thesis was evaluation and analysis of Core Competencies training in CHWs. In early 2022, I became the HPM CHW grant Project Director. Now I focus primarily on CHW education and policy advocacy.
Martin Riverola, CHW
Board Vice Chair & CHW Trainer
Jennifer DeDecker, Ph.D., LMT, CLC
Board Secretary
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For as long as I can remember I have been interested in health and wellness.
First I became a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Lactation Consultant. In 2023, I completed my doctorate in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University with a specialization in Mindful Leadership in Healthcare. I am currently a professor and qualitative researcher in the Departments of Research and Mind-Body Medicine at Saybrook University.
Shari Sunshine, MA
Board Treasurer
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For more than 40 years, I have been a care provider and wellness educator. I started as a Licensed Massage Therapist, then became a Somatic Educator, and then I got my MA in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Concurrently, I have always valued cooperatives. I co-developed a cooperative food store and I live in a cooperative community.
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I have been providing support and advocacy to individuals for over 30 years.
When I first went to school, I specialized in Abnormal Psychology. I started my career in the community, working with individuals with developmental disabilities. I have supported individuals through case management, peer counseling, and domestic violence advocacy, as well as in mental health services. I specialize in assisting families access essential resources for healthcare. Recently, I have begun mentoring and providing training support for Community Health Workers in community-based organizations and health centers.
Estela Venegas, CHW
Board Member & CHW Trainer
Tobin McKee, CHW
Cooperative Developer and CHW Trainer
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I’ve been a care worker and wellness educator for more than 25 years.
I became a Community Health Worker because it fulfills my strong drive to serve my community. I’m also a Cooperative Developer and worker-owner in three cooperatives.