Community Health and Research Communications Team

Preston Tolliver has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of Central Arkansas, where he studied journalism and history. He has more than 10 years of experience in writing, editing and communicating messages and information among communities through his work with various publications. He also has experience in building audiences through both print and online communications. Through his position with the Office of Community Health and Research, his goal is to increase public awareness of programs and resources available to populations facing health disparities so that they can live healthier, longer and better lives.

Email: PTolliver@uams.edu

Carrie Chambers, M.Ed., is a senior project manager in the UAMS Office of Community Health and Research. She holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s in interior design. Ms. Chambers is a results-driven strategic leader with extensive expertise in team management, communication strategy, public relations, and marketing within online, social media, direct, email, and various other channels. She has a proven ability to create high-impact content that drives client engagement through imagery, influential messaging, and brand personalization. It is Ms. Chambers’ professional goal to create, build and grow awareness of services available to our community that improve overall health and wellness.

Email: CBChambers@uams.edu

Carlton D. Abon joined the Office Community Health and Research in 2022 as a translation and outreach associate. Prior to joining UAMS, Mr. Abon spent several years translating documents related to public health and climate change for the Republic of the Marshall Islands Ministry of Health & Human Services. A 1996 graduate of Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mr. Abon also has experience working as a conservation officer and a public awareness officer for the Marshall Islands Conservation Society and as an assistant director for the Marshall Islands Mayors Association, where he worked closely with his community. Mr. Abon’s professional goal is to use his courage, passion, and dedication for community to help and serve others.

Email: CDAbon@uams.edu

Stephanie Barger, M.P.H., received her Master of Public Health in health behavior and health education from the University of Michigan and has more than five years of experience in designing and delivering health education curricula and materials as well as providing direct service to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Currently, she creates and disseminates health messages to community partners and the general public.

Email: SBarger2@uams.edu

Erin Gilleece, M.A., is a video producer and multimedia specialists at UAMS. Before joining UAMS, she worked as a video producer in marketing for four years and spent five years as a videographer and editor in the news. She has more than ten years’ experience as a videographer and editor. Five of those years she was additionally responsible for all pre- and post-production tasks involved in video creation. Ms. Gilleece is a two-time graduate of the University of Arkansas, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in journalism, with a focus on documentary film. She was also a graduate assistant for the communications and student affairs department, and along with documentary classes, focused on cultural studies, and various forms of ethnography. Ms. Gilleece’s goal is to use visual storytelling to engage and educate people about healthcare options available to them in northwest Arkansas.

Email: EJGilleece@uams.edu

Julie Joyce is a bilingual outreach design manager in the Office of Community Health and Research at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus. Ms. Joyce was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, and has a law degree from C.U.C, University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Ms. Joyce has more than 7 years of experience in communications, producing, editing, writing, and anchoring for Hispanic television. Ms. Joyce has dedicated part of her career to helping the community through different campaigns with nonprofit organizations. She has used her ability to speak two languages to connect multiple communities. Through her position with the Office of Community Health and Research, Julie hopes to continue the work of connecting her communities by offering them the tools needed to improve their quality of life.

Email: JCJoyce@uams.edu

Kelsi Turk, M.F.A., has a master’s degree in fine arts focused on visual communication design. She holds the position of intermediate graphic artist with the Office of Community Health and Research at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus. Ms. Turk is a recent graduate who has studied graphic design and marketing to best understand how to communicate through words and images. These studies have been further expanded through volunteering and her work, allowing Ms. Turk to have a hands-on understanding of how to help expand people’s understanding on various topics. She brings her knowledge and passion for communicating effectively to UAMS. Ms. Turk’s goal is to help improve the flow of communication between UAMS and the community to increase knowledge and opportunities for improved health of all northwest Arkansans.

Email: KTurk@uams.edu