Staff

Fernando Cruz

Fernando Cruz (he, him, his) joined CrescentCare in 2014 as a program coordinator for The Movement. He works to coordinate and implement Mpowerment, a program targeting the health needs of Black and Brown, gay men as it relates to HIV and other STI’s using social events and tailored educational material. Additionally, Fernando conducts HIV counseling and testing. Fernando’s professional and personal interests include social advocacy and community engagement. As a New Orleans native, he is especially interested in working to increase access to safe and comprehensive healthcare for the BIPOC, LGBTQ community in the city. Through his work, Fernando hopes to continue to combat the stigma of HIV and other STI’s by increasing access to HIV testing and offering peer support.

Kyle Mills

Kyle Mills (he, him, his) has been working as a prevention coordinator at Crescent Care since 2017. He’s been working in The Movement program where he’s fully here for the community. He doses sexual health testing/consoling, help plan/coordinate community events, peer support, help create a environment for gay/queer Black and brown people to feel safe and be the best selves. Kyle has been a volunteer of the Movement program for 3-4 years before actually working for it. And have done several team trainings to help serve the community he works for. Kyle interests include sexual and mental health, body positively, all things nerd like gaming and comics, teaching and performing pole dancing (yeah you heard right). Kyle is your new best friend in your head. He is here at The Movement always ready for you to pop up for whatever you need. Just to hang out and talk or quickly run a test. He is always looking for new people to join the group to help The Movement be great and to help serve the community more as these times are forever changing.

Edited in Prisma app with Leya

Bryson Richard

Bryson Richard is a 30-year-old man born and raised in the small quaint town of St. Martinville, Louisiana. In December of 2011, Bryson was diagnosed with HIV and his life changed. He is currently employed by Crescent Care in New Orleans as a prevention navigator overseeing the CLEAR and +ONE programs, programs focused on PLWH; this has given him a chance to get more hands-on experience with those of us that live in this community. He has toured with ThriveSS of Atlanta for the release of the docufilm, Outrun the Sky. Using his talent for the arts, he plans on empowering and uplifting others thru visual arts, immersive art installment, and other artistic collaborations that leave a mark on this Earth saying that we are here and that we will thrive.

leon

Leon Harrison, Jr.

Leon Harrison Jr. is a Patient Navigator and has been assisting in the testing and linkage of clients through programs funded by the Center for Disease Control at CrescentCare Health LLC across the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas since 2017. He works in the Prevention Department and is responsible for the linkage to care of many residents throughout Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes. Leon is a certified Clinical Medical Assistant currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Inequality at the University of New Orleans. He has many areas of professional interest, but more so heavily invested in the comprehensive care of people of color in the LGBTQ+ community. He is currently working hand in hand with The Movement Project to ensure that LGBTQ+ people of color have a voice and that that voice is heard especially regarding healthcare needs.