Meet Our Team

Dr. Garett Sansom is the Co-Founder and Director of Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Epidemiology and Environmental Health as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. With over a decade of experience in public health and environmental research, his work focuses on addressing environmental exposures and health disparities in vulnerable communities. He is driven by a commitment to achieving meaningful public health outcomes through research and community engagement. Through his work, he aims to enhance resilience and health equity in communities affected by environmental hazards by integrating research, community collaboration, and evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Lindsay Sansom is the Co-Director of Together for a Better Tomorrow. She holds a PhD in Ecosystem Science and Management from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University. With more than 15 years of experience addressing complex environmental policy and water security issues, her work bridges research and practice to deliver data-driven solutions that support community-informed environmental decision-making. She is committed to making science relevant and actionable, with the goal of partnering with communities to improve daily life and strengthen resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Luis Gómez is the Co-Founder and Assistant Director of Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and is a Texas Certified Community Health Worker Instructor (CHWI). With over 12 years of experience leading Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), he co-leads strategic planning and oversees operations, team coordination, and process management. He is inspired by the impact of TBT programs and the dedication of collaborators, and is committed to building a brighter future through impactful service, interdisciplinary scholarship, and strong collaborative partnerships.

Elva Beltrán serves as a Program Specialist II at Together for a Better Tomorrow. She has been a Texas Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) for over 15 years and a Texas Certified Community Health Worker Instructor (CHWI) for over four years. With over 12 years of experience in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) efforts and more than 30 years of direct work with community members, she leads the long- and short-term planning, implementation, and monitoring of Together for a Better Tomorrow’s community advisory boards, as well as its outreach and engagement activities. She is inspired by the opportunity to transform the lives of communities and finds great satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of others. Through her work, she aims to drive meaningful change through the education and empowerment of communities.

Socorro Elvira Reyes Martinez serves as a Project Manager II at Together for a Better Tomorrow. She holds an associate degree from Blinn College and is a Texas Certified Community Health Worker Instructor (CHWI). In her role, she manages project quality control and assurance, including the planning and implementation of data collection efforts, and contributes to defining the project’s mission, vision, and goals. With over five years of experience in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) efforts, she is inspired by the opportunity to help improve quality of life in communities, recognizing that her work contributes to expanding opportunities for others. Through her work, she aims to support practical solutions that have a positive and lasting impact.

Briseida Vasquez serves as a Program Specialist III at Together for a Better Tomorrow. A first-generation college graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Sam Houston State University. She is a Texas Certified Community Health Worker Instructor (CHWI) and holds Adult Mental Health First Aid USA and CPR certifications. In her role, she leads both short- and long-term planning, development, and implementation of our Community Science efforts, including data management and community outreach events. She is inspired by the passion of her colleagues and her experiences growing up as the child of immigrant parents, and is motivated to help underserved communities in South Texas thrive by supporting individuals to lead healthier lives.

Ahmad Harris serves as a Project Manager I at Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Health from Liberty University and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). In his role, he supports the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of project activities while ensuring adherence to established protocols, timelines, and reporting requirements. His professional experience spans over five years across clinical environments, clinical research, epidemiology, and county-level public health services. He is particularly motivated by opportunities to support practical, results-oriented public health work that improves outcomes through collaboration, structured implementation, and community-informed approaches. He is committed to continued growth as a public health professional and to contributing meaningfully within interdisciplinary teams.

Maria Reyes serves as an Outreach Worker II at Together for a Better Tomorrow. As a Texas Certified Community Health Worker for over 14 years, she brings more than 25 years of direct community engagement experience and over three years in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) efforts. Passionate about addressing the needs of the Rio Grande Valley, she is inspired by the opportunity to both inform and support her community while continuously learning from their experiences. In her role, she co-leads participant recruitment and data management initiatives, using her extensive expertise to foster stronger community connections. Committed to personal and professional growth, she remains dedicated to evolving as a CHW to better serve the diverse needs of her community.

Elena Hernandez serves as a Program Specialist I at Together for a Better Tomorrow. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is a Texas Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and a certified Sexual Assault Advocate through the Office of the Attorney General. In her role, she co-leads both short- and long-term planning, development, and implementation of our Community Science efforts, including data management and community outreach events. Driven by her public health background and deep ties to the region where she grew up, she is motivated to apply her studies to improve health and address environmental challenges, empowering individuals with knowledge and resources to make a meaningful impact on quality of life.

America Martinez serves as a Community Health Worker II at Together for a Better Tomorrow. She holds a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies with minors in Psychology, Reading, and Special Education. In her role, she supports program planning, implementation, participant recruitment, and evaluation, while also co-leading data collection efforts. She brings nearly three years of experience in public health, with a focus on community outreach, health education, and program support. She is motivated by the opportunity to uplift her community by helping individuals access resources and improve well-being, and is committed to continued professional growth while contributing to initiatives that promote health equity and long-term community impact.

Nate Gonzalez is a Student Trainee at Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Texas A&M University–San Antonio and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health at Texas A&M University School of Public Health. He is certified in First Aid CPR AED through the American Heart Association and as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and Scribe through the International Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. With two years of experience in public health and a growing focus on environmental health and community well-being, Nate is inspired by the opportunity to uplift communities through access to safe water and culturally meaningful solutions. Through his work with Together for a Better Tomorrow, he hopes to advance the mission of creating healthier, more informed communities that have the opportunity to thrive.

Kayla Morales is a Student Trainee at Together for a Better Tomorrow. A native of Hidalgo County, she earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University. She is inspired by the opportunity to give back to her community through meaningful research and education, particularly around environmental and health concerns that directly affect South Texas. Through her work, she hopes to encourage others to contribute their talents to the region, support actionable solutions, and foster healthier, more resilient communities.

Jake Brien is a Student Trainee at Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University, with minors in Sociology and Psychology, and is currently pursuing a Master of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government & Public Service, specializing in National Security and Diplomacy with a focus on Conflict and Development. While new to public health, he brings experience in policy research, event coordination, writing, editing, and community organizing. He is inspired by a passion for public service and the opportunity to create meaningful change at the community level. Through his work with Together for a Better Tomorrow, he hopes to help connect public health research with community-driven action to support lasting, informed solutions that improve the well-being of communities.

Jake Nation is a Student Trainee at Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Certificate in Sustainability. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Service and Administration at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government & Public Service. With several years of experience in public service, community organizing, and environmental advocacy, including a two-year commitment as a Community Conservation Promoter with the Peace Corps in Guyana, he brings a strong background in community engagement and environmental sustainability. He is inspired by the opportunity to strengthen communities through thoughtful policy, collaboration, and meaningful investment. Through his work with Together for a Better Tomorrow, he hopes to leverage community-engaged research to support data-informed solutions that promote long-term ecological sustainability and lasting community improvements.

Isabella Jacobs is a Student Trainee at Together for a Better Tomorrow. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health, with a minor in Latino(a) and Mexican American Studies, from Texas A&M University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health and a Master of International Affairs through the Texas A&M School of Public Health and the Bush School of Government & Public Service, specializing in Health Policy & Management and International Development & Economic Policy. While new to environmental public health policy, she is passionate about supporting Hispanic and Latino(a) communities through research and evidence-based policy. She is inspired by the opportunity to improve access to safe, reliable water while advancing health equity. Through her work with Together for a Better Tomorrow, she hopes to help translate public health research into effective policy strategies that strengthen long-term community health, resilience, and access to safe water.

Oumar Aljabre is a Student Trainee at Together for a Better Tomorrow. He holds a Master of Applied Science in Reservoir Engineering from the University of Aberdeen and is currently pursuing a Master of Water Management (MWM) at the Water Management & Hydrological Science (WMHS) Interdisciplinary Program at Texas A&M University. Drawing on a technical background in water systems and resource management, he is expanding his expertise in public health and water policy. He is inspired by the opportunity to improve access to clean and safe water by addressing the intersection of public health, environmental equity, and community resilience. Through his work with Together for a Better Tomorrow, he hopes to strengthen his policy research and writing skills while helping translate technical evidence into practical, community-informed solutions that support long-term water security and healthier communities.

Luz Garza serves as an Independent Contractor with Together for a Better Tomorrow. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is a Texas Certified Community Health Worker Instructor (CHWI). With 12 years of experience in the field and cumulative involvement with the TBT team spanning approximately 12 years, she brings extensive expertise in community engagement, health education, and community-based initiatives. She is inspired by the opportunity to give back to her community and contribute to efforts that improve environmental health and overall well-being. Through her work with Together for a Better Tomorrow, she aims to partner with communities to address environmental health concerns and develop meaningful, long-term solutions that benefit individuals, families, and their environments.