PRESS RESOURCES
The Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) is a leading nonprofit committed to advocating for vulnerable populations across Tennessee, particularly those facing barriers to accessing essential healthcare and economic stability.
TJC is a trusted resource for journalists for a range of topics including healthcare & nutrition policy, social justice, economic inequality, Medicaid expansion, and access to legal services for marginalized communities.
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PRESS CONTACT
D'Anelle Desire
For press inquiries or other information, please contact D’Anelle at 629-281-4168 or ddesire@tnjustice.org.
Director of Communications
OUR EXPERTS
Connect with Tennessee Justice Center's experts for a deep dive into healthcare policy, Medicaid, and social services in Tennessee. Request an interview with one of our experts!
Michele Johnson
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Bio
Michele is a leading authority in health law and policy, with a focus on economic justice and social welfare. She leads in children's advocacy, speaking up for Tennessee's vulnerable youth. Michele guides individuals through medical debt challenges and champions programs like TennCare and CoverKids. She's a vocal supporter of Medicaid expansion, working towards fair healthcare access, motivated by her dedication to social justice.
Gordon Bonnyman
Staff Attorney & Co-Founder
Bio
Gordon joined Michele in co-founding TJC in 1996. He served as the executive director until 2014, when he stepped down to return to the full-time practice of law as a staff attorney. Gordon has represented thousands of low-income clients in a wide variety of civil matters. He has earned a national reputation for his expertise in health policy, public benefits, disability rights, long-term care (nursing homes & community-based services), medical debt, prisons & sentencing, and civil rights.
Signe Anderson
Director of Nutrition Advocacy
Bio
Signe is an expert in federal nutrition safety net programs, particularly on topics involving SNAP, WIC, child nutrition, TANF, and Summer-EBT (formerly P-EBT). With deep experience in navigating policies regarding these vital programs, she is dedicated to ensuring individuals and families access vital nutrition support.
Chanda Freeman
Health Policy & Advocacy Program Manager
Bio
Chanda is a seasoned advocate in healthcare policy, with a focus on Medicaid expansion for equitable healthcare access. She's passionate about tackling racial equity and health disparities, especially for underserved rural communities. Chanda's continued efforts and expertise in health policy helps shape fairer healthcare systems and better health outcomes Tennessee’s most vulnerable populations.
Vanessa Zapata
Director of Health Policy and Equity
Bio
Vanessa works in health policy and equity. She provides direct services to individuals having issues navigating public health insurance programs like TennCare, CoverKids and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). She advocates for policies that strengthen public benefits programs, removes access barriers to these programs, and promotes health equity.
