What is the REACH Fellowship?
The REACH Fellowship is a 6-month program that seeks to increase access to networks and resources among leaders from those at the highest risk or burden of chronic diseases, who are innovating food systems change. The REACH Fellowship will be modeled after the Nourishing Power Fellowship. The Swetland Center and Catalytic Change Link will engage local food leaders to ensure produce prescription programs are tailored to increase reach among those at the highest risk or burden of chronic diseases in Cuyahoga County.
Our goal is to connect clinical sites (that have an existing produce prescription program or are interested in starting one) with local growers, nutrition educators, food product makers to create a framework for a produce prescription program to pitch at graduation in July 2025.
What are the goals of the REACH Fellowship?
- Grow your vision for a produce prescription program that is tailored for individuals at the highest risk or burden of chronic diseases
- Create an action plan
- Increase your knowledge of produce prescriptions
- Expand your leadership capacity
- Grow your network of supporters
Meet the Staff
Brandie Strozier
REACH Fellowship Co-Facilitator
Social Determinants of Health Coordinator at Absolute Care
Email: brandiestrozier4@gmail.com
Brandie Strozier is a certified Community Health Worker with a strong background in case management, specializing in support for individuals affected by infectious diseases. She currently serves as a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Coordinator at a healthcare facility, where she works to connect patients with essential resources that support overall wellness beyond the clinical setting.
Brandie is also a dedicated health educator, co-facilitating classes in chronic disease and diabetes self-management to empower individuals in taking control of their health. With a passion for serving the community, she brings both compassion and expertise to every role she steps into.
Outside of work, Brandie enjoys expressing her creativity through home decorating, cooking, and DIY projects. She’s also an avid reader who values continuous learning and personal growth.
Michael Walton
REACH Fellowship Co-Facilitator
Facilitator, Catalyst, Coach, Urban Farmer
Catalytic Change Link
Email: neomikewalton@hotmail.com
In the field of Urban Agriculture, Michael has received certification in the OSU Extension Market Gardener Program and studied with Will Allen of Growing Power in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has built numerous Hoop House/High Tunnels in Greater Cleveland and has been active in connecting food and health and extolling the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and a diet comprised mostly of fresh, locally grown produce. Michael is passionate about reducing race and place-based health disparities and helping people live this truth: Real Food Matters. Michael has been one of the most active facilitators of experiential education in Northern Ohio and has demonstrated skill in applying this methodology to therapeutic gardening and smoking cessation as a chemical dependency counselor.
Linea Webb, MSW
REACH Project Manager
Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health
Case Western Reserve University
Email: lxw684@case.edu
Linea is a Research Associate and the REACH Program Manager at the Swetland Center for Environmental Health. She is originally from Northern Kentucky and moved to Cleveland in 2019 for work. She earned a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. Linea has over ten years of experience as a social worker, providing support to immigrant youth and their families, most of whom came from Central America. She is very interested in climate change solutions, regenerative agriculture, and environmental justice. Linea is fluent in Spanish and she enjoys traveling, hiking, playing disc golf, and other outdoor activities.
The REACH project is funded by a grant (#6 NU58DP007747-01-01) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. Our partners on the project are Better Health Partnership, Catalytic Change Link, Cleveland Fresh LLC, North American Food Systems Network, and Produce Perks Midwest. This project is funded from December 30, 2023 to September 29, 2028.
Contact us at reach@case.edu with any questions.