Artesia Ridgel
Nurse | Doula | Public Health Practitioner
Artesia Ridgel earned her Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and her Master’s degree from Chamberlain University. She currently serves as a Healthcare Administrator, a traumatic brain injury nurse, and an amputation care consultant. Earlier in her career, Artesia dedicated herself to combating the opioid epidemic as an opiate addiction nurse, focusing on inner-city communities in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor, Michigan.
With expertise in healthcare administration spanning both adult primary care and pediatric medicine, Artesia has effectively managed and improved healthcare services across diverse patient populations. Her experience in payer relations includes implementing risk mitigation strategies and revenue optimization initiatives, as well as delivering provider education to enhance patient visit outcomes.
As a passionate advocate for Black birthing mothers, and the owner of Partners in Partum doula services where Artesia is an active doula, she concentrates her research and efforts on preventing avoidable deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
In addition to her medical career, Artesia is the owner of Couture Cakes & Co., where she creates lifelike edible art. This venture serves as a pain-to-passion project, offering retreat classes and sponsorships for domestic violence survivors. Through these initiatives, participants engage in self-care and transform their pain into passion by crafting edible art.
As a recipient of the Florence Nightingale Award, Artesia embodies the spirit of its namesake by utilizing statistical analysis to dismantle ineffective strategies within healthcare networks, particularly those affecting marginalized populations.
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Tamiea Palmer
Health Insurance Expert
With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, I’m deeply committed to supporting patients who often find themselves navigating complex systems without the guidance they deserve. As one of the founders of GAR Cares Advocacy and Resource Center, I’ve made it my mission to advocate for the underrepresented—helping them gain access to the care and resources they need to thrive.
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I hold a Master’s in Management and Business Administration, and throughout my career, I’ve built expertise in healthcare leadership, billing, and administration. My passion for patient advocacy is rooted in my professional experience, personal experiences, and commitment to honoring my family legacy.
When I’m not embedded in the seed of service, you’ll find me dedicating my time to various volunteer efforts and board memberships. These are some of the ways I give back and support my community.
Beyond my work at GAR Cares Advocacy and Resource Center, I also serve in a leadership role where I’m able to give back to my community and support causes close to my heart. Volunteering has always been a core part of my life, and I’m proud to lead initiatives that create lasting positive change.
At GAR Cares Advocacy and Resource Center, we’re not just about getting the job done; we’re about ensuring that every patient has the tools, support, and voice they need to understand and maneuver their healthcare journey.
Arnesia Robinson
Partnership Director | Human Resources Expert
Arnesia Robinson is a seasoned certified Human Resources professional with extensive experience in the healthcare industry. She’s passionate about eliminating healthcare disparities and actively works to promote equity and inclusion within the field. In addition to holding a Master’s in Business and a Master’s in Management, Arnesia comes from a family of healthcare professionals, further deepening their commitment to improving healthcare systems. Beyond her professional work, she dedicates time to volunteering in the community, striving to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside the workplace.
