Bryan Taylor
Chicago,IL
Summary
Strategic, community-driven health leader with 8 years of experience designing and implementing high-impact programs that improve mental health, reduce violence, and address social determinants of health across Chicago’s South side. Proven ability to manage cross-sector partnerships with hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government leaders. Adept in population health, behavioral health, youth mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and program development. Strong advocate for health equity, food access, and bridging generational gaps. Trusted partner to executives, clinicians, educators, and community leaders alike.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Health Worker – Transition of Care (Emergency Department)
South Side Healthy Community Organization
Chicago, IL
05.2025 - Current
- Oversee comprehensive health and well-being screenings for approximately 50 patients weekly, assessing eligibility for critical community resources including food assistance, housing, utilities, transportation, and employment support.
- Lead patient-centered care coordination efforts to facilitate safe transitions from emergency settings back into the community, connecting vulnerable populations to essential services and promoting long-term health stability.
- Implement targeted strategies focused on gun violence prevention and justice reform, integrating community safety into overall health outcomes.
- Serve as a key liaison between discharged patients and community resources, ensuring seamless access to benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and other social supports.
- Facilitate connections to primary care providers to ensure continuity of care and reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization.
- Bridge gaps in care for underserved populations by promoting holistic, coordinated approaches that improve health equity and patient outcomes.
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with community residents, organizations, and stakeholders to advance program goals and expand SSHCO’s community impact.
- Maintain rigorous documentation and data management for all patient interactions using electronic health records and other databases to support program evaluation and reporting.
- Support program-wide recruitment and outreach by cultivating partnerships with community leaders and organizations, and delivering culturally relevant health education materials to promote engagement and service utilization.
Behavioral Health Program Strategist (Contractor)
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
Chicago, IL
03.2017 - Current
- Led district-aligned behavioral health initiatives impacting over 200 students across under-resourced CPS schools, integrating trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and culturally responsive SEL frameworks.
- Directed full program lifecycle — including needs assessments, stakeholder alignment, implementation planning, service delivery, and outcome measurement — resulting in measurable improvements in student behavior, emotional regulation, and school climate.
- Spearheaded cross-sector partnerships with CPS leadership, local aldermen, and city officials to secure funding, expand access to care, and champion health equity initiatives in historically disinvested school communities.
- Managed cross-functional teams of school social workers, psychologists, administrators, and community partners to co-create and execute tailored mental health programs aligned with district-wide equity goals.
- Served as strategic advisor to school leadership teams on behavioral policy, crisis intervention, and staff wellness strategies — directly influencing school-wide culture and systemic support systems.
- Led professional development for 50+ educators and staff on trauma-informed care, burnout prevention, and behavioral intervention planning, contributing to increased staff confidence and program buy-in.
- Reported program outcomes and equity data to both school administrators and political stakeholders, driving policy adjustments and additional funding toward community-based mental health initiatives.
Program Manager (Seasonal)
After School Matters
Chicago, IL
09.2022 - 08.2024
- Provided direct leadership and oversight for a cohort of 25 teens, managing program participation, progress, and engagement to ensure positive developmental outcomes.
- Directed the Helping Hands program, delivering structured, evidence-based instruction to keep youth academically and personally on track.
- Collaborated closely with private therapy clinics to coordinate and facilitate weekly therapeutic interventions addressing emotional and abandonment issues among at-risk youth.
- Established and maintained partnerships with local non-profits to design and implement health and wellness education, fostering holistic youth development.
Youth Counseling Program Lead
YOUTH GUIDANCE
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Led the initiative to develop and implement comprehensive counseling programs for young men in grades 9–12, resulting in a measurable decrease in school violence and significant improvements in literacy, communication, and life skills.
- Directed and mentored a senior cohort, successfully guiding them to a 100% graduation rate through personalized support, academic coaching, and skill development.
- Facilitated impactful one-on-one and group mentorship sessions that empowered students to navigate academic challenges and personal growth effectively.
- Collaborated closely with clinicians, medical staff, and the court system to provide holistic support for underprivileged and at-risk youth, ensuring coordinated care and access to critical services.
- Built and maintained strategic partnerships with school leadership, parents, and community stakeholders to support student success and align program goals with broader school initiatives.
- Continuously evaluated program outcomes and adapted strategies to enhance student engagement and promote positive behavioral change.
Community Health Intern
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL
05.2019 - 05.2020
- Played a key role in the Community Health Engagement Program, partnering with local organizations to improve health outcomes in underserved Chicago neighborhoods.
- Led outreach initiatives that connected residents to essential health resources, including preventive care, nutrition education, and mental health support.
- Assisted in data collection and impact analysis to guide program improvements and report outcomes to university stakeholders and community partners.
- Developed strong relationships with diverse community members, promoting trust and participation in health programs aimed at reducing disparities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Community Health(Health Planning & Administration)
University of Illinois of Urbana – Champaign
Urbana, IL01.2020
Skills
- Software: Slack, Salesforce, Qualtrics, Canva, MS Power BI, Tableau, Epic
- Computer: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, Outlook, MS Excel, 40 – 45 WPM
- Personal: Community Health, Mental Health, Leadership, Counseling, Written/verbal communication, Program Development, Critical Thinking, Fast-paced work ethic, Mentorship, Attentive and detailed, Public Speaking, Data Collection
Core Competencies
- Community & Population Health Strategy
- Mental & Behavioral Health Programs
- Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
- Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination
- Health Equity & Social Determinants
- Workshop & Curriculum Development
- Public Speaking & Youth Mentorship
- Program Design & Implementation
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Strategic Community Outreach
- Project & Event Management
Timeline
Community Health Worker – Transition of Care (Emergency Department)
South Side Healthy Community Organization
05.2025 - Current
Youth Counseling Program Lead
YOUTH GUIDANCE
09.2023 - 01.2024
Program Manager (Seasonal)
After School Matters
09.2022 - 08.2024
Community Health Intern
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
05.2019 - 05.2020
Behavioral Health Program Strategist (Contractor)
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
03.2017 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Community Health(Health Planning & Administration)
University of Illinois of Urbana – Champaign