Ellen Allen, M.B.A., Executive Director

Ellen is a West Virginia native who is a fixture in the state's nonprofit world, with more than three decades of management and executive leadership experience, strategic operations, finance, project management, organizational development, fundraising, and people-centered/mission-driven leadership.  She was selected as a 2022 Wonder Woman by WV Living Magazine.  Ellen has a Master of Business Administration from Averett University in Danville, Virginia.  She was the only master's student selected to Pinnacle, Averett Honor Society for graduate-level study. Double majoring in Marketing Management and Small Business Management, Ellen attended Concord College in Athens, West Virginia graduating with honors. 

Julianne Yacovone, Director, Child Health

Julianne studied Psychology at Liberty University before moving to Charleston in 2014. Raised in a military family, she enjoys to travel but now calls West Virginia home. She is active in the anti-human trafficking movement and continues to educate others about human trafficking prevention. She has served as the A21 Walk for Freedom host in Charleston for the past several years. Julianne joined the WVAHC team in 2019 after working for the City of Charleston. Julianne serves as our Director of Child Health and is passionate about working with others to create a happier, healthier West Virginia for our kids. 

Mariah Plante, Story Collection Coordinator

Mariah is a Kanawha County native who has recently returned home to Charleston after several years working in the theatre industry in New York City.  Mariah is a founding member of the Appalachian Artists Collective and holds a BFA in Acting and Drama Therapy from Marymount Manhattan College. “As a theatre artist, activism and storytelling have always gone hand in hand for me. Sharing a lived experience is one of the most influential ways that people can contribute to the policy conversations that impact our daily lives.”

Brittany Rule, Operations Manager, and Executive Assistant

Brittany is a West Virginia native who currently resides in Hampshire County, West Virginia with her husband and two kids.  Brittany brings a lot of great attributes to our organization.  She has strong leadership management, event planning, and great collaborative skills.  Brittany is well experienced in numerous aspects of the technology realm including executing social media strategies, digital marketing, and content creation.  She is no stranger to a variety of digital program systems.  Brittany joined our team in 2016. Having her own personal health care journey and having a child with a disability. Brittany has seen firsthand that West Virginians deserve better health care and joined our dynamic team to help advocate for all West Virginians.