The Family Van

Piper is a passionate advocate for health equity and community empowerment, dedicated to creating opportunities for all people to thrive. As Assistant Director of Mental Health Equity at The Family Van—a mobile clinic established over 32 years ago in partnership with the community—she leads efforts to design culturally responsive solutions that address the whole person. Working alongside trusted community health workers, Piper is re-imagining how mental health support can be delivered at the community level by dismantling historic and systemic barriers to care. Her approach centers on the strengths, culture, and resilience of those most impacted by health inequities.

A lifelong learner with a career spanning both global and local contexts, Piper draws on her background in South Africa, Haiti, Ethiopia, and Senegal in nonprofit management, program development, and evaluation. As a licensed independent clinical social worker, her work is grounded in fostering deep human connections and utilizing expressive arts modalities to guide individuals through healing. Outside of work, Piper enjoys exploring new places, cooking with friends, and spending time with her 5-year-old, who constantly reminds her of the importance of joy and playfulness in life.