Yarissa DeJesus, CNA | Program Manager

Yarissa DeJesus was born and raised in Pennsylvania and is a proud Hispanic woman whose upbringing shaped her passion for health equity and community engagement. Growing up with grandparents who spoke limited English and experienced barriers to navigating healthcare, she developed an early awareness of the disparities affecting underserved communities.

Yarissa brings more than 10 years of healthcare experience across hospital and outpatient settings. She began her career at Lancaster General Hospital before earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and working as a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist. She also pursued nursing education through the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (LCTC). These experiences built a strong foundation in patient-centered care, clinical practice, and communication with diverse populations.

Today, Yarissa serves as a Rural Clinical Program Manager, focusing on rural health engagement, community partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen access to health resources for underserved populations. She brings an approachable, culturally responsive, and solution-oriented perspective to program development, with a particular interest in reaching younger populations, building trust, and incorporating community voices into public health initiatives.

Outside of work, Yarissa enjoys spending time with her family, attending her children's sporting events, international traveling, where she can learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.