Leadership & Staff

DeeJay Johannessen, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Education Learning Project since 1998, has been a driving force in the development, implementation, and administration of ground-breaking service and prevention programming for the LGBT community and those at risk for and living with HIV/AIDS. Capitalizing upon experience gained over a 30-year career in the non-profit sector – 25 of it in the HIV field – in 2016 DeeJay oversaw the development of an exciting new initiative called the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness, or “The HELP Center” for short. The HELP Center’s purpose is to expand access to sexual health services for the LGBT population in Texas. Currently, the HELP Center operates the largest PrEP program in North Texas via two clinics in Tarrant County serving more than 1,300 patients from 103 cities throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

Cheryl joined HELP in March 2019 after 12 years of working as a Project Manager for Oncology Clinical Trials. She has more than 30 years experience in Pharmacy, including Compliance, Quality and Process Improvements, and she is dedicated to HIV and Cancer Prevention, Treatment and solutions to help the patients in need. She is active in a Non-Profit Foundation at her former High School that is providing food, clothing, mentoring and daily essentials to those in need. She assists DeeJay with the activities of HELP, as well as all other day-to-day activities to support the Staff and Clients.

Kelle Tillman, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC: Kelle serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for The HELP Center. Kelle is a board-certified adult and gerontological clinical nurse specialist. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Nursing  in 1992, her Master’s in Nursing  in 2013 and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Texas Christian University in 2019. Kelle has been a part of the HELP Center’s PrEP program since it launched in 2017. Kelle is excited to  be a part of The HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness.

Brentton Lowery is a board-certified Physician Assistant nationally recognized as an HIV specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. He earned his Master of Science in Medicine degree from Mississippi College, where he additionally completed a six-month clerkship in HIV and Adult medicine. After working at Men’s Health Foundation in Los Angeles, Brentton is happy to have returned to Texas and the Health Education Learning Project as their Arlington Clinic Medical Provider. He focuses on empowering individuals with the knowledge to take control of their sexual health.

Roger joined HELP in January 2020 after serving for 4 years as the Director of Special Events of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in New York City. Since 2008, Roger has managed special events for distinguished and vitally important organizations such as the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s statewide LGBT civil rights and advocacy group as well as The Drama League of New York, a non-profit theatrical institution.

Cody joined HELP in February 2020 with 11 years experience in developing and executing marketing and branding strategies, media relations, social media and design. He has extensive experience with non-profits in fundraising and building awareness during his previous positions and consulting business. He is excited to bring his expertise to grow HELP's awareness and services in our community.