Welcome to the Team, Al’leyah Bookard!

Posted by Alyssa Kotzmann
On January 29, 2026
In Blog
The Alliance for Health Equity is excited to welcome our new Community Health Worker for the Food As Medicine (FAM) program, Al’leyah Bookard to the team! Al’leyah is a Coatesville resident who will support the FAM program and clients within the FAM system. Alyssa, Marketing and Communications Director, was able to sit down with Al’leyah and learn more about her history and experience.
What is your professional background?
My background is in nutrition and community health, with a strong focus on hands-on, people-centered work. I’ve worked directly with individuals and families in community settings, supporting nutrition education, care coordination, and overall wellness, and I also volunteer my nutrition knowledge within the community. My path into this work was shaped by my education at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where I developed strong practical skills, and at West Chester University, where I built a solid foundation in nutrition science and community health.
What experience do you bring to the nutrition/dietetic world?
I bring a mix of academic training and real-life experience. I’m currently in graduate school and completing my dietetic internship as I work toward becoming a Registered Dietitian, which allows me to apply what I’m learning in real time. I enjoy taking nutrition science and making it practical, realistic, and culturally responsive, especially for individuals and families navigating barriers to food access and health resources.
What excites you most about being the new Community Health Worker for the Food As Medicine (FAM) program?
What excites me most is the relationship-building. I love being able to work alongside pregnant individuals and new families, check in over time, and connect them to food and community resources that make a difference. The Food as Medicine approach aligns with my values and how I view health. It recognizes that access, consistency, and support are just as important as education.
What made you choose Coatesville and The Alliance for Health Equity?
Coatesville is home for me, so this role feels very personal. I wanted to serve a community I’m already a part of and connected to. The Alliance for Health Equity stood out because their work is truly community-driven, and equity and collaboration are reflected in how the work is done.
What is one interesting or unique thing about you?
I have a strong love for travel and service, which has shaped how I approach community health. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was working with the medical brigade for Healthy Niños Honduras, where I supported families through nutritional assistance in underserved communities. That experience deepened my understanding of cultural humility and the importance of meeting people where they are. Since then, I’ve been actively teaching myself Spanish so I can better connect with and serve the communities I work with, knowing that language access is essential for trust and meaningful care.
Watch Al’leyahs intro video: https://youtu.be/ECL63Sax7zo

Advancing the Health and Wellbeing of Coatesville