Meet the Speakers - Bios

Jessica Wallace, PA

Ms. Jessica Wallace is a Physician Assistant at Unity’s Upper Cardozo Health Center since 2007.  She graduated with a Masters in Public Health and in Health Sciences-Physician Assistant studies from George Washington University in 2006.  She currently serves as the lead provider in the walk-in department, and is the Coordinator of a family-centered obesity program at Unity called “We Can!”

“We Can!” stands for Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity and Nutrition, and is a curriculum created through the National Institute of Health.  Unity became an official “We Can!” site in April of 2008, and since that point the program has retained its name but adapted to become a comprehensive clinic-based program for the entire family.  Classes occur on Wednesday evenings, and children and their parents are referred by their primary care provider.   The program utilizes a group visit model, and each class includes healthy snacks, education and physical activity.  Field trips such as trips to local grocery stores and farmers markets are also a core component of the programs.

The program is very popular and successful – changes have been seen in participants’ health knowledge and health behaviors related to exercise and nutrition.  Many adults and children have even lost weight over time.  It also has also been the recipient of several awards.  In 2009 Ms. Wallace, as well as two other PAs, received the National Association of Community Health Centers Innovative Research in Primary Care Award.  The program has also been commended by First Lady Michelle Obama, and several families from the program have participated in White House healthy living events.  Unity is now in the process of expanding this model to other health centers throughout the city.

In addition to her work in the “We Can!” program, Ms. Wallace is now involved in another group visit program teaching complementary and alternative therapies to decrease pain and stress in patients struggling with chronic pain.  As a certified yoga therapist, she incorporates yoga into the class as a way to reduce stress and improve strength and flexibility.

Jessica lives in DC with her husband, 4 month old baby boy, and 2 dogs.