Our Team

Holly Cercone is a dedicated advocate for health equity, focused on addressing disparities that impact the Black community. Her work highlights the power of community-driven initiatives to foster a brighter future for children and families.

A Buffalo native, Holly attended BPS #41, Waterfront School, and McKinley High School before earning an athletic scholarship to West Virginia University. She later obtained a master's degree in College Administration from Buffalo State University, where she also coached the Women's Track and Field team.

Holly has demonstrated her commitment to community wellness through diverse leadership roles, where she has collaborated with educational institutions, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations. At her church, she has led impactful initiatives such as Say Yes Summer Remedial Camps, Soccer for Success, and various Health Promotion programs. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Chispa Scholarship Program at Nichols School, furthering her mission to empower youth through education.

Inspired by her mother’s work with the Community Action Organization of Buffalo, Holly is devoted to advocacy and support for others. She and her husband, Roland, are proud parents of five grown children. In her free time, Holly enjoys cycling, running, yoga, and dance, reflecting her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Willa Arnet, compassionate and dedicated Adult Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years experience in Buffalo, excels in delivering primary care both in clinics and patients' homes. Not only a healthcare professional, Dr. Arnet is a community advocate dedicated to making a positive impact. Her diverse expertise spans roles in community health, long-term care, subacute care, rapid response teams, and as a medical officer of the day. 

She began her career as a nurse assistant at Columbus Hospital while earning her bachelor's in nursing from D'Youville College, completed in 1993. She became a Registered Nurse, then earned a master’s degree in Adult Health Nurse Practitioner from the University at Buffalo in 1998 and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and Adult Gerontology from UB in 2017.

Dr. Arnet served 15 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, advancing from Combat Medic to Army Nurse Corps Captain, with significant roles in General Support Hospitals and Combat Support Hospitals that demonstrated her commitment to providing care in diverse and challenging environments. She is also the proud mother of a daughter at Georgetown University Law Center and a son in the MD/PhD program at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Brenda W. McDuffie is a community advocate dedicated to systemic change for Black, Latinx, Native American, and other marginalized individuals in Western New York.

She holds a degree in Human Services from Buffalo State College and a graduate certification in Human Resources from the University at Buffalo. For 22 years, Brenda led the Buffalo Urban League, transforming it into a premier organization serving over 20,000 individuals annually. Brenda played a key role in developing NY State’s Workforce Development system as Executive Director of the Buffalo and Erie County Private Industry Council and President of the New York State Association of Employment and Training Professionals. Her extensive volunteer and board service includes roles with the Health Foundation of Western and Central New York and Erie County Industrial Agency, among others.

Brenda has received numerous accolades, including the National Urban League Women of Power Award and inductions into the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Business Hall of Fame. Buffalo Business First has continually recognized her as one of the most influential leaders in WNY. Residing in Buffalo with her husband, Gerald, Brenda continues to mentor individuals and community groups, driven by her faith and commitment to service.

Melissa Archer is a co-founder of the Black Women’s Wellness Village and a Board Certified Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at SENSES Medical Wellness, PLLC. She is dedicated to promoting self-care and coping strategies to help individuals thrive rather than merely survive.

A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from D’Youville University, a B.S. in Nursing from Daemen University, and an A.A.S. in Nursing from Trocaire College. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the Black Achievers Award, the Distinguished Trocaire Alumni Award, and the NAACP Presidential Award. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor nursing society, and serves on the boards of Mental Health Advocates of W.N.Y., Crisis Services, Mount Mercy Academy, and Women’s Health Broadcast Board. She is also a graduate of the Open Buffalo Emerging Leaders program and serves on its advisory board, as well as the Vice President of the Buffalo Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc. Melissa is married to Dr. Fred Archer. She is the proud mother of three and grand-fur-mother of nine beloved pets.

Roberta Rifkin has been a vital part of Independent Health since 2005. Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Government Programs and Strategic Partnerships, she helps develop strategic partnerships with local and national groups to enhance healthcare delivery while reducing costs. Roberta held the position of Senior Manager for the Erie County government, where she focused on economic development and social service funding initiatives. 

Originally from Washington D.C., Roberta relocated to Buffalo in 1996, bringing with her a wealth of experience from various federal agencies, where she specialized in national security and arms control matters. Roberta graduated from Tufts University and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, in Massachusetts, where she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in International Relations. Actively involved in her community, she serves on the boards of the African Heritage Food Co-op, the Buffalo Urban League, and Jewish Family Services. Her previous board memberships include GoBike Buffalo and the Independent Health Foundation. A graduate of the Community Health Foundation Health Leadership Fellows program, Roberta is an enthusiastic participant in the local Swim Masters program. She resides in Buffalo with her husband, Noah Rifkin, and they have two adult children, Shanna and Isaiah.

Nolan Wells serves as the Assistant Secretary of the Black Women’s Wellness Village of Buffalo (BWWVB) Board. A Jamestown, NY native, he later moved to the Buffalo area, where he has continued to make a positive impact in the community. Nolan graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a B.A. in International Relations and Business Administration. Since joining Independent Health in 2018, he has gained valuable experience as their Government Relations Manager, deepening his understanding of the healthcare delivery system and its challenges. This has inspired Nolan to work on building a resilient and equitable system.

Nolan's diverse work history spans various industries, including retail, food service, and a Senate internship, reinforcing his belief that collaboration is essential for success. In his role as Assistant Secretary, he is committed to supporting Board operations and recordkeeping, helping to create a supportive village where Black women can thrive and live their best lives.