Leadership Team
Gibbs J. Saunders, M.S., Executive Director
Gibbs Jennifer Saunders has been a leader in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Gibbs earned her master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Columbia University. Most recently, she specialized in youth fitness strategies and was the sole consultant for the State of New Mexico Healthy Kids program, a state-wide physical activity initiative aimed at fighting childhood obesity. Gibbs also served as the Fitness & Wellness Department Chair at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, where she developed, taught and implemented academic fitness education strategies for the college.
As the Executive Director at Healthworks Community Fitness, Gibbs has launched aggressive programming with an evidence-based approach through Woman, Be Fit (a physical activity and nutrition intervention program for women), which has brought validity and acclaim to an organization that has been recognized by Boston’s mayor for innovation in health care and reached over 350 individuals in the last year. Additionally, her approach of teaching holistic fitness integrates the relationship between a fit body and self-sufficient empowered lifestyle. Finally, Gibbs’ ability to develop and cultivate partnerships has brought new funding and dynamic partners to HCF, including Reebok, The Bruins Foundation, The Daily Table, Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Massachusetts ,Boston Scientific and the Harvard JFK School of Government. Contact for donations, grants, staffing, and fitness programs: gsaunders@healthworkscommunityfitness.org
Tanisha Tate, Community Outreach Director
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” -Phyllis Diller, Comedian/Actress
If smiling was a talent, Tanisha believes she would be the “Beyoncè” of Smiling. She was born and raised in Dorchester, MA, but recently moved from Brooklyn, NY to Boston six years ago. Tanisha is a multi-talented professional with over 25 years of experience providing marketing, event planning, public relations, guest services, programming, and fundraising services for corporations, celebrities, entertainment firms and non-profit organizations.
Tanisha is an alumna of Syracuse University and a proud mother of pre-teenager son, Jordin, along with a bite size dog name DJ. Contact Tanisha at ttate@healthworkscommunityfitness.org
Mia Phillips, B.S., Fitness Director, Certified Personal Trainer
Mia joined the HCF team in January of 2022 and became our Fitness Director in 2024. She holds a bachelors degree from Umass Boston in Exercise and Health Science and is a certified personal trainer through ACE. Her training style includes mobility and weight lifting. She strives to make her clients feel motivated and comfortable by creating a positive, welcoming environment. Mia is also a certified BODYPUMP™ by Les Mills instructor and 261 Fearless coach. In her free time Mia enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her loved ones, and travelling when possible. Contact Mia at mphillips@healthworkscommunityfitness.org
Healthworks Community Fitness Front Desk Staff
Lorene Thomas, Member Account Specialist
lthomas@healthworkscommunityfitness.org
Ivette Lozada, Member Service Specialist
membership@healthworkscommunityfitness.org
Christine Hatton, Member Service Specialist
TrishaKay Anglin, Member Service Specialist
Song Kulung, Member Service Specialist
Andreana Rivera-Thomas, Member Service Specialist
Board of Directors 2025
Sandra Cotterell, RN CEO, Codman Square Health Center, Dorchester, MA (retired)
Bill Walczak CEO, South Boston Community Health Center, Boston MA (retired)
Mark Harrington, Sr. CEO, Healthworks Group, Boston MA
Percess Williamson, CPT Director of Healthy Living, YMCA of Roxbury, Roxbury, MA
Ad Hoc
Beth Baker Deputy Associate Director, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA
