Empowering families and children through innovative healthcare solutions and community partnerships.
About the Nashville Collaborative
The Nashville Collaborative represents a groundbreaking partnership between the Division of Academic General Pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and key community organizations, including Nashville Metro Parks, Nashville Public Library, Metro Action Commission and the Nashville Food Project.
Founded in 2008 by Paul Whitman and Dr. Shari Barkin, who served as Executive Director from 2008 to 2022, the Collaborative has been a leader in community-driven pediatric health initiatives. Since its inception, the Collaborative has overseen and helped facilitate over 20 research studies, each aimed at improving health outcomes for children and families.
What We Do
At the Nashville Collaborative, we bring together community partnerships to design, implement, and evaluate programs that address critical health challenges. Our primary focus is on childhood obesity prevention, but our work goes beyond prevention to create sustainable, evidence-based solutions that improve overall child and family health.
Our Approach
- Innovative Solutions: We leverage cutting-edge research and methods to develop programs that are both impactful and adaptable to real-world settings.
- Sustainable Practices: We prioritize long-term strategies that create lasting health improvements for families and communities.
- Evidence-Based Interventions: All programs are grounded in rigorous research and proven methodologies to ensure effective outcomes.
- Family-Centered Care: Families are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring programs are accessible, and tailored to meet their needs.
Our Goals
Through collaborative efforts, we aim to:
- Improve Child and Family Health: Help families build healthier lifestyles and establish lifelong habits.
- Prevent Chronic Disease: Address risk factors early to reduce the prevalence of conditions like obesity and related diseases.
- Advance Health Equity: Ensure all families, have access to resources that support better health outcomes.
By working together with local organizations and community members, the Nashville Collaborative is transforming the way we approach pediatric health, building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Leadership Team
Dr. Bill Heerman – Director
Dr. Bill Heerman is a physician-scientist and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As Chief of the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, Dr. Heerman brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to the Collaborative.
His research focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes, particularly related to obesity, by developing and implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions. With a commitment to addressing health disparities, Dr. Heerman conducts pragmatic clinical trials in community settings, leveraging cutting-edge implementation science methods.
Key Credentials
- Board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
- Principal investigator on multiple NIH- and PCORI-funded randomized trials
- Advocate for community engagement in all aspects of research
Dr. Heerman’s work is rooted in collaboration, partnering with community members to ensure research is both impactful and inclusive. His dedication to maternal-child health sets the foundation for the Nashville Collaborative’s mission.
Stevon Nelms – Co-Director
Stevon Nelms serves as the Assistant Director of Metro Parks and Recreation and is a co-director of the Nashville Collaborative. With extensive experience in community engagement and recreation services, Nelms plays a pivotal role in fostering partnerships that enhance the Collaborative’s outreach and impact. His leadership ensures that the Collaborative’s programs align with the needs of Nashville’s diverse communities.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about the Nashville Collaborative? Reach out to us!
Filotea Popescu, RD
(615) 875-9083
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Division of General Pediatrics
2146 Belcourt Avenue, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37232-2504