Gjanje Smith-Mathus, MD, MPH

Founder and President

Dr. Gjanje L. Smith-Mathus is a Liberian-born, U.S.-trained urologist and urogynecologist with WakeMed Physician Practices in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

 

Dr. Smith-Mathus earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, completed urology residency at Lahey Clinic, and fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center. She later earned a Master of Public Health with certificates in Global Health and Health Finance & Management from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

 

For many years, Dr. Smith-Mathus envisioned contributing to rebuilding Liberia’s healthcare infrastructure by bringing together the talents and resources of Liberians at home and abroad. In 2019, she asked herself two questions that transformed that vision into action: “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” These questions inspired her to establish Susu Health Foundation in October 2019.

 

The Foundation draws inspiration from the traditional Liberian “susu,” in which members contribute to a common fund and take turns benefiting from their collective contributions. Susu Health Foundation reimagines this model for healthcare: Rather than benefiting only those who contribute, the collective investment of time, talent, expertise, and resources benefits the broader community. Through collaboration among local healthcare professionals, communities, and the Liberian diaspora, Dr. Smith-Mathus seeks to harness this spirit of collective action to strengthen Liberia’s healthcare system and create sustainable, lasting impact.

 

Tianna Sherman-Kesselly is an international development, communications, and project management professional with experience spanning the World Bank Group/International Finance Corporation, the Government of Liberia, internationally funded development initiatives, and the private sector.

 

Born in Liberia and raised in the United States, Tianna brings a global perspective deeply rooted in her Liberian heritage. With academic backgrounds in International Relations and Public Health, her career has focused on building partnerships, connecting people and resources, and advancing sustainable development.

 

Driven by a deep pride in her heritage and a belief in Liberia's untapped potential, Tianna is passionate about turning connections into meaningful opportunities for growth and impact. Through the Susu Health Foundation, she seeks to bridge diaspora expertise with local talent, helping to strengthen healthcare delivery, empower Liberian healthcare professionals, and build sustainable solutions that improve lives.

 

Tianna Sherman-Kesselly, MPH

Vice-President

Laurene Morris, MbChB, MRCPG

Secretary

Dr. Laurene A. Morris is a committed Catholic, devoted wife & mother and a dedicated family medicine practitioner who strives to give compassionate care to her patients.

 

Born in Rome, Italy to a Liberian father and Italian-Ethiopian mother, her family relocated to Liberia during her infancy. In her latter childhood, her family moved to the US where she completed elementary school, high school and the first two years of college. Her family later moved to the United Kingdom where she completed a bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology at Kingston University in Surrey. She then went on to study medicine at the University of Warwick and was awarded a medical degree (MB ChB) in 2005. After completing two further years of post graduate training, she completed a 3-year residency in family medicine (General Practice) and became a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2010.

 

She has extensive experience working within the UK’s National Health Service as well as in Liberia. She currently works at Jahmale Medical Solutions, a state of the art clinic and diagnostic center based in Paynesville, Liberia.

 

Her primary goal is to glorify God in all she does. As a doctor living and working in a country with a huge healthcare burden and infrastructural needs, her prayer is for God to use her in her limited capacity to compassionately and competently serve the people of Liberia within the healthcare space.

 

Florachel Ricks Addy, MBA, CPA

Treasurer

Florachel Addy is a financial and accounting executive with over 25 years of experience spanning corporate, non-profit, and governmental accounting, financial reporting, public accounting, auditing, internal controls, compliance, and financial governance.

 

She currently serves as a Director of Accounting for a publicly traded multinational organization, and brings extensive experience in financial oversight, risk management, audit, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial decision-making.

 

She holds an MBA in Corporate Financial Management from Temple University and a BS in Business Administration: Accounting and Management Information Systems from Drexel University.

 

Being born and raised in Liberia, West Africa, she is extremely happy about the opportunity to serve on the Susu Health Foundation’s Board because she believes in the power of healthcare to transform lives and strengthen communities. She is honored for the opportunity to use her financial experience, leadership, and commitment to service to help advance the Foundation’s mission and ensure its resources make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

 

Williamatta S. Williams-Gibson MD, MPH, FLCPS, FWACP

Member-at-Large/Director of Education

Dr. Williamatta S. Williams-Gibson is an accomplished public health expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in community health, infectious disease prevention and health care management and policy. She holds her medical degree alongside a Master of Public Health, Fellow of the Liberian College of Physicians and the West African College of Physicians, allowing her to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and community- wide health strategies.

 

Dr. Williams- Gibson work focuses heavily on improving healthcare access and shaping equitable healthcare policies. With a mission to build sustainable, health-literate communities and evidence- based education, she fits well into Susu Health Foundation,  which has a mission to support health literacy of patients and communities. She firmly believes that true medicine happens outside of the clinic walls by treating the environmental and social factors that influence wellbeing.

 

Outside of her medical practice, she is caterer. You can also connect with her to discuss public health consulting opportunities.