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Meet The Board
Dr. Shelley Amuh
Founder & Executive Director
As founder and CEO of the Puddle Project, Dr. Shelley Amuh is dedicated to ensuring pregnant and parenting teens have the tools they need to be successful parents.
Dr. Amuh brings over thirty years of experience as a practicing OBGYN to the Puddle Project, wedding her passion for health equity and medicine. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Dr. Amuh earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and her M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Wayne State University. Throughout her career, Dr. Amuh has worked in private practice and as a hospitalist in the Chicago area including most recently at Advocate Trinity Hospital. Also, is a member of the National Medical Association (NMA). Currently, Dr. Amuh serves as the Medical Director at CVS Health.
Dr. Amuh has also committed her time to improving access to quality healthcare for low-income communities and communities of color. During the pandemic, Dr. Amuh, in collaboration with ten other Chicago-based physicians, helped form the Southside Obstetrics Synergistic (SOS) Collaborative. The initiative works to address the gaps in healthcare access for pregnant women and infants of color that have been exacerbated by recent closures of Chicago medical facilities during the pandemic.
Dr. Amuh lives in the south suburbs of Chicago with her husband and their five children.
Tiffany Ponder
With over a decade of experience in nursing, clinical leadership, and community health, Tiffany Ponder is a passionate mentor and first-generation college graduate whose journey embodies resilience. She has led multidisciplinary teams, improved clinical outcomes, and championed programs that support growth, mentorship, and innovation in care. As an educator, author of Life Starts After Nursing School, and advocate for emerging professionals, Tiffany is deeply committed to helping others overcome barriers and thrive.
Dr. Sandy Gibson
She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, National Medical Association and Cook County Physician Association. She is an active board member for the Puddle Project-mentoring pregnant teens, Church Medical Ministry-providing health education sessions along with community health fairs. She serves on the Medical Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Jack and Jill of America dedicated to community service/political awareness for teens.
Valerie Warnsby
Valerie Warnsby is a native of Chicago. She is a proud alum of Drake University, where she received a bachelor's degree in business management and public administration. Ms. Warnsby has more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience in board governance, fundraising, program development and organizational growth. Valerie enjoys coaching and mentoring young adults and volunteering in her free time.