Melissa-Lauren Hooks, EdD, MS, BS, BA

Founder, Owner & Lead Consultant of Health, Equity & Research Solutions (HERS), LLC

Founder & Owner, Dr. Melissa-Lauren Hooks,

Health, Equity & Research Solutions, LLC (HERS)

“At HERS, we believe that empowering individuals and organizations with knowledge, equity, and innovation creates a foundation for transformative change. By fostering cultural competence and optimizing skills, we help shape systems where everyone—especially underserved and marginalized communities—can thrive with dignity, respect, and opportunity.”
— Dr. Melissa-Lauren Hooks

ABOUT

Dr. Melissa-Lauren C. Hooks, Ed.D., brings over 15 years of experience in clinical trial management, grant administration, medical education, and health equity. With advanced expertise and a multidisciplinary educational foundation—including a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Learning (Ed.D.), a Master’s in Management in Healthcare (M.S.), and dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology (B.A.) and Communicative Disorders (B.S.)—Dr. Hooks is passionate about transforming healthcare and research systems to better serve all communities, particularly those that are underserved and marginalized.

At Health, Equity & Research Solutions, LLC, our mission is clear: to empower practitioners, business owners, and organizations to optimize their skills and those of their teams, ensuring equitable and effective outcomes. We provide a comprehensive suite of services that address both the immediate and long-term needs of organizations, offering tailored solutions in clinical trial support, grant writing, DEI initiatives, education and training development, strategic planning, and more.

Our commitment goes beyond delivering services. We strive to create a better landscape for all by equipping organizations with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to address systemic disparities, improve access, and foster cultural competence. We believe that every person deserves care delivered with dignity and respect and that healthcare and research systems must evolve to reflect these values.

By partnering with Health, Equity & Research Solutions, organizations gain:

  • Customized expert guidance tailored to their unique challenges and goals.

  • Innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiencies and improve outcomes.

  • Empowered teams with the skills and training to navigate today’s complex healthcare and research environments.

Why These Services Matter

The need for specialized consultancy services in health, equity, and research has never been more critical. With increasing demands for compliance, efficiency, and equity in healthcare and research systems, organizations—both large and small—often face challenges in navigating these complexities. This is where Health, Equity & Research Solutions, LLC, steps in to provide expertise tailored to meet your specific needs.

By partnering with us, your organization benefits from:

  • Tailored Expertise: Solutions designed to address your unique challenges and opportunities.

  • Scalability: Access to services that grow or shift with your project’s scope and budget.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: The ability to utilize expert insights and tools without committing to full-time resources.

  • Enhanced Outcomes: Increased operational efficiency, patient retention, and equitable practices that lead to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Whether you are a startup seeking guidance on your first clinical trial or a large healthcare organization refining equity initiatives, Health, Equity & Research Solutions, LLC, provides the support and expertise to meet your goals, ensuring measurable success every step of the way.

💡 ROI Insight: Organizations that invest in strategic consulting improve efficiency by 35% and see a 4X return on investment within the first year.

Based in Providence, RI | Available for U.S. Consulting Projects

Therapeutic Areas

Expertise in various therapeutic areas, including:

  • Maternal Health

  • Oncology

  • Infectious Disease

  • Behavioral Health

  • Dermatology

  • Women's Health

  • Gastroenterology

  • Obstetric Medicine

  • Pediatrics

  • Trauma-Informed Care

📚 Select Publications & Research Contributions

HERS is built on evidence-based solutions and a strong foundation in clinical research, health equity, and program development. Below are a few key publications that demonstrate Melissa-Lauren C. Hooks, Ed.D.’s thought leadership in healthcare and research.

📖 Hooks, M.L., Lin, M., Nelson, G., Swann, S. (2022).
Sustainability of Nonprofit Organizations Focused on Gender Equity. Vanderbilt University.
✅ Focus Area: Grant funding sustainability, nonprofit impact strategies

📖 Haddad, N., Dibble, C., Dibba, P., Hooks, M.L. (2017).
Attitudes and Behaviors Surrounding Reproductive and Sexual Health in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
✅ Focus Area: Women’s health, gastroenterology, reproductive health

📖 Martineau, M.G., Raker, C., Dixon, P.H., Hooks, M.L., et al. (2015).
The Metabolic Profile of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Is Associated with Impaired Glucose Tolerance, Dyslipidemia, and Increased Fetal Growth.
✅ Focus Area: Maternal health, high-risk pregnancies, endocrinology

📖 Stone, K.C., Hinckley, M.H., Hooks, M.C., et al. (2009).
Body Mass Index Predicts Sleep Problems and Daytime Impairment in At-Risk Adolescents. Sleep, 32, A107.
✅ Focus Area: Pediatric health, behavioral health, obesity research

📖 Elofson, J.E., Stone, K.C., Hooks, M.C., et al. (2009).
Parenting Effects on Sleep Patterns of At-Risk Adolescents. Sleep, 32, A109.
✅ Focus Area: Family health, adolescent well-being

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