Helping Healthcare Organizations Take Health Equity from Intention to Action
At Connected Consultants, we believe that health equity is more than just a buzzword; it’s about quality improvement, real impact, measurable outcomes, and structural change that improves healthcare access and quality for marginalized communities.
Founded in 2020 by Dr. Deann Weatherspoon-Butler, Connected Consultants is a Black woman-led consulting firm dedicated to helping healthcare organizations move beyond performative equity and quality efforts to implement sustainable, equity-driven solutions.
We specialize in:
✅ Quality Improvement
✅ Health Equity
✅ Training and Workforce Solutions
Our Mission
We partner with healthcare organizations, health plans, community health centers, and public health agencies to implement evidence-based, real-world strategies that reduce disparities, improve outcomes, and create equitable healthcare systems.
Our work is rooted in the Equity into A.C.T.I.O.N. framework, which prioritizes:
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Aligning strategies with organizational goals
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Creating measurable impact
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Training leaders to embed equity in decision-making
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Implementing structural change
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Optimizing compliance and accreditation success
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Nurturing long-term, sustainable transformation
Meet the Team
Our team brings a unique combination of lived experience, academic expertise, and healthcare industry leadership to every engagement.
Deann Butler MA, MBA, DHA
CEO & Principal Consultant
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Founder & CEO of Connected Consultants, leading healthcare organizations beyond performative DEI toward measurable progress in equity, quality, and compliance.
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Health Equity Strategist & Accreditation Expert with a track record of guiding systems through NCQA and URAC Health Equity Accreditation with near-perfect outcomes.
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Educator, Speaker & Thought Leader, blending lived experience, research, and strategy to drive sustainable transformation in healthcare.
Dr. Dawn Witherspoon- Hasib
Senior Consultant
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Tenured Professor & Director of Parents and Children Together (PACT) at Penn State, leading research and programs that strengthen families and communities.
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Specialist in Systems Change & Equity Initiatives, supporting nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and community leaders in building inclusive, data-driven strategies.
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Mixed-Methods Researcher & Strategist with 20+ peer-reviewed publications advancing understanding of race, place, and well-being.
Alexandria Little Westfall
Senior Consultant
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Clinical Psychologist & Certified Forensic Evaluator specializing in trauma-informed care, child-parent psychotherapy, and culturally responsive practice.
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Expert in Behavioral Health & Justice Systems, working at the intersection of mental health, equity, and social justice to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
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Trainer & Consultant committed to integrating evidence-based care and equity principles into clinical and organizational practice.
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Warren E. Hoskins
Senior Consultant
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Licensed Psychotherapist & Trainer with over a decade of experience providing therapy, psychological testing, and workforce training across healthcare and community settings.
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Advocate for Mental Health Equity, dedicated to improving access and outcomes for underserved populations through culturally responsive care and education.
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Published Author & Researcher, whose work on Black fatherhood and personal growth (50 Nuggets for the Journey) continues to inspire both professionals and communities.
What Sets Us Apart
✔️ We are health equity and quality improvement specialists – We focus exclusively on healthcare, not general consulting.
✔️ We measure what matters – Every project is designed with data-driven outcomes in mind.
✔️ We challenge the status quo – Our approach goes beyond compliance to real impact.
✔️ We are flexible and practical – no rigid, cookie-cutter frameworks; we tailor solutions to your organization’s needs.
