Jerell DeCaille

Jerell DeCaille serves as NBA’s part-time Health & Social Service Partner Program Coordinator. In addition to his work at NBA, he is a fourth-year doctoral student in the College for Public Health and Social Justice at Saint Louis University and he’s a co-founder of Know Your Roots Assemblage, a community development organization that creates culturally competent curricula for public, private, and charter schools.

For the past few years, Jerell has held several positions in academia as a research assistant and an educator. As a teaching assistant, he developed instructional plans and lectured courses around health and exercise science. As a research assistant, he assisted in the planning and implementation of research projects around health equity by conducting literature reviews, interviews, and focus groups. Additionally, he’s conducted data management and analysis.

Beyond his work in academia, he’s served as a program evaluation consultant for Youth Acquiring Leadership and Excellence and has worked as a supervisor for the Adolescent Health Center in New York City. In these roles, Jerell has collaborated with community stakeholders in the planning and development of youth programs and coordinated and evaluated analytic strategies for all program components.

When he’s not working, Jerell enjoys exercising, reading books, and spending time outdoors. He considers himself a lifelong learner, and his love for learning is reflected in one of his favorite quotes, “The spirit of learning is a lasting frontier.” This is his guiding principle that represents always pursuing growth. Jerell is based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Getting to Know Jerell

Why do you feel “called to care” about Disciples health and social service ministry?

Since I can remember, I’ve cared about the health and well-being of others. When I started college, I had plans to become a personal trainer. I felt called to help people transform their lives.

One day I had a conversation with a guy who came through the valet line (I was a valet attendant during undergrad) who told me my impact could be bigger. The next semester, I changed my major to public health. Why? Because I felt that it would allow me to impact more lives. I feel called to care because it’s people-centered and purpose-driven work.

Who is a hero of yours, and why?

This is tough. I’ve been blessed to have many heroes, but I’d go with my parents. My mother would always tell me to speak life and my dad would always tell me to keep my priorities in order. These biblical principles were ingrained before I was aware they were biblical and the most powerful thing about it is that I experienced them living out the words they spoke into my life.

If I were a tree, together they would be like the gravity that keeps me grounded and the sun that keeps me growing. Over the years their love, support, and collective wisdom have had a profound impact on my life. I’m forever grateful to have experienced their superpower.

If I tried to find you in a supermarket, what aisle would you be in?

Honestly, there’s not a single aisle that stands out. I like to get my groceries and get out as quickly as possible. There are too many carbs and temptations in those aisles. Granola bars, cereal, juice, bread, pasta lol! Just writing about it makes me want to make a supermarket run. If I had to give one aisle though, you could probably find me in the produce section.