Luna Canola (She/They) is the Program Manager of the Ryan White Program at VNA Community Health Center, where she is dedicated to advancing health equity and delivering inclusive, compassionate care to underserved communities. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, and raised in South Florida, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and began her healthcare journey early by earning her nursing license through a dual enrollment program in high school. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Florida and studied abroad in Quebec, Canada, an experience that deepened her passion for public health. During this time, she worked as a full-time home health nurse for children with developmental disabilities and later in outpatient pediatrics before the COVID-19 pandemic shifted her focus toward broader systems-level impact. She pursued graduate studies at New York University and, while in New York City, worked at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, where she advanced to Nursing Supervisor and specialized in adolescent gender-affirming care—an experience that shaped both her professional path and sense of community. After earning her Master’s degree, Luna transitioned into health education at a federally qualified health center, where she refined her expertise in curriculum development and continues to support youth programming through initiatives such as Camp Rise Up and the Spanish-language day camp SOAR, which she helped pilot. Now based in Asbury Park, she is proud to bring her passion for public health, education, and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ and Ryan White programs at VNA Community Health Center, working to empower individuals and expand access to equitable care.
What inspired you to join the Ryan White Program, and what keeps you motivated in your role?
Working in LGBTQ health allows me to only to give back to the community that has welcomed me in but also contribute to ending the stigma and improve the lives of people living with HIV. No one regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race or ethnicity deserves to feel alone or live in fear while navigating this disease.
Can you share a memorable experience or success story from your time working in the program?
I like to think of the program as an extension of myself. This effectively makes it a living breathing part of the community. Every patient interaction stays with me and just rebuilding community partnerships has been some of the most memorable moments. As pride moves closer I hope to be able to show up even more and create more connections.
3. What is one fun fact about yourself?
I love animals. I am obsessed with my miniature dachshund Turnip and I have 3 cats Jett, Zeca, and Spoon. And yes they all get along.
The Ryan White program is a federally funded program that helps to ensure the care of people living with HIV in the U.S. It includes making sure people can afford their medications and receive both the HIV /AIDS follow-up they need as well as primary care. At the CHC we focus on providing primary care, medication management and support for those newly diagnosed and who have been living with HIV in Asbury Park.
Luna Canola, MPH, CHES (She/They)
