Our Team
We are a passionate team committed to protecting the health and well-being of West Virginia families and communities. As part of West Virginia Families for Vaccines, we advocate for the preservation of the state’s strong immunization policies—policies that have helped safeguard generations from preventable diseases. We believe in science-based solutions and are dedicated to building a healthier future for our communities.
Kaylen Barker, M.P.A. is an Appalachian organizer and policy strategist serving as Director of West Virginia Families for Vaccines (WVFV). Rooted in the deep West Virginia traditions of mutual care, her work centers on building community power, protecting public health, and ensuring West Virginians have the tools and information they need to take care of their families and neighbors.
Barker began organizing in West Virginia while attending West Virginia State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a Master of Public Administration with a focus in public policy. Since 2016, she has built strong, lasting relationships with legislators, advocates, and community leaders across the state—grounding her work in trust, shared values, and a deep respect for local knowledge.
Before joining WVFV, Barker worked with the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia and Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, helping lead coalition efforts to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in some of the most restrictive environments in the country. Between 2022 and 2025, she played a key role in multi-state strategies to defeat harmful legislation targeting reproductive justice and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, while also working alongside partners to advance policies that support maternal and infant health.
Now at WVFV, Barker leads statewide efforts to protect West Virginia’s strong vaccination laws by focusing on what works here: trusted messengers, plainspoken education, and neighbors looking out for one another. Their approach brings together grassroots organizing, coalition building, and policy strategy to strengthen both access and understanding—meeting people where they are and making space for everyone to be part of the work.
Across all of her work, Barker is known for connecting policy to people’s real lives—lifting up lived experience, honoring Appalachian traditions of care and resilience, and helping turn those stories into action that strengthens communities across the state.
DirectorKaylen Barker
Jessie Ice, Ph.D., is a community organizer with West Virginia Families for Vaccines. She holds a doctorate in Political Science, along with graduate degrees in public administration and social work, and has dedicated her career and volunteer work to advancing evidence-based policy and strengthening community voice in public decision-making.
Her vaccine advocacy is both professional and deeply personal. As the parent of two teenagers, Jessie understands that strong vaccine policies protect not just individual children, but entire communities. When West Virginia’s longstanding school vaccine protections came under threat, she stepped forward to help organize across the state—ensuring that lawmakers heard directly from the majority of parents, community members, and medical professionals who believe in science and public health.
Jessie works to mobilize grassroots volunteers, develop clear and accessible advocacy materials, and support West Virginians in speaking confidently with legislators and media. Drawing on her background in research and policy analysis, she helps translate complex scientific and legislative debates into practical tools that empower West Virginians to take action.
Jessie is passionate about elevating the voices of West Virginia, strengthening pro-vaccine majorities, and protecting the public health policies that keep schools and communities safe.
Community OrganizerJessie Ice
Sissy Price
Sissy K. Price, BSN is a seasoned healthcare professional and proud U.S. military veteran with a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community health. A graduate of Braxton County High School (1990), she served in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1996, including deployment during Desert Storm. Continuing her military service, Sissy joined the West Virginia Army National Guard as a combat medic and nurse with the 1092nd Combat Engineers A Co., earning recognition as Soldier of the Year in 2000.
After completing her BSN at Alderson-Broaddus University in 2000—where she served as President of the Alpha Beta Nu Honor Society—Sissy dedicated her career to advancing public health. She led the Braxton County Health Department as Nursing Director (2006–2015) and Nurse Administrator (2015–2020), championing vaccine education and advocacy at both local and state levels. As a lifelong vaccine advocate, she worked tirelessly to educate communities and policymakers on immunization benefits. Before leaving the health department, Sissy organized one of the region’s first large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinics, leveraging her church and collaborating with community partners including WVU Braxton Memorial Hospital, WVU Summersville Regional Medical Center, Community Care, local city and state governments.
Passionate about education, Sissy has served as an adjunct instructor for Pierpont Community and Technical College and taught CNA and LPN courses at Braxton County High School. Since 2020, she has contributed to shaping healthcare education as a member of the Braxton County High School Health CTE Advisory Committee. Her community involvement extends to over a decade of service with the Braxton County Rotary.
Currently, Sissy with a certification in infection control she works as an Infection Preventionist for WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial Hospital and Summersville Regional Medical Center, ensuring patient safety and reducing healthcare-associated infections. She also serves as Community Organizer for West Virginia Families for Vaccinations, promoting grassroots immunization awareness. Additionally, she continues her work as a Nurse Health Coach, supporting individuals in achieving better health outcomes.
Sissy’s career exemplifies dedication to service, leadership, and the advancement of healthcare and education throughout Braxton County and the state of West Virginia.
Community Organizer