Taylor Hooker is the Chief of Learning Engineering for the San Francisco VA Medical Center where she leads a team of informaticists aimed at devising and integrating new technology-enabled solutions to address health inequities, improve veterans’ health care experience and improve efficiencies for staff. Prior to this role, she serves as a Health System Specialist with the VHA’s Office of Health Equity where she leads logistics and dissemination efforts. Her clinical background as a Recreational Therapist and Health Coach have led to her designing and spreading innovative telehealth solutions at the heights of the pandemic. She is now focused on leveraging technology to promote authentic social connection for veterans and the nation at-large.

Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University’s College of Human Movement Sciences. She completed her master’s degree at Clemson University where she is exploring the motivations and impacts of equine assisted services on veterans’ mental health. Taylor’s research interests revolve around nonpharmacological approach to veterans’ health, with special emphasis on the intersection of technology with leisure, lifestyle, and wellness-based interventions.