Raymonde Alexandre
Born and raised in Haiti, Raymonde Alexandre moved to the United States in 1976 in her early twenties to join her mother who had already established roots in the Boston area. Adjusting to a new country was not easy, but Raymonde embraced the challenges.
She learned English, sought job training, got married, and went on to raise three children in Boston. Her professional journey led her to work as a nursing assistant in some of Boston’s largest hospitals and agencies, where her compassionate nature and dedication to care shone through.
In 1995, Raymonde moved to the Codman Square area and started using Codman for her and her family’s care. Codman quickly became her go-to resource for health and wellness. Her first provider was Dr. Tringale, but it wasn’t long before she transitioned to seeing Dominique Entzminger, a Haitian physician assistant who shared her language and cultural background. The connection blossomed into more than just a professional relationship.
“Dominique started as my medical provider, but we ended up being close friends. That’s a beautiful thing,” Raymonde shares. “Codman Square Health Center is like family to me.”
Over the decades, Codman Square Health Center became a cornerstone of Raymonde’s health journey. When routine bloodwork revealed that she was borderline diabetic, her providers worked closely with her to find a medication regimen that fit her needs. Raymonde appreciated how responsive and attentive the staff were, always ready to adapt to her concerns.
However, like any long-term relationship, there were moments of challenge. In those instances, Raymonde relied on Jo-Ann Silva-Winbush, Codman’s Customer Experience Manager, to help resolve any issues. “Jo-Ann always makes sure everything is taken care of,” she says with gratitude.
In 2024, Raymonde’s blood sugar levels began to climb again, prompting her doctor to recommend a new program called Journey to Good Health. This innovative initiative featured group medical visits where participants could engage with medical providers, connect with peers, and learn about key health topics. Though unsure at first, Raymonde decided to give it a try. Her health history—including a stroke four years prior—encouraged her to explore every opportunity for improvement.
“From the first day I went, I knew I was going to love it,” Raymonde recalls. “I love the connection with everyone and enjoy the company.”
The program proved transformative. Over the course of 12 weeks, Raymonde achieved remarkable milestones: she lost weight, brought her blood sugar under control, and regained mobility. By the end of the program, she no longer needed her cane to navigate the health center—a moment of triumph for her. A highlight of the experience came when she won a game of Musical Chairs, a symbol of her newfound strength and confidence.
Through Journey to Good Health, Raymonde also learned simple exercises she could perform at home. The exercises not only kept her moving but also alleviated chronic shoulder pain that had troubled her for years. “I used to have a lot of pain in my shoulder, and I don’t anymore,” she says proudly.
For Raymonde, Codman Square Health Center is more than just a place to receive care—it’s a community of support, friendship, and empowerment. Her journey reflects the profound impact of patient-centered care and programs designed to meet people where they are.
