Our Staff
Executive director/Founder
Jack Slooijer
Born and raised in Louisiana, Jack founded Below Sea Level Aid to support the community that nurtured them. Their dedication to public health began as a research associate for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project, followed by running the largest syringe exchange program on the Gulf Coast. With a deep commitment to community care, Jack created Below Sea Level Aid to uplift the voices of Louisianans and fight for access to basic services in the South and rural areas.
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Griffin Thompson
Griffin is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Geography & Sustainable Planning and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Natural Resource Management. He enjoys opportunities to make maps that have real-world impacts and BSLA is a perfect fit for that. When Griffin isn't making maps, he can likely be found either gardening or watching pro wrestling with his cats.
Harm Reduction specialist
Maxx Anderson
Maxx is a Louisiana native who joined Below Sea Level Aid to build community and expand harm reduction in local party and music scenes. Passionate about keeping people safe while they have a good time, Maxx believes care and culture go hand in hand. You can usually find them at a local garage band show or catching the latest drama in the ring with WWE.
Training and Community Education Lead
Clara Pierson
Clara is starting medical school at LSU, where they hope to bring the values of harm reduction, community care, and health equity into their work as a future physician. Their passion lies in creating nonjudgmental, life-saving access to care for people who use drugs and strengthening public health systems across Louisiana.