Dakchyata Thapa, MPH is a program associate at the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). In her role, she supports initiatives to strengthen Medicaid policy and programs that service adults and children with complex health and social needs.

Prior to joining CHCS, Dakchyata served as manager of community partnerships at a New York-based behavioral health agency, where she managed strategic partnerships with hospitals, health systems, behavioral health providers, community-based organizations, and criminal justice agencies. She previously worked as a population health data analyst, supporting quality improvement initiatives and Medicaid-funded behavioral health programs through data analysis and reporting. Her experience also includes serving as an Urban Health Policy Fellow at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and as a public health intern with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Dakchyata is interested in the intersection of global health, health policy, and translating research into strategies that improve care delivery.

Dakchyata earned her master of public health in epidemiology from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and her bachelor’s degree in global health studies from Allegheny College.

Outside of work, Dakchyata enjoys photography, travelling, and trying new cuisines.