Experience

Children's Action Alliance

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Early Childhood Policy

  • Aug 2021 - Present



EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases

• United States
• Public Policy Offices
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Policy Fellow

  • Apr 2019 - Jul 2023

  • Create relationships on Capitol Hill with key congressional offices/staff and lobby on behalf of the National PKU Alliance for the Medical Nutrition Equity Act • Maintain data on Member of Congress co-sponsorship/support, key committee assignments, caucus memberships, and co-sponsorship of related legislation • Regularly communicate with advocacy partners and affiliate PKU organizations, PKU news, and others to maximize collaboration opportunities • Activate and educate the PKU grassroots advocacy community to pass the Medical Nutrition Equity Act Show less



Erikson Institute

• United States
• Higher Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Policy and Leadership Department

  • Nov 2017 - May 2018

  • Researched and monitored the federal reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Homevisting (MIECHV) program, and compiled a recurring comprehensive report of the most current research and data • Took part in the Illinois Legal Council for Health Justice workgroup for the pilot blood lead level program for lead-exposed children • Contributed as a researcher to a workgroup advocating for access to childcare for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) • Assisted in an interview of candidate for Illinois Governor, Daniel Biss, regarding the Illinois Early Intervention program • Developed an original capstone project that identifies an existing policy issue within the Illinois Early Intervention program, provides an evaluation of the policy implications affecting the children and families being served, and posits a remedial recommendation Show less



Leaps and Bounds Family Services

• Chicago, IL

• Early Intervention Specialist

  • Sep 2017 - May 2018

  • Administered in-home developmental therapy services to children with various developmental disabilities and delays • Participated in the development of each client's individual family service plan (IFSP), and administered treatment to achieve family goals • Conducted interventions that promoted clients' progress across all developmental domains • Engaged in reflective supervision with supervisor regarding personal-professional practice with clients • Administered in-home developmental therapy services to children with various developmental disabilities and delays • Participated in the development of each client's individual family service plan (IFSP), and administered treatment to achieve family goals • Conducted interventions that promoted clients' progress across all developmental domains • Engaged in reflective supervision with supervisor regarding personal-professional practice with clients



Little GEMS International Pre-School - Chicago

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Infant Teacher

  • Oct 2015 - Aug 2016

  • Promoted the physical, socioemotional, cognitive and language development of twelve infants through well-planned classroom lessons, games and outside activities • Provided a nurturing and appropriate environment for children ranging in age from zero to three years old • Identified early signs of developmental delays in children and implemented interventions • Promoted the physical, socioemotional, cognitive and language development of twelve infants through well-planned classroom lessons, games and outside activities • Provided a nurturing and appropriate environment for children ranging in age from zero to three years old • Identified early signs of developmental delays in children and implemented interventions



HonorHealth

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 700 & Above Employee

• Child Life Specialist

  • Jan 2015 - May 2015

  • Shadowed a full-time Child Life Specialist in the general pediatrics unit, out patient surgical unit, emergency room, and neonatal intensive care unit. • Coordinated with doctors and registered nurses to develop care plans for pediatric patients • Escorted pediatric patients to examination rooms and prepared them for surgical procedures using developmentally appropriate teaching tools • Shadowed a full-time Child Life Specialist in the general pediatrics unit, out patient surgical unit, emergency room, and neonatal intensive care unit. • Coordinated with doctors and registered nurses to develop care plans for pediatric patients • Escorted pediatric patients to examination rooms and prepared them for surgical procedures using developmentally appropriate teaching tools



Phoenix Children's

• United States
• Hospitals and Health Care
• 700 & Above Employee

• Summer Camp Counselor

  • Jul 2014 - Jul 2014

  • Worked as a camp counselor at an outdoor camp for children with various blood disorders • Cultivated effective relationships with campers, and other camp counselors by utilizing active listening and dynamic interpersonal skills • Initiated and participated in various camp-centered activities, including canoeing, fishing, painting and rock climbing with children of all ages and abilities • Worked as a camp counselor at an outdoor camp for children with various blood disorders • Cultivated effective relationships with campers, and other camp counselors by utilizing active listening and dynamic interpersonal skills • Initiated and participated in various camp-centered activities, including canoeing, fishing, painting and rock climbing with children of all ages and abilities



Arizona State University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Child Development Practicum

  • Jan 2014 - May 2014

  • Created and implemented developmentally-appropriate curriculum for preschool-aged children• Observed children for signs of emotional disturbance, learning disorders and speech delays• Employed a variety of materials for children to explore and manipulate in learning activities and imaginative play• Participated in group lectures discussing the developmental progress of each child

• Research Assistant

  • Aug 2013 - May 2014

  • Supported principal investigators during research inquiring how school success is impacted by students' peers, everyday emotions, and relationships at school• Gathered data regarding the emotional expressions and academic success of children in a first-grade classroom setting• Implemented research quality control procedures• Utilized coding systems and manuals to translate observations into quantifiable data



One Life at a Time

• Tegucigalpa, Honduras

• Volunteer

  • Jul 2013 - Jul 2013

  • One Life at a Time (OLAAT) is a nonprofit organization helping to raise the standard of living for hundreds of young men and women in third world countries by providing the opportunity to develop necessary tools for success in the workplace and for life. • Served as a teacher to English language learners • Provided relief packages to women and children in the women's health clinic of a state hospital • Contributed to the nutritional sustainability of the New Life Children's Home • Participated in refurbishing projects at an elementary music school Show less