Experience

Mental Health America of the Heartland

• United States
• Mental Health Care
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Manager of Advocacy and Recovery Services

  • Sep 2022 - Present

  In this role, I am responsible for overseeing the operations of the Compassionate Ear Warmline, the longest running warmline in the country. I handle the administrative tasks, and participate on several statewide committees and task forces. Additionally, I handle advocacy situations with individuals and families who come into contact with Mental Health America of the Heartland. Furthermore, I am respnsible for supervision of staff in the Advocacy and Recovery Department.

• Housing Assistant

  • Apr 2022 - Sep 2022

  Providing administrative assistance to the housing team, including residential managers and the Housing Manager/Director.

• Wellness and Support Advocate

  • May 2020 - Apr 2022

  As a WASA (Wellness and Support Advocate), I worked offsite at EITAS, the Developmental Disability Provider for Jackson County, Missouri, working with individuals who had a dual diagnosis of I/DD and Mental Health Challenge. I worked with the individuals on coping skills, independent living skills, and helping them and their families to navigate the mental health system. The role evolved into an educational role where I educated the EITAS Staff about the role of peer support in the recovery process. This included presentations at staff meetings by Zoom and individual conversations in various offices. During my two years working there, I helped several people improve their financial situation, re-engage with mental health services, become more active in the community, and apply for and land their first job.



The Michaels Companies, Inc.

• United States
• Real Estate

• Sales Associate

  • Apr 2002 - Aug 2020

  Various sales floor duties as needed, assist the store manager with weekly business preparation on the sales floor, merchandise presentation and keeping prices current in the clearance section, provide customer service and consultation. Various sales floor duties as needed, assist the store manager with weekly business preparation on the sales floor, merchandise presentation and keeping prices current in the clearance section, provide customer service and consultation.



Alzheimer's Association®

• United States
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• MSW Intern

  • Aug 2019 - May 2020

  While doing a year long internship at the Alzheimer's Association, I collaborated with other staff to organize, prepare for, and present two community forums at the end of the year in Emporia and Lawrence, KS. I began work on the project when I analyzed a 100+ page document detailing the community reach of the organization. I then collaborated with the team to draft marketing materials to send make the follow up phone calls, and plan the events. Following the events, I compiled and analyzed the results, making recommendations for improvements going forward. Other projects included meeting with elected officials in Topeka and Jefferson City to advocate for policies that would benefit people who have Alzheimer's and their caregivers.



The University of Kansas

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Course Transformation Assistant

  • May 2018 - Aug 2019

  Research Assistant working with a team of professors to research methods of presenting diversity, equity, and inclusion content into undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) courses. Since the research showed statistically significant findings, I collaborated with the team to write an academic paper about the study. The paper is currently in press, slated for future publication.

• Graduate Student Test Proctor

  • Aug 2018 - May 2019

  Graduate Student Test Proctor administers tests and exams, maintaining test integrity while monitoring students in the testing room at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park. Works with faculty and other Edwards Campus staff to ensure test integrity and prepare exams for students needing accommodations, make-up exams, and distance learning/education exams.



MidAmerica Alliance For Access

• Consumer Services

• Board of Directors Member

  • Jun 2014 - Jan 2018

  As a member of the Board of Directors at Coalition for Independence, I work with other Board Members to monitor various aspects of the agency. Some of the things we monitor and work with the CEO on are keeping updated on and approving financial reports, fundraising, approving policies and procedures for the organization, as well as monitoring and evaluating the performance of the agency CEO. I am now the Secretary of the board and am responsible for timely completion of the meeting minutes, as well as any other correspondence that needs to be written.

• Independent Living Specialist Intern

  • Oct 2013 - Apr 2014

  As an Independent Living Specialist Intern, I worked with individuals who have disabilities. I took intake calls once a week per the intake rotation schedule, worked with individuals to develop and implement Independent Living Plans, provided information and referral services, peer support, independent living skills training, and advocacy training to individuals. One of my major accomplishments while working as an intern was organizing and leading a group of staff and consumers to advocate for better transportation for people who have disabilities in the Kansas City Metro Area.