Communications Director

• Nov 2022 - Present

Director of Community Engagement & Policy

• Apr 2020 - Dec 2022

Provide executive level leadership managing the Office of Community Engagement & Policy. • Responsibilities involve complex professional, administrative, and management duties in providing daily oversight of ongoing activities to inform the community, strengthen partnerships, and to implement plans, programs, and policies which support agency goals• Manage program teams, budgets, and reporting for five units, including Public Relations & Communications, Equity & Outreach, Language Services, Policy & Advocacy, and the Local Health Improvement Coalition • Direct, plan, develop, and evaluate agency marketing, communications, public and media relations, community engagement and outreach, collaborative initiatives with partners, policy and advocacy work, language services, and quality improvement efforts • Launch and oversee agency efforts to identify health disparities and advance equity at the local level • Develop, manage, and direct local crisis communications relating to the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining agency communications on other critical public health services • Received the Excellence in Public Health Award, Outstanding Service Award, Public Health Leadership Award, and a Certificate of Meritorious Public Health Service in June of 2021

Community Engagement Director

• Aug 2017 - Apr 2020

Directed, planned, and evaluated agency communications, public and media relations, and community engagement efforts. • Spearheaded quality improvement efforts, including the development of an agency communications plan, branding & style guide, and crisis communications plan, as well as comprehensive standard operating procedures for community engagement• Managed and created content for multiple websites and social media platforms • Developed and distributed e-newsletters, press releases, fact sheets, marketing materials, provider alerts, agency reports, talking points, and executive correspondence • Managed, tracked, and developed responses to news media coverage and inquiries • Coordinated, promoted, and prepared written materials for special events, including: conferences, training sessions, and presentations to government officials, partner organizations, and the general public • Prepared documentation and provided critical support for agency Accreditation

Local Health Improvement Coordinator, Health Planner III

• May 2014 - Aug 2017

Launched and led the first local health improvement coalition for St. Mary's County. • Provided guidance and technical support to a coalition of over 100 organizations and 200 residents on the assessment of community needs, strategic planning, and the implementation and evaluation of evidenced-based strategies • Prepared grant applications and requests for proposals to acquire or disperse funding • Managed coalition membership and capacity building efforts • Created and managed web content, social media platforms, coalition correspondence, press releases, e-newsletters, and formal documents for local needs assessment and strategic planning • Developed the first local health improvement plan for St. Mary's County, Maryland

Advertising Representative Coordinator

• Jan 2014 - May 2014

As a part time consultant for Cheseldine Management, I was contracted to provide technical assistance for the advertising program being implemented for the local transit system. • Developed and implemented a tool for tracking and managing contracts, advertising representatives, and client outreach • Assisted with program promotion and training for advertising representatives As a part time consultant for Cheseldine Management, I was contracted to provide technical assistance for the advertising program being implemented for the local transit system. • Developed and implemented a tool for tracking and managing contracts, advertising representatives, and client outreach • Assisted with program promotion and training for advertising representatives

Program Coordinator

• Sep 2012 - May 2014

Coordinated the implementation of a state grant award on the local level to include budget management, reporting, team oversight, and ongoing evaluation to ensure the objectives of the grant were met within the established time frame and budget. • Directed the development and execution of a multi-tiered public communications campaign featuring social media, online and print marketing, and outdoor and broadcast advertising • Collected and disseminated data as prescribed for funding sustainability and was responsible for the monthly meetings and projected deliverables of the project team • Orchestrated special events, facilitated collaborative initiatives, and conducted public presentations to educate, inform, and motivate the community on various topics • Managed budgets, project teams and reporting for grant funded programs • Designated lead for the MedStar St. Mary's Hospital “Relay for Life” campaign which included coordinating fundraising activities, event logistics and recruitment and retention of volunteers• Received the SPIRIT Award in March of 2014 for exemplary demonstration of the organization's values of Service, Patient First, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork

Mental Health Counselor

• Apr 2012 - Sep 2012

Monitored up to 12 behavioral health patients at a time and maintained accurate documentation regarding behavior and participation in treatment activities. • Utilized the dynamics and components of interpersonal relationships therapeutically and assisted in the assessment of the psychiatric, educational, psychosocial, environmental, spiritual, and cultural needs of patients• Completed hourly patient and environmental safety assessments • Ensured a stable and sensitive environment for patients• Maintained professional relationships with consumers and their families • Coordinating group therapy and activity sessions• Worked collaboratively with a team of nurses and mental health professionals to execute treatment plans and evaluate progress towards goals

Coordinator Special Programs, Health Services

• May 2010 - Sep 2012

At the Core Service Agency, I was responsible for coordinating services medically necessary for mental health treatment of children and adolescents in the public mental health system. • Planned, managed, and monitored the public mental health system at the local level to ensure that a comprehensive range of services were available, accessible and affordable to the community • Evaluated behavioral health program performance, quality, and compliance • Prepared the annual strategic plan for mental health services in Calvert County • Managed multiple program budgets • Authorized out-of-home placements for youth • Served on local boards and committees as an advocate and community partner

Transitional Age Youth Services Worker

• Jul 2009 - May 2010

Provided direct support services to transitioning young adults with behavioral health needs. • Conducted screening assessments to assist in determining program admission based on federal grant requirements • Formulated, executed, and monitored the progress of comprehensive treatment plans • Coordinated consumer care, client education, and weekly activities • Maintained professional relationships with consumers and their families • Required working independently and as a self-starter in a fast-paced environment

Mental Health Associate

• Jul 2007 - Apr 2010

Monitored up to 12 behavioral health patients at a time and maintained accurate documentation regarding behavior and participation in treatment activities. • Utilized the dynamics and components of interpersonal relationships therapeutically and assisted in the assessment of the psychiatric, educational, psychosocial, environmental, spiritual, and cultural needs of patients • Completed hourly patient and environmental safety assessments • Ensured a stable and sensitive environment for patients • Maintained professional relationships with consumers and their families • Coordinating group therapy and activity sessions • Worked collaboratively with a team of nurses and mental health professionals to execute treatment plans and evaluate progress towards goals

Sales Associate

• Feb 2008 - May 2009

While attending Monmouth University, I worked as a sale's associate at Victoria's Secret delivering a best-in-class, captivating, branded customer experience that built loyalty and enabled consistent sales and profit growth. I developed the ability to work with and engage a wide range of clients using a professional and upbeat approach and provided attentive service to ensure satisfaction in customer experience. While attending Monmouth University, I worked as a sale's associate at Victoria's Secret delivering a best-in-class, captivating, branded customer experience that built loyalty and enabled consistent sales and profit growth. I developed the ability to work with and engage a wide range of clients using a professional and upbeat approach and provided attentive service to ensure satisfaction in customer experience.

Psychology Department Research Assistant

• Feb 2006 - May 2009

While I was attending Monmouth University, I served as the lead student researcher working directly with a professor on the development and execution of psychology research. I drafted IRB proposals, coordinated laboratory usage, performed manual collation, data entry and word processing using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software package. While I was attending Monmouth University, I served as the lead student researcher working directly with a professor on the development and execution of psychology research. I drafted IRB proposals, coordinated laboratory usage, performed manual collation, data entry and word processing using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software package.