Research Coordinator

• Jun 2017 - Present

Graduate Research Assistant - Grant and Publication Support

• Mar 2015 - May 2017

I served as the faculty support graduate research assistant for the MSD Center for Healthy Living. In this position I was responsible for providing administrative support for faculty for grants and publications. This includes editing and formatting manuscripts, conducting literature searches, and helping with grant applications. In this position, I also taught weekly mindfulness meditation, and qigong classes for faculty, staff, and students.

Project Manager

• Oct 2016 - Present

Coordinate development and implementation of focus groups and interviews for the Community Stakeholder Interview research project; supervise and train staff to collect data; set agendas, orchestrate efficient meetings, delegate tasks. Coordinate development and implementation of focus groups and interviews for the Community Stakeholder Interview research project; supervise and train staff to collect data; set agendas, orchestrate efficient meetings, delegate tasks.

Qigong and Mindfulness Teacher

• Jul 2004 - Present

I have taught Sheng Zhen Gong (qigong) since 2004. I have studied closely with Master Li Junfeng since 2002 and also served as his assistant for 10 years. I have also studied yoga and meditation since 1995. My research has focused on meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction/resilience (MBSR) as an intervention for children and adults. My passion in life is to bring mindfulness, MBSR, qigong and mind-body practices to the general public through school-based programs and employer sponsored stress resilience workshops.

Co-Founder

• May 2017 - Jun 2021

Working with educators to create scalable and sustainable solutions for self and community empowerment. At empowerED Pathways, we offer workshops, seminars and leadership coaching focused around mindfulness and social & emotional learning. Our work is grounded in neuroscience and promoted through the following three signature practices:Practices that celebrate common humanity, normalize suffering, and break the walls of indignity and shame that isolate us (ex: community-building circles).Practices that build awareness and equanimity (ex: mindfulness).Practices that build compassion towards self and others (ex: resiliency and self-compassion).

Project Manager

• May 2015 - May 2016

I was in charge of two projects at Foundation Communities (FC) between May 2015-May 2016. First, I managed a team of graduate students in the "After School Physical Activity Evaluation" in which we evaluated the amount of physical activity the children in the FC after school program were attaining through the implementation of their physical activity program. Secondly, I lead a team to launch the "Healthy Food Initiative" in which we conducted a thorough internal and external process in order to create an environment for healthier foods in the FC food pantries.

Director of Community Relations

• Jul 2005 - Mar 2015

Responsible for institution wide marketing, public relations, and communications: Managed a team Managed marketing budget of $50,000 Launched responsive website (project manager) Directed development of AOMA website and Search Engine OptimizationProduced and distributed publications including annual report and press releases Developed and managed social media, blog, website, and newsletter strategiesCreated and edited original written content for blog, newsletters, website, etcDeveloped and hosted East West Forum panel discussionsDeveloped programming for informal classes and organized public events Developed community business partnerships

Teacher at Blanton Elementary

• Sep 2003 - May 2005

Bilingual Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher Bilingual Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher

Field Manager

• Jan 1998 - May 2001

As a field manager for Clean Water Action, I lead teams of fundraisers through neighborhoods in central Texas to educate the community. As a field manager for Clean Water Action, I lead teams of fundraisers through neighborhoods in central Texas to educate the community.