Experience

• 

  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

  • Boise, Idaho, United States

  • Health Program Manager, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

    • Jul 2021 - Present
    • Boise, Idaho, United States

    Partner with health systems, community-based organizations, and private payors across Idaho to improve care coordination, identify gaps in Alzheimer's and dementia care and education, and determine regulations and potential policies. Hired, onboarded, and continue to coach team members on department—and division-wide policies, goals, and objectives.Developed and delivered (written and oral) policy recommendations to the governor, Senate Health and Welfare, and other legislative committees. Served as a co-lead for the division's public health reaccreditation process.Served as a subject matter expert and supported a state legislator in their work to establish a new protective placement law. This included advising on recommended regulations and involving other subject matter experts to assist in developing a new law. Serve on national boards as the state's public health or ADRD representative for Region X Healthy Aging Workgroup and the International Association for Indigenous Aging Healthy Brain Committee.Serve as the Idaho ADRD Program chair for the Idaho Caregiver Alliance Leadership and ADRD Alliance.Host a statewide geriatrician task force, identifying opportunities to advance delivery models that meet Idaho's needs. Manage state and federal funds.Developed and delivered national, state, and local presentations on health equity, rural healthcare issues, family caregivers, underserved communities, brain health, public health, ADRD, and programmatic objectives—audience size from five to over 300+.Host ADRD tribal open house (five of six regularly attend, and all six have participated), which fosters tribal relationships and increases awareness of support.Coordinate seven strategic plan workgroups, ensuring the activities outlined in the statewide ADRD strategic plan are addressed, tracked, and progress measured.Established a statewide ADRD Program and host a statewide steering committee and a coalition representing.

• 

  Boise State University

  • United States
  • Higher Education
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Adjunct Professor

    • Aug 2019 - Present

    I currently teach:-Introduction to health science and public health-Health services administration-Health science research methodsTeaching public health to undergraduates at Boise State is a privilege, many times providing them their first introduction to the social determinants of health. We travel together, discovering the different systems that impact our health and the health of our communities. Teaching research methods online allows me to be innovative while trying to guide my students through research project development, data collection, and analysis.

  • Program Manager - Family Caregiver Navigator Project

    • Jun 2020 - Jul 2021

    I hired, onboarded, and managed the Family Caregiver Navigation team and performed critical management functions, including developing, implementing, and managing the Family Caregiver Navigation program—a public health program. Created and managed the data collection documents to satisfy grant funding requirements and project objectives and provided quarterly updates to key stakeholders.I coordinated with key organizations and individuals to serve on the Family Caregiver Navigator Advisory Committee.I partnered with community-based service organizations in Idaho's rural and urban centers to develop a systems approach to helping caregivers.I developed and kindled the relationship with the national software assessment tool TCARE, which improved the evaluation experience for Idaho.Co-developed and monitored project budget and budget reporting.I researched potential grant opportunities for sustainability.I co-developed a sustainability budget and business plan for the Idaho Caregiver Alliance and Family Caregiver Navigator Program.I developed and delivered educational presentations on Idaho caregivers directly to consumers, healthcare professionals, private payers, and academic institutions.I served as a navigator, using an evidence-based assessment tool and a consumer-directed approach to develop a care plan with the caregiver and regularly follow up with them.I identified, organized, and coordinated community services and resources and networked with various organizations.Develop and expand the resource database from 0 to 1300+ Idaho resources serving caregivers.I collaborated with the Idaho Alzheimer's Planning Group, Idaho Caregiver Alliance, Idaho Commission on Aging Stakeholder Group, and many other community organizations and individuals who contribute to learning and improving caregiver support and resources.

  • Research Associate

    • May 2019 - Jun 2020

    I managed and conducted the evaluation for the Idaho Fit and Fall Proof Program. I co-wrote and managed the subgrant awarded to the Center for the Study of Aging (CSA) for the Idaho Fit and Fall Proof evaluation, partnering with the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to amend grant deliverables when necessary.I created and disseminated monthly communications for the Idaho Caregiver Alliance (ICA) that were provided in a user-friendly and accessible manner.I launched and coordinated the Geri-beverage social events, which gerontologists and geriatricians attended. The events aimed to build connections and collaboration within the field.I coordinated and hosted the To Err is Human Idaho Premiere in Boise in 2020. Partnering with major health institutions, private payors, health educational institutions, and other community organizationsI developed and monitored specific budgets and fundraising for CSA projects.I conducted a team SWOT analysis on Age-friendly Communities, distributed to DHW.I participated in early brainstorming for the statewide expansion of the dormant Alzheimer's plan, leading to the Office of Performance Evaluations report on the State Response to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.I served on the ICA's leadership team.I worked with several community partners to develop a GWEP grant submission.I provided presentations to educate employers on the family caregiver,I coordinated the Idaho Respite Summit held in Coeur d'Alene in partnership with the Idaho Commission on Aging and AARP Idaho. I developed and managed the budget for the Idaho Respite Summit.I conducted a landscape analysis of current caregiver-focused support programs within Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and British Columbia to determine a family caregiver program that would work in Idaho.I developed and interpreted survey data collecting needs assessments, satisfaction, and other program evaluation information pertinent to critical stakeholders.

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    • Aug 2018 - May 2019

    I have the pleasure of working under Dr. Jaime Sand as a TA for an online course. This course is the Introduction to Health Science and Public Health HLTH 110.

  • Graduate Research Assistant

    • Jan 2018 - May 2019

    I managed the Fit and Fall Proof (FFP) program data, which each health district coordinator delivered to the Center for the Study of Aging (CSA) for analysis. I analyzed data through SPSS and developed reports and presentations, which were usually completed in Microsoft Suite programs. Template/Flyer designs were usually created through various Adobe Creative Cloud programs. I collaborated with the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) to create a newsletter to disseminate accessible health information to the FFP coordinators and participants.I researched, edited, and built the submission packet for a publication submitted through Frontiers in Public Health. This submission, on cystic fibrosis and food insecurity in Idaho, went to publication in 2018. I partnered with the St Luke's Cystic Fibrosis Clinic to present our research findings in poster and presentation formats at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Denver.I worked on a portion of the State Healthcare Innovation Plan (SHIP) for Boise State University to identify potential education gaps in training and build a competency list to fulfill the needs of those who work with the aging population and caregivers. I researched livability, equality, age-friendly cities, and food insecurity.

• 

  IDAHO IMMUNIZATION COALITION

  • Content Coordinator

    • Jan 2018 - Apr 2018

• 

  East End Neighborhood Association

  • Boise, Idaho Area

  • President/ Communications Chair

    • May 2013 - May 2017
    • Boise, Idaho Area

    • Co-developed a collaborative of neighborhood associations throughout the Boise city limits, helping to encourage a collective approach to decision making. • Researched and evaluated potential grant opportunities for the East End Neighborhood Association. Participated in city-wide grant training, compiling information and writing grants for ideal projects that could expand resources within the neighborhood.• Co-managed Neighborhood Reinvestment Grants• Researched and wrote a grant for a local neighborhood elementary's playground equipment to be replaced. Once awarded, coordinated between the City, the school district, and the equipment installation company.• Analyze and identify ways to improve communication through creating a more inviting web presence, populating the website calendar with events, drawing residents to the website, and increasing communication through social media. • Forster relationships with neighbors, community leaders, and business leaders by conducting regular meetings and collaborative sessions.• Analyze and find ways to engage neighbors who feel disconnected from their neighborhood and the neighborhood plans by connecting with them and listening to their concerns• Identify, analyze and develop new ways to present community improvement projects to neighbors, city staff, and community leaders.• Manage multiple community projects simultaneously and understand the urgency of each by creating subcommittees, providing expectations through clear communication, organizing separate meetings, and assigning individuals to report findings.• Provided written and oral testimonies to Planning and Zoning, City Council, and the Idaho Historic Commission.

• 

  Life Reporters

  • Boise, Idaho Area & Los Angeles, CA

  • Senior Project Director

    • Aug 2007 - Jan 2016
    • Boise, Idaho Area & Los Angeles, CA

    I solicited, negotiated, and managed several vendor contracts while maintaining professional relationships with existing clients and vendors.I recruited and conducted survey interviews with individual participants over the phone, online, and in person for each client project, building a high level of customer service.I managed several recruiting projects at various stages of completion in a fast-paced environment, effectively and professionally.I maintained clear communication, both verbally and written, with high-profile clients such as Miller-Coors, Microsoft, Sears, and Fox Entertainment.

• 

  Boise's Babies & Tots

  • Boise, Idaho Area

  • President/ CEO

    • Jan 2011 - Dec 2014
    • Boise, Idaho Area

    I launched a board of directors and converted the social group Boise's Babies & Tots into a non-profit that served the greater Treasure Valley. I also worked with rural parents to determine activities that satisfied their connection and learning needs. I bridged the gap between community services geared toward new parents and new parents who were unaware of such services, becoming a trusted advisor in the parenting community.I supervised communication through social media and problem-solved when presented with a conflict between members while maintaining high confidentiality. I empathized with new parents and became their advocate by building a support community and forming the non-profit Boise's Babies & Tots.

• 

  Living Research, Inc.

  • Greater Los Angeles Area

  • Project Manager

    • Aug 2007 - Dec 2011
    • Greater Los Angeles Area

    I maintained professional client/vendor relationships over the phone, via email, and in-person through excellent customer service and a business-like presentation.I supervised six staff by communicating effectively, creating a collaborative team environment, being flexible, and maintaining a professional demeanor. I participate in team-building sessions to ensure efficient and effective work schedules and to motivate team members.I used Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Google to manage and evaluate project progress, present project deliverables, and manage databases.I coordinated payroll and managed project and department budgets with two other offices within Living Research Global, ensuring accurate information, timely invoice submissions, and payment receipts.

• 

  Stretchya

  • Hollywood, CA

  • Founder

    • Jun 2004 - Dec 2007
    • Hollywood, CA

    • Established objectives and strategies needed to accomplish fitness goals for personal clients, analyzed their progress, and counseled clients on ways to further their success, all while being understanding and sensitive to their individual needs• Maintained detailed client files and a client database through an excellent organized work style and administrative skills

• 

  Portion Patrol LLC

  • Hollywood, CA

  • Co-Founder

    • May 2005 - Dec 2006
    • Hollywood, CA

    • Provided nutrition education to clients• Analized client diet and assisted in the development of their nutritional program• Provided properly portioned out meals to client

• 

  24 Hour Fitness

  • Boise, Idaho, Visalia, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Los Angeles, CA

  • Fitness Manager, Assitant Manager, Personal Trainer

    • May 1999 - Jun 2004
    • Boise, Idaho, Visalia, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Los Angeles, CA

    • Recruited, interviewed, supervised 15-20 personal training staff at any one time• Supervised personal training staff files; insuring proper documentation and monitoring deadlines on required licensing or certifications• Monitored the level of detail in client/ trainer files and client progress to insure clients were treated with respect, that their health was taken into account when their program was established and that their goals were appropriate• Delivered persuasive public presentations on health lifestyle options to several businesses such as Kodak, Nickelodeon and Klasky Csupo, as well as by being personal trainer on the Discovery Channel’s TV show Celebrity Body Challenge

• 

  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

  • Nampa, Idaho

  • Therapy Technician

    • Jun 1994 - Aug 1998
    • Nampa, Idaho

    Worked with level 3 TBI (traumatic brain injury) patients. Assisted patients in their daily routines, provided personal care for patients, assisted them in their daily exercise/ therapy, and maintained records of meals, behaviors, sleep and so on. Provided medical assistance including administering of medications.