Summary

Mission-driven public policy advocate with over 10 years of experience leading grassroots and grasstops
mobilization efforts, specializing in anti-poverty advocacy, legislative engagement, and volunteer
leadership. Proven track record organizing and training diverse volunteer teams across Oklahoma to
effectively engage with policymakers, influence public opinion, and drive equitable policy change.
Skilled in campaign development, advocacy communications, and coalition-building, with deep expertise
in federal and state-level legislative processes. Recognized as an Expert on Poverty and Fellow with
RESULTS, bringing strong strategic planning, digital advocacy, and public speaking abilities to empower
communities and advance inclusive, people-centered public policy solutions.

Skills

• Public Policy Advocacy & Legislative Engagement
• Crisis Intervention (988), Safety Planning, Suicide Prevention
• Case Management & Reentry Support
• Advocacy Communications & Strategic Messaging
• Coalition Building & Community Partnerships
• Volunteer Leadership & Training Facilitation
• Grassroots Mobilization & Digital Advocacy
• Data Analysis, Reporting, and Program Evaluation
• Federal and State Policy
• Trauma-Informed Practices

Volunteer Work

RESULTS is a nonpartisan, grassroots anti-poverty advocacy movement working to influence
federal policies that impact hunger, housing, economic justice, and global health. As an Expert on Poverty,
I bring lived experience and professional expertise to strengthen policy strategies and elevate community
narratives within federal advocacy spaces.

• Lead federal meetings with Senators, Representatives, and congressional staff on SNAP, the CTC, Medicaid, and housing policy.
• Organize statewide advocacy events, actions, legislator meetings, and public education efforts.
• Train volunteers on storytelling, legislative engagement, and effective advocacy communication.
• Represent Oklahoma as an Expert on Poverty Fellow, providing testimony, workshops, and speaking engagements.
• Write op-eds, action alerts, and public-facing communications to mobilize communities around poverty solutions.
• Support national campaigns addressing nutrition access, global health funding, and income inequality.

Professional Experience

Heartline, Inc. – 988 Backup Chat Specialist and Supervisor

October 2024 – Present

Heartline is a nonprofit behavioral health organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention
services as a key partner in the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• Supervise and support crisis specialists handling high-risk 988 chats and texts.
• Provide real-time coaching, feedback, and de-escalation assistance.
• Maintain staffing schedules and ensure 24/7 operational readiness.
• Conduct performance evaluations and run quality improvement initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between frontline staff and leadership.
• Handle escalated crisis contacts and peak-volume situations.
• Train new hires on safety assessment and trauma-informed best practices.

Case Management — Neighborhood Services Organization

March 2024 – June 2025

• Provide case management for young men (18–24) in transitional housing.
• Support clients navigating policing, juvenile justice, reentry, and corrections systems.
• Collaborate with teams to continuously adapt and improve case management approaches.
• Manage competing priorities in high-demand environments.

Outreach Specialist — Block By Block

July 2022 – December 2023

• Built relationships with unhoused individuals, providing outreach and connection to services.
• Supervised outreach processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Developed and delivered presentations to diverse audiences.
• Trained business owners and community partners on engaging with unhoused individuals.
• Adapted to shifting priorities with flexibility and problem-solving.

Loan Specialist — Small Business Administration

June 2021 – December 2021

• Processed small business loan and grant applications.
• Reviewed financial documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Analyzed borrower repayment ability using federal guidelines.

Senior Research Analyst — Oklahoma Health Care Authority

February 2020 – April 2021

• Coordinated care for Medically Fragile Waiver members in LTSS.
• Guided case managers in compliance with state protocols.
• Resolved provider issues involving authorization, reimbursement, and utilization.
• Created and delivered provider training on long-term care regulations.
• Assisted with CMS annual report writing and editing.

Civil Rights Administrator — Oklahoma Department of Corrections

August 2018 – February 2020

• Administered affirmative action, EEO, and civil rights programs for 4,000+ employees.
• Investigated discrimination complaints and provided policy guidance.
• Provided coaching to supervisors and leadership on harassment and EEO issues.
• Analyzed complex discrimination cases to determine corrective action.
• Developed and maintained Affirmative Action Plans.

Journalist / Contractor / Freelancer — The Oklahoman Media Company

June 2011 – January 2020

• Conducted research, interviews, and data gathering for news articles.
• Wrote stories, human-interest features, and obituary content.
• Maintained the free death notice database and liaised with funeral homes.
• Built a network of community and media contacts.

Research Associate — Oklahoma Health Care Authority

January 2016 – January 2018

• Managed and coordinated care for Medically Fragile Waiver clients.
• Coordinated provider issue resolution and ensured compliance.
• Led provider meetings and supported CMS reporting.

AmeriCorps Communications Assistant — Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy

September 2012 – September 2013

• Created graphic design materials for Kids Count and Fit Kids campaigns.
• Managed social media and media communications.
• Produced newsletters, press releases, and website content.
• Supported statewide child advocacy initiatives.

Education

• Bacherlor’s of Arts, Social Work — East Central Unviersity
• Master of Science, International Studies — Oklahoma State University
• Certificate, Semester in Washington Journalism Program — George Washington University
• Bachelor of Arts, Journalism — University of Central Oklahoma
  Cum Laude • Alpha Chi Honor Society • Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society
• Associate of Arts, Journalism — Rose State College
  Phi Theta Kappa  Honor Society • All-Academic Oklahoma