Aug 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 7 mos · United States · Remote

• I provide executive leadership for VetPhoenix, a justice-involved veteran–led organization that integrates social work practice, research, and systems design. In this capacity, I manage a multi-million-dollar state grant portfolio, oversee program development, and direct organizational strategy to scale evidence-based reentry and behavioral health interventions.
• Key functions include:
• Strategic Management: Designing and implementing a five-year organizational framework that aligns clinical practice, peer support, and public policy.
• Fiscal Oversight: Stewarding multi-million-dollar grant awards and ensuring compliance with state and federal reporting standards.
• Program Innovation: Advancing proprietary, research-informed methodologies to redesign reentry systems for justice-involved veterans.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building cross-sector partnerships with government, higher education, and community organizations.
• Through VetPhoenix, I translate lived expertise and doctoral-level research into scalable models of reentry and healing. Our work demonstrates that justice-involved veterans can not only thrive, but also lead in the design of more equitable, sustainable systems.

Jun 2023 – Jun 2024 · 1 yr · El Monte, California, United States · Hybrid

• The Peer Specialist functions as an interdisciplinary team member, assisting physicians and other professional/non-professional personnel in a rehabilitation treatment program. Peer specialists perform a variety of therapeutic and supportive tasks that include assisting Veterans in articulating their goals for recovery and personal wellness, learning, and practicing new skills, helping them monitor their progress, assisting them in their treatment, modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies based on the peer specialist's own recovery experience, and supporting them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services.

May 2023 – Nov 2023 · 6 mos · United States · Remote

• “Member of the advisory panel at The Council of State Governments (CSG), a renowned national nonprofit organization. Collaboratively working on mental health and incarceration issues, we combine the expertise of state officials from all three branches of government with in-depth policy and research knowledge. Our primary goal is to devise strategies that enhance public safety and fortify our communities.”

Jan 2023 – Jun 2023 · 5 mos

• As an experienced Veterans Peer Specialist, I am excited to continue my work helping fellow veterans overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In my current role, I act as a mentor and role model, providing emotional support and guidance to clients struggling with mental health issues, substance abuse, and other challenges.
• I am part of a team of professionals who work together to develop and implement treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. I also facilitate group therapy sessions and assist clients in accessing resources and services within the community.
• One of the things I am most passionate about in my work is helping clients identify and set personal goals for their recovery journey. I take great satisfaction in seeing them make progress and achieve their objectives.
• I believe that my own experiences as a veteran, combined with my compassion and understanding, make me an effective and dedicated Veterans Peer Specialist. I am committed to delivering the highest quality of care to those I serve. I chose this role to fulfill my heart and brighten my day.

Oct 2022 – Apr 2024 · 1 yr 6 mos

• Develop strategies and tactics to get the word out about our company and drive qualified traffic to our website
• Deploy successful marketing campaigns and own their implementation from ideation to execution
• Experiment with a variety of organic and paid acquisition channels like content creation, content curation, pay per click campaigns, event management, publicity, social media, lead generation campaigns, copywriting, and performance analysis
• Produce valuable and engaging content for our website and blog that attracts and converts our target groups
• Build strategic relationships and partner with key industry players, agencies and vendors
• Prepare and monitor the marketing budget on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis and allocate funds wisely
• Oversee and approve marketing material
• Measure and report on the performance of marketing campaigns, gain insight and assess against goals
• Analyze consumer behavior and adjust email and advertising campaigns accordingly
• Help manage social media interns

Jan 2023 – Dec 2024 · 1 yr 11 mos · On-site

• As a dedicated facilitator, I empower incarcerated individuals through financial literacy, life skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the transformative power of storytelling. My mission is to provide the knowledge, tools, and support needed for successful reintegration into society.
• I deliver comprehensive financial literacy workshops covering budgeting, saving, and credit management, alongside essential life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting. Through CBT, I help participants identify and change negative thought patterns, enhancing their mental health and resilience.
• A key aspect of my approach is inspirational storytelling. By sharing real-life examples of transformation, I motivate participants to envision their own potential for change. I also encourage them to share their stories, fostering a community of growth and mutual support.
• My work is grounded in empathy and a belief in the power of education and personal growth to transform lives. Let’s connect to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated citizens.

Jul 2022 – Sep 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos · Los Angeles, California, United States

• The Realization Project is a path breaking, system-change initiative. It is the only homeless employment project that can empirically and systematically identify individuals who are on the path to chronic homelessness for early intervention. Utilizing sophisticated analytical tools the project can quantify future
• public costs incurred if these individuals remain homeless, to document the cost-effectiveness of project outcomes.
• · Design and lead monthly Student Summit, including program design, engaging speakers, panel and breakout programs, and marketing to audience.
• · Manage implementation of the annual program, a recognition program for outstanding students
• · Design and deliver curriculum and training programs of various lengths, that leverage primary source materials and promote engaged and informed citizens and leaders.
• · Manage online resources, eLearning content creation, and digital platforms.
• · Oversee and manage the onboarding, scheduling and priorities of support staff
• · Strategically prepare, and submit conference proposals and oversee conference presentation and exhibition calendar and present, exhibit, and attend state and national conferences, on-site, out-of-town, out-of-state and on-line as needed;
• · Develop metrics of success and data analysis for program impact, and produce annual report of programs;

Apr 2022 – Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

• Committed to ensuring students have equitable access to their education by providing a comprehensive technology support program, inclusive of laptops, hotspots, educational software, and technical support.
• Have experience with and a strong understanding of enterprise data systems,
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve systems, processes and procedures,
• Have tremendous respect and empathy for end-users and be an outstanding listener,
• Love to find new ways to apply technology to solve problems and improve our work,
• Value collaboration and multiple perspectives in decision-making,
• Be adept at planning and organizing work to meet critical deadlines,
• Take full ownership of user concerns and responsibility for finding solutions,
• Possess great communication skills,
• Thrive in an environment of change and constant activity,
• Be deeply committed to supporting the highest quality educational experience for our students we can envision.

Aug 2021 – May 2022 · 9 mos · Long Beach, California, United States · Hybrid

• As an Outreach Specialist for the Justice Scholars Program (JSP) at Long Beach City College, my role primarily focuses on bridging the gap between the college and formerly incarcerated or system-impacted students. Rooted in the mission to foster an inclusive, equitable, and just campus environment, I work diligently to connect these students with the resources and support they need to succeed in higher education. By building relationships with community organizations, hosting awareness campaigns, and facilitating workshops, I aim to uplift the narratives of these individuals and reduce the stigma surrounding their past, ensuring they receive equal opportunities and a supportive academic environment.

Jul 2021 – Aug 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

• Complete brief screening, information, and linkage/referrals, coordination, and follow-up to clients who are referred to the CENS by participating agencies, as well as to clients who are walk-ins, that may be in need of substance used disorder treatment and/or mental health services.

Aug 2019 – Jul 2021 · 1 yr 11 mos · Los Angeles County, California, United States

• Manage justice-involved clients in a court-mandated diversion program. Provide intensive field-based case management and services while employing a trauma-informed care and harm reduction approach to a diverse group of clients with complex trauma facing medical, mental health and substance use barriers. Providing wrap-around services while ensuring court release conditions are fulfilled. The client remains in the program for as long as they require subsidized housing. For many individuals, this may mean their entire lifetime.

Apr 2019 – Sep 2019 · 5 mos · Los Angeles, California

• Manage formerly justice-involved homeless individuals with chronic medical conditions, co-occurring disorders, who are high utilizers of the Department of Health Services (DHS). Responsible for implementing practices such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, critical time intervention and stages of change. The sole function of Intensive case management services program is to mitigate the risk of individuals losing their housing by enhancing their ability to problem solve, use effective coping skills and manage and self-coordinate own care. In addition, the Case Manager works closely with a variety of partners such has property management, housing locators, third party service providers, and other service providers.

Jul 2005 – Jul 2011 · 6 yrs

• Perform paralegal duties under the direction and supervision of Judge Advocates in providing and administering legal services, including matters concerned with military justice, administrative discharges, claims, admiralty law, and legal assistance. Record and transcribe proceedings of courts martial, courts of inquiry, investigations, and military commissions and prepare and submit necessary records and reports; prepare correspondence; conduct interviews; perform legal research of pertinent material for evaluation; and provide advice and assistance to personnel and command on matters of legal administration.