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Work Background
Communications Manager
FHI 360Communications Manager
Mar. 2021Led communications planning and strategy development for the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), which coordinates strategic research priorities among the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Served as the lead writer-editor for NCCOR's communications, research tools, educational products, and outreach initiatives. Supported FHI 306's Copy Lab with copy editing and plain language reviews of health communication products. Spearheaded the redesign of NCCOR's public-facing website and internal Member Hub, enhancing the user experience with a new search and filter system for 300+ resources. Co-wrote moderator scripts and evaluation reports for Tufts University's policy convenings leading to the 2022 White House Conference on Nutrition and Health. Recipient of two NOW awards for excellence in program delivery.
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Impact Marketing + CommunicationsMarketing and Communications Specialist
Jan. 2018 - Dec. 2019Silver Spring, MDSupported translational research efforts for the Health Research and Services Agency's (HRSA) Ryan-funded initiatives. Conducted qualitative research with community health partners and public health experts to identify best practices in HIV treatment for peer navigator programs and for populations experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, incarceration, and displacement due to natural disasters. Wrote training guides and case studies to assist community partners with replicating evidence-informed best practices in HIV treatment. Developed a 4-part training curriculum and supporting materials for community partners and healthcare providers.
Health Communication Specialist
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHealth Communication Specialist
Jan. 2012 - Dec. 2018Washington D.C. Metro AreaCreated and implemented communication initiatives to increase membership in the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides healthcare to first responders and survivors directly impacted by the September 11th terrorist attacks. Strategized with senior leaders to develop risk communication responses to highly sensitive public health programs and legislative activity. Translated scientific information, legal requirements, and policy documents into plain language consumer products, such as factsheets, infographics, handbooks, newsletters, and educational videos. All materials were created in English, Spanish, and Polish. Wrote and edited research compendiums and managed planning for a symposium on 9/11 health science. Served as a technical communication resource for outreach partners, leading bi-monthly planning groups and reviewing communication products. Wrote public statements on behalf of government leaders. Managed the Paperwork Reduction Act Fast Track Approval process for consumer research projects. Represented NIOSH on CDC's Plain Language workgroup. Recognized by the Center for Plain Language for best Original Documents/Short Category for WTC Health Center recruitment campaign and recipient of NIOSH's award for distinction in web writing and redesign.
Instructor
The George Washington University- Milken Institute School of Public HealthInstructor
Jan. 2010 - Apr. 2025Washington D.C. Metro AreaDevelop and teach Lifestyle Nutrition, an undergraduate course that examines the personal, social, and environmental issues related to healthy eating. Topics include interpreting nutrition research, media literacy, understanding the role of food environments, childhood nutrition, food safety, and chronic disease prevention. Utilize learning management systems to create and deliver online educational experiences.
Health Communication Specialist
Academy for Educational DevelopmentHealth Communication Specialist
Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2009Washington D.C. Metro AreaDeveloped recruitment materials, stakeholder outreach materials, e-newsletters, and communication plans for NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's National Children's Study. Managed a national network of CDC-funded community immunization advocates, including overseeing monthly remote training and bi-weekly e-newsletters. Wrote plain-language educational materials promoting childhood and adult immunizations. Led social marketing training for Project Safe Neighborhoods, a gun violence prevention program sponsored by the Department of Justice.
Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500)
Tranquil Space YogaExperienced Registered Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500)
Jan. 2007 - Dec. 2016Washington D.C. Metro AreaProvided yoga and stress management instruction for group classes, private clients, and professional workshops. Professional clients included the United States Agency for International Development, the Kaiser Family Foundation, the White House, and the U.S. Department of State. Developed and led teacher-training modules. Mentored teacher trainees and teaching assistants.
Project Manager
The Cadmus Group LLCProject Manager
Jan. 2006 - Dec. 2008Washington D.C. Metro AreaDeveloped health communication strategies for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indoor air quality program. Created a social marketing curriculum for EPA’s international Partnership for Clean Indoor Air and a curriculum for Head Start teachers about the health effects of second hand smoke. Managed program development, marketing, and event logistics for EPA’s Tools for Schools Symposium and the National Asthma Forum. Created tool-kits and newsletters to facilitate program implementation among EPA’s partners, regional offices, and stakeholders. Managed budgets, staffing, and program reporting.
Health Communication Specialist (ORISE Fellow)
Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHealth Communication Specialist (ORISE Fellow)
Jan. 2004 - Dec. 2006Washington D.C. Metro AreaDeveloped and implemented a communication plan for the National Occupational Research Agenda, including creating a new website, logo, and marketing materials. Created staff trainings and provided internal consulting on translating scientific research into public health messages. Managed event logistics and marketing materials for 13 public meetings and an international research symposium. Delivered a keynote speech for the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association. Assisted agriculture sector partners with developing communication plans to promote farm safety. Created content for two monthly e-newsletters.

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