Explore My Work

Role: Program Manager, Nevada Youth Empowerment Project 

Overview: In my role as Program Manager at NYEP, I run the daily operations of our transitional housing program for young women ages 18–24. My work is a mix of hands-on support and behind-the-scenes system building. I focus on keeping the program structured and consistent while also finding new ways like trauma-informed practices, digital tools, and updated processes to make life easier for both residents and staff. The goal is to create an environment where young women can build independence, and where the team has the right tools to support them.

Key Contributions and Projects:

Operational Oversight

• Managed daily program operations including resident scheduling and case management, staff coordination, and conflict resolution

• Tracked resident progress and maintained a consistent, supportive structure aligned with NYEP's approach and trauma-informed practices. 

Curriculum Development: 

• Designed and facilitate NYEP's Social Emotional Programming focusing on emotional regulation, goal setting, and decision making. 

• Lead the weekly Problem Solving Group to build peer-to-peer accountability and resilience.

Technology Integration: 

• Designed IT improvements that secured external grant funding, awarded in partnership with Microsoft Reno and BluePeak Technology Solutions. These upgrades enhanced NYEP’s digital capacity, supporting smoother daily operations and stronger communication systems for both staff and residents.

• Built and launched a Resident App to give young women real-time access to schedules, expectations, and tools for accountability.

• Introduced Google Chat for staff and resident communication, enhancing real-time support and conflict-resolution. 

• Implemented Microsoft Office tools to enhance staff communication and resident progress tracking.

Digital Systems: 

• Digitized program forms, policies, and educational resources to streamline workflows and reduce administrative barriers. 

• Built digital autonomy for residents by making resources accessible anytime. 

Policy and Program Refinement:

• Developed, reviewed, and updated program policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to clarify expectations, strengthen consistency, improve communication, and align day-to-day practices with program goals.

Outreach and Communications

• Managed NYEP's digital communications including social media, MailChimp newsletter, flyers, and Link Tree, boosting visibility and community engagement. 

Staff Training and Development

• Created digital onboarding and training resources to support staff consistency, performance, and growth.

  • NYEP Volunteer/ Supporter App

  • NYEP Employee App

Results and Impact:

• Increased resident accountability and life skills development through digital tools and curriculum

• Strengthened staff collaboration and reduced inefficiencies through digitized systems

• Boosted resident success with SEL programming that strengthened emotional regulation, goal setting, and peer accountability.

• Enhanced NYEP’s community presence and visibility via improved outreach strategies.

Role: Creator & Digital Systems Lead 

Overview: Designed and implemented a connected digital app ecosystem for NYEP using Jotform Apps and Google Workspace, creating dedicated platforms for residents, staff, and community supporters. Centralized program information, assignments, forms, resources, and operational tools into accessible digital environments tailored to each audience. Integrated Google Chat into daily program operations to strengthen communication, accountability, and access to staff support. 

Objectives

• Increase resident access to assignments, expectations, schedules, and program resources

• Strengthen resident engagement and accountability through accessible digital tools

• Improve communication between residents and staff

• Create a youth-centered system for addressing questions and concerns in real time

• Centralize staff access to program materials, policies, and operational tools

• Improve coordination of volunteer and community engagement opportunities

• Reduce reliance on fragmented or paper-based information systems

Key Contributions and Projects:

• Developed app content and layout with trauma-informed design principles

• Set up and configured Google Chat channels for residents and staff to connect instantly

• Integrated Chat into daily operations to allow quick responses, conflict resolution, and support

• Designed and implemented a supporter/volunteer app to organize events, track participation, and communicate with community members

• Created a staff app to centralize program materials, policies, and operational tools

Results and Impact:

• Reduced missed resident assignments by 35% within the first three months following implementation.

• Created an integrated digital ecosystem serving residents, staff, volunteers, and community supporters through audience-specific Jotform apps.

• Centralized assignments, forms, resources, policies, expectations, and operational tools that had previously been distributed across multiple locations and formats.

• Established a real-time communication system between residents and staff through Google Chat integration.

• Expanded self-service access to program information, allowing users to locate frequently needed resources and tools from a centralized digital environment.

• Created adaptable digital infrastructure that could be updated as program needs, resources, and processes evolved.

I develop practical, engaging curriculum that helps young adults build skills they can use in the real world. My approach combines structure, conversation, reflection, and hands-on learning, with topics ranging from independent living and relationships to communication, decision-making, and personal growth. I focus on making complex topics approachable, relevant, and useful for building capacity and independence. 

Featured Curriculum: Asking for Support When You Need It

A complete curriculum  package from my Built Not Borrowed Real-World Readiness curriculum, designed to turn personal development topics into practical skills through discussion, reflection, and real-world application. 

View Workbook | View Lesson Plan | View Conversation Starter

My community outreach work focuses on making information, resources, and opportunities easier for people to understand and access. These projects combine community education, resource navigation, digital tools, and visual communication to connect individuals with local services while encouraging thoughtful community engagement. From resource guides and digital directories to outreach campaigns, each project is designed to turn complex information into practical, accessible tools that support both individuals and the broader community.  View Project Examples 

I work in watercolor and acrylic. My artwork has been exhibited at Reno Artworks and featured in community art projects, with additional pieces created on commission.  View Project Examples 

Overview: From 2019 to 2023, I developed and coordinated a multi-organization partnership between the Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP), DATS Trucking, and Amazon to recover and distribute large-scale in-kind donations throughout Northern Nevada. I managed the operation from donation pickup through distribution, coordinating logistics, inventory management, transportation, and collaboration with community partners.

Thousands of essential items were redirected into the community rather than going to waste, supporting organizations including NNHOPES, Washoe County School District, Our Place, Eddy House, Step 2, Boys & Girls Club, Black Wall Street, NYEP, and numerous other nonprofit partners. The initiative strengthened collaboration between nonprofit, corporate, and transportation partners while expanding access to critical community resources. 

Results & Impact:

• Built and maintained partnerships across nonprofit, corporate, and logistics sectors.

• Coordinated transportation, storage, and distribution of high-volume donations.

• Supported multiple organizations in meeting community needs with vital supplies. Donations were distributed to organizations including NNHOPES, Washoe County School District, Our Place, Eddy House, Step 2, NYEP, Boys and Girls Club, Black Wall Street and others.

Overview:  During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led a community-wide initiative that brought together NYEP residents and local volunteers to produce face masks for individuals and organizations throughout Northern Nevada. I coordinated the project from start to finish, organizing fabric and supply donations, establishing sewing instruction groups, managing volunteer participation, and overseeing the logistics of material distribution and mask production.

Residents and volunteers produced and distributed hundreds of face masks to meet an urgent community need. To commemorate the project, residents transformed leftover fabric into a community quilt that was selected for Nevada Humanities' inaugural Nevada95 "Youth Make Their Mark" Art Contest & Exhibition Nevada Humanities’ Nevada95 “Youth Make Their Mark” Art Contest & Exhibition. , creating an opportunity for young women to contribute to a statewide civic engagement effort through creativity and community service. 

Results & Impact:

• Mobilized residents and volunteers to create and distribute essential face masks during COVID-19.

• Coordinated donation collection (fabric, cash, supplies) and volunteer engagement.

• Submission quilt selected as a winner in Nevada95’s inaugural statewide youth art contest, amplifying the voices of young women at NYEP.

Overview:  At NYEP, I oversaw professional volunteers, managing onboarding, training, and ongoing support to ensure they were prepared and effective in their roles. I created volunteer handbook and digitized volunteer onboarding. I also coordinated volunteers for NYEP’s annual Fall Harvest Festival, handling scheduling, logistics, and event support to create a smooth and successful experience.

Through the Youth Volunteer Engagement Program, I placed youth in partnering non-profits, monitored their performance and progress, and acted as a liaison to help them develop professional and personal skills. Beyond NYEP, I contributed my own time to several local non-profits, strengthening community connections and supporting meaningful initiatives.

Results & Impact:

• Oversaw onboarding, training, and support for NYEP professional volunteers.

• Coordinated large-scale event volunteers for the Annual Fall Harvest Festival and Youth Point In Time Count.

• Placed youth in meaningful volunteer opportunities, tracking progress and skill development.

• Strengthened community engagement through personal volunteer service.

• Developed systems that improved communication and collaboration between youth, professional volunteers, and partner organizations.

Overview: I planned and directed the 2019 Northern Nevada X-Wing Open, a regional charity tournament benefiting EnCompass Academy. I oversaw all aspects of planning and event execution, including logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships, raffle donations, online ticket sales, and community outreach.

The event successfully raised $5,000 for EnCompass Academy while bringing together the local gaming community in support of education and demonstrating the impact of volunteer-driven fundraising and community partnerships. 

Role & Contributions:

• Successfully raised $5,000 for EnCompass Academy.

• Oversaw planning, logistics, and execution of the full-day tournament.

• Partnered with local sponsors and community members to support raffle prizes and drive ticket sales.

• Coordinated raffle baskets and online ticket sales through NNXWing.com, making the event accessible both in-person and remotely.

• Promoted the event across community channels, building awareness and engagement within Northern Nevada’s X-Wing and gaming community.

Results & Impact:

• Successfully raised $5,000 for EnCompass Academy.

• Oversaw planning, logistics, and execution of the full-day tournament.

• Partnered with local sponsors and community members to support raffle prizes and drive ticket sales.

• Coordinated raffle baskets and online ticket sales through NNXWing.com, making the event accessible both in-person and remotely.

• Promoted the event across community channels, building awareness and engagement within Northern Nevada’s X-Wing and gaming community.

• The event was a success, we reached our fundraising goal and strengthened community connections through a fun, mission-driven event. 

Overview: In partnership with the Zonta Club of Greater Reno, I coordinated a community art installation as part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. I managed project planning, coordinated resident and volunteer participation, oversaw logistics, and facilitated the installation at Reno City Hall.

Titled "Add Your Voice to Ending Violence Against Women," the installation provided residents with an opportunity to engage in community advocacy through creative expression while raising public awareness about gender-based violence. The project strengthened community partnerships and highlighted the voices and experiences of young women through a public art exhibit. 

Role & Contributions:

• Coordinated project planning with Zonta Club of Greater Reno

• Facilitated resident and volunteer participation in the design and creation

• Managed logistics, assembly, and installation at City Hall

• Promoted the project through NYEP’s blog and community outreach

  • Learn about the project

Results & Impact:

• Elevated community awareness of gender-based violence through public art

• Provided residents a platform to engage in advocacy and creative expression

• Strengthened collaboration between NYEP and community partners