At Synapse, we will customize to meet our clients' unique needs. We provide partnership and support in organizational strategy and business development, change management, assessment, implementation and partnership building. We've got you.

Together, we recruited an amazing person to lead Local Food Hub. I am proud of what we accomplished and am grateful for the team and the board who are welcoming Laryssa in her new role. Serving LFH in a time of transition was an honor, and an experience from which I learned so much.

Knowledge of community assessment; community development, coalition building; public health program planning, implementation & outcome-based evaluation; behavior change theories w/application to community-based interventions; concepts of community health education/promotion, research methodologies; adult learning theory w/application to health education; relevant policy, regulations for environmental health assignment. Skilled in writing effective grant proposals; leading others in utilizing community health promotion process; communicate effectively verbally & in writing.• Supervises seven staff members responsible for multi-disciplinary functions.• Lead facilitator on the district’s Improving Pregnancy Outcomes workgroup• Serves as the District Public Information Officer and liaison with all local media outlets• Successfully received special projects grant funding in tobacco control, healthy eating/active living, peer health networks, and cancer prevention.

Knowledge of communicable diseases and principles of epidemiology, including bioterrorism preparedness and response mechanisms. Ability to apply research principles, develop/manage databases, analyze and interpret statistical information, train and direct staff. Knowledgeable of laws, regulations, and policies on disease reporting and control. Ability to act independently and manage a multi-disciplinary district-wide program, develop goals and evaluate progress.• Supervised three staff members responsible for multi-disciplinary functions.• Investigated outbreaks of infectious diseases, managed cases and contacts, developed recommendations to control the spread of disease and protect the health and safety of the public.• Provided public health education and consultation on a variety of public health topics.• Served as liaison to the media regarding epidemiological practices and illnesses/conditions.• Analyzed and compiled district-wide (6 counties) communicable disease data using the Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System Database (VEDSS) and shared formal reports with both internal and external colleagues and stakeholders.• Routinely performed quality assurance checks/queries on all reportable disease data • Routinely monitored disease trends and surveillance data and instituted special surveillance when indicated• Led, coordinated, and trained the district’s multidisciplinary Epidemiology Response Team to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up to public health emergencies.