As Executive Director at our LGBTQ youth nonprofit organization I play a crucial role in leading strategic initiatives and ensuring the fulfillment of our mission. I oversee all aspects of our operations, including fundraising, program management, and financial stewardship. By developing and implementing strategic plans, I guide the organization in effectively serving LGBTQ youth communities. My leadership extends to fundraising efforts, where I cultivate relationships with donors and secure financial support to sustain our programs and services. Additionally, I provide direction for our programs, ensuring they meet the needs of LGBTQ youth and maintain a high standard of quality. I work closely with the Board of Directors to provide updates and seek input, fostering a collaborative environment. Through their advocacy efforts, both within the organization and externally, I help to amplify the voices of LGBTQ youth and advocate for their rights in public forums and policy discussions.

Drive the organization's mission to creating supportive communities where Virginia's LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, build skills, and thrive. Responsible for developing Side by Side’s youth-centered programs and services, with a focus on an intentional commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services. Coach, train and mentor staff to align their work with strategic goals, desired programmatic outcomes and the vision/mission of Side by Side. Ensure that specific programs or initiatives are meeting expected grant deliverables. Ensure that grant reports with desired, measurable outcomes are delivered on-time, tracking appropriate data as programs are implemented. Identify and develop potential stakeholder partnerships. Foster and promote a “flattened hierarchy” work environment among staff and board, working closely with partner Co-Executive Director to develop a productive and safe work environment. Co-supervise directors as department heads

Direct youth programming efforts by providing direction and support to the team to develop and deliver curriculum for Side by Side support groups; establish annual program outcome goals and provide on-going evaluation & assessment of youth programs utilizing the Search Institute's 40 Assets for Youth Development and twice a year youth surveys; Communicate program goals and outcomes with Co-Executive Director, Board of Directors, Youth Programs team and to partners; provide data needed in order to meet funding requirements and/or secure new funding; oversee the coordination of all youth social events; serve as Co-Chair along with a Board member of the Youth Programs & Services Committee. Additionally, coordinate crisis support with Youth Programs team; provide oversight for direct crisis support and intervention by Youth Support Group Manager and/or Lead Facilitators; serve as primary connection to Side by Side’s contracted professional counselors and assist in connecting Side by Side youth to these services; ensure youth records are maintained utilizing KidTrax and SharePoint databases; respond to inquiries as needed by referring to appropriate agencies and additional community supports as well as serve as liaison for Side by Side on local youth coalitions and with LGBTQ+ supportive parent agencies including PFLAG Richmond and He She Ze & We.

The primary role of instructors is to teach the Mental Health First Aid course. When they offer the course, instructors must teach the full 8-hour course with fidelity to the core program model and key messages. Students will learn that Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

·Design and instruct innovative fitness classes to a wide range of clientele and fitness levels, including high risk participants. Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with class participants; be the face of the fitness center by delivering excellent customer service. Promote the group fitness schedule by encouraging class participants to try other fitness classes. Monitor class participants, provide one-on-one assistance to correct form and/or provide exercise modifications. Challenge class participants by keeping choreography and music fresh. Ensure group exercise room is properly maintained before and after each class.

Provides leadership to support various designated youth groups and community task forces. Recruits and trains staff and volunteers. Provides on-going monitoring and supervision to part-time staff and volunteers within programs. Collaborates with community stakeholders to plan and promote youth involvement in their communities through access to positive engagement opportunities. Provides leadership for prevention and educational resources in support of youth. Develops and implements special programs under the supervision of the director as needed to meet youth and family needs. Prepares necessary needs assessments, monthly reports, and newsletters to promote and inform the community of program activities. Prepares regular and on-going progress reports to parents, teachers, principals, and guidance counselors regarding students. Serves on assigned teams, tasks forces, boards and commissions that are aligned with prevention and development of resources for youth and families. Addresses public inquiries.

Provides direct mental health services to include intake assessment, individual/family/group therapy, and crisis intervention to assigned clients. Maintains regular contact with the parent/guardian of each client (if appropriate). Completes master treatment plans, treatment plan updates, managed care authorizations and all chart requirements. Provides consultation for school staff regarding mental health issues of clients (as appropriate). Conducts group therapy as necessary. Provides complete and timely documentation to support services rendered.

Facilitate evidence and research based programs that educate the community, mainly youth, about drugs, alcohol, and school violence. Primary focus is serving as a consultant to promote widespread awareness of HIV, by way of providing information, performing waived rapid HIV screens, distribute preventative materials, and implementing educational programs that build skills and offers the community the necessary knowledge to reduce or eliminate the transmission of HIV.

Provide direct clinical services to clients, including individual, family, group and issue-specific/educational groups (parenting skills, anger management, substance abuse interventions); services are provided primarily in the home and community

Facilitate evidence and research based programs that educate the community, mainly youth, about drugs, alcohol, and school violence. Primary focus is serving as a consultant to promote widespread awareness of HIV, by way of providing information, performing waived rapid HIV screens, distribute preventative materials, and implementing educational programs that build skills and offers the community the necessary knowledge to reduce or eliminate the transmission of HIV.

Instructed intermediate and advanced students in the art of modern, jazz, hip hop, and lyrical dance. Choreographed competition dance pieces and instructed advanced students competing in regional dance competitions.

Gained familiarity with Court Services Unit policies and procedures. Co-facilitated an 8hour Anger Management Program. Documented services provided to clients. Provided assistance to Court Services Staff. Supervised a small caseload independently. Wrote pre and post dispositional reports for the court including performing home/school visits and interviews.

Worked with first generation and minority students in a motivational program designed to increase the academic aspiration and enrollment in post-secondary education. Was responsible for eight students from the ages of 14-16 and lead group reflection periods where we discussed attitudes on education, and the college experience. Directly supervised this group to and from classes, meals, group/activity time, and in their assigned residence hall.