Consulting on recovery oriented systems of care, developing and strengthening recovery organizations and programs, implementing recovery-based transformational change. Expertise in non-profit development, non-profit management, strategic planning, program development, budget planning and administration, board governance and training, curriculum development, preparation of RFPs, and grant/proposal writing. Excellent public speaker.

Communities for Recovery is a non-profit organization in Austin, Texas that supports long-term recovery for people with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions by partnering with communities to provide volunteer peer supported recovery programs and services.

Chief operating officer, responsible for managing operations of a membership-based, state-wide grass-roots nonprofit organization with over 5,000 members, 32 State Affiliates, and an annual budget of $1.4 million. Responsibilities include management of the NAMI Texas staff; developing and overseeing consumer/family/youth educational programs, including proprietary curricula (Visions for Tomorrow, Great Minds Think Alike, and Operations Resilient Families); overseeing Affiliate training; informing membership about systems issues, including health care reform and mental health as a public health priority; overseeing public relations, including promoting awareness and visibility of NAMI Texas and acting as media spokeswoman; maintaining contact with NAMI National; presenting in state and national meetings that contribute toward better public policy, education, and system performance for consumers and their families; legislative, policy and advocacy activities, including testimony before legislative panels; overseeing production of NAMI Texas publications; planning for and conducting the NAMI Texas annual conference; directing activities to meet Board-established goals and policies; strategic planning (including forecasting emerging issues); directing the overall financial planning and accounting practices; overseeing financial and accounting system and controls; developing and managing the annual budget; and developing and overseeing grant proposals, annual campaigns, and other activities to diversify financial support.

Provided technical assistance to Community Mental Health Center staff, liaised with stakeholders, coordinated activities, facilitated meetings, and made presentations. Conducted data analyses and developed materials for planning, management, and legislative needs. Reviewed state legislation, evaluated policy and operating implications, coordinated comments, and issued guidance and commentary. Developed, managed, monitored, and enforced contracts. Wrote Children’s Mental Health Block Grant state application. Wrote grants and developed RFP’s. Expertise in early childhood development and mental health, co-occurring disorders and systems of care.

Designed, established, administered, and delivered state-funded substance abuse intervention program for teens. Wrote curricula, provided services, developed and implemented school-based program. Coordinated with local social service agencies including Child Protective Services and Juvenile Probation Department. Communicated with local media to promote programs. Provided services to family members. Supervised and trained interns