I'm the Founder/Executive Director of Caring with Compassion Community, a “Peer Run” non-profit serving marginalized community members who experience trauma supporting their wellness journey. I have devoted my career to helping empower individuals most vulnerable, helping break the cycle of discrimination through providing person center, trauma-informed approaches, culturally appropriate care services, and petitioning for laws to be changed in Washington state. As a recruiter for the vulnerable population, I'm a part of several board committees within the community to help implement change and equality and connecting with other state agencies and non-profit community providers to implement change. Through economic empowerment supporting entrepreneurs who are “Black Indigenous People of Color” (BIPOC), and people with disabilities accessing business resources, and technical assistance. I provide consultation and expertise to individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, health care providers, business community, and the public focusing on awareness of appropriate resources and services supporting inclusion, diversity, employment, cost-effective resources, quality of life, safety, and maximizing independence.I dealt with chronic health issues, survived natural disasters (including Hurricane Katrina), and was a caregiver to my mother, until her transition. I learned how to navigate "Systems of Care" and use my voice to ensure quality services. I advocate and work collaboratively with various healthcare disciplines, to ensure "quality care" and appropriate services are maximized to accomplish health goals.Through my unique combination of "lived personal experience" and professional training and expertise, I'm passionate and a respected advocate for serving the most vulnerable with compassion, as well as empowering individuals, recognizing abilities, and taking holistic, "person-centered care" to become knowledgeable about disabilities.

Four year term ended in May, 2023.

Identify special needs members through the completion of health screens and other resourcesWork with community outreach/member advocates to coordinate member careEducate providers and community about resources on program components and available support services. Educate members with special needs to foster compliance with program and positively impact outcomes. Conduct site visits as appropriate for programs and provide support to other special programs. Develop and modify care plans in conjunction with member, member's family and managing physician. Development of plan specific literature and education materials in conjunction with medical director and corporate oversight. Conduct screening and risk assessment interventions per program guidelines. Act as primary liaison for members and staff. Assist with non-medical aspects of the member's care, including referrals to community resources

Case Manager - Managed a caseload of 75+ individuals with developmental disabilities. This included annual assessments, Care Plans and evaluations as well as authorizing of client services according to need and policy in a timely and accurate manner. This also included assisting families with documentation needs, request, accessing needed resources, crisis response and attending to any and all appeals for services.

Established and maintained relationships with local, state and federal agencies such as the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Investment One-Stop Centers, in order to make their services available to consumers. I also connected with business and private firms to develop options for residents of Jefferson Parish. Participated in the pilot program, Transition Project with LSU Human Development Center and assisted in obtaining paid apprenticeships and permanent employment for Jefferson Parish residents. Also gathered and reported quality assurance data to the Employment and Vocational Services Administration.

Established and maintained relationships with local, state and federal agencies such as the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Investment One-Stop Centers, in order to make their services available to consumers. I also connected with private firms to develop options for residents of Jefferson Parish. Participated in the pilot program, Transition Project with LSU Human Development Center and assisted in obtaining paid apprenticeships and permanent employment for Jefferson Parish residents. Also gathered and reported quality assurance data to the Employment and Vocational Services Administration.

Established and maintained relationships with local, state and federal agencies such as the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Investment One-Stop Centers, in order to make their services available to disabled veterans . I also connected with private firms to develop options for disabled veterans for rehabilitation work opportunities