This position manages the implementation of state policy related to Substance Use Prevention Education and serves as the state point of contact and liaison supporting Substance Use Prevention Education in K-12 public schools in Oregon. This position interacts with state contacts, district leaders, schools, parents, representatives at the state and federal level including partner agencies, and youth. This position is responsible for working with agency leadership, Health Education specialists, and others to implement Senate Bill 238, the Substance Use Prevention & Intervention Plan (OAR 581-022-2045) rule, and to oversee efforts to administer and implement state and federal policy and direction for Substance Use Prevention Education. This includes working to coordinate and contribute to the development of curricular resources, professional learning opportunities, and communication materials.

Provides statewide guidance and consultative advice related to Adolescent & School Health programming particularly as it connects to youth sexual health and K-12 education; determine program priorities and direction; coordinate efforts within and outside the agency; K-12 education policy and implementation support; communications and framing; provides technical assistance, support and leadership to improve youth sexual health, including care and support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. Builds and participates in collaborative partnerships with a wide range of public and private non-profit partners; guides multiple health and education related efforts within the Public Health Division; provides local and state program planning expertise; state and local level policy development; training and technical assistance to local public health authorities, local school districts, and community-based organizations; and develops framing and communications for broad audiences. Responsible for supporting policy and partnership activities specific to health and education, including legislative analysis, across the Adolescent and School Health unit, Public Health Division and the Oregon Health Authority.

Provide vision and strategic direction, coordination, capacity building support and leadership with an equity lens and anti-racist framework along with the youth-centered foundation of the Oregon Youth Sexual Health Plan. Lead staff within the Adolescent & School Health program who support local communities throughout Oregon in providing essential health care services to youth. Provide local and state program planning; community engagement and partnership; state and local policy development; technical assistance to local public health authorities and school districts; education and training; and communications. Lead efforts and collaborate across multiple OHA priorities along with partners within local, state, and federal agencies and organizations with a specific passion for K-12 policies, programming and pedagogy.

Managed education and outreach for the Center for Women’s Health and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital; Led Childbirth and Early Parenting Education programs, created patient communications, and social media presence. Created and facilitated a Medical Advisory Committee across disciplines; OBGYN, Midwifery, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine. Supervised nine staff. Diversity Advisory Council member.