Education

• Southeast Community College Lincoln, Associates Degree (Human Services)
• Doane College, BA (Human Relations)

Areas of Interest: 

• Permanency through adoption or guardianship and the effects on the constellation of birth family, adoptive family and the adoptee. 
• Using true engagement and Cultural Humility with families involved with Child Welfare to get their voice and choice into their case plan for sustainable behavioral change. 
• Working with and learning from Native American child welfare staff, exploring both the differences between the tribes and within the tribes. Helping staff to work with the indigenous families who are in the Child Welfare system. 

Professional Activities & Community Service: 

• Volunteer - Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Lancaster County
• Protection and Safety Worker with the State of Nebraska January 2000 - July 2003
• Protection and Safety Worker with the Integrated Care Coordination Unit August 2003 - October 2006
• Family Support Worker, Community Treatment Aid, Parenting Education, Group Home Case Manager, Runaway Shelter Case Manager