How my journey began

I entered the master’s in social work program wanting to be a therapist in private practice and exited wanting to reform the criminal justice system in Texas. I was a reluctant leader—other people saw leadership potential in me when I did not see it in myself.

I began supervising others at the ripe old age of 24 and had my first executive position at the not-so seasoned age of 28. I learned how to lead on the job. I specialize in building the plane while flying it.

Twenty years later, I have new clarity on what change looks like on a micro-level within individuals, on a mezzo level in organizations, and on a macro level in systems and societies. I also have a keen sense of pattern recognition and organizational assessment applicable in broad settings.

I own my identity now as a bold, truth-telling, servant leader, and I am here to help others who may see their story in mine.

Education and Licensure

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Texas at Austin 1999

Masters of Science in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin 2001

Licensed Master Social Worker—Advanced Practice Designation

Professional Timeline

Executive Director, Crime Prevention Institute, 2005-2011

Executive Director, Austin Recovery, 2016-2020

Executive Director, Sobering Center, 2020-Present

Chair, One Voice Central Texas, 2022

Board of Directors, Building Promise USA, 2020-Present

Board of Directors, National Sobering Collaborative, 2021-Present