Education
2006 M.S.W., Master of Social Work, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
2011 B.A. Gender Studies Major, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
1992 B.A. Sociology Major with a Minor in Psychology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
Research Interests
Social welfare policies and programs; Women’s Issues; Homelessness and persistent poverty in the United States.
Professional Employment Experience
April 2008- Present
Founder, Professional Word Processing Services, LLC (ProWPS)
Started a provide professional writing service to construct resumes, draft college papers in APA format, and provide transcription services. Build relationships with local nonprofit organizations to research and develop grant proposals and secure appropriate funding from private foundations, philanthropy organizations and government agencies.
September 2011- Present
Field Interviewer, Abt SRBI , Cambridge, Massachusetts
Interview families and coordinate quarterly follow-up surveys with Respondents who were selected for a homeless research study initiative in Salt Lake City, Utah, Denver, Colorado and Minneapolis, Minnesota; sponsored by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Complete infant, child and teen assessments with families in this study for a partner study sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD). Complete weekly progress reports. Responsible for making payments to Respondents of the study for their participation. Completing money order reconciliations and submitting to the home office for payments. Attend all out of town training events. Other duties as assigned.
May 2009 to May of May 2011
Note Taker/Writer, University of Utah Department of Disabilities, Salt Lake City, Utah
Attended selected college courses to take accurate class notes for students in the disabilities program who were not able to take notes for themselves. Submitted typed written notes for each assignment to the Program Administrator of this department on a weekly basis.
October 2007 to April 2008
Caseworker, Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), Salt Lake City, Utah Developed appropriate safety and service plans to reduce risk and provide protection to children who were at risk of abuse and/or neglect. Screened for and selected substitute care placements for children who were in unsafe environments. Monitored children placed in substitute care to ensure their physical, mental, educational and developmental needs were met. Coordinated and referred families to community service providers. Consulted with service providers to ensure service plans were carried out. Developed permanency plans with parents who had children in alternative care. Supervised family visits with children placed in substitute care. Completed detailed documentation and assessments for each case assigned.
May 2005 to May 2006
Graduate Assistant, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Social Work , Las Vegas, Nevada Responsible for carrying out assigned tasks for research projects for three professors in the department within areas of school development, welfare issues, community outreach and advocacy for marginalized populations. Assisted with writing grant proposals to foundations and philanthropy organizations in an effort to secure funding for a homeless advocacy initiative. Served as an outreach representative on PLAN of Southern Nevada to address issues of homelessness within the local community. Participated and completed additional practicum hours with the local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in areas of legislative initiatives affecting social workers and other identified populations. Assisted with the planning and implementation for two NASW annual conferences.
February 1998 to April 2003
Project Coordinator, Texas Integrated Funding Initiative – TIFI, Tri-County Mental Health Mental Retardation, Conroe, Texas Assisted in the planning and further development of this grant funded program. Recruited community volunteers and coordinated training opportunities to increase program support. Coordinated wrap-around team meetings for each client involved in the program. Developed and oversaw program direction with the Community Advisory Board. Ensured the requirements of the grant for the projects were met.
September 1994 to January 1998 Caseworker II, Texas Department of Protective and Regulator Services, Harris County Children’s Protective Services, Houston Texas Completed assigned duties that included investigation and supervision of cases referred to CPS for alleged abuse and neglect of children in the Harris County community. Interviewed parents, family members and other persons who had information about allegations of abuse and neglect of child(ren) and determined action to be taken with supervisor to reduce risk.
Assisted in finding alternative placements for child(ren) who were at risk of further abuse and/or neglect. Referred families to contract providers for service interventions. Maintained contact and monitored children who were in substitute care. Developed service plans with parents and providers. Maintained accurate case records for each case.
January 1993 to September 1994 Continuity of Care Caseworker, Harris County Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority, Houston Texas Provided discharge planning services to children who were admitted to Harris County Psychiatric Hospital (HCPC). Scheduled services and monitored individual cases for three months after discharge at community clinics. Conducted monthly parent education groups.
Community and Volunteer Experience
2003-2006 UNLV Social Work Students Association-Graduate Student’s Representative
2005-2006 Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada- Volunteer and UNLV Graduate Student Representative
2003-2006 National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Nevada Chapter- Volunteer
Affiliations
Phi-Alpha Honor Society, Delta Chapter National Association of Social Workers