Community Development Manager with over 15 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. I am dedicated to fostering equitable systems and empowering marginalized communities. Skilled in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project management, I excel in communication, leadership, and problem-solving to drive community initiatives forward. Influenced by my Indigenous heritage, I integrate cultural values into my work, striving to create inclusive spaces where every voice is valued and respected.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Development Manager
Fourth Plain Forward
Vancouver, Washington
09.2022 - Current
Lead the development and execution of Community Resilience programming, aimed at supporting diverse and growing communities along the Fourth Plain Corridor.
Focus on building sustainable and equitable systems, particularly for systemically excluded and marginalized communities of color.
Key Achievements:
Strategic Leadership: Partnered with the Executive Director to shape and implement long-term strategic goals, aligning with community needs and organizational values.
Community Engagement: Cultivated and strengthened relationships with culturally relevant community groups and local organizations, enhancing community engagement and program participation.
Educational Partnerships: Collaborated with local educational institutions to promote and support K-12 programs, contributing to the educational development of the community’s youth.
Health & Wellbeing Initiatives: Designed, launched, and sustained Health & Wellbeing programs in partnership with local health providers, tailored to the specific needs of corridor residents.
Outreach Program Development: Developed and implemented a sustainable outreach and engagement program, connecting residents to essential services and resources, thereby strengthening community bonds.
Project Management: Successfully managed multiple summer programs, placemaking projects, and the activities of the Community Advisory Committee, ensuring impactful and timely execution.
Impact of Role:
Contribute directly to the empowerment and upliftment of underserved communities.
Foster meaningful partnerships, drive impactful community initiatives, and ensure equitable access to resources, creating a more inclusive and resilient community along the Fourth Plain Corridor.
Adult Probation Officer
State Of Alaska Dept Of Health And Social Services
Anchorage, AK
01.2018 - 01.2019
Key Responsibilities:
Case Management & Supervision: Managed casework and supervised felony and misdemeanor offenders in Therapeutic Court programs, including Wellness, Veterans, Coordinated Resource, Mental Health, and Family Care Courts.
Risk Assessment & Monitoring: Conducted initial risk assessments and monitored offender compliance through regular meetings, field visits, curfew checks, and drug screenings.
Court Interaction & Reporting: Participated in court hearings and prepared comprehensive reports for status hearings, providing accurate updates on offender progress.
Collaboration & Liaison: Acted as a liaison between court participants, justice system professionals, and social service agencies, ensuring access to resources such as training, employment services, and substance abuse treatment.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintained detailed case records in manual and computerized systems, adhering to National Drug Court Institute (NDCI) standards.
Cultural Education: Educated the court system on the unique needs and challenges faced by Native populations, advocating for culturally sensitive practices and services as the only Indigenous probation officer in the state.
Skills & Expertise:
Criminal Justice Knowledge: In-depth understanding of criminal law, court procedures, and the justice system.
Resource Referral: Expertise in connecting clients with appropriate social services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Cultural Competency: Leveraged cultural insights to enhance court system education and advocate for Native populations.
Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing reports, making informed decisions, and resolving complex issues effectively.
Culture Keeper/Case Manager
Native American Rehabilitation Association
Portland , OR
09.2014 - 02.2018
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Cultural Focus: Pioneered the nation’s first Native American-focused Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, integrating cultural values and traditional practices into mental health treatment.
Holistic & Dual Diagnosis Care: Conducted cultural assessments, facilitated traditional ceremonies, and applied Dual Diagnosis Treatment to manage co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Case Management & Support: Managed casework for individuals with Severe Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and addiction, assisting with independence and recovery.
Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Participated in clinical staffing, collaborated with healthcare professionals, and coordinated with primary care providers for medication management.
Community Outreach & Engagement: Executed assertive outreach and built relationships within the community to enhance treatment engagement and trust.
Counseling & Group Facilitation: Led mental health and cultural support groups, offering therapeutic support to improve well-being and community connection.
Documentation & Compliance: Maintained detailed case records and adhered to National Drug Court Institute (NDCI) standards and other compliance requirements.
Grant Management & Data Oversight: Managed HUD Housing grants and energy assistance programs, utilized HMIS and OPUS for data collection, and ensured accurate reporting and compliance.
Program Coordination: Coordinated specialized programs, including emergency housing services, and developed innovative solutions for complex clinical problems.
Skills & Expertise:
Cultural Competency: Leveraged cultural insights to advocate for Native populations and enhance service delivery.
Case Management: Applied strengths-based approaches, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care to support clients effectively.
Community Resources: Knowledgeable in connecting clients with social services, including housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment.
Analytical & Problem-Solving: Proficient in risk assessment, creative problem-solving, and managing complex clinical cases.
Volunteer Coordinator
Clark College
Vancouver, Washington
09.2008 - 06.2010
Program Management: Designed and managed volunteer programs, overseeing recruitment, training, and coordination for campus and community initiatives.
Recruitment and Engagement: Developed and implemented strategies to recruit, retain, and motivate student volunteers, boosting participation and involvement.
Training and Development: Conducted training sessions for new volunteers on program goals, responsibilities, and best practices, ensuring effective performance.
Event Planning: Organized and executed volunteer-driven events, such as workshops, fundraisers, and community outreach activities, in alignment with organizational objectives.
Communication: Acted as the primary point of contact between volunteers, campus departments, and community partners, facilitating clear and effective communication.
Program Evaluation: Monitored and evaluated volunteer programs to assess their effectiveness and impact, using feedback for continuous improvement.
Data Management: Maintained detailed records of volunteer hours, activities, and outcomes, ensuring accurate documentation for reporting and analysis.
Support and Guidance: Provided ongoing support and mentorship to volunteers, addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive environment.
Partnerships: Collaborated with campus organizations and community groups to identify and develop new volunteer opportunities, and strengthen community ties.
Key Skills:
Leadership: Demonstrated strong leadership in coordinating and inspiring a diverse group of volunteers.
Organizational Skills: Efficiently managed multiple projects and events, ensuring smooth execution and positive outcomes.
Communication: Utilized effective communication skills to engage with volunteers, staff, and community partners.
Training and Development: Skilled in creating and delivering training programs to enhance volunteer capabilities.
Market Operations Manager
Delphinas Bakery
Portland , OR
07.2003 - 08.2005
Market Operations: Managed bakery’s booth at local farmers markets, overseeing inventory, booth setup, and cash handling to ensure efficient operations.
Vendor Coordination: Collaborated with market organizers to secure booth space and comply with regulations. Built strong relationships with vendors and local businesses to enhance market presence.
Sales and Customer Service: Enhanced sales through customer engagement, providing product information, and delivering exceptional service. Implemented promotional strategies to attract and retain customers.
Product Management: Controlled inventory levels to maintain product freshness and quality. Managed stock rotation and ordering processes to meet demand.
Event Planning: Organized market events, including product launches and seasonal promotions, to increase customer engagement and attract new clientele.
Staff Supervision: Trained and supervised market staff, ensuring they were knowledgeable about products and customer service standards. Fostered a positive team environment.
Compliance and Reporting: Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations. Maintained accurate sales records, prepared performance reports, and identified areas for improvement.
Key Skills:
Market Operations: Proficient in managing market booth operations and optimizing performance.
Customer Service: Demonstrated ability to enhance customer experience and drive sales.
Vendor Relations: Effective in coordinating with vendors and market organizers.
Inventory Management: Skilled in managing stock levels and ensuring product quality.
Event Planning: Experienced in organizing market events and promotions.
Staff Supervision: Strong supervisory skills with a focus on team development.
Business Owner/ Cafe Manager
Self-employeed
Bethel , AK
03.2000 - 08.2002
Business Operations: Managed daily operations, including financial management, inventory control, and supplier relations, ensuring efficient shop functioning and high operational standards.
Customer Service: Provided excellent customer service by creating a welcoming environment, addressing patron needs, and utilizing feedback to enhance the customer experience.
Staff Supervision: Recruited, trained, and led a team of baristas and support staff. Implemented training programs and performance evaluations to maintain high service quality.
Financial Management: Oversaw budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue tracking. Controlled costs and optimized pricing strategies to ensure profitability.
Marketing and Promotion: Developed and executed marketing strategies, including social media and local promotions, to increase shop visibility and attract new customers through creative advertising.
Operational Efficiency: Improved operational efficiency by refining inventory management, order processes, and quality control, while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Menu Development: Updated the menu based on customer feedback and market trends. Introduced new products and promotions to drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction.
Community Engagement: Built strong relationships with local businesses and community groups. Organized events and participated in community activities to enhance the shop’s reputation and foster brand loyalty.
Key Skills:
Business Operations: Skilled in managing daily operations and ensuring smooth shop functioning.
Customer Service: Proficient in delivering high-quality service and improving customer experience.
Staff Supervision: Experienced in recruiting, training, and leading a team to maintain service standards.
Financial Management: Adept at budgeting, financial reporting, and cost control.
Marketing: Effective in creating and implementing strategies to boost visibility and attract customers.
Operational Efficiency: Competent in improving inventory management, order processes, and quality control.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Washington State University-Vancouver
Vancouver, WA
05-2012
Skills
Community Development
Program Development
Project Management
Strategic Planning
Community Partnership Development
Cultural Competency
Certification
Motivational Interviewing
Assertive Engagement
Crisis and Suicide Prevention Intervention
Accomplishments
LEAD for Oregon's Native Communities Graduate-The LEAD (Leadership, Entrepreneurial, Apprenticeship, and Design) program is a Native leadership development opportunity designed to support emerging changemakers and community advocates-2024
Unsung Hero Award-2013
Presidential Scholarship Recipient- 2010
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Community Development Manager
Fourth Plain Forward
09.2022 - Current
Adult Probation Officer
State Of Alaska Dept Of Health And Social Services
Teacher English/Special Education 9th Grade at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High SchoolTeacher English/Special Education 9th Grade at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School