I am a full-time family partner and advocacy coach, serving families of children with behavioral and emotional challenges. I discovered my passion of partnering with families as a result of my own experiences with a fragmented children’s mental health care system.
While my family had very positive outcomes due in large part to a knowledge of health care systems, persistence and strong advocacy skills, and a highly informed natural support network, I witnessed other families mourning the losses of their teen-age children to suicide.
I am a fierce advocate for families and children, dedicating my career to developing resources, tools, educational workshops, and networks for parents to learn how they may effectively navigate children’s mental health systems. I have helped enact new mental health laws passed in 2015 and continues to work on legislative and other efforts related to youth suicide prevention.