Position:Instructor/Program Director
Organization:Colorado School of Public Health
Program Name: UpRISE
How long have you been involved in tobacco control?
Since 2001
What brought you to tobacco control work?
My mother died from heavy tobacco use and co-occuring serious mental health issues. My counselor recruited me to participate in a youth movement (Get R!EAL) when I was a high school student. I have been “addicted” to tobacco control, on and off, for my entire professional career
What is your favorite part of empowering youth?
I love supporting youth to have that “ah-ha” feeling that they are powerful and that they can make a difference right now. I also love supporting adults to feel efficacious in sharing power with youth
What do you do in your free time?
I have two children, ages 9 and 11. I also love hiking and going to the dog park with my dogs