WORK

My work focuses on strengthening public health and community systems to improve population health and advance health equity. I bring together leadership in government, community engagement, and interdisciplinary scholarship to design and implement initiatives that respond to complex, real-world challenges.

Across my roles, I am particularly interested in how systems—health, social services, and the built environment—interact to shape health outcomes, and how collaborative approaches can drive meaningful, sustainable change.

KEY INITIATIVES & PROJECTS

My work centers on initiatives that address health equity, strengthen community systems, and improve population health outcomes. These efforts reflect a combination of public health practice, research, and community engagement.

The REACH program is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded initiative focused on advancing health equity and preventing chronic disease in underserved communities across Allegheny County. As Principal Investigator, I led efforts to implement community-driven strategies that address disparities in health outcomes.

This work includes collaboration with the Live Well Allegheny REACH Coalition and the development of tools such as an ArcGIS StoryMap to communicate community-level impact.

(2015-2023)

Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH)

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This qualitative case study examines the long-term effects of deindustrialization on the built environment and community health in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. The project explores how historical economic shifts continue to shape present-day health outcomes, offering insights into the relationship between place, infrastructure, and population health.

(2022)

Legacy Impacts of Deindustrialization

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In my role as Assistant Director of the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, I led outreach and community engagement efforts for the statewide Aging Master Plan in Allegheny County, as well as the development of the agency’s Four-Year Plan.

This work focused on gathering community input, strengthening partnerships, and aligning services to better meet the needs of older adults across the county.

(2024-2025)

Aging Our Way

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TEACHING & LEARNING

I approach teaching as an extension of my work in public health practice and systems leadership. My goal is to connect theory to real-world application, helping students understand how public health systems operate and how they can contribute to improving population health.

I have taught courses across public health and health sciences programs, with a focus on building practical skills in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Courses include:

  • Population Health

  • Needs Assessment and Program Planning

  • Public Health 101

  • Health Information Management 101

  • Topics in Clinical Research and Population Health

As a lifelong learner, I value opportunities to engage with students and colleagues in ways that strengthen both teaching and practice. I welcome opportunities to contribute to new teaching and learning initiatives.

Community Leadership & Engagement

My work extends beyond formal roles through leadership and service across organizations focused on public health, aging, environmental sustainability, and community development. These efforts reflect a commitment to collaboration and systems-level change across sectors.

National Leadership

  • American Society on Aging, Health & Well-Being Council (2024–Present)
    Member (2024), Co-Chair (2025)
    Advancing national efforts to promote health equity for older adults and their caregivers.

  • American Public Health Association, Aging & Public Health Section (2024–Present)
    Section Councilor; Mentoring Committee
    Supporting initiatives that improve health, functioning, and quality of life across the lifespan.

Regional & Community Leadership

  • Pennsylvania Environmental Council (2023–Present; Secretary 2024)
    Board of Directors
    Advancing environmental and community health through collaboration and policy.

  • Rising Tide Partners – One Northside (2022–Present)
    Advisory Board
    Supporting efforts to preserve affordable housing and strengthen neighborhood stability.

  • Flourishing Communities (2022–Present)
    Board of Directors
    Promoting human dignity and self-sustainability through community-based initiatives.

  • Jefferson Community Collaborative (2021–2025)
    Vision Council; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Team
    Collaborating with partners to improve quality of life across communities in the South Hills and lower Mon Valley.

Prior Leadership

  • Vintage Center for Active Adults (2016–2023)
    Board of Directors

  • Central Catholic Crew (2020–2024)
    Board of Directors; Travel Logistics Chair