I became a CHW Certificate Holder in 2008. Today, I am classified as a CHW expert in the profession. My CHW career experience and roles include Health Educator, Program Development, CHW Student Mentor, Speaker/Presenter/Facilitator, Trainer and Program Coordinator.

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I entered the CHW profession with a rich and diverse background from the medical and healthcare fields. Within the CHW profession, I quickly became known for my work with elders, and for my work with adults diagnosed with mental illness and chronic health conditions.

During my CHW tenure, I was an integral part of the development of a post-hospitalization home-visiting program for elders. In addition, I have implemented and modeled the standards for the CHW Role and Scope of Practiced and trained CHWs and organizations where CHWs are employed. I am the author of the Healthy Lifestyles Modules within the revised MN CHW Certificate Curriculum, which is the state-approved and accredited training curriculum for CHWs across the country. My current work includes training organizations around CHW utilization, and promoting and expanding the CHW workforce profession across the state of Minnesota. 

I am also a Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula. 

My passion for the Community Health Worker role is what inspired me to start Connected Beginnings. I am fortunate to also be able to utilize my CHW role as a Doula. I enjoy engaging with the community and organizations, providing services that promote health equity and positive health outcomes.