Veteran Service
Military Service
United States Navy, Journalist / Mass Communication Specialist 2003–2013
Wrote featured news articles for global publication. Trained junior enlisted members on interview, writing, and advanced journalism techniques and practices; edited and approved articles prior to publication.
Areas of Specialization: Copy Writer and Editor; Public Affairs Manager; Media Liaison; Community Outreach; Event Management; Speech Writer; Graphic Designer; Web and Social Media Manager; Technical Writer; Photographer; News and Feature Writer; Communication Management; Print Media Publication
Post-Military Service
AmeriCorps, Operation: Veteran Connect 2024-present
Support the Department of Veterans Affairs Creative Arts Therapies and Recreation Therapy teams. Curate submissions for annual Creative Arts Festival. Facilitate onsite mindful arts and mind-body wellness workshops to veterans. Provide one-on-one writing coaching and produce multi-genre creative collaborations with veterans seeking growth and healing through the arts and mind-body practices.
Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Communications Analyst 2013–2014
Public relations management, strategic communication products and services, media relations and internal communications strategy; Creative design, technical writing, and research contributor to print and digital media.
Department of Veterans Affairs, Certified Veterans Service Representative 2008–2013
Positions Held: Employee Trainer; EEO Special Emphasis Program – Advisory Board; Federal Women’s Program Manager; Disabilities Special Emphasis Program Manager; Veteran Centric Culture Committee
In the Community
Veteran Arts & Wellness Collaborative, Developer / Facilitator 2023 – present
Lead group sessions with veterans and families to teach mindful approaches to self-care, improve socio-emotional wellness, and engage with literary, visual, and performing arts as a conduit for healing the mind and body, aid in reintegration, and build community.
Department of Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley Creative Arts Therapies, Clinic-to-Community Partner August 2020–present
Facilitate community-based mindful arts programs for outpatient veteran wellness and as a form of rehabilitative treatment to help veterans recover from and cope with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
Diavolo: The Veterans Project, Performer / Participant June 2019–present
Intensive creation residencies with The Veterans Project, whose mission is to utilize Diavolo’s unique movement style of Architecture in Motion® as a tool to help restore a veteran’s physical, mental, and emotional strengths. Collaborate and explore expressive arts as a healing modality through music, movement, communication, and trusted partner work in a safe, supportive, healing, and empowering environment.
Veteran-Civilian Dance/Arts Ensemble, Facilitator /Participant / Performer October 2019–June 2023
Community collaboration using music and movement to create performing arts experiences and community engagement to nurture the connection between veterans and civilians, while facilitating holistic wellness.
Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, VetArtSpan Contributor/Collaborator 2019–present
A Creative Forces Community Connections project initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Straz Center, Florida Department of Cultural Affairs, and Florida Council on Arts and Culture – produce visual, literary, and performing arts experiences and community events to bridge the medical, science, and arts communities’ efforts to support the healing, wellness, and reintegration of veterans.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis, 12th Congressional District of Florida, US House of Representatives, Veterans Advisory Board 2017–present
Monthly meetings with Congressional District leaders to advocate for and provide insight to address veteran-related issues with the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Member of Bi-Partisan Forum Special Task Force.
Honors & Recognition
2022 2nd Place in Fine Arts, “For My Daughter” (acrylic on canvas), National Veterans’ Creative Arts Showcase, Dept of VA
2021 1st Place in Fine Arts, “Kenya” (acrylic on canvas), National Veterans’ Creative Arts Showcase, Dept of VA
2011 Top News Story, “Navy Week 2011 Season Kicks Off in Tampa Bay” Navy News Service
2011 Featured image, 2011 Navy Reserve Forces Calendar, “Pre-Deployment Family Readiness Conference” Navy News Service