Advocate for Human Rights & FT Research Assistant

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research) Research Assistant August 2022 – Present

Provide Research Assistant duties on a NIDILIRR funded grant that aims to increase person centeredness of Home & Community Based Services for PwD

oKnowledge Translation to make dissemination of all materials and interactions Accessible & Inclusive for people with varying types of disabilities

Led recruitment and logistics efforts for recruitment in Interviews

University of Illinois, Chicago IL Health Navigator/Consultant July 2017 - Present

Contributing to a NIDILIRR funded grant as a Health Navigator for people transitioning from an newly acquired disability to community living. Focusing on Social Determinants of Health, for successful Community Integration

omENTER: A remote enabled peer navigator intervention for PwD transitioning to community living. This CBPR Research project aims include: Development, implementation, and evaluation of this App based peer navigator intervention for people with newly acquired physical disabilities transitioning to independent living.

Contributed to the R&D of a NIH funded Grant, to develop a mobile App (WeCanManage) to help cancer patients

oA self-management tool to empower survivors with known disabilities (Project aims include: This community-based development and implementation a self-management App for cancer survivors with known disabilities.

Assistance and coordination & development of the PCORI funded grant curriculum & training with PI that aimed to build the capacity of a broad-based collective of Disability Community Health Leaders and familiarize them with CBPR

Envision Unlimited, Chicago IL Williams & Colbert Peer Mentor April 2020 – February 2020

Provide advocacy, outreach & engagement to individuals with varying disabilities, residing in Nursing/Congregate Facilities, with the goal of helping them transition into independent community living with HCBS

Schedule and conduct interviews

Provide Case Management

Woodstock Institute, Chicago IL Research Consultant April 2019 – January 2020

Work collaboratively to Identify stakeholders with the best potential for a research study on cost-benefit analysis of the City of Chicago’s - Mayors Office of People with Disabilities, Home Modification Program

Provided feedback on interview questions and process – added to a more effective/relevant interview

Assisted PI with recruitment of interviewees

Assisted PI with data analysis & coding

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, Chicago, IL Healthcare Team Intern Sept 2017 – May 2018

Create agendas for Task Force for Attendant Services and Independent Voices Group with the Healthcare/HCBS Community Organizer

Organized meeting with Illinois Division of Healthcare and Family Services, regarding a policy not being adhered to, regarding durable medical equipment and timely repairs

Worked closely with community development organizer and healthcare policy analyst to support advocacy and policy campaigns related to healthcare for people with disabilities.

Co–facilitated monthly Task Force for Attendant Services Meeting and bi-monthly Independent Voices groups for people with disabilities

Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Chicago IL Housing Justice Community Organizer Jan 2017 - Aug 2017

Canvassed and door-knocked in low-income senior buildings to speak with seniors about issues of housing justice.

Built & led core group of seniors to find solutions to a public safety concern in their building

Utilized leadership and organizational skills to organize a meeting with seniors and their local Aldermen where he agreed to support the seniors in their campaign.

Crown Point School High School, Crown Point IN Paraprofessional Aug 2014 - June 2015

Worked in a classroom with students that receive special education (Autism, ED, LD). Kept students focused and on task.

Assisted with homework, testing & tutoring in all subjects, data entry, made copies, answered calls, took messages, graded papers

EDUCATION

University of Illinois at Chicago

Master of Social Work (Concentration – Community Health and Urban Development) - 2018

Indiana University

Bachelor of Arts - General Studies / Psychology - 2012

EMPLOYMENT SKILLS

Advocacy, Community Organizing, Recruitment, Outreach, Easy-Read/Accessible Translation, A&I

Microsoft Office Suite, social media, Google Programs (Docs, etc.), RedCap

Grant Writing, Case Management (SOAP & DAP case notes)

Data Analysis, Qualitative Analysis, Coding, Logistics (email & schedule coordination)

ORGANIZATIONS & AWARDS

ADAPT – National Grassroots Disability Rights organization (Treasurer in 2020)

CROR- January 2023 Employee of the month

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