EXPERIENCE

Administrative Program Coordinator/ Health Educator 04/2004-Present American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), Information and Referral Center

University of Utah | Salt Lake City, Utah

• Grant writing: received $100,000 in educational grants for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.

• Curricula and Program Planning: Developed educational materials, newsletters and information packets to over 2000 patients. Planned, implemented outreach education and educational symposia.

• Administration: progress reports, budgets, managed interns and work study students, Developed volunteer fundraising boards and oversaw 10 statewide support groups.

• Public speaking: Statewide presentations to community, government and media groups.

• Fundraising: Worked in collaboration the APDA board in multiple fundraising events, efforts reached over $300,000 for local research and educational programs.

• Clinical: Gave individual educational consultations to patients, coordinated with staff after clinic visits to meet the patient’s educational needs. Directed patients to local research opportunities and evaluated and made referrals to allied professionals as needed.

Graduate Committee Member 01/2008-12/2009

University of Utah | Salt Lake City, Utah

University of Utah Division of Occupational Therapy, duties included educating students on the needs of PD patients, attended committee meetings and approved graduate defense reports and feedback.

Elected Student Representative and Committee Member 04/200*-**-****

Utah Aging Alliance | Salt Lake City, Utah

Outreached to students to be a part of the alliance. Planning committee included working as a team to plan events for 500 people, contacting speakers and organizing presentations for fall 2008-2009 events.

Health Education Intern 04-2003-04/2004

Salt Lake County Health Department | Salt Lake City, UT

Presented to high school students on illicit drugs. Developed environmental safety media, worked with county employees for health education programs, took blood pressure, body fat analysis. Worked in teams to assure and educate employees for healthy lifestyles.

EDUCATION

Master of Science | Gerontology Inter-Disciplinary Program 9/2007-5/2010

University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT

Trained and educated in Gerontology and the aging population, Health Service Administration, International Dimensions of Life Long Learning, research methods, death dying and bereavement, community resources for older adults and health and optimal aging. Practicum opportunity included hospice volunteerism and shadowing a social worker for Geriatric Care Management, frequenting assisted living centers and nursing homes. Master’s Project: Living with Parkinson Disease in Utah: A Resource Guide. An educational resource for aging individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, distributed to neurologists.

Bachelor of Science Community Health Education 01/2002-12/2004

Utah State University | Logan, UT

Trained in Grant writing and program planning and evaluation. Internship included family planning in Santa Ana, California. Presented to high risk populations and communities. Implemented educational curricula and programs.

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Staff Council Scholarship 9/2009, for dedication to the University of Utah and achievement in higher education.

Porter Scholarship 01/2010. For goals and accomplishments in the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program at the University of Utah.

Beth Carter Scholarship, 9/2008 and 1/2009, for commitment to study in Gerontology.

Sigma Phi Omega: 9/2008- National Academic and Honor Society in Gerontology.

Certified Health Education Specialist: 04/2004 renewed 04/2009, Credentialing through the National Commission for Health Education to assure quality leaders in Health and Patient Education.

PRESENTATIONS

Health Education Association of Utah, 05/2008: The Silver Tsunami: Being prepared for the Baby Boomers Generation. 05/2009: The Non-Profit Place in Health Education.

The National American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., 07/2008: Supporting Your Support Group Leaders. 07/2007: Medication Assistance programs for patients.

Division of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, 05/2007 and 05/2008: Community Resources for Older Adults.

Salt Lake County Aging Services, 08/2004, 04/2007, 05/2008, Care giving and Parkinson’s disease.

John D. Steffens, MD, The University of Utah, Department of Neurology: 801-***-****.

Lee Dibble, PhD, The University of Utah Division of Physical Therapy: 801-***-****.

Thomas Schenkenberg, PhD, The University of Utah, Department of Neurology: 801-***-****.

Scott Wright, PhD, The University of Utah Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program, 801-***-****.