Nonprofit Consulting & Development
Driving social innovation through community partnership and demonstrated impact.
I am a community‑based research consultant who helps local organizations in healthcare, education, and social services turn visionary ideas into fundable, evidence‑driven programs. Drawing on two decades of experience in public health and social policy, I specialize in grant writing, program design, and evaluation. I’m passionate about helping mission‑driven organizations build capacity, secure resources, and demonstrate impact.
My consulting practice focuses on:
Translating complex community needs into compelling, data-driven proposals.
Designing fundable, sustainable programs rooted in community vision and proven methodologies.
Building logic models, KPIs, and evaluation systems that demonstrate real‑world outcomes.
Supporting emerging leaders who are making a positive impact on their communities by facing their fears and chasing their dreams.
Mission and Approach
My mission is to strengthen the Central Coast’s social fabric by transforming community-driven initiatives into fundable, evidence-based programs.
My approach blends research rigor with community partnership to ensure programs are designed with the community.
Education
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, UCSF Department of Psychiatry
PhD, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Master of Public Policy, Brandeis University Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Lesley University
About Me
For over 20 years, my career has been defined by a single vision: Bridging the gap between visionary community initiatives and the data-driven evidence required for long-term impact.
Since completing my doctorate in public health in 2104, I have been running Live & Learn, Inc., a consultancy that partners with nonprofits, governments, and universities on participatory action research. I bring this expertise in grant-writing, contract acquisition, R&D, and policy implementation to my current work as a consultant in SLO County.
In my role as a policy expert for agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, California Department of Health Care Services, and the Administration for Community Living, I conduct evaluation research, consulting, and policy analysis to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities. I’ve served as project lead and co‑lead on eight federal research grants, as well as smaller foundation grants and government contracts, and authored numerous professional publications.
From 2018-2026, I ran a virtual training and coaching program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs manage the emotional and logistical challenges of small business startup, iterating the R&D process through the federal SBIR program. I’ve partnered with state and local governments, advocacy groups, and universities around the country to evaluate the impact of public investment in innovative social programs, workforce development, and health policy shifts. My work has been cited by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and featured in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times. But beyond the data and the national stage, my heart is in communities of caring and support, where people makes their homes.
I am passionate about working on diverse multi-generational teams, and forming lasting, reciprocal relationships that improve wellness and effectiveness. As a SCORE small business mentor and ESL tutor, I am dedicated to helping individuals identify and strategically achieve their goals. I also maintain a Visiting Professional appointment at UCSF, where I can stay up-to-date on the science and collaborate with experts and trainees.
Interests & Memberships
American Psychological Association
Spokes for Nonprofits
College for Behavioral Health Leadership
Morro Bay Odder Club