I have always believed in the power of education and the importance of helping others. My journey began in agriculture because, at my core, I wanted to feed people. I understood that no matter what I taught, if someone was hungry, they wouldn’t be able to hear what I was saying. That belief guided me to Oklahoma State University, where I studied Animal Science and Agricultural Economics, eventually earning my Master’s in International Agriculture with a focus on Livestock Development and Education.
After graduating, I became an Agricultural Education Teacher in a rural, culturally diverse school in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Teaching in that environment was eye-opening—it reinforced my love for education and working with young people. I taught everything from Animal Science to Ag Communications, coached teams, and mentored students through leadership competitions. While this work was incredibly rewarding, I began to feel a pull toward something different.
In 2017, I moved to rural southeast Oklahoma, and with that move came an opportunity for a major career shift. That’s when my focus transitioned from agriculture to crisis intervention. I accepted a role with LeFlore County Crisis Services (LCCS) as a Crisis Advocate and Community Liaison, responding to on-scene domestic violence calls, assisting law enforcement, and providing community training. I educated others on healthy relationships, workplace violence, and sexual harassment, stepping into work I never expected—but quickly realized was exactly where I was meant to be. I believe that door opened for me at just the right time, in a way I never could have opened it on my own. Over time, I moved into multiple roles, including Children’s Advocate and Rape Prevention Specialist.
In 2020, I was given one of the most challenging yet rewarding opportunities of my career. I joined the LeFlore County Child Advocacy Network (LCCAN) as a Forensic Interviewer, conducting trauma-informed interviews for victims of abuse. These conversations were incredibly difficult, but they were also crucial in ensuring justice and healing for survivors. I also became a core member of the LeFlore & Latimer County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Investigation Teams, working alongside law enforcement and child welfare professionals to strengthen protections for children.
By 2023, I stepped into the role of Executive Director at LCCAN and LCCS, overseeing multiple programs dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse. Throughout my time with LCCS and LCCAN, I had the privilege of working closely with the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police and various departments within the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. These partnerships had long been vital, but in 2020, everything changed.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt decision dramatically reshaped the jurisdictional landscape of eastern Oklahoma, reaffirming tribal sovereignty in criminal cases. This landmark ruling ignited a new passion in me—to work more closely with Native Nations and ensure justice systems effectively meet the needs of Native survivors. I became deeply invested in adapting advocacy work to align with evolving tribal, state, and federal legal frameworks.
In 2024, my career shifted once again when I was offered the opportunity to focus even more on this critical work. I joined the Native Child Advocacy Resource Center, which is housed within the National Native Children’s Trauma Center, as a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist, allowing me to collaborate directly with Native Nations and provide essential support for child advocacy initiatives within tribal communities. I am beyond excited about this new chapter—partnering with those within Native Nations to strengthen services and create meaningful change for children and families.
On a personal level, my commitment to advocacy took on even greater significance in 2021, when I married my husband, Andy, and again in 2022, when we welcomed our baby girl into the world. Becoming a mother transformed my perspective—it made my work with children not just professional, but profoundly personal. Holding my daughter in my arms, I knew without a doubt that I had to continue fighting for children who don’t have a voice.
Every day, I witness the critical importance of standing up for children and families in crisis. Whether I’m helping a child share their story for the first time or ensuring a survivor has access to the resources they need to heal, I know this work matters. My journey began with a passion to feed people, but it has led me to something just as vital—nourishing hope, justice, and healing for those who need it most.