Describe your role at Perigee Fund
I manage a portfolio of grants and partnerships focused on increasing access to cash and somatic healing practices among Prenatal-to-3 families.
Related to your role, describe what you are passionate about and/or what is the philosophy you bring to the organization?
“Nothing about us without us” is one of the mantras that I carry with me. I am passionate about building systems that work for the people they are serving, and I am inspired by so many of the organizations I get to work with who place community voice at the center of everything they do.
Tell us a little bit about your professional background starting with your most recent position.
I came to Perigee from the Government Performance Lab, where I supported government agencies in implementing multi-year reform pilots aimed at preventing families from becoming involved in the child welfare system. One of my favorite parts of my job was helping the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families in creating a pathway to voluntary supports for pregnant people with substance use disorders. With the technical assistance of my team, DCYF expanded the program to 9 counties and secured funding to scale and sustain the program long-term.
Previously, I’ve held various roles in the children and families space. My passion for this work started early in my career when I had the opportunity to manage a suicide prevention program for 10-24 year-old youth for my tribe, Skokomish. Witnessing the barriers that families in my community faced as they tried to access support really fueled my interest in systems change.
What excites you about working with Perigee Fund?
I feel so lucky to get to work with and learn from folks in Washington and across the country who are working tirelessly to ensure babies and their caregivers have access to the mental health supports they need to thrive. This work makes me feel excited and hopeful about the ripple effects we’ll see in our communities for generations to come.
What is your favorite way to develop early connections with the babies and young children in your life?
Snuggles and silly faces, always!