Care Specialist

About me:

I have a strong background in healthcare and social services with experience in care coordination, behavioral health, and case management through various public health programs. I earned my Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona, and I am currently completing my Master of Social Work. My work is grounded in a commitment to holistic, person-centered care that promotes stability.

After leaving the military, I worked in the private sector until I continued my education with a bachelors and master's in social work, obtaining my clinical license in social work the following year. I decided to pursue social work after my nephew was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. My family was educated and assisted with my nephew's diagnosis through his medical and educational providers, and I hope to be able to provide the same assistance to the individuals and families at Duke Health.

I have many years of experience working with patients going through hardships, such as homelessness or lack of healthcare coverage. Within my role, I have been able to lift some burdens off of these patients and assist them with gaining healthcare coverage and connecting them with other agencies and resources that can be beneficial for them. I love working with the community and knowing that the work we do can play a positive part in people's health and well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). My focus is empowering survivors of abuse and other traumas to take control of their own healing processes through therapeutic support. I have experience working in the healthcare industry, as well as the community and nonprofit sectors, and servicing clients in crisis. My area of expertise is helping individuals with depression, anxiety, life changes, conflict in relationship, and interpersonal issues.

I have extensive experience in patient care, both in mental health and critical care. My interest in the work I do stems from the desire to help individuals obtain quality healthcare while feeling like they are seen throughout the entire process. I want to provide assistance navigating medical care along with showing attention to patient needs.

I was born and raised in Durham, and my passion since graduating from North Carolina Central University has been working with vulnerable populations. I have more than five years of experience working with the homeless population, veterans, child protective services, and pediatrics. I look forward to incorporating health care into care management by addressing social determinants of health to prevent health inequities and assisting patients to reach their goals.

I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Salem State University in 2018. I have over four years of experience in human services, specifically with individuals experiencing homelessness with co-occurring substance use disorder and psychiatric illnesses. I have been trained in the successful completion of social security/disability applications and look forward to supporting patients with this challenging process. I recently relocated to North Carolina from Massachusetts, and I am excited to join the DukeWELL team!

I worked ten years in the school system before completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. The vast part of my social work experience comes from the field of child welfare (with a focus in families and children) with Durham County Department of Social Services for over six years as an In-Home Service and Foster Care social work case manager. I later transitioned to social work and medical case management via Duke University Hospital.