Hello Youth MOVE Family!
I’m not sure how many people know, but I got my start in the youth mental health advocacy world at a chapter! That’s right. When I graduated from college, my first job was working as a Youth Coordinator at the Youth MOVE Maine Chapter (no longer in existence). I started in northern Maine, connecting with local homeless shelters, case managers, workforce development programs, housing communities, and other spaces to provide workshops, drop-in opportunities and starting our peer support programs! After some time, I moved away from the college town I knew for so many years to manage the statewide program! I learned a lot about supervision, grants, funding, and so much more! When the program was de-funded, I continued to do some contract work with YMN over the years in between before coming on full-time as the Communications Coordinator and then eventually the Communications Director! It’s been a true pleasure to connect with chapter members from all over the country in various ways (Board of Directors, TA, Rockstar, Chapter Chat!).
As for me, I will be the new Web / Tech Coordinator at the Maine Department of Education! I come into systems work prior to my experience at Youth MOVE Maine/National through the Upward Bound program, where education has always been an important aspect of my personal and professional journey. I am excited to start in this role and hopefully continue to progress and find space to advocate for youth (and students) across the state!
Thank you to everyone who has connected with me over the last couple of years, it has been an amazing experience!
