Profile
Community-centered human-services professional and program builder with three-plus years of direct experience in mental health, youth homelessness, and housing stability, plus a track record of designing community programs and moving them through community and government partners. Helped secure $71M+ in state funding for communities affected by gun violence, and authored multi-phase municipal program proposals grounded in the city's own crime, traffic-safety, and budget data. Skilled in crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed engagement, program coordination, and building trust across culturally diverse communities.
Core competencies
Program coordination & evaluation
Community engagement & outreach
Crisis de-escalation & trauma-informed practice
Motivational interviewing & case documentation
Data synthesis & report / proposal writing
Grant & contract awareness; budget basics
Stakeholder & government relations
Event planning & group facilitation
Public speaking & relationship-building
Microsoft Office & EHR systems (Credible)
Selected policy & program work (2026)
The S.N.O.W. Act — Sustaining Neighborhoods with Opportunities and Wages
mamdanimpls.netlify.app ↗
- Sole author of a phased fiscal roadmap for a resident-led municipal maintenance and violence-prevention workforce program; prepared for a Minneapolis City Council Budget Committee chair.
- Designed the W-2 workforce-intermediary employment model, a ~$1.5M phased budget with ROI / break-even analysis, a risk-and-liability framework, and a public accountability dashboard — building on the city's existing Snow Patrol pilot.
Safe Passage Corridor Safety Report — Minneapolis Public Schools, 2026–2028
safepassagestats.netlify.app ↗
- Authored a 29-page, data-driven proposal to staff paid Safe Passage workers on the highest-risk school walking corridors in Minneapolis.
- Selected every corridor using a three-source verification method (Vision Zero High Injury Network, MPD crime data, MPS school and walking-route data); produced tiered prioritization, a 34-worker deployment plan, phased budgeting, and a community-partner framework.
The Apology Act — "Trained Into Silence" — Minneapolis Police Accountability Petition, 2026
apologyact.netlify.app ↗
- Authored a petition to the Minneapolis City Council, Mayor's Office, and MPD calling for a Council resolution urging a statewide "Apology Act" and for MPD policy and training that permits officers to express regret and strengthens de-escalation.
- Grounded the proposal in legal precedent (apology statutes in 30+ U.S. states and across Canada) and structured it to withstand jurisdictional and City Attorney scrutiny; designed and published the public advocacy site.
Professional experience
Front Desk Coordinator2025–Present
YouthLink MN · Minneapolis, MN
- First point of contact in a 40-resident young-adult supportive housing program, providing trauma-informed support to youth experiencing homelessness.
- Plan and lead resident events, deliver programming, and facilitate small groups for residents — building community and connection.
- Build the rapport and safe, welcoming environment that supports residents' housing stability; monitor resident safety via WatchDog camera software and walking rounds.
- Maintain strict resident and staff confidentiality in compliance with data-privacy regulations.
Key Political Consultant (Volunteer)2020–2024
Mothers Against Community Gun Violence (MACGV) · Twin Cities, MN
- Helped secure over $71M in state funding (2023) for current and future Minnesotans affected by community gun violence.
- Led 2+ years of grassroots outreach and relationship-building with residents, community leaders, and elected officials; developed and sustained organizational partnerships to mobilize neighborhoods.
- Presented to community leaders and elected officials; coordinated community meetings and events.
Mental Health Assistant2022–2024
Touchstone Mental Health · Minneapolis, MN
- Built motivational, supportive relationships with residents living with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI); used motivational interviewing to engage coping strategies and daily-living skills.
- De-escalated crises, performed behavioral interventions, and documented observations in the Credible electronic health record; performed delegated nursing services including medication administration under nursing direction.
- Completed 140+ hours of mental health practitioner training (Relias Learning plus on-site instruction).
Youth Program Coordinator2022
Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board · Minneapolis, MN
- Planned and led outdoor sports, games, and recreation programming for neighborhood youth; drove participation through social-media, youth-group, and community-venue outreach.
Health Services Aide2022
U of M Masonic Children's Hospital (Fairview) · Minneapolis, MN
- Prepared and delivered ~200 meals daily for long-term pediatric patients; coordinated tasks across 6 supervisors and 70+ coworkers in a fast-paced setting.
Payroll Specialist2021–2022
Accra (formerly AccraCare) · Minneapolis, MN
- Processed bi-weekly timecards for 10,000+ personal care assistants across Minnesota; provided project leadership on initiatives supporting organizational strategy.
Working Artist — Visual Communications2007–Present
Self-Employed · Minneapolis, MN
- Portrait painter and graphic designer creating advocacy materials, flyers, and visual storytelling for nonprofits and community campaigns — Instagram portfolio: @QPa1nts ↗
Earlier experience
After-School Tutor — Hennepin County Library Homework Help (2017–2021) · Election Ballot Judge — City of Minneapolis (2020) · Produce Grocer — Seward Co-op (2019–2020) · K-Focused Reading Tutor — AmeriCorps / MN Reading Corps (2016–2017)
Education & training
- • Mental Health Associate / Practitioner Training — Relias (via Touchstone Mental Health), 2022–2024
- • Medical Office Support Training — Avivo Institute of Career & Technical Education, 2017–2018
- • Public Relations Specialist Certificate — Takoda Institute, 2014
- • Visual Arts Program — Perpich Center for Arts Education (graduate)
Additional
- ✓ Flexible schedule available, including evenings and weekends, to support community events and program priorities.
- ✓ Deeply committed to compassion, empathetic service, and meeting people where they are.
- ✓ Dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive, resident-centered practice.
References
T.C. Moore — Christian Moravian Pastor & YouthLink MN Case Manager · (612) 454-0512
Sandra Smith — Former Program Supervisor, Touchstone Mental Health · 952-428-8380
Kristopher X. Johnson — Mental Health Lead Associate, Touchstone Mental Health · 704-648-4990