I’m a Researcher with the Administrative Office of the Courts, Center for Families, Children, and the Courts (CFCC). My work focuses primarily on projects dealing with improving the delinquency, family, and collaborative court systems in California. I’m also involved with the Task Force for Criminal Justice Collaboration on Mental Health Issues, which advises the Judicial Council on mentally ill offenders and mental health courts. Prior to joining CFCC, I worked with the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and Interagency Council on Children and Families where I evaluated adolescent substance abuse treatment resources. I have conducted extensive research on juvenile issues including runaway behavior, substance abuse, and prostitution in adolescents.
My passion is policy research on various social justice issues, particularly women’s and children’s rights and human trafficking. In addition to my research, I’m an adjunct professor at Argosy University, a policy guru, and a political activist.
Originally from Philadelphia, I’ve lived in Mulhouse, France, and Mexico City and enjoy traveling around the world to learn how culture affects women’s and children’s human rights (well, and to have good food and wine).
I hold a Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology and a certificate in Organizational Development. Ultimately, I am hoping to start a social justice-oriented policy research center and travel the world to research, analyze, and disseminate evidence to support or debunk legislation and policies. Before doing that, though, I am hoping to take my passion for policy and public service to the next level by running for office in San Francisco.
I am very active in progressive politics, including the fabulous Emerge program, and want to continue my advocacy and governance work throughout my career. In my free time, I research cupcake baking (and by research, I of course mean experiment with recipe concoctions and bake and eat lots of cupcakes).
This blog is to post my two cents about various issues going on in San Francisco, California, across the US, and around the world. I look forward to ranting and to hearing your comments about my rants, um, I mean opinions.
Congratulations on your new blog. You are very smart with a lot to share. Keep up the good work.
You will need to change your Twitter account settings so that your tweets are public.