I don’t just write. I help people and organizations communicate in ways that feel usable, clear, and human.
These examples show how I’ve helped translate systems into experiences that people can actually navigate. These projects show how thoughtful communication can make information easier to use, systems easier to navigate, and people more confident in what they’re able to do.

Role: Communications Coordinator
Organization: Minnesota Department of Health
As a communications coordinator, I prepared subject matter experts for media appearances. I noticed I often repeated basic points, so I created a media training PowerPoint to provide clear, consistent guidance. While it was never officially used at the Minnesota Department of Health, it proved very helpful in coaching individuals for media interactions.
Tools used: PowerPoint, media coaching, plain-language communication
Download media training toolkit (PDF)

MPH Disability in Medical Education Paper

Role: Researcher and Writer
Organization: University of Minnesota School of Public Health
This paper explores barriers and opportunities for including disability content in medical education curricula. Drawing on public health frameworks and equity principles, I analyzed current challenges and proposed strategies to improve training for future health care providers.
Tools used: Academic research, writing, public health frameworks
Download medical education , disability full paper (PDF)

Heller School LTSS Capstone Paper

Role: Research Analyst
Organization: Heller School for Social Policy and Management
For my capstone at the Heller School, I researched long-term services and supports (LTSS) policies in Massachusetts schools. This project assessed equity gaps and policy effectiveness in supporting students with disabilities.
Tools used: Policy analysis, academic research, writing
Download Heller LTSS paper (PDF)

LEND IDD Equity Project

Role: Research Contributor
Organization: University of Minnesota LEND Program
As part of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program, I contributed to a project focused on improving equity in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. My work included literature review and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Tools used: Research collaboration, data synthesis
Download: Available upon request

Gillette Legislative Roundtable

Role: Communications and Meeting Support
Organization: Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
I supported legislative roundtables at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, preparing briefing materials and taking detailed notes. These sessions brought together stakeholders to discuss improving care transitions for youth with disabilities.
Tools used: Meeting coordination, note-taking, stakeholder engagement
Download: Available upon request

Sail for Leukemia Event

Role: Communications and Vendor Coordination
Organization: Sail for Leukemia
I managed communications for the Sail for Leukemia fundraiser, including flyer creation, vendor outreach, and participant coordination. My role ensured smooth logistics and effective outreach to maximize event success.
Tools used: Canva, vendor management, email communications
Download: Flyers available upon request

Health Equity Partner Communications

Role: Communications Specialist
Organization: Minnesota Department of Health
I developed inclusive and accessible communication materials for health equity initiatives, partnering with community organizations to amplify key messages. My work focused on plain language and culturally responsive content to engage diverse audiences.
Tools used: Plain-language writing, community engagement, digital communications
MDH equity page (link)

Newsletter and Alert Distribution

Role: Communications Coordinator
Organization: MDH/CDCF
I managed newsletter and alert distributions using GovDelivery and Drupal, ensuring timely delivery of critical health information. I tailored messaging for clarity and accessibility to reach varied public health audiences.
Tools used: GovDelivery, Drupal, email communications
Download: Available upon request

Disability-Inclusive Style Guide

Role: Lead Editor
Organization: Minnesota Department of Health
I led the AP style workgroup focused on disability language at MDH, revising the department’s style guide to promote respectful, inclusive terminology. This effort supported consistent, stigma-free communication across public health materials.
Tools used: AP style expertise, editorial leadership
Download: Available upon request

MN Office of Cannabis Management Legislative Prep

Role: Policy and Communications Support
Organization: Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management
I assisted in legislative briefings related to cannabis regulation, updating legislators on bill status and drafting clear summaries. My work supported transparent communication between government agencies and the public.
Tools used: Legislative tracking, policy summary writing
Download: Available upon request

Capacity Strengthening Initiative (MDH)

Helping Community Organizations Navigate State Grants
Communications & Accessibility Support — Minnesota Department of Health

Why this mattered:
Many community organizations had strong ideas and a desire to serve, but they were often excluded—not by intent, but by unclear grant language, confusing forms, and systems that assumed high process literacy.

What I noticed:
The grant application materials were technically accurate, but didn’t help people understand or feel confident applying. They felt overwhelmed before they even began.

What I created:
I helped translate grant information into a human-centered guidance package—plain-language instructions, step-by-step outlines, FAQs focused on real fears, and visual aids for explaining eligibility and next steps.

Why it made a difference:
It didn’t just explain the grant—it opened access to it. Teams stopped feeling confused and started feeling capable. They knew where to start, what was expected, and how to move forward—without having to ask for help.

Skills & Tools Used:
Plain-language writing · Process navigation · Program messaging · Audience mapping · Accessibility review · Microsoft Word · Consultation & coaching

🗂️ Related themes: Accessibility · Trust · Belonging · Clarity · Policy-to-People Translation

📎 Toolkit not publicly shareable, based on state documents — available privately upon request.

Media Preparation Planning Guide

Self-Initiated Media Preparation Guide
Communications Coordinator — Minnesota Department of Health

Why this mattered:
Subject matter experts were being asked to speak with media but often felt rushed, unprepared, or unsure how to structure clear, confident talking points.

What I noticed:
I was repeating the same guidance in each session—and there were no consistent tools to support clarity, tone, plain language, or user-centered messaging.

What I created:
I built a personal media planning guide in PowerPoint to help track key points, simplify message prep, and support consistent coaching. It helped me guide experts more clearly, calmly, and confidently.

Why it made a difference:
It wasn’t formally adopted, but it improved the way I coached individuals. It helped me catch common pitfalls, guide messaging, and make preparation calmer and more human.

Skills & Tools Used:
PowerPoint · Message structuring · Interview coaching · Plain language · Planning tools · Consistency systems

🗂️ Related themes: Human-centered coaching · Clarity · Confidence · Voice

📎 Personal tool — sample pages viewable privately upon request

Simple Intake & Visitor Experience (Humanizing the Front Door)

Making Check-In and Intake Feel Human, Not Bureaucratic
Independent systems redesign — Office setting (unnamed)

Why this mattered:
Visitors had to present ID, repeat information at multiple points, or wait for contact—in a way that felt transactional, frustrating, and unnecessary.

What I noticed:
Every department had a different process. Front-desk staff were caught in the middle, and visitors felt confused or unwelcome—especially for short or informal visits.

What I created:
I streamlined check-in by mapping the process, identifying unnecessary steps, and designing a single, human-centered intake pathway that worked for everyone—without exposing personal info or complicating entry.

Why it made a difference:
Instead of feeling like they were entering a system, people felt like they were being welcomed into a space. It reduced frustration, increased consistency, and helped departments receive exactly what they needed—without delays or confusion.

Skills & Tools Used:
Process design · Human-centered intake · Accessibility · Problem-mapping · Microsoft Forms · Clarity lens

🗂️ Themes: Belonging · Systems Reform · Trust · End-user confidence

📎 Process map available in conceptual form — does not reference employer

The Five-Tool Messaging System (MDH Overdose)

Five-Tool Communication Menu — Accessible Messaging System
Communications — Minnesota Department of Health

Why this mattered:
Teams often wrote content one piece at a time—without structure. Campaigns and outreach felt disconnected and confusing.

What I noticed:
Staff asked, “Do we have a one-pager? A social post? Sample email?” They were reinventing the wheel each time—and messaging wasn’t consistent or accessible.

What I created:
I helped build a Five-Tool Communication Menu—offering standard formats:
1️⃣ Plain-language overview
2️⃣ News release / media kit
3️⃣ Social media posts
4️⃣ Sample staff email
5️⃣ Website content (with clear navigation)

Why it made a difference:
Teams could now choose the right tool—not guess the format. Messaging became clearer, faster to build, reusable, and more accessible for the people who needed it most.

Skills & Tools Used:
Content architecture · Message mapping · Toolkit development · Plain language · Accessibility review

🗂️ Related themes: Systems thinking · Scalability · Communication equity

📎 Conceptual version can be shared privately — no logos

The Whiteboard Meal System (Small System, Big Impact)

Turning Everyday Confusion into a Clear System
Home-based clarity design (personal process example)

Why this mattered:
In daily life, people often forget what meals are planned—leading to stress, food waste, or last-minute scrambling.

What I noticed:
The problem wasn’t meal planning—it was meal visibility. The information existed—but wasn’t shared.

What I created:
I built a simple whiteboard system to track weekly dinners, grocery needs, and prep steps. Everyone could see the plan—and feel prepared.

Why it mattered:
It showed me how small systems, when designed well, create clarity, calm, and shared responsibility. That lesson continues to shape how I design communication in all settings.

Skills Used:
Visual planning · User experience mapping · Human-centered problem solving

🗂️ Themes: Calm through clarity · Shared understanding · Accessible planning

Insights & Essays

The Forms Aren’t the Problem. The Systems Are.
In this short essay, I explore what happens when public systems assume clarity instead of designing for it—and why true accessibility means guiding people, not just providing access.

Plain Language Isn’t About Simplifying — It’s About Dignifying

When information requires translation to be understood, independence becomes a privilege. Plain language isn’t about simplifying; it’s about preserving dignity and autonomy.