Tell us about yourself:

I originally hail from Chesapeake, VA and grew up a Navy brat. My path up the state and into DC has been a long one, I graduated from James Madison University in 2012 and then got my Master’s at George Mason University in 2014. Both of my degrees are in Public Relations/Strategic Communication. I was previously working for a national non-profit located in DC called Men Can Stop Rape, but had always been interested in Breakthrough T1D’s mission and really wanted a career there. I couldn’t be happier to be with the organization as I feel it is a true home for me. At Breakthrough T1D my focus will be on all chapter communications and working on our chapter’s Galas and Walks.

In my free time, you will definitely find me playing or watching or discussing sports, specifically soccer, football and golf. I am a huge fan of both Arsenal FC (located in London where I studied abroad) and Ohio State football (both of my parents’ alma mater. I was Buckeye born and bred).

Describe your history with type 1 diabetes & your relationship with Breakthrough T1D:

A good family friend of mine back home has type 1 and I’ve always been impressed by his courageousness and perseverance. He doesn’t let diabetes define him or stop him from pursuing his interests. His mother is on the Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads chapter back home and suggested looking into careers with Breakthrough T1D when I was first on the job hunt in DC. Now that I am here I can honestly say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What would you say to someone who does not have a direct type-1 connection in order to encourage them to volunteer with the chapter? 

I think people have a lot of misconceptions about type 1 diabetes, the biggest or most common that I’ve encountered is that the disease is caused only by having a poor diet or lack of physical exercise and that somehow justifies someone having it. No one’s life choices decide whether they have type 1 and even if it did, no one deserves to. I would point out just how prevalent the disease is and how much of a toll it can be on someone’s life. While the disease is manageable, there is no way to prevent or cure type 1 yet. I have met so many brave and wonderful people who are affected daily by diabetes and they deserve a cure.

What are you most excited about with the new job at Breakthrough T1D?

I am just excited about working for a cause that I am passionate about with incredibly supportive people. It is exciting to wake up every morning and go to a job that you love. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else!