“I stepped into the office as an Assistant AG. Looking back at my life, I've always had personal reasons for wanting to be in this field, rooted in my own lived experiences and those of my family. I knew I wanted to be a part of systemic change, but I wasn't initially sure what that would look like. I started initially working with the Department of Corrections, which introduced me to working with Assistant AG’s assigned as general counsel to the agency. This really appealed to me. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to serve as general counsel for the Department of Human Services, which oversaw Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, and Mental Health. What I loved most about that role was working under an extraordinary mentor who saw my leadership potential and gave me the space to advise executive leadership directly."

“While serving as general counsel, I was involved in navigating complex juvenile justice legislation and provider-side logistics. Even so, becoming the head of the agency was definitely not on my bingo card! When my mentor approached me and asked me to step into the Director role, it was because they knew I could lead and they knew I genuinely cared. From day one, I was blessed with an incredible, dynamic team. I still had an immense amount to learn—especially regarding 24/7 operations and the nuanced politics of state government. Running 24/7 facilities during a global pandemic was an unprecedented challenge, but having such a strong team made it deeply rewarding. Ultimately, I was able to leave the role on my own terms, ready for a new adventure, which is a rare blessing in appointed positions."

“We are a comprehensive consulting firm primarily supporting youth-serving systems, including juvenile justice and child welfare, along with some strategic work in adult corrections. We focus our support around 'The Four Ps':

• Philosophy: Refining organizational culture and vision.
• Policy: Aligning systemic frameworks with modern standards.
• Practices: Improving day-to-day, on-the-ground operations.
• Partnerships: Cultivating meaningful community and stakeholder collaboration.

While I occasionally provide executive coaching and keynote addresses, the vast majority of our work is closer to the ground. Leveraging my background as an attorney and former state director, I serve extensively as a court-appointed monitor and expert witness in system litigation. Having served as a state director and President of the Council for Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA), my ultimate goal remains the same: ensuring youth can safely thrive in their homes, schools, and communities, while fundamentally improving conditions for those on the inside."

“Managing my own calendar and doing my own day-to-day administrative work! (laughs) I went from having robust agency support for things like building PowerPoint presentations to doing every single task myself. Initially, I worried I would terribly miss the camaraderie of a massive team, but I've been incredibly fortunate to build close-knit, collaborative dynamics with my clients and independent contractors. It keeps that team spirit alive.”

“I actually have two distinct answers for this — a 'most memorable' and a 'most favorite.'

• Most Memorable: Being invited to testify before Congress and the House Judiciary Committee. Walking into that environment to speak on juvenile justice alongside leaders I have long admired was an unforgettable, humbling process.
• Most Favorite: When I was Director, we operated a small facility in Southeast Utah that bordered the Navajo Nation, resulting in a lot of interface with tribal youth. A few local staff members approached me with a proposal to build a traditional Navajo hogan on the property to use for indigenous, restorative justice practices. All I had to do was say yes and clear the administrative path. When it was finished, a tribal medicine man and community leaders came to dedicate the space. It was a beautiful, profound experience that I'll carry with me forever."

“Nobody should be defined by their worst moment. Have faith that it is all going to come together and things will be alright. I constantly remind teams, and myself, 'We’ve got this.'"

“The opportunities for growth are endless, but it starts with two urgent priorities. First, we must continuously improve living and working conditions inside facilities, environment dictates outcomes. Second, we need much stronger cross-system coordination. The youth entering these systems often face complex, overlapping challenges. We cannot treat juvenile justice in a vacuum; we must actively integrate mental health, education, healthcare, child welfare, and advocacy to put the holistic well-being of the youth at the forefront."

“Honestly, he’s the exact same guy... for better or worse! (laughs) Away from the office, I'm random, spontaneous and I think I'm pretty fun! I like going to the movies, enjoying all things Star Wars, or just hanging out with my kids, family, and dogs."

“To everyone working out there in the field: please keep honest with yourselves, keep doing your very best, and never stop pushing to improve the systems you serve."