Stephanie’s career in public health spans more than a decade, most of that time spent working at Open Aid Alliance, a non-profit community health organization in Missoula, Montana. In her role as program director, she designed and implemented harm reduction-based programs aimed to support the most stigmatized and vulnerable members of the community. In addition, she was responsible for the procurement of funding, developing outcomes-based evaluation techniques, dataset management, and
collaborative relationship building with local healthcare providers and other relevant community members. The most profound element of her work was building meaningful and trusting relationships with program participants. She developed a fervent belief that radical acceptance, connection, and self-determination are critical components for healing. She is a staunch advocate for health equity and believes her work in harm reduction and public health offers a unique perspective in the research and evaluation realm.

Stephanie grew up in Yellowstone National Park, dodging bison on her way to and from elementary school. She completed her undergraduate International Studies degree at the University of Utah and her master’s degree in Medical Anthropology at the University of Colorado, Denver. She enjoys rafting and camping with her husband and two children, hot springs, time with friends, live music, reading a book on her patio, and traveling.