ABOUT JF

Longmont, CO

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I am an environmental sociologist and budding water policy analyst with a strong passion for protecting and conserving the world's water sources. I believe that access to clean water is a basic human right, and I am committed to working at a local, state, federal, and global level to ensure water security and equity for all.

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa I eventually made my way to Colorado in 2021. I obtained my education from Colorado State University, where I majored in environmental sociology and minored in environmental affairs and global environmental sustainability. This educational background has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the complex relationships between society and the environment. In 2024 I began my Masters in Public Policy and Administration with a specialty in Public Policy (MPPA) and a Graduate Level Certificate in Water Resources. The public policy specialization provides the skills needed to understand how to appropriately structure policy problems in order to propose policy solutions and evaluate existing policies. Additionally, I will gain advanced methodological training in public policy analysis, quantitative methods, and policy design while also selecting from a set of courses to focus on a substantive policy area (such as environmental policy).

PHILOSOPHY

I strongly believe in being of service to others, and I am dedicated to using my knowledge and expertise for the betterment of society. Through my work, I hope to make a positive impact on our planet's water resources and contribute to creating a more sustainable future for all. Overall, my philosophy is rooted in the idea of using my skills and passion to make a difference in the world. As an environmental sociologist, I strive to bridge the gap between society and the environment by promoting awareness, understanding, and action towards protecting our natural resources.

the journey

In 2011 I earned by health coaching certification through Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I then began working one-on-one with goal coaching. After working with people on their mental, emotional, and physical goals I personally found a great benefit in my own life through quieting the mind and being more present. I attended Vipassana mediation where I meditated silently for 10 days. This led me to established the first float tank for guests in Iowa in 2014.

In early 2017 I attended Carlson College of Massage Therapy in Stone City, Iowa. This journey was very introspective and a deep work on myself while learning all of the different modalities of massage, anatomy, physiology, and many other complimenting classes to learn about the body, mind and soul. I focused on Swedish massage, integrative massage (includes wellness coaching), reflexology, sports massage, neuromuscular massage, deep tissue, and then added lymph drainage therapy, and cranio-sacral therapy.

The pandemic, and a derecho (inland hurricane) in 2020 in my home town of Cedar Rapids, Iowa incorporated a shift in how I want to serve others and the world. The derecho left many without electricity or water. I saw a need for water security and water equity. Summer 2020 I began at Kirkwood Community College in Parks and Natural Resources. After the derecho August 2020 I saw a need for larger scale change, and started at Colorado State University majoring in environmental sociology, with minors in environmental affairs and global environmental sustainability spring 2021. My passion and purpose for protecting our water sources will forever now be incorporated into my life.

The newest adventure in 2023 would be The Flow of Life blog. This is a space for me to pour out all that has accumulated into my life over the years. I dream of expanding into a podcast at some time in life.

At the end of 2023 I earned my Bachelors in Environmental Sociology, with minors in Environmental Affairs and Global Environmental Sustainability. I now offer freelance environmental social research and am open to career opportunities.

In August 2024 I started my Masters in Public Policy and Administration with a specialty in Public Policy (MPPA) and a Graduate Level Certificate in Water Resources. The public policy specialization provides students with the skills needed to understand how to appropriately structure policy problems in order to propose policy solutions and evaluate existing policies. Additionally, students focusing on public policy will have the opportunity to focus on a substantive public policy area by completing coursework from across CSU. Students will gain advanced methodological training in public policy analysis, quantitative methods, and policy design while also selecting from a set of courses to focus on a substantive policy area (such as environmental policy or energy policy). Students completing this specialization will be well equipped to serve as a professional policy analyst or policy manager in public and nonprofit organizations across the world.

In my professional and personal life I've shared an inspirational Instagram, written a petite microblog, authored a book for learning about yourself, and hosted a women's event called The Shero Experience, co-hosted yoga events, among many other community projects, events, and collaborations.

My passion for peace, an active lifestyle, mediation, water security, and living my best life is what connects me to people and my own sharing of insights of the body and mind helps me better serve them.

Certifications :

Health Coaching 2011

Massage therapy 2017

Ashiatsu 2017

Craniosacral through Upledger - 2018

Lymphatic through Chikly - 2018

Yoga instructor- 2018

Environmental Sociologly Bachelors degree from CSU and Mycology Research - 2023

Member of…