Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator – HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

My job responsibilities: As the Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator/Trauma Educator, I develop and implement community-based trauma and injury prevention programs. I conduct educational sessions and workshops with staff, collaborate with healthcare providers and public health agencies, and analyze injury data to identify high-risk areas for intervention. I also manage program logistics, establish partnerships, advocate for trauma prevention policies, and stay current with best practices in trauma care. Through these efforts, I enhance community safety and promote effective trauma response.

Why I joined the Coalition: I joined the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition to help reduce teen injuries and fatalities through education and advocacy. As an individual, outreach is limited–but taking my extensive trauma experience, and then collaborating with other professionals, we can make a larger positive impact on community road safety together.

Professional Accomplishments: Created a full Trauma Education Curriculum at my facility; became a Trauma Survivor Network hospital and hosted the Inaugural Trauma Survivors Day–reuniting Trauma Survivors with their First Responders and Care Teams; launched a Summer Safety campaign that involved hanging signs at Crab Island (a high shallow-dive risk area) and distributing over 2,000 (and counting) magnets and stickers to local resorts and pontoon rental companies; initiated a Trauma Therapy Dog at my facility…just to name a few.

Hobbies or areas of interest outside of work: Bird-watching and cheering on my 4 amazing children in their various activities.

What was your favorite song when you were a teenager? Too many to name. I made many mixed tapes. So many. Showtunes to classical. Pop to Country…and so much in between.

What make and model was your first car? Plymouth Sundance.

What has changed most about driving from the time you were a teenager to now? More confident in my skills, also more aware of the dangers. No more paper maps–very thankful for GPS.

The one tip I would give any new teen driver would be: Don’t drive distracted–it only takes a second to make a fatal mistake.