Trauma Injury Prevention Outreach Coordinator, CCP – UF Health Shands Trauma Services

My job responsibilities: Analyze injury data to find the top mechanisms of injury that bring trauma patients to UF Health Shands. Design educational materials, and conduct outreach through workshops and community events to prevent and minimize the impact of traumatic events.

Why I joined the Coalition: I have a passion for keeping people, especially teens, safe. As a paramedic I have seen many preventable injuries due to lack of safe driving habits. My daughter was involved in a vehicle accident in July 2023, she was not the driver but the driver was messing around and lost control of the car. My daughter and her other friend had taken their seatbelts off because they were “close to home.” Both of them sustained c-spine injuries which resulted in surgery and life changes. I want to be a part of educating and changing teen driving habits to save lives and reduce injuries.

Professional Accomplishments:I provide free outreach events to the community to raise awareness for safe driving.

Hobbies or areas of interest outside of work: Family, Friends & my 4 rescue fur babies, dancing, football, beach time, crafting, photography

What was your favorite song when you were a teenager? Livin’ on a Prayer

What make and model was your first car? Buick Rivera

What has changed most about driving from the time you were a teenager to now? There are many more distractions.

The one tip I would give any new teen driver would be: Always wear your seatbelt and make sure the passengers are also. 😊