Missy is a social worker with over 20 years' experience working with individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Psychology from Cedar Crest College. Missy has completed the Training of Trainers and has taken graduate courses through the International Institute for Restorative Practices.

Missy has a passion for building relationships and community as well as trauma informed care and practice. She is active in Resilient Lehigh Valley, which is a cross sector coalition that promotes trauma informed practices through awareness, education and outreach. Currently, Missy is also taking courses through Lakeside Global Institute to become a Trauma Trainer.

In her current role at Valley Against Sex Trafficking (VAST), Missy is the Volunteer Coordinator and serves as part of the Outreach team.  Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, VAST empowers survivors and encourages the community to act in the anti-trafficking movement. Missy is responsible for coordinating volunteers, overseeing the Speaker’s Bureau and doing community and street outreach.

In addition to working at VAST, Missy works at Ripple Community Inc as the Community Services Coordinator and Restorative Practices Trainer. RCI nurtures community and connection in Allentown by fostering a sense of community among our neighbors who have been traditionally marginalized. In this role, Missy staffs the Community Building Center as well as collaborates with numerous community partners and facilitates the Coordinating Committee, Resource Alert System and RCI’s Service Hub service. She also coordinates volunteers and supervises student interns. She also leads circles and provides Restorative Practices training for staff, volunteers and partners

Missy’s previous experience includes working with OCYS, JPO, serving as a domestic violence advocate and doing prevention/intervention work in early childhood learning centers and schools.

When Missy is not working, she enjoys volunteering at the Sanctuary at Haafsville where she assisted with events and cat care. She is a proud cat mom and godmother. Missy likes to listen to music, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.