LaRisa McLennon MPH,

Experience

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  University of Nebraska–Lincoln

  Jan 2011 - May 2016

  The University of Nebraska State Museum, Soundprint Media Center, Inc., and the NIH/NCRR-funded Nebraska Center for Virology, worked to propose an integrated educational media initiative to teach the public about cutting-edge virology research. The project, called World of Viruses, has developed documentaries for public and satellite radio stations that are complemented with a sophisticated libraries, educators, and middle and high school students. My responsibilities included:o Collect and analyze data and interviews for student self confidence in STEM related activitieso Invest in educational activities that enhance the training and diversity of a workforce that meets the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needso Coordinate presentations from non-traditional scientistso Prepare materials for grant submissions and presented at USA Science & Engineering Festivalo Educate the students about virology through the use of radio, technology, comics and filmo Contribute to content materials and recorded voiceovers for World of Virus appo http://worldofviruses.unl.edu/comics-apps/ Show less The Omaha Family Stress and Health Study is a study of the effects of stress across generations that is part of a larger study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The focus is on understanding how the social experiences of stratification and discrimination get under the skin to influence minority group members’ health over the life course. Because the biology of stress is a key mechanism through which health disparities emerge in the U.S. population, this research agenda seeks to integrate biological markers into traditional sociological data collections and analyses – as a way to better understand how and why social processes matter. Various social factors from infancy to adolescence are related to the onset and progression of health conditions over the life course. This work examines how family circumstances during youth, school composition, and peer relationships may both offset illness or exacerbate the risk of poor health outcomes thus perpetuating both socioeconomic and racial disparities in health over the life course.(K01 HD 064537; Bridget Goosby, PI). My responsibilities included recruitment, advertisement, interviews, collection of bodily fluids, and contributing to reports. Show less The role of a resident assistant is to:Provide assistance to residents and enforce policies set forth by the University of Nebraska Housing DepartmentPlan both social and educational activities on a monthly basis for residents, while collaborating with other peer leaders, staff and faculty in creating a welcoming and inclusive campus communityProvide resources and opportunities for students to pursue and reflect on experiences that prepare them for their post student careers, and serve as a trusted adult, friend, and positive source of energy and information to students and their families. Show less

  • STEM Program Research Assistant

    May 2012 - May 2016

  • Sociology Course Teaching Assistant

    Sept 2013 - May 2014

  • Research Project Assistant

    Mar 2012 - Oct 2013

  • Resident Assistant

    Jan 2011 - May 2013
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  Biotest Pharmaceuticals Corporation

  Sept 2011 - Nov 2013

  Phlebotomist Team Lead & Trainer

  As a lead phlebotomist and training, my responsibility was to preform donor suitability screening, phlebotomy for the collection and storage of blood plasma using automated plasmapheresis. Screenings include medical history interviews, obtaining vital signs, urinalysis, blood testing and file maintenance. Phlebotomy and troubleshooting skills are needed to ensure health and safety of donors throughout the process. Other responsibilities included managing the work schedule, training new staff, and doing performance evaluations. Show less

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  Bryan East Medical Center

  Nov 2013 - May 2015

  Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomist II

  The phlebotomist performs blood sample collection from hospital patients for analysis or other medical purposes. My responsibilities included:Displaying a commitment to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values, while maintaining competency and proficiency with respect to all phlebotomy procedures, awareness of all laboratory policy, technical and procedural changes.Performing blood collections from adult, children and infant patients using appropriate capillary collection or venipuncture trained techniques.Completing all mandatory safety trainings and following all safety guidelines per written protocols, while completing assigned tasks accurately and timely.Performing and documenting routine maintenance and quality control on the instruments used for bedside blood assessments.Accurately performing computer entry of patient demographic and testing information including specimen data collected by laboratory or other hospital staff, as well as answering telephone calls and responding to non-technical questions from hospital staff and/or patients. Show less

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  Nebraska Medicine

  May 2015 - Aug 2016

  Medical Communications Customer Service Associate

  This position entails providing the highest quality of customer service for patients and their families, physicians, employees, and general public who contact the Clinical Enterprise. This position requires:Utilization of department specific computer tools and database to accurately record and communicate to our internal and external customers. Assistance with web on call services, 24/7 after hours answering services for providers and doctors’ offices, pager management, configure estimated procedure costs, physician to physician consult, and transition of care phone calls. Show less

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  Center for Holistic Development, Inc.

  May 2015 - May 2016

  Out of School Time Elementary STEM Facilitator

  The Center for Holistic Development's program Soaring with Wings, is designed to work with elementary school students to enhance youth development with a focus on building internal assets by teaching social and emotional competence. All children and youth have the right to happy and healthy lives and deserve access to effective care to prevent or treat any mental health problems that may develop. However, there is a tremendous amount of unmet need and heath disparities are particularly pronounced for children and youth living in low-income communities, ethnic minority youth or those with special needs. My responsibilities included engaging students and their families in culturally and developmentally appropriate lesson plans that enhance the skills necessary for successful living. Many of these skill building activities are achieved while working alone or in group project during Summer school STEM activities. Mental health has a complex interactive relationship with the student’s physical health and their ability to succeed in school, at work and in society. Aside from developing an interactive STEM based curriculum, I also conducted and evaluated pre and post behavioral tests on the students that measured social-emotional competency such as, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, self regulation/ control, personal agency, patience, persistence, conflict resolution, communication skills, empathy, and morality. Show less

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  Beneficial Behavioral Health Services

  Jun 2015 - Sept 2015

  Family Support Worker

  The mission of BBHS is build happier lives through behavioral health with our clients. We strived for a high level of customer satisfaction and continuous quality improvement of services that are cost efficient and have measurable outcomes. BBHS works in concert with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Child Protective Services and the Office of Juvenile Services, to provide the needed behavioral health care to hurting individuals and families.My role was to provide prompt, expert services to children, adolescents, adults and families with mental illness, behavioral problems, parenting issues, marriage and relationship, as well as substance abuse issues. As a family support worker, I provide emotional and practical help and advice to families that are having long or short-term difficulties. This would include helping children to stay with their families if that is what’s best for them in the particular situation. Many clients face drug or alcohol addiction, incarceration, marital or financial difficulties, child or parent with a disability, or problems accessing services due to language barriers. The majority of my work was spent helping my clients improve their home management and parenting skills such as developing caring skills, learning how to teach children through play, understand the how to deal with behavior difficulties, and budget management- showing parents how things can be done, then supporting them until they can do these on their own. Show less

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  Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Omaha

  Jul 2016 - Jan 2018

  Pediatric Injury Prevention Coordinator

  The Injury Prevention Coordinator (IPC) serves as the practice leader/advocate for the Injury Prevention Program in order to accomplish organizational strategic goals and objectives. In collaboration with the Trauma team, the IPC designs, plans, implements and oversees community education and safety programs meeting American College of Surgeons requirements for Level II Pediatric Trauma Center verification. The role functions as the community co-leader for Safe Kids Douglas County. This position plays an integral role in research efforts related to trauma center data analysis, overseeing grant projects and evidence based research activities, which promotes policy changes within the community. During my time, I implemented an Injury Prevention Safety Resource Center for in-patient needs, Injury Prevention Mapping techniques to identify behavior and safety gaps in the community, and advocate for the passing of LB41 and LB42 promoting safe child transportation. This position requires:Recruiting and supervision of hospital employees, volunteers and Safe Kids Douglas County community partners in designated activities.Advocating at all levels of the hospital for a commitment to injury prevention, community education and safety in response to the American College of Surgeons requirements and the Safe Kids injury prevention model.Bringing “best practice” information and programming to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center on all aspects of child safety and parent understanding of how to create safe environments for children.Implementing programs for Hospital personnel at all levels on how they can effectively exceed the standard of care in the areas of injury prevention, community education and safety.Responsibility for identifying, establishing, and maintaining relationships with hospital staff and community partners. Providing appropriate supervision of volunteer employees in other departments and community volunteers to execute Injury Prevention Program. Show less

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  Locks By Lala

  Jan 2018 - now

  Salon Owner
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  Kauffman & Associates

  Jan 2018 - Oct 2018

  Project Specialist III

  The Project Specialist III is part of the Research and Evaluation division and assists with various research-oriented projects. I work closely with Project Managers and other project staff to ensure that project deliverables are met on time. I also conduct research, enter, track, and potentially analyze data, and provide logistical support. Additionally, I assist with outreach and engagement for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, such as conducting interviews and transcribing data. I am responsible for the coordination of complex tasks and assignments under the direction of Project Managers. This position entails other project-related support, as needed by the contracts. The Project Specialist reports to a Project Manager in the Research & Evaluation service line and within the Communications. Approximately half of my time contributes to the SAMHSA Wellness Campaign project in the Communications service line and the other half with the CMS.Some of my essential job functions include: Provide both the Strategic Communications Director and the R & E team with project management support in planning, developing, implementing, and coordinating project activities; collaborate with project team to monitor progress toward completion of deliverables (Info graphics, best practice reports, webinars, tool-kits, etc.)Conduct research, both qualitative and quantitative, for information relevant to project content, including literature searches, environmental scans, and online searches Regular review of the statement of work, work plan of performance, and contract budget for all assigned projects,Maintain on-going communication with project managers, team members, and contracting agencies on project logisticsCreate, document, update and monitor project information and keep a calendar of project activitiesConduct database research and literature reviews, and assigned evaluation and research activities that support the company’s missionetc. Show less

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  Drug Enforcement Administration

  Oct 2019 - Feb 2022

  Community Outreach Coordinator

  DEA’s Community Outreach Section provides the public with current and relevant drug information about illicit drug use, the misuse of prescription drugs, drug use trends, and the health consequences of drug use. I piloted and managed the first Operation Engage Program across DC, MD and VA.The outreach specialist must be knowledgeable in the areas of illicit drugs, diversion, trafficking, and drug misuse prevention; skilled in written and verbal communication; strategic communications models, such as health promotion, social marketing, and behavior change communication; and be able to work in collaboration with multiple levels of government, various agencies, offices, and departments, community-based organizations, and private sector groups. The Community Outreach Specialist works with community stakeholders and national partners to implement Operation Engage-related deliverables within the local community. Operation Engage is DEA’s national program implemented within designated cities that consists of three prongs, one of which is community outreach and prevention support.Other duties:Serve as a speaker and program representative on outside committees, attending conferences and seminars, providing training to individuals and organizations, in the areas of illegal and prescription drugs, diversion, trafficking, and drug misuse prevention.Report to field division management and advise them of available community outreach programs and opportunities for community engagement.Organize training seminars, lectures, and activities relevant to community outreach programs and priorities.Monitor trends in education and the specific drug concerns of the division.Provide support to coalitions and task forces in building and strengthening a community-based network.Serve as primary liaison and POC for major drug addiction treatment/misuse prevention/education organizations within the field division’s area of responsibility. Show less