I was born in Southeast D.C. My family moved to Prince George’s County because of the crack epidemic. Living in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area has shown me the effects of drug abuse on a community and the lack of compassion from the Federal government toward those communities. I'm very political having lived in this area for 44 years. I live in the most powerful city in the world, and yet we get zero respect from the very country it represents. This has taught me the value of community organizing and the basics of representing your people to be able to have the things that you need to not only survive, but to flourish as a community.

Before coming to Takoma Wellness Center (TWC) I worked at DC Brau Brewing Company and did some non-profit work on the side, helping people with their various ailments by providing food infused with cannabis. The department I worked in at the brewery was downsized and the natural next step for me was to find my way into the cannabis industry. I started at TWC as a part-time Patient Consultant while still working part-time at DC Brau. I eventually moved into a full time role at TWC and two years later, I was made the General Manager.

Being able to create strategies and train staff is what I enjoy most, but I do miss dealing with the patients one on one and helping with their ailments. It is always rewarding to hear a returning patient say how much their quality of life improved by using cannabis.

“…being a good business neighbor is almost as important as having a good product to sell. Giving back in some way to the very people who make you successful is vital…”

One thing I learned at DC Brau is being a good business neighbor is almost as important as having a good product to sell. Giving back in some way to the very people who make you successful is vital. I was the manager of DC Brau's event team so I was directly involved with our community endeavors. I have brought that mentality to TWC with me. Even though they already had a strong community presence, it can always grow bigger and stronger. We are currently building a neighborhood clean up team, and have a very important community project coming up soon. This project is near and dear to me, so I am excited to get it up and running and announce it to the city!

“The hardest part of my job is navigating the landscape of selling a product that is still illegal on a federal level, and operating in a way that does not trigger any alarms that will bring scrutiny to DC's program.”

The hardest part of my job is navigating the landscape of selling a product that is still illegal on a federal level, and operating in a way that does not trigger any alarms that will bring scrutiny to DC's program. We’re very careful and deliberate with all of our practices at TWC.

Like all good jobs, the challenges are balanced out by the opportunities. I love helping people! I think my favorite patient experience is our cooking classes. Making infused food is a passion of mine. Listening to the excitement and surprise at the basic science of food infusion is pretty fun for me!

I've worked with a bunch of people who have been really inspiring to me over the years. I’ll start with Torie Wallace with National Expungement Week. She’s an amazing community activist and chef. My folks at DC Brau: Jeff Hancock, Mari Rodela and Brandon Skall. Representing their brand was an honor and the lessons I’ve taken with me are invaluable. I can’t forget Jen Jackson on the cooking front and Seth Mathews for giving me the basics of growing (2nd place Sativa DC State Fair 2 years ago!).

Join the National Cannabis Festival and Takoma Wellness Center on Saturday, April 17th at NCF’s Dazed & Amused Drive-In Movie Experience!