Christie (they/them), MSW, LMSW, is a PhD student at the University of Iowa’s School of Social Work. Their focus is on Public Health with their professional and research interests centered on health and disability-related research and policy, as well as advocating for and promoting the well-being of the disabled community as a disabled individual. 

Christie worked at the Law, Health Policy & Disability Center as a Graduate Research Assistant, analyzing Polk County data for seven area agencies serving people with disabilities. Now a Teaching Assistant, they moonlight as the DEI Director at The Daily Iowan, working to uplift marginalized voices, administer surveys, and organize trainings. They also serve on the board at Access 2 Independence. 

They have given various public speeches on behalf of organizations, and recently guest spoke on Ableism in America in a Discrimination, Oppression, and Diversity course at the School of Social Work. In their free time, they like to spend time with their family and friends, read, travel, and crochet.