About me

I have more than 25 years of experience in public health. I worked on staff at three governmental health departments before transitioning to consulting through my firm, RYC Analytics, where I partner with governmental public health agencies and local nonprofit organizations. I help communities understand and use data for planning, reporting, and engagement to improve their health and well-being.

My experience working in rural and politically conservative communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has shaped how I approach this work. I focus on communicating public health information in ways that respect local values and priorities and make complex concepts clear and usable.

I often hear that audiences need better data literacy. In my experience, the issue is usually how information is communicated. In my experience, when data are explained in plain, everyday language to communities engaged in good faith, even complex concepts can be understood.  Especially in communities where trust has eroded, clear communication grounded in sound analysis can help rebuild credibility and support more constructive relationships betwee local health departments and the communities they serve.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of California, Davis and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from San Diego State University.