About

About the Public Policy & Government Affairs Department

Elevating Mental Health through Public Policy Leadership.

Who We Are

The Vibrant Public Policy & Government Affairs (PPGA) Department is a cross-functional workstream that affects all aspects of the organization’s programs and activities, given the responsibility of advancing the mission through intergovernmental relations and public affairs. As the external facing public policy vertical within the organization, the PPGA Department coordinates the organization’s official position, priorities, and strategy with respect to federal, state, local, and other governmental jurisdictions’ legislation, regulation, law, rules, and other policies, in consultation with other Vibrant verticals as appropriate.

Values

Excellence

We strive to achieve high-quality and impactful outcomes through our advocacy and education.

Belonging

We advocate for laws where all individuals feel valued and respected, are treated with dignity, and have equitable access to mental health care.

Integrity

We conduct ourselves with integrity, embracing authenticity and transparency as fundamental values.

Wellbeing

We prioritize overall well-being, nurturing ourselves, supporting one another, and fostering community health at every level.

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Our Team

The Vibrant Public Policy & Government Affairs Department leads cross-functional efforts, shaping policies and strategies across all government levels for equitable mental health initiatives.

Laura Evans

AVP, Public Policy & Government Affairs

Laura Evans
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Laura Evans

AVP, Public Policy & Government Affairs

Laura leads the Public Policy & Government Affairs Department as AVP, overseeing a policy portfolio that includes appropriations, telecommunications, healthcare financing, health equity, and suicide prevention. As the inaugural leader of our department, Laura has ensured the organization’s footprint has expanded into and across states, territories, and federal policy arenas.

Laura holds psychology and political science degrees from Xavier University and has served on a number of committees, task forces, and boards, including the Women in Government Relations State Relations Task Force and Mental Health America’s Regional Policy Council. Her voice and work have been featured in the media including The New York Times, Tradeoffs podcast, and as a regular host for the 988 Crisis Jam.

Laura is proud to have begun her career in the Ohio Legislature. She lives in Florida with her husband, Brian, and their sweet pup, Clayton.

Caitlin Davidson, MSPH

State Policy Manager

Caitlin Davidson, MSPH
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Caitlin Davidson, MSPH

State Policy Manager

Caitlin has a Masters of Science in Public Health, focusing on Health Policy, from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a Bachelors in Health Care Administration, with a minor in Public Administration, from Shippensburg University, and an Associates Degree in Business Administration. She is the Manager of State Policy for the following states: IL, IN, MN, WI, OH, MI, PA, KY, MD, DC, VA, WV, and DE.

Prior to joining Vibrant Emotional Health, Caitlin held various public policy positions in academia, state government, and the non-profit sectors. Notably, she served as a Special Advisor to the Secretary and Policy Director for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services under Governor Tom Wolf, working on a broad range of health and social services issues, including mental health and suicide prevention. Caitlin lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Lisa Elder

State Policy Manager

Lisa Elder
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Lisa Elder

State Policy Manager

Lisa Elder holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science from Stony Brook University with a concentration in Public Health. She is a Manager of State Policy at Vibrant Emotional Health.

Prior to this role, Lisa made significant contributions as the Community Engagement Manager at NYC Smoke-Free within Public Health Solutions, where she worked to end the devastating tobacco epidemic and protect the health of New Yorkers through tobacco control policy, advocacy, and education.

Lisa's impact extended to her role as the Manager of Health Education and Public Policy for the American Lung Association, where she played a pivotal role in developing effective campaign strategies, fostering robust coalitions, and mobilizing communities to address lung health issues.

Lisa's advocacy journey began with her leadership of a youth-led advocacy program as part of the New York State Tobacco Control Program. Through mentorship and empowerment, she guided young advocates in crafting impactful campaigns and initiatives dedicated to tobacco control, laying the foundation for her ongoing commitment to effecting positive change.

Her unwavering goal remains to ensure equitable opportunities for all to achieve and maintain health and wellness. When Lisa isn't passionately advocating for change, you can catch her exploring the scenic wonders of Vermont. Whether she's hiking, camping, or hitting the mountain biking trails, Lisa finds solace in the natural beauty of her home region.

Daniel Herron

State Policy Manager

Daniel Herron
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Daniel Herron

State Policy Manager

Daniel Herron holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Whitworth University. As a Manager of State Policy at Vibrant Emotional Health, Daniel supports the implementation and development of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in states across the United States. He also focuses on policy issues, including technology, data privacy, youth mental health, and services for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Prior to this role, Daniel worked in both chambers of the Washington State legislature, serving legislators on both sides of the aisle. He also previously provided strategy and communications consulting to a number of Seattle-based organizations.

As a native Washingtonian, Daniel loves being in nature and taking advantage of the incredible outdoor opportunities that the Pacific Northwest offers. Currently residing in Tacoma, Daniel is involved in several community organizations and serves as an elder in his local Presbyterian church.

Katie Keys

Policy Manager

Katie Keys
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Katie Keys

Policy Manager

Katie holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Politics from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government from American University. Before joining Vibrant Health, she worked with various international organizations, most recently at Open Society Foundations, where she was a Senior Policy Specialist. There, she influenced policy change, raised awareness, and mobilized support for issues such as refugee inclusion, democracy support, and democratic governance.

Katie has joined the team as a Policy Manager. She collaborates with other members of the PPGA department and across Vibrant to advance our mission through intergovernmental relations and policy coordination. Katie was born in New Jersey and currently resides in Washington, DC. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new recipes.

Shelley Polanco

State Policy Director

Shelley Polanco
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Shelley Polanco

State Policy Director

Shelley graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Master of Arts. She commenced her career after graduate school as a Domestic Violence advocate, collaborating closely with the New York City Police Department. Shelley’s dedication to empowering and assisting vulnerable individuals led her to a supervisory position as a Senior Case Manager at a shelter serving over 200 adult males dealing with mental health and substance abuse challenges. In this role, she oversaw her team and provided essential services to the shelter's residents, each with diverse needs.

Shelley joined Vibrant in 2022 as a State Policy Manager for the Public Policy and Government Affairs Department. She was promoted to Director of State Public Policy in July of 2024 and manages many of the department's State projects and relationships with mental health partners. Shelley was born and raised in New York and now lives in Florida with her partner and their new puppy.

Valerie Silecchia, M Ed

Communication, Education, & Advocacy Specialist

Valerie Silecchia, M Ed
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Valerie Silecchia, M Ed

Communication, Education, & Advocacy Specialist

Valerie holds a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Penn State University and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with an English concentration from SUNY Oswego. Prior to joining Vibrant Emotional Health in 2022, she spent over 20 years as a classroom teacher. Her diverse background also includes developing training programs, editing professional manuscripts and doctoral dissertations, planning events, running government-funded programs, and conducting workshops for adult learners.

In the PPGA Department, Valerie edits the department's monthly newsletter, manages the online content of their microsite, organizes webinars for stakeholders interested in mental health initiatives, and collaborates with internal and external partners to raise awareness and support for mental health policies. Outside work, Valerie is a dedicated community advocate and volunteers in local chapters promoting mental wellness, equity, and safer communities. Valerie enjoys reading, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and tripod pup.

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