Open to opportunities

Cassidy McConnell

@cassidymcconnell

Behavioral health policy and addiction advocacy professional translating evidence into legislative and prevention impact.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to support equity-focused behavioral health work—translating research into actionable legislation and prevention programs, collaborating with stakeholders, and measuring impact through data-driven policy and evaluation.

I help advance equity in behavioral health by translating clinical research into legislative strategy and evidence-based action. I focus on policy analysis that mitigates real-world harms—especially in the fentanyl crisis—and on turning complex legislative language into clear, actionable guidance for diverse stakeholders.

In my current work, I advise strategic legislative initiatives and evaluate proposed state and federal legislation to ensure alignment with evidence-based interventions, synthesizing policy data into briefing materials and impact statements. I’ve also monitored state behavioral health legislation to assess service delivery and marginalized-population impacts, while developing policy briefs and recommendations grounded in data.

Before that, I led countywide substance use prevention programs, facilitated peer-to-peer prevention curricula for youth, pregnant individuals, and older adults, and conducted risk assessments with reporting for leadership, coalitions, and state partners. Earlier roles strengthened my direct-service and advocacy foundation—managing a caseload of 25 clients, securing housing for 4, coordinating crisis response planning, and delivering Narcan and harm reduction training to increase community overdose prevention awareness.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Legislative Consultant

Current

United Against Fetenayl

Jan 2026 - Present (5 months)

Advised on strategic legislative initiatives to mitigate the fentanyl crisis by translating substance use disorder research into actionable advocacy goals. Evaluated state and federal proposals and synthesized complex policy data into briefing materials for diverse stakeholders.

Legislative Research Policy Analysis Public Health Briefing Data Synthesis Grant writing

Current

Legislative Intern

Current

Anne Arundel County Department of Health

Jan 2026 - Present (5 months)

Monitored and evaluated state behavioral health legislation to assess impacts on service delivery and marginalized populations. Produced policy briefs and impact analyses aligned to organizational goals and public health priorities.

Legislative Monitoring Policy Analysis Behavioral Health

Current

Prevention Specialist

Current

Anne Arundel County Department of Health

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Coordinated and implemented countywide substance use prevention programs, including evaluation and grant adherence. Developed peer-to-peer prevention curricula, conducted community/school risk assessments, built partnerships to expand outreach, and supported grant writing and reporting.

Curriculum Development Training Facilitation Risk Assessment Community Outreach Grant writing Program Evaluation Partnership Building

Legislative Intern

U.S. House of Representatives

Aug 2023 - May 2024 (9 months)

Reported on 50 congressional hearings and briefings for the Bipartisan Substance Use and Mental Health Task Force, delivering detailed analyses to support legislative recommendations. Supported policy discussions on the SUPPORT Act and rural health care access and managed constituent services workflows.

Legislative Research Policy Analysis Stakeholder Engagement Briefings Data Collection

Substitute Teacher

Altmar–Parish–Williamstown School District

Jan 2020 - Aug 2023 (3 years 7 months)

Supported classroom learning by communicating daily goals and expectations, answering student questions, and motivating engagement through active listening and one-on-one support. Adapted teaching methods to diverse student needs and used conflict resolution strategies to maintain a positive environment.

Conflict Resolution Student Engagement Training And Facilitation Communication

Housing Specialist

Rehabilitation Support Services

Dec 2022 - May 2023 (5 months)

Managed a caseload of 25 clients, including coverage for complex cases involving co-occurring mental health and substance use issues, and secured housing for 4 clients. Conducted monthly check-ins, developed crisis response plans, coordinated local support services, and improved housing retention through advocacy and stakeholder collaboration.

Case Management Crisis Response Planning Client Advocacy Risk Assessment Documentation

Receptionist / Biller

Matthews Hyundai of Schenectady

Jun 2021 - Sep 2022 (1 year 3 months)

Processed daily payments, generated invoices, and maintained accurate electronic records while supporting front desk operations and customer communication. Trained new staff and streamlined office workflow to improve operational efficiency.

Accounts Receivable Invoice Processing Payment Processing Customer Service Records Management Office Administration Training