Policy Director
Early Learning & Care, Juvenile Justice
Hometown
Salt Lake City, UT
What was your favorite toy or game to play with as a child?
I loved making arts and crafts.
What was your favorite thing about being a child, and do you try to hold onto that spirit as an adult?
My favorite thing about being a child was being by myself, engaging in nerdy, quiet activities. As an adult, I try to be by myself, engaging in nerdy, quiet activities as much as possible.
What was your favorite meal or dish that your family would make, and do you still enjoy it today?
Special trips to the Hostess surplus store on North Temple, and Saturdays at the Salt Lake City Library! These days, I buy as many full-priced baked goods as I like, and still check out books from the Salt Lake City Library (but mostly audiobooks).
What was the most challenging experience you faced as a child, and how did you overcome it?
Having a lot of siblings, not having a lot of money, and living with two struggling, unhappy adults. Many years of therapy later, I get along with most of my wonderful siblings, I have enough money, and I don't hang out with my parents.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned as a child, and how has it influenced your life today?
Growing up in a large LDS family, I learned to work hard and be of service to others. Those early lessons have shaped my professional life for decades.
Biography
Anna has been part of the Voices for Utah Children team since 2017. As a senior policy analyst, she has focused on issues related to juvenile justice, early care and education, and a few others as they arise. Prior to joining the Voices team, Anna spent ten years working at the ACLU of Utah, first as Development Director, and then as a Policy Advocate and Communications specialist. She has been working in the non-profit and public sectors, in both Utah and Colorado, for more than 25 years. Anna is a Salt Lake City native and West High School graduate (go Panthers!). She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Denver and a Master's degree in public administration from the University of Utah.
