meet the team

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Mackenzie@shrpexchange.org

She holds a Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has over a decade of experience in HIV prevention, viral hepatitis, and harm reduction. Following her brother’s passing from an unintentional overdose, in 2017 MacKenzie opened the first fixed-site, legal syringe exchange in Utah.

Her passion community-based participatory research and empowering the voices of people with lived experience to be louder and more present in the conversations of change.

Mackenzie is both personally and professionally motivated; training for the next marathon, over-indulging in coffee, and exploring Salt Lake Valley with her dog, Kyle.

DISEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM MANAGER

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Ellen@shrpexchange.org

Ellen is the Disease Prevention Program Manager at SHRP. She has a dual Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Education and International Studies and has worked in the public health field for 10 years. Her work has focused mainly in the sexual health field, with teaching and oversight of sexuality education grants, HIV/STI testing and counseling, and disease intervention practice. She has worked with diverse communities, including youth, LGBTQ+, people who are unsheltered, and people who use drugs. She has been interested in Harm Reduction since college and is thrilled to focus on it professionally. Ellen believes that a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental and ethical approach is the best way to empower people to live healthier lives.

When not at work, Ellen loves to sing & perform, go to concerts, travel, and spend time with her daughter.

SYRINGE EXCHANGE COORDINATOR, OUTREACH

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Ellie@shrpexchange.org

Ellie discovered her passion for helping people early on by advocating for those who face low access and high barriers to essential resources. With a Bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Utah, she began her career in a creative role, assisting individuals with disabilities in fostering personal growth and independence.

Her dedication to harm reduction started outside the substance use field and continues to shine through her work with SHRP. In her role at SHRP, Ellie leverages her creative skills to forge pathways for participants to access detoxification and treatment services, medical care, and safe drug use supplies and education. Additionally, she brings SHRP’s in-office services directly to clients, eliminating barriers by meeting them where they are.

When she's not working you will find Ellie on the trail, in the snow, or sitting around a campfire.

COMMUNITY CARE COORDINATOR

Pronouns: They/He

Lux@shrpexchange.org

Lux is a member of the LGBTQIA+ & sex worker community, with experience in community outreach and trauma-informed advocacy. Having been on multiple panels, Lux is no stranger to speaking on crucial issues affecting marginalized communities.

Their involvement in planning and executing community outreach events has allowed them to create safe spaces and support networks for those in need. Lux is thrilled to be part of the team & contribute to the vital work of harm reduction.

In their free time, they enjoy training with their dog, spending time in nature, taking photos, and going to local concerts.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Jared@shrpexchange.org

Jared has over twenty years of experience working in HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Jared received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Nevada State University.

From lived experiences, Jared started volunteering which helped influence his passion for working in harm reduction. He has a strong background working in case management, HIV prevention, and helped implement one of the first legal syringe exchange programs in Utah.

Jared spends his free time enjoying live music, cooking, skiing, and hiking with his corgi, Ari.

CONSULTANT

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Torrie@shrpexchange.org

Torrie has been involved in Harm Reduction in many capacities since her first learning of the paradigm through Gabor Maté’s In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Torrie holds a Master of Social Work degree and has experience with program management, coalition development, and public policy reform. Her passion is in community development and centering the voices of people with lived experience to create real and solution-focused change.

Torrie spends her free time exploring the country on her motorcycle, spending time with her dogs and partner, reading, and constantly exposing herself to new learning experiences.