Julia Lihzis

As the Assistant Director of Advocacy, Julia is responsible for ensuring SHARPP's advocacy services are delivered in a trauma-informed, survivor-led, and power-conscious way. She works with the Director to create and implement departmental policies and procedures, supports the advocacy work of SHARPP's professional staff and Peer Advocates, and works collaboratively with other campus and community resources to elevate the needs and voices of survivors. 

When not meeting with an individual survivor or supporting the advocacy work of the professional staff & volunteers, Julia can also be found facilitating SHARPP's survivor support space, coordinating peer collaboration spaces for other advocate-clinicians, representing SHARPP on Strafford County's Sexual Assault Resource Team, or presenting to statewide audiences about best practices of survivor-led trauma-informed practices.

Julia previously worked at SHARPP as an AmeriCorps Victim's Assistance Program (AVAP) member for 2 years before receiving her MSW from UNH and becoming a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Julia has experience working in emergency room mental health, intensive outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and private practice.

Some facts about Julia

• Julia is passionate about creating and sustaining trauma-informed communities
• She loves hardcore & emo music
• Her phone's photo album is full of pictures of her two cats and nephews