NCSL Staff Directory

As a policy associate for the Legislative Staff Services Program, Ta’Vion Hampton supports the professional staff associations and state services division. Prior to joining NCSL, he served as the logistics and scheduling coordinator in the office of the governor for the state of Colorado. Hampton is dedicated to promoting democracy and strengthening our state government institutions.

Philene Taormina leads a team of energy analysts who specialize in state and federal energy policy and legislative, statutory and regulatory research. The team delivers energy policy expertise and nonpartisan research and analysis for state legislators, legislative staff and stakeholders. Taormina holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and has more than 25 years of experience working with federal and state policymakers and cultivating public policy.

Sarah Chavez is a dedicated program coordinator with NCSL's Energy team. With more than a decade of experience in hospitality, event planning and administration support, she has honed her skills while working for esteemed law firms and nonprofit organizations in Denver and New York City. Chavez is deeply committed to NCSL's mission, finding fulfillment in contributing to an organization dedicated to enhancing the legislative institution through education and research.

In her role, Jennifer Kraft supports the Environment, Energy and Transportation Program as a program coordinator. She comes to NCSL with more than 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant and program manager. She attended Colorado State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resources management.

Helen Brewer works on statewide ballot measures and focuses on a wide array of elections and redistricting topics as part of the Elections and Redistricting Program. Prior to joining NCSL, she worked in policy and litigation capacities for nonpartisan voting rights and redistricting organizations. Brewer has appeared in The Washington Post, has a J.D. from William & Mary, a bachelor’s from the University of Northern Colorado and is a member of the Colorado Bar.

As a policy analyst, Jessica Guarino supports the Civil and Criminal Justice Program by researching a variety of topics related to criminal records, human trafficking, firearms policy and questions relating to the Constitution. Prior to joining NCSL, Guarino earned her J.D. and LL.M. from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and worked as a postdoctoral legal research associate for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She has published several law review and peer-reviewed articles and is dedicated to providing accurate and accessible policy data.

In her role as a program coordinator, Brenna Nelson supports NCSL's Children and Families Program. Prior to joining NCSL, Nelson worked at nonprofit organizations and interned with the Colorado General Assembly while studying human development and family relations at the University of Colorado Denver. She is dedicated to supporting state legislators and legislative staff as they work to improve the lives of children and families in their states.

As a policy specialist, Angela Rowe focuses on pensions, retirement and public sector employment issues. Previously, Rowe worked at the Colorado House of Representatives and state Senate. She earned a B.A. in international studies from Portland State University and received master’s degrees in social work and international human rights from the University of Denver.

Bio coming soon. 

As a training specialist, Jessica Hoffman helps to design and deliver custom training on a wide range of topics and skills. Hoffman has 13 years of experience in education, working with AmeriCorps, public schools and higher education programs. She is dedicated to providing high-quality professional development to legislators, legislative leaders and legislative staff.

In her role as a senior policy specialist in the Health Program, Shannon Kolman serves as a subject matter expert on public health topics. She has more than 25 years of experience working in the fields of public health and community health. Kolman enjoys researching public health-related policies and supporting legislative excellence by informing NCSL members and partners on policy issues and strategies.

As a senior policy specialist with the Center for Legislative Strengthening, Selena Saucedo focuses on legislative sessions, legislative staffing and structure, human resource management, compensation and classification, and personnel policies and practices, including harassment and DEI. Saucedo comes to NCSL with more than 10 years of experience in both the public and private sectors focusing on public relations, public affairs, policy and communication, and legislative experience in the Texas House of Representatives. Saucedo earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

As the HR director, Kazia Washington, SHRM-CP, PHR, oversees NCSL's Human Resources Office. Washington comes to NCSL with 10-plus years of experience utilizing innovation and strategy to translate business vision into healthy HR initiatives. Passionate about all things people, she is dedicated to meeting NCSL's staff where they are by cultivating an inclusive culture and nurturing the human experience of belonging.

Alyssa Vigil is a program coordinator at NCSL, where she supports the Criminal and Civil Justice Program. Previously, Vigil worked in administrative support and research roles for the University of Colorado Boulder. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in business, also from the University of Colorado.

As a policy specialist, Kendall Speer supports the Health Program’s maternal and child health, children’s oral health and women’s reproductive health portfolio. Prior to joining NCSL, Speer was a student at Boston University School of Law. She is dedicated to supporting NCSL’s mission of providing research, education, technical assistance and opportunities for cross-state sharing.

As a policy analyst, Emily Sampson supports environmental health and resilience matters within the Environment, Energy and Transportation Program. She also served as a legislative assistant and then committee clerk with the Hawaii state Senate for two sessions. Sampson earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

As a program coordinator, Leila Reynolds supports the Education team. Prior to joining NCSL, Reynolds spent four years working for the state of Utah, first at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel and then at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Reynolds graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in history, foreign relations and security, and a certificate in international relations. A firm believer in informed policy decisions, she is proud to be part of an organization that assists in providing legislatures with the latest in bipartisan policy research.

Kaylee Pickinpaugh contributes the Center for Results-Driven Governing team by writing publications, responding to research requests, helping facilitate meetings and providing digital coordination support. Prior to joining NCSL, Pickinpaugh worked for the Wyoming Legislative Service Office as an associate research analyst. She received a bachelor’s degree in fine art and a Master of Public Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.