Ana Rivera Ortiz, LMSW

Ana Rivera Ortiz, LMSW, is a bilingual licensed social worker and Program Manager with the Howard County Health Department, where she leads a law enforcement deflection program designed to connect individuals involved in low-level offenses with community-based services and support. In this capacity, she provides comprehensive program oversight, manages administrative and case management functions, coordinates partnerships with law enforcement and recovery organizations, monitors grant activities, and advocates for expanded resources addressing mental health and substance use. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, prevention, and individualized support, with the goal of creating stronger connections between public health, behavioral health, social services, and the criminal justice system.

Ortiz brings more than a decade of experience spanning social services, victim advocacy, public health, and the justice system. She began her career with House of Ruth in Baltimore City, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, and subsequently held several roles as a victim advocate. She later entered public service with the Maryland Judiciary as a District Court Commissioner, where she handled initial appearances and probable-cause determinations. Her firsthand experience with individuals navigating the legal system reinforced her passion for social justice, public policy, and advocacy, ultimately inspiring her to pursue social work as a means of addressing systemic barriers and ensuring that individuals and families have access to meaningful support. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work after beginning her academic journey at Colegio San Antonio Abad in Puerto Rico.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ortiz has developed particular expertise in bilingual advocacy, case management, community engagement, and connecting underserved populations with essential resources. Her professional experience includes supporting children transitioning from immigration foster care, working with individuals affected by behavioral health challenges, and building partnerships across public agencies and community organizations. Ortiz credits much of her professional foundation to her faith, her grandmother's strong work ethic, and her mother, a first-generation college graduate whose accomplishments have served as an enduring source of inspiration. Committed to service both professionally and personally, she has volunteered through AmeriCorps in public health and participates in student ministry at her local church. Through her leadership, advocacy, and community involvement, Ortiz continues to advance programs that promote access, collaboration, and more responsive support for individuals and families.