ALLISON KNOWLES
Gainesville,FL
Summary
Highly motivated and goal-oriented professional with over 20 years of experience in education, training, and community outreach. Possesses administrative expertise gained from the University of Florida. Currently serving as an Administrative Specialist at the university's Center for Precollegiate Education and Training since April 2022, excelling in performing administrative tasks and handling higher-level fiscal responsibilities. Previously held the position of Staffing and Compliance Specialist for the seventh-largest school district in the US, ensuring equal access and inclusion for all students. Throughout the career, fostered staff loyalty and promoted excellence in education and training within Hillsborough County. Known for the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, consistently delivering successful outcomes. A leader and facilitator adept at setting clear expectations to maximize compliance with federal, state, county, and university laws, policies, and procedures, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title IX. Strong communication skills allow effective engagement with administrators, staff members, and community stakeholders.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Specialist
University of Florida
04.2022 - Current
- Works with PIs on grants and grant-related tasks to facilitate the management of compliance related to the grant requirements
- Safeguards sensitive information through the proper handling of confidential documents and secure storage methods.
- Improves customer satisfaction with prompt and professional responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Facilitates communication between departments, organizing meetings and distributing essential information.
- Enhances team productivity by providing administrative support and coordinating daily operations.
- Collaborates closely with human resources personnel to ensure timely processing of new hire paperwork, benefits administration, and employee record updates.
- Streamlines office processes by implementing efficient document management and filing systems.
- Works on behalf of senior leaders to complete project requirements according to schedules and within budgetary limitations.
- Ensures accuracy in financial records by reconciling accounts and preparing detailed reports.
- Volunteeres to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
ESE Staffing and Compliance Specialist
District Level position/office
07.2011 - 01.2022
- Was responsible for 10+ school sites to maintain compliance with federal and state policy and procedures
- Scheduled and conducted eligibility staffing and IEP meetings, following federal and state laws, criteria, and regulations
- Organized reviews to monitor ESE records and assisted in required Department of Education audits
- Conducted trainings with school staff to ensure appropriate program implementation and data collection
- Implemented robust record-keeping systems that ensured accurate documentation was maintained according to regulatory requirements at all times.
- Reduced instances of non-compliance through meticulous monitoring of internal controls and periodic audits.
- Provided expert guidance to colleagues on matters related to regulatory compliance, solidifying company-wide understanding of requirements.
- Served as subject matter expert by advising staff working directly with external agencies throughout audits or to remedy compliance issues.
ESE Specialist
Leto High School
08.2009 - 07.2011
- Provided site-based support in all areas of exceptional student education utilizing program knowledge and leadership skills to work collaboratively with school, region, and district staff, ensuring the provision of a free and appropriate public education as defined in federal and state guidelines
- Followed district and school policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Improved parent/guardian satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
- Implemented new training programs for parents/guardians leading to higher student retention rates throughout the district.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff proficiency and productivity.
EDUCATOR, ESE: Students with significant cognitive disabilities
Walker Middle School
01.2005 - 08.2009
- Designed and implemented appropriate Specially Designed Instruction, accommodations, and supports assigned in accordance with state and federal standards, district curriculum and students' needs, working collaboratively with stakeholders including parents and advocates
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive network for student success.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
SUPERVISOR, NOT-FOR-PROFIT PREVENTION PROGRAM
Mendez Foundation
08.1999 - 01.2005
- Directed a teaching staff of 31 health educators, as well as coordinated schedules for approximately 57,000 students in 63 middle and high schools
- Directed community events with large, well-known organizations, organized and conducted weekly staff meetings
- Developed and impelemented local policy and procedures, ultimately enhancing organizational communication and productivity
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
Education
Master of Science - Education, Varying Exceptionalities (VE)
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of South Florida
Skills
- Supervisory experience
- Administrative experience
- Verbal communication skills
- Written communication skills
- Training experience
- Procedure development
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Project management skills
- Arbitration skills
- Compliance monitoring
- Notarial acts
- Spreadsheet creation
- Event coordination
- Billing oversight
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Administrative Specialist
University of Florida
04.2022 - Current
ESE Staffing and Compliance Specialist
District Level position/office
07.2011 - 01.2022
ESE Specialist
Leto High School
08.2009 - 07.2011
EDUCATOR, ESE: Students with significant cognitive disabilities
Walker Middle School
01.2005 - 08.2009
SUPERVISOR, NOT-FOR-PROFIT PREVENTION PROGRAM
Mendez Foundation
08.1999 - 01.2005
Master of Science - Education, Varying Exceptionalities (VE)
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders
University of South Florida