Experienced educator specializing in designing and implementing programs for gifted and talented students. Focused on identifying individual needs and creating engaging learning environments that foster intellectual growth and academic performance. Strong leadership in cultivating positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, while utilizing innovative approaches to enhance student outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Gifted Specialist
Villages Charter School Middleton Campus
Middleton, FL
07.2023 - Current
Designed enrichment programs with educators to engage and challenge gifted K-5 students.
Offered social-emotional support and project choices for accelerated learners across grades.
Assisted middle and high school students needing guidance from endorsed staff members.
Conducted professional development sessions to strengthen instructional practices.
Managed MTSS department to implement targeted student support strategies effectively.
Coordinated parent training initiatives to enhance school-wide engagement and support for K-12 students.
Participated in grade-level committees to discuss curriculum improvements and student needs. focusing on science, social studies, math, literacy, and merit compensation with district leadership.
Developed individualized education plans for gifted students.
Collaborated with teachers to enhance curriculum for advanced learners.
Facilitated workshops for parents on supporting gifted education at home.
Literacy Coach at Saturn Elementary School
Brevard Public Schools
Cocoa, FL
06.2022 - 06.2023
Facilitated ELA instruction and intervention support, optimizing schedules across departments to enhance instructional delivery.
Provided onboarding assistance for teachers from Jamaica, improving their integration and effectiveness in the classroom.
Conducted training and oversaw Lexia and iReady implementation in K-6 classrooms, ensuring effective use of technology to support student learning.
Taught first grade from August through October during staffing challenges.
Developed reading interventions aligned with curriculum standards for diverse learners.
Collaborated with teachers to enhance literacy instruction and classroom strategies.
Facilitated professional development workshops on effective literacy practices and resources.
Gifted and Talented Teacher at Sea Park Elementary
Brevard Public Schools
Satellite Beach, Florida
10.2020 - 06.2022
Collaborated with identification team to refine gifted student placement process.
Designed innovative, cross-disciplinary learning opportunities for gifted learners.
Coached teachers on differentiation techniques to enhance daily lesson effectiveness.
Leveraged data-driven methodologies, including Jacobs Ladder and Junior Great Books, for K-6 instruction.
Conducted engaging novel book studies to improve literacy skills.
Facilitated early literacy initiatives for gifted students in grades K-2 to promote reading skills.
Developed individualized lesson plans for gifted students in diverse subjects.
Facilitated engaging classroom discussions to foster critical thinking skills.
Collaborated with parents and staff to support students' educational needs.
Gifted and Talented District Coordinator and Specialist
Weld County School District RE-1
Gilcrest, CO
06.2018 - 06.2020
Facilitated gifted and talented identification programming, enhancing advanced learning plan management.
Organized data for Colorado Department of Education CEGR, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Utilized various data sources to optimize identification processes and instruction management.
Directed K-12 GT teacher professional development initiatives, improving instructional quality across programs.
Coordinated district-wide educational programs and resources for student support.
Collaborated with teachers to implement curriculum changes and instructional strategies.
Organized professional development workshops for staff to enhance teaching practices.
Gifted and Talented Specialist
Bromley East Charter School
Brighton, Colorado
06.2015 - 07.2018
Managed gifted students from kindergarten to eighth grade through targeted pull-out and push-in methods.
Developed individualized learning plans in Alpine Achievement to fulfill advanced educational requirements.
Completed identification procedures as per state guidelines, incorporating universal screening via CogAT.
Administered cognitive testing with KBIT and interpreted data from NWEA and PARCC/CMAS assessments.
Collaborated with school psychologist to implement effective strategies for enhancing gifted education.
Taught honors language arts for grades six through eight, addressing diverse learner needs.
Coordinated with educators to synchronize instructional efforts and maximize student potential.
Created enriching activities that fostered critical thinking skills in advanced learners.
Developed educational materials to enhance student learning experiences.
Collaborated with teachers to implement effective curriculum strategies.
Facilitated workshops for staff on best teaching practices and classroom management.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Bromley East Charter School
Brighton, Colorado
07.2011 - 06.2015
Implemented project-based learning initiatives in second grade, fostering critical thinking and collaboration among students from 2012 to 2014.
Facilitated kindergarten curriculum, emphasizing foundational skills to support early literacy and numeracy development from 2011 to 2012.
Planned and delivered daily lessons incorporating The Daily 5 and CAFE reading strategies.
Integrated STEAM projects into classroom activities, increasing student engagement and promoting hands-on learning.
Applied Everyday Math principles to promote numeracy and problem-solving skills.
Employed Core Knowledge standards for science and social studies instruction.
Developed and executed data-driven instruction for lower Montessori grades 1-3 from 2014 to 2015.
Served as FOSS leader, guiding educators in effective hands-on science practices.
Owner and Director
Griffin's Youth Theatre
Brighton, Colorado
08.2007 - 08.2013
Produced K-12 staged plays and musicals, utilizing commedia dell'arte and improvisation techniques to engage diverse audiences.
Oversaw costume, set, and lighting design for productions, enhancing visual storytelling and audience experience.
Coordinated space rentals and secured community support through paid advertising.
Facilitated performances at public and charter schools, churches, libraries, and open spaces, expanding access to arts education and community involvement.
Education
Coach Endorsement - Literacy
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
02-2023
Masters of Educational - Educational Leadership
Regis University
Denver, CO
07-2018
Masters of Education - Gifted And Talented Education Specialist
Regis University
Denver, CO
03-2013
Masters of Education - Elementary Education
Regis University
Denver, CO
05-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Directing, minor in Visual Art
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO
05-2000
Skills
Endorsed reading specialist
Certified literacy coach
Lexia training for staff
MCLASS and DIBELS assessments
DRA2 monitoring techniques
Data analysis expertise
CogAT district coordination
Gifted Assessments including KBIT, Naglieri, CogAT, and Torrance
MTSS and RTI frameworks
Staff professional development initiatives
Leader in Me program oversight
Emergenetics application
Timeline
Gifted Specialist
Villages Charter School Middleton Campus
07.2023 - Current
Literacy Coach at Saturn Elementary School
Brevard Public Schools
06.2022 - 06.2023
Gifted and Talented Teacher at Sea Park Elementary
Brevard Public Schools
10.2020 - 06.2022
Gifted and Talented District Coordinator and Specialist
Weld County School District RE-1
06.2018 - 06.2020
Gifted and Talented Specialist
Bromley East Charter School
06.2015 - 07.2018
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Bromley East Charter School
07.2011 - 06.2015
Owner and Director
Griffin's Youth Theatre
08.2007 - 08.2013
Coach Endorsement - Literacy
University of Florida
Masters of Educational - Educational Leadership
Regis University
Masters of Education - Gifted And Talented Education Specialist
Regis University
Masters of Education - Elementary Education
Regis University
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Directing, minor in Visual Art