Amy Smith
Hillsborough,NJ
Summary
Passionate and seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in training, organizational development, program management, and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, aligning people strategies with mission goals, and promoting inclusive, person-centered services. Collaborative, visionary, and deeply committed to empowering others through service, education, and equity.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Training and Organizational Development
Alternatives, Inc.
07.2021 - Current
- Lead agency-wide training strategy and organizational development initiatives for a large human services nonprofit.
- Oversee compliance training, leadership development, and LMS implementation for 300+ employees.
- Design and update curriculum, analyze training metrics, and cultivate a learning culture aligned with mission.
- Co-chair of Dignity Dash (2020); Chair (2021); recognized as Outstanding Employee of the Year (2020).
- Assessed skill gaps for employees and developed training courses to meet identified needs.
- Reviewed and edited all training materials for accuracy and company policy compliance.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings and workshops.
- Directed training programs and development paths for managers and supervisors.
- Influenced the development of the current strategic plan by offering insights rooted in frontline operations and organizational needs.
Organizational Development Coordinator
Alternatives, Inc.
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Delivered diverse in-person and virtual trainings, coordinated trainers and schedules, maintained training databases.
- Led curriculum development and conducted agency orientation, safety training, corporate compliance training, preventing abuse neglect and exploitation training and medication administration training.
- Played a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted agency-wide training operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive training plans within the Relias Learning Management System (LMS).
- Created and recorded custom training modules to meet evolving compliance and workforce development needs.
- Developed a sustainable hybrid training strategy combining virtual, online, and in-person instruction to support all staff levels.
Training Coordinator
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey
03.2019 - 08.2019
- Coordinated training across departments for over 800 staff; facilitated licensing compliance.
- Developed feedback mechanisms and scheduled external facilitators for large-scale training days.
- Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
- Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
Trainer
Alternatives, Inc.
12.2017 - 08.2019
- Delivered Orientation and renewal training; maintained training records and systems.
- Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.
- Stepped up to work full-time while serving in a part-time role to cover for the Training Manager during an extended medical leave.
- Maintained consistency in training delivery for both new hires and staff requiring renewals, ensuring compliance with agency standards and deadlines.
Information Director
Autism New Jersey
01.2009 - 12.2017
- Directed statewide helpline 18004AUTISM which received approximately 50,000 calls during my tenure.
- Created and contributed to publications such as: Autism: Start Here
What Families Need to Know; Elopement & Wandering: Your Guide to Safety Resources; New Jersey Housing Resource Guide for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. - Developed grant budgets and tracked expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility and program impact with the following agencies: DDD, DCF, and DOH.
- Developed and executed comprehensive information campaigns to increase public understanding of autism spectrum disorders and available supports.
- Managed organization-wide messaging to ensure consistency across digital, print, and in-person communications
- Developed and executed comprehensive information campaigns to increase public understanding of autism spectrum disorders and available supports.
- Managed organization-wide messaging to ensure consistency across digital, print, and in-person communications.
- Represented the organization at statewide forums and legislative briefings.
- Built partnerships with schools, health care providers, and state agencies to ensure coordinated communication strategies.
- Designed inclusive information tools and materials tailored to neurodiverse audiences.
- Supervised a team of communications and data specialists, providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
- Contributed to all phases of the strategic planning process, from initial goal-setting and stakeholder engagement to implementation and evaluation.
Director of Childhood Services
The Arc of Somerset County
01.1997 - 01.2006
- Oversaw 7 programs including: DOE-approved private school for students with disabilities, DYFS-licensed childcare program; largest Somerset county-based Early Intervention Program; private pre-school, DDD funded and approved After-School Program; Parents and Children Together (PACT- a program designed to support individuals with disabilities and mental health diagnoses in supporting their children) and a DDD approved summer camp known as Camp Jotoni.
- Managed $3M + budgets.
- Achieved recognition as Outstanding Employee (1990); Teacher of the Year (1992) and Professional of the Year (2005).
- Led childhood services staff training and program development.
- Actively engaged in organization-wide strategic planning, including development, execution, and ongoing assessment of key initiatives.
- Secured and managed grant funding from federal, state, and private sources to support program development and organizational growth.
- Oversaw grant compliance and reporting, ensuring alignment with funder requirements and internal accountability standards.
- Developed grant budgets and tracked expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility and program impact.
- Coordinated cross-departmental input to develop compelling narratives and outcome-driven proposals.
Education
Master of Science - Management
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ08.2017
Special Education Advocacy Training -
Council of Parent Attorneys And Advocates (COPAA) & University of Southern California
Philadelphia, PA01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Trenton State College
Trenton, NJ05.1988
Skills
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Workforce Development
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- Staff Development
- Training
- Nonprofit Administration
- Program Oversight
- Grant Management
- Compliance
- Community Engagement
- Advocacy
- Learning Management Systems
- Performance Management
- Organizational Development
Accomplishments
Conceptualized and created Alternatives LEADS program (Learning, Empowerment, Appreciation and Development of Staff) a program designed to create a culture of learning and improve the professional development of all staff. (2023)
Successfully oversaw and implemented the transition from center-based, grant funded services to individualized, home-based, Medicaid reimbursable services through the Early Intervention Program - a dramatic change in service delivery models. (2005)
Awards
- Employee of the Year Award, Alternatives, Inc., 2020
- Professional of the Year Award, The Arc of Somerset County, 2005
- Outstanding Employee Award, The Arc of Somerset County 1992
- Teacher of the Year, The Arc of Somerset County, 1990
Community Engagement And Leadership
- Judge, 4-H State Finals – Public Speaking Division, New Jersey 4-H, 01/01/22, Present, Evaluate youth on speech content, delivery, and presence, providing feedback to support leadership development.
- Dignity Dash Chair/Co-Chair, Alternatives, Inc., Co-Chair (2020), Chair (2021): Led planning and coordination for agency fundraising and awareness event.
- Governor appointed - Member of State Special Education Advisory Council (2015-2019).
Certification
Teacher of the Handicapped, NJDOE
Teacher of Nursery School. NJDOE
PHR (Professional in Human Resources)
American Red Cross certified CPR/FA instructor
Timeline
Director of Training and Organizational Development
Alternatives, Inc.
07.2021 - Current
Organizational Development Coordinator
Alternatives, Inc.
08.2019 - 07.2021
Training Coordinator
Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey
03.2019 - 08.2019
Trainer
Alternatives, Inc.
12.2017 - 08.2019
Information Director
Autism New Jersey
01.2009 - 12.2017
Director of Childhood Services
The Arc of Somerset County
01.1997 - 01.2006
Master of Science - Management
Thomas Edison State University
Special Education Advocacy Training -
Council of Parent Attorneys And Advocates (COPAA) & University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Trenton State College
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