Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

April Martin

West Richland,WA

Summary

Experienced Educational Leader with over 13 years of experience in educational programming, leadership development, and student support. Passionate about working with youth to help them achieve their academic and career goals, while fostering equitable opportunities and promoting long-term success.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Student Services Coordinator

Washington State University - GEAR UP
02.2022 - Current
  • Managed and supervised a diverse team, coordinating efforts to implement GEAR UP initiatives and ensuring smooth operation across multiple programs
  • Oversaw multiple budgets and secured additional funding through grant writing for high school educational programs
  • Led summer programming, including planning, and coordinating overnight trips for students
  • Founded and managed a successful Ambassador Program, involving 20% of the student cohort in leadership roles
  • Spearheaded a parent outreach initiative, achieving over 75% participation in various programs
  • Excelled in high-pressure situations, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor, enabling both team members and students to stay focused
  • Built a culture of teamwork, encouraging personal growth, and recognition among staff and participants.
  • Coordinated academic advising services to help students select appropriate courses and maintain progress toward degree completion.
  • Enhanced student engagement by implementing innovative academic support initiatives and programs.
  • Supported student social, emotional, and academic development.
  • Provided information and coordinated referrals for available programs.

Special Services Specialist

Educational Service District 123
06.2016 - 01.2022
  • Supervised and managed the Special Services billing department, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial operations
  • Designed and delivered staff training on topics such as professional development, enhancing team skills, and performance
  • Collaborated with school districts to provide transition training for high school students, preparing them for post-secondary success
  • Tutored students in the high school transition program, offering personalized support to help them achieve academic and personal goals
  • Managed procurement of supplies across multiple sites while overseeing and maintaining the monthly budget
  • Prepared and reviewed travel documentation for staff, ensuring compliance and seamless travel arrangements
  • Created marketing materials for ECEAP, Transition, and Special Services programs, including flyers, posters, banners, and recruitment materials
  • Organized and participated in interviews for ECEAP and Special Services, playing a vital role in the hiring process
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including ESD management, school district leadership, staff, students across age groups, and community members.
  • Managed high-volume workloads, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion and quality results.
  • Trained new team members, sharing best practices and ensuring consistent service standards across the department.
  • Completed preventive maintenance on machines to enhance production and maintain quality.
  • Replaced worn or broken parts on machines and equipment.
  • Continuously adhered to strict regulations and detailed instructions, guidelines, and specifications.
  • Detected and repaired machinery faults using electrical and manual testing methods.

Professional Worker

WSU Tri-Cities GEAR UP
05.2015 - 05.2016
  • Researched, prepared, and audited Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for submission to the site manager, ensuring compliance and accuracy
  • Managed printing, distribution, collection, and auditing of monthly cost share reports, collaborating with individual teachers to train them on expectations and appropriate reporting guidelines
  • Planned and organized field trips and on-site student events, ensuring alignment with program goals
  • Oversaw printing and distribution of employee timecards and reported monthly student services into the RGI database
  • Conducted annual audits of student records within the RGI database, ensuring data accuracy and course completion compliance
  • Collected and analyzed yearly student and parent surveys, ensuring data submission aligned with RGI requirements
  • Attended professional development trainings, including Socratic Questioning and updates on RGI protocols, to stay current on best practices.

Education

Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling -

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
02.2026

Bachelor of behavioral health and science -

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
10.2024

Associate of SCIENCE -

Columbia Basin Collage
Pasco, WA
05.2019

Certificate of medical billing and coding -

Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA
05.2019

Certificate of Early childhood education -

Walla Walla Community College
Walla Walla, WA
05.2017

Accomplishments

· Mastery in Educational Leadership : Over 13 years of experience in educational programming, including leadership in college and career readiness initiatives. Skilled in developing and leading trainings to support secondary school students and staff.

· Leadership Development & Training : Designed and implemented leadership programs for both students and staff, including spearheading a successful Ambassador Program that cultivated leadership in 20% of the student cohort. Created tailored professional development sessions for school staff on various topics.

· Grant Management Expertise : Proven success managing multiple grants and budgets, securing funding for educational programs, and adhering to state and federal guidelines. Skilled in the administration of federally funded programs such as GEAR UP, with experience ensuring compliance and delivering high-quality services.

· Student and Family Engagement : Initiated parent outreach efforts that resulted in over 75% parent participation. Worked directly with students to deliver transition programming, tutoring, and individualized support to promote postsecondary success.

· Commitment to Equity : Demonstrated experience advocating for historically underrepresented groups and incorporating equity-focused initiatives. Developed and executed equity assessments and action plans, with a focus on closing achievement gaps.

· Event and Travel Coordination : Led the organization of numerous overnight trips for students, coordinating logistics, travel documents, and student safety, including presentations at the U.S. Capitol.

· Collaborative Leadership : Strong team player with experience managing and mentoring staff. Adept at creating an inclusive, positive work culture that supports growth and development.

· Marketing and Communication : Created a wide range of marketing materials, including flyers, banners, and recruitment content for programs like ECEAP and Special Services, enhancing program visibility and engagement.

· Technical Proficiency : Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Additional Information

Chair of Benton City Coalition: Since July 2023, chaired the Benton City Coalition, an organization focused on student mental health and prevention work. Received extensive training in prevention strategies to support students in completing high school and pursuing post-secondary education.


Presenter at GEAR UP West 2024 : Selected to present on senior year success with GEAR UP programs.


Conflict Trainings: Fierce Conversations, Conflict resolution training.

Timeline

Student Services Coordinator

Washington State University - GEAR UP
02.2022 - Current

Special Services Specialist

Educational Service District 123
06.2016 - 01.2022

Professional Worker

WSU Tri-Cities GEAR UP
05.2015 - 05.2016

Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling -

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of behavioral health and science -

Grand Canyon University

Associate of SCIENCE -

Columbia Basin Collage

Certificate of medical billing and coding -

Columbia Basin College

Certificate of Early childhood education -

Walla Walla Community College
April Martin