Ash Drokan
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Results-driven professional with experience leading programs, managing complex caseloads, and building strong partnerships across education, workforce development, and community services. Known for reliability, problem-solving, and the ability to step in, organize, and deliver results in fast-paced environments. Brings a balanced skill set across operations, data tracking, outreach, and team leadership, with a strong focus on accountability and follow-through.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Outreach Liaison
Goodwill of Western New York
Buffalo, NY
06.2024 - Current
- Developed community partnerships to enhance program visibility and engagement.
- Coordinated and participated in outreach events to promote services and resources available to the community.
- Analyzed outreach data to support targeted engagement strategies and improve program efficiency.
- Increased awareness and utilization of the program through targeted outreach strategies and relationship-building efforts.
- Coordinated and provided presentations within the school system and to community organizations.
- Served as the primary point of continuity within the outreach team, maintaining program operations during periods of staff transition.
Owner
CollectibleBusiness
Buffalo, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Founded and built a collectibles retail business from the ground up, overseeing all aspects of operations from concept development to daily management.
- Specialized in fine art and collectible card markets, leveraging market knowledge to source, evaluate, price, and sell high-value items.
- Analyzed market data and pricing trends to identify high-value acquisition and resale opportunities within fine art and collectible card markets.
- Authenticated, evaluated, and graded items to maximize resale value and protect asset integrity.
- Managed buying, selling, and profit tracking, maintaining detailed financial records to monitor growth and manage risk.
- Utilized spreadsheets and digital tools to track inventory performance, investments, gains, and losses.
- Strategically invested in value-adding services (e.g., professional grading and protective preservation) to increase long-term asset value.
- Leveraged multiple sales and marketplace platforms to optimize exposure, pricing, and transaction outcomes across different item categories.
Stock & Crypto Trader
Personal Assets
Buffalo, NY
01.2019 - Current
- Executed equity and cryptocurrency trades based on market analysis, technical indicators, and risk-management strategies.
- Analyzed market trends, price action, and volume data to identify short- and long-term trading opportunities.
- Managed portfolio allocation across multiple asset classes, balancing risk exposure and potential returns.
- Implemented risk controls including position sizing, stop-loss strategies, and diversification to protect capital.
- Monitored macroeconomic events, earnings reports, and industry news to inform trading decisions.
- Tracked trades, performance metrics, gains, and losses using spreadsheets and trading platforms for ongoing evaluation.
- Utilized multiple brokerage and exchange platforms to optimize execution, liquidity, and asset access.
- Continuously refined strategies based on performance reviews and changing market conditions.
Employment Specialist
Beyond Support
Buffalo, NY
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Supported individuals with competitive employment goals while managing a large, dynamic caseload with frequent changes.
- Assisted clients with interview preparation and job placement, including coordination with employers and follow-up support.
- Scheduled and conducted client meetings to assess progress, address barriers, and advance employment objectives.
- Assisted clients in developing resumes, cover letters, and other professional documents required for successful job applications.
- Collaborated with participants to establish realistic, individualized job search and employment plans.
- Maintained accurate and timely data entry in the case management system to document client activities, services, and outcomes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local employers to identify and secure job opportunities aligned with client skills and goals.
- Verified participant engagement and progress to ensure program goals and contractual requirements were met.
- Conducted labor market research to advise clients on viable career paths, in-demand occupations, and employment trends.
- Built strong working relationships with employers, program partners, and internal team members to support long-term participant success.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and standards governing employment and job placement services.
Lead Teacher
CAL
Kenmore, NY
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Created a welcoming, engaging classroom environment while maintaining professionalism and consistent behavioral expectations.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans, guiding assistant teachers through learning centers, routines, and team meetings.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date student records using classroom management software, reporting changes in a timely and compliant manner.
- Collaborated with therapists and support staff to effectively communicate and implement individualized care strategies for students with IEPs.
- Built strong, positive relationships with parents by actively engaging them in their child’s learning and developmental progress.
- Ensured compliance with all licensing regulations and organizational standards to support high-quality daily care and instruction.
- Managed student behavioral challenges using positive guidance strategies to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to support both individual and group learning needs.
- Motivated and engaged students to build foundational academic, social, and developmental skills.
- Monitored and evaluated student progress, preparing and communicating progress reports to parents and guardians.
Content Creator
Youtube
New York City, NY
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Analyzed audience and performance analytics to identify content trends and deliver high-engagement, targeted material.
- Monetized the channel after achieving key viewership and subscriber milestones, generating consistent revenue.
- Produced high-quality video content under tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and brand consistency.
- Worked independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments to plan, produce, and publish content.
- Managed social media platforms to maximize reach, engagement, and audience growth across multiple channels.
- Utilized analytics tools to track performance metrics and continuously optimize content strategy.
- Demonstrated technical proficiency in video production, including editing, lighting, and sound design.
Mentor
Read Alliance
Brooklyn, NY
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Provided literacy instruction to elementary-age students, supporting reading and writing skill development.
- Assessed individual student strengths and areas for improvement to create targeted, age-appropriate lesson plans.
- Tracked and documented student progress, coordinating additional supports as needed to promote continued growth.
- Engaged students through positive reinforcement and individualized teaching strategies to build confidence and effective study habits.
- Demonstrated patience and adaptability when teaching challenging concepts to ensure student comprehension and success.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration and Management -
Buffalo State College
Buffalo, NYAdvanced Regents Diploma - Health Professions & Human Services
High School for Health Professions and human services
New York, NYSkills
- Program Planning & Coordination
- Decision-Making & Problem Solving
- Performance Monitoring & Accountability
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Case Management & Individualized Service Planning
- Workforce Development & Job Placement Strategy
- Employer Outreach & Relationship Management
- Compliance, Documentation & Reporting
- Data Analysis & Performance Tracking
- Strategic Planning & Prioritization
- Report Preparation & Documentation
- Time Management & Multitasking
- Interpersonal Communication & Client Advocacy
- Interviewing, Coaching & Presentation Skills
- Conflict Resolution & Stakeholder Engagement
- Relationship Building Across Diverse Populations
- Business Operations & Resource Management
- Market & Labor Trend Analysis
- Negotiation & Value Assessment
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
- Analytics-Driven Content Strategy
- Audience Engagement & Brand Development
- Digital Media Production (Video/Audio)
- Platform & Network Growth Strategies
- Self-Motivated & Accountable
- Quick Learner
- Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Community Outreach Liaison
Goodwill of Western New York
06.2024 - Current
Employment Specialist
Beyond Support
01.2023 - 06.2024
Owner
CollectibleBusiness
01.2022 - Current
Stock & Crypto Trader
Personal Assets
01.2019 - Current
Lead Teacher
CAL
01.2019 - 12.2022
Content Creator
Youtube
01.2017 - 01.2018
Mentor
Read Alliance
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Business Administration and Management -
Buffalo State College
Advanced Regents Diploma - Health Professions & Human Services
High School for Health Professions and human services